As the ninth sign of the zodiac, Sagittarius represents the ninth stage in the evolution of man and his place in the universe. As Scorpio seeks to understand and control with emotional power, Sagittarius seeks to understand and control with knowledge. Most Sagittarians have an intellectual curiosity that covers a wide range of subjects. Never try to present Sagittarians with facts because they already have an unlimited supply which they gladly recite in rapid succession. They become bored and restless when surrounded by people or circumstances in which they have no interest. At such times, they find ways to disappear physically or mentally. They would rather learn things on their own through travel and experience than endure structured classroom environments and routine work assignments. However, given opportunities to broaden their knowledge and gain experience in the world on their own, they become excellent teachers and administrators in the very type of educational system they once found so restricting.

Sagittarians readily adapt to change. This trait is a strength because it is a survival mechanism, and a weakness because it makes them vulnerable to the demands and influence of other people. One of their greatest facilities for adapting to change is making home wherever they happen to be. The astrological symbols for Sagittarius are the hunter (archer) and the centaur, the mythical half man and half horse. They represent the Sagittarian search for collecting and disseminating truth and knowledge as well as their constant search for new ideas and new adventures. They are usually quite talkative and, as a rule, do not hesitate to give their honest opinions, a gesture which seems tactless at times though it is rarely their intention to be cruel. They have a ready wit and appreciate the humor even in grim situations.

Sagittarians react physically to everything they experience in life. Before they assess the practicality or worth of what they are doing, before they sort out their true emotions, and before they take time to reason things out intellectually, they have a tendency to shoot first and ask questions later. Communication-oriented Sagittarians are forever running around with energy and enthusiasm. They are independent and hard to pin down for long, and indeed, this is the sign of the bachelor. In one way or another even married Sagittarians seek to maintain some aspect of personal independence.

Jupiter, planet of bountiful fortunes and good luck, rules Sagittarians. As a rule, most of them have generous natures and friendly, optimistic personalities. Natural politicians, they are interested in knowing everyone and in going everywhere. For the true Sagittarian personality, life is something to be enjoyed every day. Addicted to all the good things in life, they know how to get maximum enjoyment from them. Unfortunately too much of a good thing can be ruinous, and prudence is a difficult trait for most Sagittarians to acquire. The philosophy that "more is better" describes their tendency for overdoing, a tendency that can result in some negative situations. Being overly spiritual or too philosophical, for example, they get too far out of touch with the real world. Making overblown efforts to be prudent in one area, they can still manage to bankrupt themselves by overindulging in other areas. Their attempt to be prudent can get so far out of line, that they turn into a miser.

Sagittarians are enthusiastic sportsmen. They enjoy physically challenging endeavors of all kinds. Archery, jogging, hang gliding, sailing, and fishing (especially for big sport fish such as sword fish or blue marlin) are favorite activities. One of the biggest challenges to overcome may be the battle of the bulge when their fondness for great quantities of food and drink finally catches up with them. They are natural gamblers and risk-takers, and usually have the good fortune to come out on the winning side of wagers, especially when they try their luck at horse or dog racing. They love music, art, dance, and drama (theater) and many of them have considerable talent in these areas.

Sagittarian colors are maroon, tan, navy, orange, and cobalt blue. Vulnerable parts of the body are the thighs, hips, and, to some extent, the feet. Their physical complaints are apt to be the result of unrestricted diets or an overly indulgent pursuit of other pleasures. The ancients associated the ruby with Sagittarius, while modern astrologers gives this sign the turquoise. The Sagittarian's highly adaptable, somewhat dual-natured personality can easily associate itself with both gems. Because Sagittarius is associated with bigness in general, flowers for this sign include the large blooms such as huge mums, hydrangeas, dahlias, and peonies.