The symbol for Sagittarius is The Archer. The Arrow as a symbol represents the drawn arrow of the Archer. It signifies an aspirational approach to life, and is well suited to the life attitude of those born under Sagittarius. The Arrow, like many Sagittarians, reflects bravery, direction, focus, poise, and thought! Sagittarius is also symbolized by a half man, half horse Centaur, said to represent an inner spirit to free one's self from mankind's animalistic nature, and enhance the purpose of the soul.

According to Greek mythology, The Archer as represented by the Centaur, was a descendant of Ixion, who was renowned for having the audacity to lust after the Goddess Hera, the wife of Zeus. Upon hearing of Ixion's desires, Zeus played a trick on him by sending him a cloud disguised as Hera. Ixion fell for it, and the two bore a son named Kentauros. He was immediately considered a disgrace by the Gods and all mankind, so he went to Thessaly and lived with the mares, where upon he bred with them and bore half man and half horse Centaurs. Another Greek legend proclaimed that Sagittarius was a Centaur who transformed himself into a horse in order to escape his over jealous wife, Rhea.

The Romans held a different legend about how the constellation Sagittarius came to exist. It referred to the travels of Hercules who had gone so far one day that he became thirsty. He visited a friend who lived in the house of the Centaurs, and asked if he may have a glass of wine. The wine in fact belonged to all the Centaurs, and when they smelt it from the pastures they were grazing in, they raced to the house to find out who would commit such an act without their permission. All the Centaurs charged at Hercules in order to punish him, but Hercules killed many of them before exiling them from their homeland, instructing them never to return. Chiron was a Centaur, and also a good friend to Hercules. Although he did not take part in the fight, Hercules spotted his profile from a far away distance, and not realizing it was his good friend, shot an arrow said to be tipped with the poison of Hydra into Chiron's body. Chiron, who was born immortal, suffered great agony through this wound, and offered his immortality to release another God, Prometheus, who was being punished by the Gods for giving fire to mankind. He was chained to a rock where each day the vultures would eat his liver, only for it to grow back overnight so they could come again the next day. Hercules became most upset, so his father Zeus placed Chiron's image amongst the stars above, as a mark of respect for the wise and kind Centaur.

Most Centaurs were believed to be somewhat reckless and aggressive by nature. The Greeks however held horses in high esteem, and Chiron was greatly respected as a kind, gentle, and understanding Centaur. Chiron was considered not only as a wise and brilliant archer, but also as a great physician and musician.  He was also considered a role model and tutor for many great warriors, including Jason, Hercules and Achilles. The constellation Sagittarius is dedicated to the great Centaur, Chiron, who is symbolized by the constellation Centaurus. It sits in the skies with arrow drawn, constantly aimed at Scorpius.