Sagittarius
November 22nd – December 21st
Two sisters beautifully portray Sagittarius' potent fire energy.
This photo was taken in the nursery of their family business.
The Moerse Farmstall specialize in home-cooked South African cuisine,
which just celebrated 22 years in business!
This photograph was contributed by Juanita Coetzer.
To see more of this talented visual artist, click on the photo or follow her on Facebook.
Sagittarius is the ninth sign of the zodiac, represented by the centaur, the mythical half man/half horse. But this is not just any centaur – it is the wise Chiron, son of Saturn, friend and confidant to both god and man. Taught by the gods, he was well-versed in many areas of interest – from hunting and riding to music and medicine, and most of all philosophy. Over time, Chiron became a renowned teacher, one of his students being the young god Hercules. For years they trained and fought together and then one day, in battle, Hercules accidentally shot Chiron with an arrow dipped in Hydra blood. Being immortal, Chiron knew his destiny was to live the rest of his days in agony. He grew to understand the pain that humans endure and therefore sought out Zeus. He asked permission to take the place of Prometheus who was cursed by Zeus to have his liver eaten by an eagle every single day. The liver would regenerate during the night, just so the eagle could devour it again the next day. Zeus was so impressed with Chiron’s empathy that he freed Prometheus so Chiron could sacrifice himself, putting an end to both the curse and his own endless agony.
As a gesture to the heroic Chiron, Jupiter placed him amongst the stars depicted in readiness to shoot an arrow from his bow, and became the constellation Sagittarius. As the planet of good fortune, expansion and abundance, Jupiter is the natural ruler of Sagittarius. This is the only astrological sign to be represented by both human and animal, pointing towards the sign’s duality i.e., the struggle to balance the world of matter, knowledge, and consciousness with the world of spirit, intuition, and unconsciousness. Sagittarius is a muted fire sign and in this case its flame represents enlightenment. In other words, he is on a spiritual quest for the meaning of life, not simply on the hunt for game.
Sagittarius is the sign of the philosopher, of higher learning and broader concepts, ruler of the ninth house of Philosophy & Religion. He is therefore both student and teacher. His interests are many – animals, computers, horticulture, music, philosophy, photography, theatre, you name it. And he has enough energy to pursue five things at the same time. Always open to new concepts and ideas, he is in a constant search for greater wisdom.
“Most cynics are really crushed romantics:
they’ve been hurt, they’re sensitive,
and their cynicism is a shell that’s protecting this tiny,
dear part in them that’s still alive.”
– Jeff Bridges, Actor, Singer, Producer, Composer & Sagittarius
This is because of his idealism. The problem, is he gets bored too easily, becoming restless, and lacks the patience to stay the long haul. He quickly loses interest and before one project is finished, you find Sagittarius off to meet the next challenge. He is a visionary, reaching for the stars, and at times reckless, not really caring about the planning phase in order to make his dreams come true.
“Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations.
I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty,
believe in them, and try to follow where they lead.”
– Louisa May Alcott, Writer, Poet & Sagittarius
With his head in the clouds, he may miss the smaller details of life. He is accused of being irresponsible when he promises the world, but then fails to follow through. He can be scattered and disorganized, missing deadlines and running to appointments at the last minute, that is, if he remembers them in the first place.
“I’m bad on Valentine’s Day, but even worse on Christmas.
I go shopping at nine o’clock on December 24th every year.
Nobody else is there. I’m in Toys’R’Us all by myself.
I get there five minutes before closing.”
– Jamie Foxx, Actor, Comedian, Singer & Sagittarius
He values his freedom over anything and does not like to be constrained in any way, both emotionally and physically.
“I just absolutely, totally hated school.
It was like a prison to me.
I just could not stand that structured,
absolute disciplined way of having to deal with life.”
– Kim Bassinger, Actor, Singer, Model & Sagittarius
Above everything, he values his freedom, and is therefore fiercely independent.
“I didn’t have anybody, really,
no foundation in life, so I had to make my own way.
Always, from the start.
I had to go out in the world and become strong,
to discover my mission in life.”
– Tina Turner, Singer, Songwriter, Actor & Sagittarius
Although openhearted, he shies away from personal commitments or talking about feelings. Because space and freedom are so very important to him, he is quick to bestow it in return. He does not get possessive or jealous. Depending on your personality, he may not make the best partner, but he is a terrific friend. He is the first one to step forward and volunteer to help. And when he does, it is without strings attached. He is kind and generous to a fault and at times can be extravagant and appear wasteful. He is popular and has a wide circle of comrades and acquaintances from all walks of life. He doesn’t get involved in your personal drama and would never tell you how to live your life.
“I’m the one that has to die when it’s time for me to die,
so let me live my life, the way I want to.”
– Jimi Hendrix, Musician, Singer, Songwriter & Sagittarius
They float down along with the current of the river and with Jupiter’s blessing of good fortune, their feet always land in shallow waters. When life closes a door, the Sagittarius will climb through an open window. He lives each day to the fullest as his motto is ‘you’re here for a good time, not a long time’.
“Today is life – the only life you are sure of.
Make the most of today. Get interested in something.
Shake yourself awake. Develop a hobby.
Let the winds of enthusiasm sweep through you.
Live today with gusto.”
– Dale Carnegie, Writer, Lecturer, Psychology Pioneer & Sagittarius
Because of this attitude, he is naturally cheerful. He is your eternal optimist, always looking for the silver lining. When dark skies enter his world, his ebullient disposition causes clouds to quickly roll by.
“Lighten up, just enjoy life,
smile more, laugh more,
and don’t get so worked up about things.”
– Kenneth Branagh, Actor, Filmmaker & Sagittarius
They hunger to experience life to the fullest. As a mutable sign, they are restless spirits, believing the grass is greener just around the next bend. Sagittarians are the gypsies of the zodiac. They love travelling to explore uncharted places, meet interesting people and see things they’ve never seen before.
“These are the voyages of the starship Enterprise.
Its five-year mission… to boldly go where no man has gone before.”
– Gene Roddenberry, TV Screenwriter, Producer & Sagittarius
They are honest, to the point of sounding blunt and inconsiderate. If you ask for it, they will give you the truth, without the filter of tact. Nothing is safe, not your choice in hairstyle, partners, life decisions or your shade of lipstick.
“I’m one of those people you hate because of genetics.
It’s the truth.”
– Brad Pitt, Actor, Producer & Sagittarius
Regardless, any conversation promises to be inspiring as the spirited Sagittarius is a terrific storyteller and born entertainer. Their high intellect tends to bring out an intelligent but cutting sense of humour.
“I’d call him a sadistic, hippophilic necrophile,
but that would be beating a dead horse.”
– Woody Allen, Writer, Director, Actor, & Sagittarius
Having a Sagittarius in your life promises never to have a dull moment. Their inquiring nature requires excitement, usually in the form of travel and the unconventional. Give them the space they need to spread their wings as they are eager to take flight and get on with the business of living.
