Mindful Heart Astrology ~ A Life Lived with Gusto!

Sagittarius: A life lived with gusto!

When I think of Sagittarius I can’t help but envision a magnificent stallion galloping full out across the prairies, the rider full of energy, enthusiasm and optimism, destined towards his next adventure. Our mythological centaur, represented by half man and half horse, visually springs to life with rider and horse dashing forward, seemingly as one.

North American history is full of characters and epic stories where, filled with confidence and bravery, the quest for adventure and a better life was led by the charge of men and women who embodied the spirit of Sagittarius.

George Armstrong Custer

One of the most colorful characters exemplifying this archetype was George Armstrong Custer (December 5, 1839 – June 25, 1876). My own introduction to Custer was the 1941 movie “They Died with Their Boots On”, featuring the dashing Errol Flynn. I was captivated by Flynn’s portrayal of this historic figure and, while much of the storyline is considered fabrication, I think the movie makers of the time did capture the very essence of the “over the top, bigger than life” Sagittarius style documented by Custer’s historians. To this day, it is still one of my favorite films, and Flynn one of my all-time favorite actors. Perhaps this reflects Sagittarius on the Descendant (7th House Cusp) of my natal chart? The Descendant, of course, represents what we look for in “the other” or our close relationships.

So what evidence is there to reflect the Sagittarian flair of George Armstrong Custer, beyond his date of birth? Plenty! Let me share a few pieces of related history to illustrate.

Pushing Boundaries

Custer’s military career began in 1857 at West Point. To all accounts he was an exuberant and fun-loving individual, with little regard for rules and regulations. He constantly pushed the boundaries and was definitely not one to be corralled, a trait which he carried throughout his life.

Graduating last in his class in 1861, rather than being disappointed by this result, he seemed to consider it a personal achievement. He was reported to have said there were “only two places in a class, the head and the foot”, he did not want to get lost in the crowd. Had he finished in the middle of the pack, neither Custer nor his story would have been quite so remarkable. During his time at the academy he tallied a record number of demerits, many acquired as a result of pranking fellow cadets.  At that time this earned him the reputation as the worst student at the Point’s since Ulysses S. Grant. So, the question that begs to be asked is “What carried him through?”. Perhaps it was his optimism, sense of fun, or his enthusiastic and exuberant personality, all Sagittarian traits which he exercised in abundance. Some would say luck and timing, since the start of the Civil War created opportunity that may not have been available otherwise.

Keeping A Positive Perspective

Throughout his long list of military exploits and successes, Custer’s bravado and inherent faith in a positive outcome allowed him to maintain a “forward-ho” approach, seemingly unconstrained by any traditional or perceived boundaries. A highly successful cavalry commander he was often leading the charge, and notably contributed to the Union’s success at the Battles of Gettysburg and Appomattox. From a young age Custer had aspirations to achieve recognition and during his cavalry career he received a number of promotions. In fact, he was quickly thrust into a significant leadership role at the start of the Civil war when, at the age of 23, he was promoted to Brevet Brigadier General. During the war he served with distinction and developed a solid reputation as a bold, fearless and aggressive commander who willingly took personal risks in leading his troops. He seemed to earn the respect and admiration of those under his command.

In 1867, Custer was dispatched westward to fight in the American Indian Wars. Despite his early success, many of his achievements are overshadowed by what became known as “Custer’s Last Stand”. Leading the 7th Cavalry Regiment at the Battle of the Little Bighorn, George Armstrong Custer’s luck ran out as he and his entire Regiment met their deaths.

Bold Accomplishment and Bravery

It has been said that Custer demonstrated a reckless temperament, along with a blunt and argumentative approach, which constantly landed him in trouble with his superiors throughout his career. It is also widely acknowledged though, that his courage was rarely questioned. Something about the boldness and bravery of this Sagittarian led him towards remarkable accomplishment and recognition, much of which is not often considered. There is a great deal more to Custer’s story and, in particular, further anecdotal support of many additional aspects of his Sagittarian nature. He was a politician, a diplomat, and an advocate for some whom he felt disadvantaged or unfairly considered. He certainly had strong belief and faith in himself, repeatedly demonstrating the courage of his convictions.

Sagittarian Embodiment

So much has been written about this often controversial figure who, in life as well as in death, seemed to attract fierce supporters, admirers and harsh critics. Perhaps it is that part of Sagittarius in many of us, that we choose to view such characters through a romantic lens with an appreciation, or admiration, for the energy and gusto with which they lived their lives. If ever you are trying to conjure up an image of what this zodiac sign represents, perhaps considering Custer and others like him may help.

Having read through this brief article, think of what you know about other famous Sagittarius Suns and identify what they have in common. Some examples include Walt Disney, Kirk Douglas, Frank Sinatra, Brad Pitt, Taylor Swift, and Miley Cyrus.  I’ll bet at least three common traits come to mind.