Sagittarius: The Search for Meaning by Pam Younghans   This is the ninth article in a series exploring the 12 astrological signs. In Western Astrology, the sky is divided into 12 equal sections, beginning with Aries at the Vernal Equinox and continuing through the rest of the zodiac. Exact dates for the beginning and ending of each sign vary from year to year. Please consult a qualified astrologer to verify your sun sign, and to get a more complete picture of your entire astrological chart. Although the description below applies especially to those who were born when the sun was in Sagittarius, it also applies in varying degrees for everyone, as we all have Sagittarius represented in our charts. If your birthday falls between November 22 and December 21, you were born when the sun was in Sagittarius (see note above regarding exact dates). You are typically optimistic, restless, and open to new experiences of all kinds. Your symbol is the Centaur, a mythical being which is half beast and half immortal. This blending of a powerful yet earthbound animal with a divine being symbolizes your guiding motivation: the need to infuse your human experience with meaning and vision. The Centaur is a hunter, and is usually shown in illustrations with a bow and arrow in hand. The glyph that is used to represent your sign is that arrow; in fact, the name Sagittarius is derived from the Latin word for arrow, sagitta. It is important to note that the arrow is in flight, always reaching upwards. This reveals that inner drive you feel to always be on the move, always searching for new adventures that will increase your understanding of the world around you, and always hunting for deeper fulfillment. The archetypes associated with Sagittarius continue the theme: Explorer, Gypsy, Philosopher, and Student. These personality types all have in common the desire for continual motion, learning, and adventure. Activities that stretch your mind and body are very fulfilling for you, Sagittarius. Your spirit gets restless when you remain sedentary for too long, literally or figuratively. A more modern archetype that might be considered for Sagittarius is Superman. To fly through the air, inspired by the desire to maintain truth and justice, might be just the right combination of freedom and meaning that you need. Sagittarius is known as a "mutable" sign, indicating adaptability and versatility. You are generally friendly and love to laugh, preferring to see the humor and positive aspects of any situation. Your gifts are open-mindedness, generosity, and the ability to follow your inspiration or intuition. As with all signs, you also have the potential for using your qualities in less positive ways. There is the danger of overextending yourself, of never settling down long enough to appreciate the gifts of your everyday surroundings. An open mind can be a very good thing, but if discernment is not used, you may trust those who should not be given that honor. You may also be overly optimistic and expose yourself to risky situations through a lack of realistic appraisal. The choice you have, Sagittarius, is primarily one of attitude. If you are fortunate enough to have a career or a lifestyle that allows you to travel and follow your adventurous spirit, you are already fulfilling part of your soul purpose. However, being a world-traveler does not guarantee that you will find the meaning that is at the heart of your quest. The constant search for new stimulation can sometimes become a barrier that prevents you from seeing the importance of your everyday experiences. Discovering the deeper meaning and inspiration available to you through the seemingly mundane can allow your life to support you no matter where you are or what you are doing. As a fire sign, Sagittarius, you are not easily contained. At your most agreeable, you are inspired and inspiring, capable of igniting the flame of others’ philosophical leanings through your own enthusiasm. Air signs (Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius) and other fire signs (Aries and Leo) are most comfortable with your energy, whereas earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn) may seem too slow or practical for you, and water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces) may seem too preoccupied with personal concerns. The planet associated with Sagittarius is Jupiter, known as the planetary ruler of the sign. In mythology, Jupiter (Zeus) was king of the gods, wise and generous, but sometimes also overly dramatic, vain, and ill-tempered. He represents the Sagittarian’s optimism and desire to believe in a universe of order and meaning. Jupiter required faith and obedience from his human family, but rarely intervened directly in their affairs, requiring the development of another Sagittarian trait — intuition. By watching for a "sign from the gods," mortals learned to trust the unverifiable knowing of proper action and right timing. In their efforts to gain Jupiter’s approval and receive his blessings, they developed the greater gifts of faith and wisdom. In the physical body, Sagittarius rules the hips, thighs, and upper legs. The largest muscles of the body reside here, representing the physical and spiritual strength that is needed to support you on your long journeys of mind and body. The hips, especially, keep the body in balance during forward motion. When these areas are the source of discomfort or difficulty, Sagittarius, check in with how well you are fulfilling your needs for physical and/or spiritual exploration, if your life is in balance, and whether you are following your joy. As always, additional insights are available through understanding the motivations of the opposing zodiac sign; for Sagittarius, that sign is Gemini. If your characteristics include a lack of focus and inability to formulate practical applications for your inspirations, draw on the practical perspective offered by the twins, who ordain that everything be thought out and communicated. Perhaps a helpful tool would be writing in a journal, or recording your ideas and thoughts with a hand-held tape recorder. This could be the missing step between the idea generation and the ability to put your visions into form. Sagittarius, as you travel through your life adventure, your destiny involves dedicating yourself to a vision that can guide and inspire you. Becoming aware of the insights and sacred qualities inherent in your everyday experiences will ensure that no matter what your physical situation, you will feel fulfilled and excited by life. Sometimes the most lasting gift of your outer exploration is a reminder that the greatest journey is to be found within. Pam Younghans is an astrologer and teacher, offering personal consultations and classes at Longevity Holistic Center on old Main Street in Bothell, Washington. To schedule a consultation, to receive Pam’s free weekly forecast by email, or if you have questions: call (425) 445-3775, email <astrologerpam@aol.com>, or see Pam’s website at <http://www.pamsastrology.freeservers.com/>.