The sun travels through the constellation of Sagittarius from approximately November 22 to December 21, depending on the year. Those born during this time are said to be Sagittarians. The word "Sagittarius" derives from the Latin for "archer." The constellation depicts a centaur--half-man, half-horse--aiming a bow and arrow. It represents the wise centaur from Greek legend known as Chiron, renowned as a teacher, healer and philosopher. The symbolism of this blend of horse and man holds the key to understanding the personality of a Sagittarius.
The Independent
One of the Sagittarian's main traits is independence. Like a roaming horse, he will not want to be "fenced in," whether in a career or a relationship. The Sagittarian must be free to express himself and does not tolerate supervision well. He can work within the confines of an organization if given the freedom of operating on his own. Likewise, a Sagittarian quickly loses interest in a relationship where he is pressured to account for his every action.
The Optimist
Sagittarians are known for their optimistic natures. For the most part, they tend to look on the bright side and seem to be naturally lucky. This luck may actually come about as a result of being open to opportunities and always ready to explore the new. Their optimism goes hand in hand with their idealism. They have a strong sense of justice and many often enter the law profession to put their ideals into practice.
The Seeker
The astrological keywords for Sagittarius are "I See." Sagittarians see the big picture, rather than the small details. This far-seeing ability enables them to spot trends and gives them almost a sense of prophecy. They naturally "think big." They have a love of knowledge and never stop learning. They can be perpetual students, seeking knowledge for its own sake, or at least eager to investigate any new subject that catches their attention. Sagittarians are natural teachers and never tire of dispensing information to anyone who will listen. This love of knowledge can extend to more abstract subjects, such as philosophy and the metaphysical. While they may not necessarily profess a specific religion, Sagittarians have a deeply spiritual side that must find expression.
The Traveler
True to their symbol of a centaur, Sagittarians have a love of the natural world and animals. They have a need to be physically active and often are natural athletes. Sagittarians are the travelers and adventurers of the zodiac. They are fascinated by other cultures and the exotic. Sagittarians are more likely to spend a vacation trekking in the Himalayas than lying on a beach and may often take up residence in a foreign country, either for study or permanently.
The Friend
Gregarious and generous, the Sagittarian's emotions are more engaged on a mental level than a sensual one. Sagittarians may often appear fickle in affairs of the heart and have been traditionally viewed as the "bachelors" of the zodiac. However, the perfect mate for a Sagittarian is someone who is also a best friend. When they can establish a mental connection with another person, the Sagittarian's deep sense of loyalty will come into play.
