Continuing the mythological theme — SAGITTARIUS
The storm god, who sends fertile rain — the personification of the planet Jupiter — borrows the image of the father of gods and fearsome ruler, awe-inspiring with his lightning arrows, and sometimes even the very name, from the god of the bright Sky. Thus, the name Zeus is a transformation of the ancient name Dyaus, and shares the same root as the name Jupiter (“father of light”).
In mythological consciousness, there emerges the image of a king-priest who, through ritual, communicates with elemental forces and, appealing to the heavens, can summon rain. Most often, the head of the pantheon becomes the thunderer. The thunderer commands the four elements: as the Sagittarius-centaur, he stands with four legs upon the earth and releases the arrow of his thought, which reaches the all-seeing heavens and grants him knowledge of nature’s laws.
The thunder god’s position between Heaven and Earth associates him with elevated places, especially open ones, where lightning strikes most frequently; the Indo-European name of the thunderer derives from the word “pergunos” — “rock” (hence the Russian name of the god Perun).
Historically, the Jovian mytheme leads humanity beyond tribal relations and corresponds to the emergence of state unions based not on kinship, but on ideology.
Sometimes Sagittarius, like Zeus, upholds the established socio-cultural order, while at other times asserts a new worldview. From the king of gods, Sagittarius inherits responsibility for everything entrusted to his command, which sometimes reveals in his character the authority of a leader. This sign understands the social structure so well that it dares to oppose society, taking an active stance toward it — thus establishing itself as a reformer. This sign openly proclaims its views, and the calling of a mediator compels it to convey its concept to others and offer it to society.
Viewing life from above, Sagittarius combats the chaos of existence, organizing it through word and thought, much like Marduk who defeated Tiamat. His honesty and justice preserve the lawful order of the world. Sagittarians possess chivalrous qualities. Relying on ideals revealed in traditions and rituals, Sagittarius creates a solid foundation for the present and brings confidence in the future.
Expanding horizons, Sagittarius runs from the chains of ordinary existence and the native home, travels extensively, and shows interest in diverse cultures. Like the fruitful rain of the thunderer, drawing strength from the Heavens, Sagittarius’s thought impregnates the dry soil of pragmatic Earth with the spiritual values of the God. Yet just as the storm god must struggle to ensure heavenly moisture reaches the earth, Sagittarians do not easily bring their intentions to qualitative fruition. To witness their ideals of goodness manifest in action — this is the primary task of this sign.
(author A. Gromova based on materials by Semir and V. Vetash “Astrology and Mythology”)
