SAGITTARIUS the Sign & its Symbols.

THE SIGN
The main ruling planet of Sagittarius is Jupiter, named after the king of the roman gods. Sagittarius is a mutable, masculine fire sign whose positive traits indicate optimism, a frank and open nature, enthusiasm, honesty, resilience and a great respect for knowledge, while more challenging traits include impatience, a dislike of authority and a tendency to preach.

THE SYMBOLS
The astrological symbol for Sagittarius is represented by a symbol resembling a number 2 merged with a number 4. Certain herbs, spices, flowers, trees, shrubs, gemstones, metals and animals have long been associated with particular signs of the zodiac. Several plants, for example, have lucky connections with Sagittarius and, it is said, they are most effective when picked on a day that is influenced by their ruling planet. These include borage, taken as a tea it acts as a stimulant; hyssop, again taken as a tea is a gentle relaxant and can aid sleeplessness; oak, the oak itself represents hospitality, the acorn is a nordic symbol of life and immortality and the oak leaf is a symbol of courage. Gemstones linked to Sagittarius include amber, which protects the wearer from negative energy and is an old remedy for colds and flu; topaz, derived from the Sanskrit word ‘tapas’ meaning ‘to glow’; jacinth, used as a safeguard against the plague and lightning, it also strengthens the heart and is an antidote to poison. Several animals have connections with Sagittarius. These include the horse, for obvious reasons, any creature which is hunted, such as deer and antelopes and the hare which is closely linked with the moon and moonlight. Both hares and the moon are seen as mercurial as they never appear in the same place or shape two nights in a row. Hares also have close associations with witches who are skilled in both lunar magic and shape changing.

THE SAGITTARIUS NEEDLEPOINT DESIGN
Motifs have been selected from all the different astrological aspects of Sagittarius and include: the central image of the hunter’s bow intertwined with the constellation, above this the planetary symbol for Jupiter breaks the border. The corners are decorated with a pair of acorns symbolising immortality; a sun indicating Sagittarius as a fire sign; a mystical hare sits in a lower corner opposite a topaz to guard against harm.

KEY WORDS
Enthusiastic
Inspiring
Generous
Idealist
Spiritual
Fair-minded

To further personalise your needlepoint cushion, add your chosen name and date of birth to the outer border, along with one or two of the Sagittarius characteristics. On the chart, the borders have been left plain ready for you to draw in your own lettering, as preferred. Instructions and alphabets have been supplied or alternatively you can use lettering of your own choice.