The Sun in astrology symbolizes the core essence of who you are -- your individuality and sense of self. It describes what is likely to motivate you, and why. The Sun Sign describes the prime focal point within the personality structure, and is of major importance. Understanding and developing these aspects of the self will help you to develop and expand your sense of being the authentic self you truly wish to be. Understanding the house in which your Sun is found will give even greater detail. If you do not feel much like your Sun Sign, then consider: Are giving yourself permission to be who you truly need to be?

Sagittarius: Mutable Fire

Ruler: Jupiter

Keywords: Inspiration, Truth, Expansion, Seeker, Meaning

Positive Expression: Inspired mind, seeking expansion and truth, visionary, fortunate, joyful, purposeful, philosophical, inquisitive, finds meaning through higher mind, magnanimous, broad-minded, generous, wisdom.

Negative Expression: Unprincipled, narrow, zealotry, fanaticism, lazy, self-seeking, adulterous, reckless, wasteful, immoral, gluttonous, exaggeration, propaganda, coarse, rude, animalistic

When the Sun makes its’ journey through the sign of Sagittarius, the emphasis is on expansion, positivity and growth. Sagittarians tend to love a challenge - the challenge to push the envelope and broaden their horizons. This fiery and optimistic sign tends to place its emphasis upon the limits of physical expression, the quest for freedom and adventure, and the search for meaning through expanding one’s mental as well as physical horizons.

Sagittarians tend to be characterized by their optimistic, outgoing and positive “can-do” attitudes. Unless other, more introspective sign qualities dominate the chart, you will usually find Sagittarius where the action is, for this is a sign that loves to live life large. As such, you can be convivial, outgoing and good-humoured. Freedom is often vital here, and you are likely to expect the freedom to go where you want to, and will give others the same in return. Because your approach to life is basically positive and optimistic, you expect things to go your way. And because you have this expectation of your experiences, they usually do. This is a sign that prefers to make broad strokes with a flamboyant brush, to live by the philosophy that more is more and to challenge the limitations of boundaries by pushing to see how far they can go. Every cloud has a silver, and sometimes platinum, lining with Sagittarius around.

This sign has a reputation for luck and achievement. Many excellent sportspersons, promoters and gamblers have a strong Sagittarian streak. Yet what might appear as luck is often the unbeatable combination of positive expectation coupled with an eye that is kept firmly on the prize. The symbol for this sign is The Archer, and Sagittarians have a way of aiming true, and firing themselves directly toward their targets. Fortune favours the brave, and so, apparently lucky results seem to follow these folks whenever they believe in themselves and the winning roll.

Yet all of this positive expectation also has its’ drawbacks. Sagittarians can also be known for their brash, self-centred and excessive behaviours, not believing in limits for themselves, they do not think any should apply for anyone else. Hence, this sign is often accused of being blunt to the point of rudeness and frank beyond socially accepted norms. Sagittarians can ride roughshod over the feelings and wishes of others, simply because you know you can. More importantly, some Sagittarians will refuse to acknowledge their own limits, and will push a situation to breaking point just to see if they can. At this level, their can be a real tendency to risk-taking and excess that can prove detrimental.

This is often more a concern for males than females, as the excessive physical energies of this sign mean that you love nothing more than testing the limits of your physical endurance. - Excessive consumption of food, alcohol and recreational pursuits can be detrimental. Pushing your luck until you are ruined may be the only way you know when to stop. Your ruler Jupiter tends to make you prone to diseases of the liver, as well as other degenerative diseases that are brought on by excess. Learning to live within the limits of your mortal capabilities, with more than a sideways glance towards moderation will be of great benefit in the long-run.

At a deeper level, the sign of Sagittarius is deeply connected with the nature of belief, and it is here that many Sagittarians will prefer to roam- exploring and expanding mental horizons through study and the contemplation of comparative cultural, spiritual and philosophical values. At a physical level, this sign is connected with foreign contacts and experiences of other cultures, so that travel may be a particular passion. At the conceptual level, this sign is associated with philosophy, religion and the broad mental frameworks that underpin and generate culture. It is here that we encounter the nature of belief. When the Sun is found in Sagittarius, you are often motivated by the need to explore many different belief systems before finding out what you believe to be true for you. This sign is connected with the teacher and the preacher, so that you may have a real love of teaching others. At your best, you can inspire others to be the best that they can be.

Yet the road to confronting the nature of belief can be fraught with dangers, and again, excess rears its head. Sometimes, when Sagittarians encounter something they believe in, they then become so passionate and enthusiastic about this belief, they want to share it with others. This can quickly lead to one-eyed zealotry and the belief that “I have the truth and You therefore do not”. Sagittarians can often fall prey to self-importance and inflation, pushing their version of the truth down others throats because they believe in it so strongly. Conflict in the name of religion is embodied by the qualities of this sign. Alternately, some Sagittarians may become so disparaging in their search for truth, they become cynical and dismissive. Because the journey is to find out what is true for you, you may characteristically reject the beliefs held by everyone else, and apparently reject their feeble-minded simplicity. Yet beneath it all there is often a deep need to find an underlying belief system that can make life meaningful, and your journey through negation may just be another road on your continuing exploration. The nature of belief, after all, is a journey, not a destination.

When the Sun is found in Sagittarius, you are usually gifted with an abundance of warmth, energy and positivity. This sign is noted for its willingness to transcend the everyday by pushing boundaries, instituting freedom and seeking to explore unchartered horizons whenever possible. Your ruler Jupiter brings luck, expansion and opportunity to your door, if only you will take it. At a deeper level, this sign is concerned with the cultural, philosophical and metaphysical frameworks that underlie belief, and make life meaningful. Sagittarians are concerned with the search for truth and its manifestation. Your journey through life is likely to be large and colourful, as you work out what is true for you, and learn to allow others to live by what is true for them.