Sagittarians, born between November 22nd and December 21st, are known for their adventurous spirit, love for freedom, and philosophical outlook on life. Born late in the Astrological year, these are the explorers of the Zodiac, never caught standing still and happiest when developing a deeper, richer understanding of the world around them.
To those that strive for an enlightened path and a deeper connection to the world, spirit animals can, and often do, play a significant role in the journey. Those that tune into this connection can receive amazing insights to their personality and a strength to navigate life’s challenges.
The Zodiac is one tradition that draws a connection between ourselves, the cosmos and to spirit animals – but it is not the only one. Cultures all around the world have their own myths, legends and traditions steeped in the spiritual connection between humans and our inner animals. Let’s take a look at both the Zodiac, and the twins between these other cultures that pair with the Sagittarius spirit animals.
Sagittarius In The Western Zodiac – The Archer
Sagittarius is represented by the Archer. In the stars, this is a centaur wielding a bow and arrow, symbolizing the dual nature of Sagittarians – half human, half horse – and their quest for knowledge and adventure. Ruled by Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system, Sagittarians are blessed with luck, abundance, and a sense of optimism that carries them through life.
Why The Centaur Archer?
The celestial archer in the form of a centaur, represents the dual nature of Sagittarius. It represents both their intellectual and adventurous sides. The mythological roots of Sagittarius as the Archer stem from ancient Greek stories, where the centaur Chiron, known for his wisdom and kindness, played a significant role.
As a Sagittarius, embracing the traits of the Archer opens you to your birth right of exceptional intellectual abilities and an adventurous spirit to navigate through life. The celestial archer guides Sagittarians to aim high, take risks and explore the world. All while staying grounded and connected to their inner wisdom.
Facts About Sagittarius
- Date: November 22 – December 21
- Element: Fire
Sagittarius, ruled by the massive Jupiter, stands out in the zodiac as the sign of adventure and philosophy. In contrast to the introspective and transformative nature of Scorpio, Sagittarius is all about broadening horizons and seeking out new experiences. Picture a free spirit, an eternal traveller and a lover of life; these are the Sagittarians, always ready for the next big adventure.
With the March Equinox marking the start of the astrological new year, Sagittarius takes its place as the ninth sign in the Zodiac, following after Libra and Scorpio. This positioning reflects the Sagittarian journey of a veteran explorer, armed with the knowledge and experiences gained from the previous signs. Ever ready to seek out wisdom and adventure.
Personality Traits of Sagittarius
Positive Sagittarian Traits – Adventure, Philosophy, Optimism, Generosity
- Adventurous
Sagittarians have an innate love for adventure and exploration, always ready to embark on a new journey. They appear late in the Zodiac cycle, full of the confidence and experience of those that come before them, eyes never off the horizon.
- Philosophical
If you want a deep conversation, then talk to a Sagittarian. People born to this sign are often the deepest of thinkers. Constantly seeking to understand the meaning of life and their place in the world and happy when engaged in deep and thought provoking discussion. This is a further expansion of their explorative nature.
- Optimistic
There aren’t many signs that have a more positive outlook on life than Sagittarius. Not only are they always looking at the brighter side of things, but they are great at encouraging others to see the good in situations too.
- Generous
When it comes to generosity, Sagittarians are known for their willingness to share what they have with others. They are a very charitable sign, often drawn to careers or volunteering efforts that encourage the better traits of humanity.
Challenging Sagittarius Traits
- Impulsive
While I would never consider their love for adventure to be a bad trait, it can sometimes lead them to make impulsive decisions without thinking of the consequences. So fixed with determination on the horizon that they foolheartedly fail to see the ditch in front of them, or that their companion is falling behind, figuratively speaking. Or so excited by the prospect of a discovery that they might sacrifice something of much greater value to achieve their goal.
- Restless
Their constant need for adventure and stimulus can often leave Sagittarians feeling unfulfilled or unsatisfied. They have a restless spirit, always seeking something more, and not happy standing still. The term having ‘itchy feet’ describes this Sagittarian trait perfectly.
- Blunt
I am a firm believer in honesty, and even when hurtful it is truth, it is pure and necessary. But Sagittarians have an unfortunate knack of delivering truth with little tact and the bluntness of a spoon. This can turn their well intended words into something that feels a bit more cruel to the recipient, and a Sagittarian can do well by reflecting before their delivery to temper this bluntness.
Compatibility with Other Signs
Sagittarians get along best with fellow fire signs Aries and Leo, but they are also quite compatible with the air signs Gemini, Aquarius and Libra. These signs share in the Sagittarian love for adventure, freedom and good humour.
Spirit Animals of Sagittarius
- The Horse
The horse aligns with Sagittarius through its love for freedom, adventure, and its wild, untamed spirit. Just like Sagittarians, horses are always on the move. Whether a wild horse seeking out the horizon, or a workhorse abundant with helpfulness and generosity, the horse is a very fitting spirit animal for the Sagittarian spirit.
- The Cheetah
The Cheetah mirrors Sagittarius’ swift and agile nature. They are not just fast, they are the fastest of all the big cats and one of the fastest animals in the world. They have an incredible anatomy that allows them to rotate and turn to change direction very quickly on the move. They are also tenacious hunters and this impulsiveness can sometimes land them in trouble.
