The Archer. The ninth sign of the zodiac. In Hindu astrology: Dhanus. Its symbol represents an arrow and a section of a bow, typifying aspiration. It is usually pictured as the Centaur: half horse, half man - representing the conflict between the philosophical mind and the carnal instinct of conquest; also aspiration supported by effort that aims at the stars. Said to have been named for the Babylonian god of war. A typical Sagittarian sentiment is:
Go plant a ladder: climb it!
Even if it doubles up
'Tis better than to lounge below
And sip Life's idle cup.
The Sun is in Sagittarius annually from November 23 to December 21. Astrologically and astronomically it is the thirty-degree arc immediately preceding the Sun's passing over the Tropic of Capricorn, occupying a position along the Ecliptic from 240° to 270°. It is the Mutable quality of the Fire element: positive, hot, dry, changeable, bicorporeal, obeying. Ruler: Jupiter. Detriment: Mercury.
Pursuing Sagittarius
...Who loves the dim religious light:
...Who always keeps a star in sight?
...An optimist, both gay and bright -
...Sagittarius.
Symbolic interpretation: The centaur; an arrow with a short section of the bow, the symbol of enthusiasm and effort, aiming at the stars.
Significator of cosmic progress and abundance, that perverted becomes prodigality.
Midst golden stars he stands resplendent now
And thrusts the Scorpion with his bended bow. - Ovid.
First Decan: Devotion, cosmic consciousness, operating from instinct rather than upon advice.
Second Decan: Expiation, a restless search for new fields to conquer; demands work of a definite importance.
Third Decan: Illumination, piercing the illusion of matter.
