November 22 - December 21 · Fire · Mutable · The Archer
Sagittarius
Sagittarius embodies the archetype of the Explorer and Philosopher—the expansive, visionary force that seeks truth, meaning, and adventure beyond conventional boundaries. As a fire sign ruled by Jupiter, Sagittarius represents the principle of growth, wisdom, and the quest for understanding that connects individual experience to universal truth. Sagittarius possesses natural optimism, intellectual curiosity, and a far-reaching vision that inspires others to broaden their horizons. While sometimes blunt or restless, Sagittarius' greatest gifts lie in their ability to inspire hope, synthesize diverse perspectives, and expand consciousness through their genuine enthusiasm, philosophical insight, and courageous pursuit of truth.
At a glance
- Dates
- November 22 - December 21
- Element
- Fire
- Modality
- Mutable
- Ruling planet
- Jupiter
- Symbol
- The Archer (Masculine)
- Opposite sign
- Gemini
- Focus
- Expansion, wisdom, and exploration of life's greater meaning
- Best trait
- Optimism
Sagittarius as a Sun sign
Sagittarius is the sign of the seeker and the philosopher, the sign of adventure and expansion. You have a strong need for freedom and independence, and you are naturally optimistic and enthusiastic. You are interested in big ideas and broad perspectives, and you have a natural talent for seeing the larger picture. You are also somewhat restless and may have difficulty staying in one place or focusing on details. You need adventure and new experiences to feel alive, and you have a natural talent for teaching and sharing your knowledge with others.
Sagittarius by life area
- general
- adventurous and philosophical
- career
- expansion and learning
- relationships
- freedom and growth
- health
- optimism and activity
- spirituality
- higher learning
- personal growth
- self-discovery
The three Sagittarius decans
Every sign spans thirty degrees, and those thirty are traditionally read as three ten-degree decans, each sub-ruled by a different planet. Two people born three weeks apart under the same sign can be describing genuinely different versions of it.
First decan (November 22 - December 1): Honesty, sub-ruled by Jupiter.
Second decan (December 2 - December 11): Drive, sub-ruled by Mars.
Third decan (December 12 - December 21): Intuition, sub-ruled by Sun.
Sagittarius Moon and Sagittarius Rising
The same sign reads differently depending on which point occupies it. As a Moon sign it describes emotional need rather than conscious identity; on the Ascendant it describes how a person comes across before anyone knows them.
Sagittarius Moon
You have a strong need for freedom and space in your emotional life. You process feelings through philosophical understanding and seeking meaning. You are optimistic and enthusiastic in your emotional expression. You may have difficulty with emotional commitment because you need independence. You need adventure and new experiences to feel emotionally satisfied.
Sagittarius Rising
You project an image of optimism and enthusiasm. Others see you as someone who is adventurous and philosophical. You have a natural exuberance and a love of freedom. You move with energy and speak with conviction about your beliefs. You may have a tendency to appear somewhat careless or scattered to others. You have an open, friendly manner that others find inspiring.
Correspondences
Birthstone: Turquoise. Lucky day: Thursday. Keywords: visionary, expansive, adventurous, philosophical, optimistic, freedom-loving.
Common questions
- What are the Sagittarius dates?
- Sagittarius runs from roughly November 22 - December 21. Birthdays at either end fall on a cusp, where the Sun may have changed sign - the only way to be certain is to calculate the chart for the exact date, time and place of birth.
- What element is Sagittarius?
- Sagittarius is a Fire sign, along with Aries and Leo. energy, action, enthusiasm, and inspiration
- What planet rules Sagittarius?
- Sagittarius is ruled by Jupiter. The ruling planet colours how the sign expresses itself, and in a birth chart the position of Jupiter says a great deal about how someone's Sagittarius side actually operates.
- Is Sagittarius cardinal, fixed, or mutable?
- Sagittarius is a Mutable sign. adapting, flexibility, and versatility
- Which signs are most compatible with Sagittarius?
- Traditionally Aries and Leo and Libra and Aquarius and Gemini. That is a starting point rather than an answer, though - real compatibility depends on the Moon, Venus, Mars and the aspects between two whole charts, not on Sun signs alone.
- What are the three Sagittarius decans?
- The first decan (November 22 - December 1) is sub-ruled by Jupiter and emphasises honesty. The second decan (December 2 - December 11) is sub-ruled by Mars and emphasises drive. The third decan (December 12 - December 21) is sub-ruled by Sun and emphasises intuition.