- The Falcon
The Falcon symbolizes Sagittarius’ keen vision and precision. They are formidable and careful in every action. No movement is by accident and their sharp focus drives them to excellency. This resonates clearly with the Sagittarian’s ability to focus with clarity on their goals.
- The Wolf
The Wolf like Sagittarius, is an adventurer. While they often live in family packs, males are often wide wanderers on the lookout for a partner to start their own family. They can be impulsive and territorial, but also full of adventure. The traits of the wolf represent Sagittarius’ need for freedom and their ability to thrive in both social and solitary settings.
Other Cultures with Spirit Animals
Celtic: Elder & The Raven – The Seeker
In Celtic Astrology, the alignment of the signs is different to those in the Zodiac. Within the Astrological phase of Sagittarius, there are two Celtic phases that overlap:
- The Reed – October 28th to November 24th – The Owl
- The Elder – November 25th – December 23rd
The Reed in Sagittarius only pairs for a couple of days at the start of the period however. It is those born under the Elder tree (November 25th – December 23rd) that have the most in common with Sagittarius. The spirit animals that are aligned with the Elder Tree are the Badger and the Raven, but it is the latter that embodies more fully the spirit of Sagittarius. Particularly the traits of transformation and curiosity, aligning with Sagittarius’ adventurous and philosophical nature.
This Sign in the Celtic cycle is known as ‘The Seeker’ and this is quite a fitting name for Sagittarius too. The seeker is self reliant and free spirited but also opinionated and known to take risks. It’s almost as if this twinning between cultures was written in the stars.
Native American – The Owl
The Native American or Amerindian Shamanic ‘Wheel of Life’ and the Western Zodiac align to the same phases throughout the year, but are represented by different symbols. The Native American Zodiac is represented by spirit animals deeply rooted in the history and heritage of the people.
The animal that aligns with Sagittarius in this system is the Owl (November 23rd to December 21st), which is the second sign of the West Wind. The Owl in Native American Astrology represents a deep connection with wisdom and intuition, resonating with Sagittarius’ quest for knowledge.
They have a gaze that pierces through you, never missing a thing. They can spot prey from very far away, and every movement is considered and purposeful highlighting their intelligent and philosophical nature.
Norse – Ehwaz & The Horse
The Norse rune ‘Ehwaz‘ literally translates as ‘The Horse’ and its association with this spirit animal reflects Sagittarius’ love for freedom and adventure. This rune and animal combination represent trust, harmony and teamwork, as well as disharmony and indecision on the polar negative side. It is the governor of foresight, particularly when it comes to spotting deceit and it also governs swiftness and speed in all things. These are all traits that bind the Norse horse as a twin to Sagittarius, in nature and in spirit.
Chinese – The Rat
In the Chinese Zodiac, each year is associated with an animal in a 12-year cycle, and does not align with the Western Zodiac. However, parallels can be drawn when it comes to the animal symbolism in each. Those born in the year of the monkey for example, but also during the phase of Sagittarius, may find affinity with a spirit animal that is separate to the animal for their birth year, and closer to their Sagittarian spirit.
The Rat in Chinese Astrology, is a significant twin for Sagittarius. Known for its wit and resourcefulness, it aligns with Sagittarius’ agile and optimistic nature.
Mayan – Manik’ & The Deer
The Mayan calendar, or Mesoamerican zodiac, has a different symbol for each of the 20 ‘day sign’ periods in their cycle. Because of the differences in structure and symbolism between the two systems, there’s no direct equivalent to Sagittarius in the Mayan zodiac. However, we can find thematic parallels.
One Mayan sign that shares some conceptual and symbolic similarities with the Western sign of Sagittarius is ‘Manik’, represented by the Deer. In Mayan Astrology, Manik – The Deer – embodies agility and grace, resonating with Sagittarius’ adventurous and free spirit.
Connecting with Sagittarius Spirit Animals
Spirit animals serve as guiding lights on our life’s journey, helping us tap into our deeper spiritual essence and uncovering profound insights about our character, tendencies, and path in life. They often reflect attributes we see within ourselves, whether it’s the adventurous spirit of a wild horse or the philosophical wisdom of an owl.
In numerous cultures and traditions, these creatures are not just mirrors but also mentors, guiding us to access our inner wisdom and make choices that align with our true selves. This harmonious relationship between nature and our inner world is the crux of the spirit animal connection.
While not every Zodiac sign is directly represented by an animal, the traits of each sign find their echoes throughout the vast and diverse animal kingdom.
The True Nature of a Sagittarius Spirit Animal
A spirit animal for a Sagittarius is not a mere choice or preference; it is a profound connection, a kinship between the individual and nature. In certain astrological traditions, this connection is seen as a spiritual intertwining, where the essence of Sagittarius resonates with multiple creatures across the spectrum of nature.
These spirit animals may reveal themselves during pivotal moments in life, in states of deep meditation, or even within our dreams. Embracing the concept of spirit animals allows Sagittarians to seek wisdom and guidance, aiding them in decision-making, unravelling life’s mysteries, and navigating challenges.
The spirit animals of Sagittarius mirror the sign’s adventurous and philosophical nature – they are free-spirited yet wise, daring yet thoughtful.
Sagittarius not your sign? Check out our other Zodiac Spirit Animal pages to find your sign. Not all spirit animals are associated with the zodiac, so we’ve also compiled posts on specific spirit animals unrelated to astrological signs for your exploration!