Combined Western and Chinese Zodiacs
Sagittarius Horse

The ninth sign in the Western zodiac is the philosopher, Sagittarius. This sign personifies the years around age 60, when attention typically shifts away from career and family, towards a holistic consideration of society and the human condition. Sagittarians are thus blessed with a remarkable ability to see the “big picture”. From childhood, these inquisitive souls interpret ethical, social, and political problems through an all-encompassing lens, absorbing the whole forest rather than isolated trees. As the final Fire sign in the zodiac, Sagittarians are characteristically intense, energetic and dynamic. However, the Mutable modality means that here, Fire is tempered by far-seeing idealism. Their symbol, the centaur, captures beautifully the Sagittarian impulse to work towards harmony between humankind and the natural world. In truth, Sagittarians' lofty goals can also cause their most serious challenges. At times, their strong convictions mean people born under this sign may be dismissive or belligerent. They are also prone to taking on more ambitious tasks than they (or probably anyone) could reasonably accomplish, which has led to a reputation for giving up too easily. Where circumstances allow, however, the perception and love of learning that typify this sign are exhilarating to witness, capable of inspiring whole societies to progress and wisdom.

The seventh sign in the Eastern zodiac is the dazzling Horse. (Legend has it that fear of a cemetery caused the Horse to slow to a snail's pace during the Jade Emperor's race.) The Horse is by nature a performer: bewitching, idealistic, and fearless. Skilled orators with energy to burn, Horse natives are comfortable in any role where they are free to captivate an audience, from sports to the theater to politics. Above all else, the Horse craves independence. These free spirits are famously more intellectual than emotional. Indeed, they can occasionally be accused of insensitivity or selfishness. But given physical and emotional freedom to indulge their expansive personalities, they can be breathtaking performers, inspirational rebels, or—like that most famous of Horses, James Dean—both.