Sagittarius (astrology) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Sagittarius
Zodiac symbol	Archer
Duration (tropical, western)	November 22 – December 21 (2025, UT1)
Constellation	Sagittarius
Zodiac element	Fire
Zodiac quality	Mutable
Sign ruler	Jupiter
Detriment	Mercury
Exaltation	South Node, Chiron (questionable)
Fall	North Node, Ceres (questionable)

Sagittarius (♐︎; from the Latin word for "archer") is the ninth astrological sign. It is connected to the group of stars known as the Sagittarius constellation. If your birthday falls roughly between November 23 and December 21, Sagittarius is your sun sign. In ancient Greek stories, Sagittarius is often linked to Chiron, a wise centaur. Centaurs are mythical creatures that are half-human and half-horse. Chiron was a great teacher who even taught the famous hero Achilles how to shoot a bow and arrow. This is why Sagittarius is also known as the Archer, and its symbol is a bow and arrow.

What is Sagittarius?

Sagittarius is one of the twelve signs of the zodiac. The zodiac is like an imaginary belt in the sky that the sun, moon, and planets appear to travel through. Each sign covers a specific part of this belt. Sagittarius represents the ninth section, following Scorpio and coming before Capricorn.

The Archer and the Centaur

A medieval Sagittarius found in the Church of Notre-Dame, Sablières, France

The most common image for Sagittarius is an archer, often shown as a centaur. This creature combines the intelligence of a human with the strength and speed of a horse. The bow and arrow symbol represents aiming high and reaching for goals. It also suggests a desire for knowledge and truth. Some ancient beliefs even said that people born under Sagittarius were naturally good at understanding the future.

Fire and Flexible Traits

In astrology, each sign belongs to one of four elements and one of three qualities. Sagittarius is a Fire sign, just like Aries and Leo. Fire signs are often described as energetic, enthusiastic, and adventurous. They love to explore and are full of passion.

Sagittarius is also a mutable sign. This means it is known for being flexible, adaptable, and open to change. The other mutable signs are Gemini and Virgo. These qualities help describe some common characteristics associated with people born under Sagittarius, such as their love for freedom and new experiences.

Sagittarius in History and Art

The symbol of Sagittarius has appeared in different cultures for a long time. For example, it is part of the official symbol, or coat of arms, for the city of Isfahan in Iran. This shows how ancient symbols can still be important and recognized in various parts of the world today.

Images for kids

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  Sagittarius as depicted in the 14th-/15th-century Arabic astrology text Book of Wonders

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  Sagittarius - The Centaur, detail from the Horoscope from 'The book of birth of Iskandar"

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  Sagittarius from a 1512 German woodcut

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  A symbolic representation of Sagittarius published in Uranographia by Johann Elert Bode. In tropical astrology, there is no correspondence between the constellation and the astrological signs.

See also

In Spanish: Sagitario (astrología) para niños

• Astronomical symbols
• Chinese zodiac
• Circle of stars
• Cusp (astrology)
• Elements of the zodiac
• Fire (classical element)