Jake Gyllenhaal: Imaginative Sagittarius

Jake Gyllenhaal is a Sagittarius, a sign commonly associated with strong opinions. But Jake's Sag Sun is conjunct dreamy and imaginative Neptune, which makes him more comfortable engaging the public as an actor reading someone else's lines than speaking his own.

Jake Gyllenhaal is a Sagittarius, born December 19, 1980 at 8:06 pm in Los Angeles. This outgoing and enthusiastic sign is a natural for self-expression, but usually prefers to share its own ideas rather than read from a script. Jake's Sagittarius Sun, though, is joined with Neptune, the planet of imagination, in the Fifth House of his chart, the sector associated with creativity and play. This is an excellent combination for an actor because it reflects Jake's need to perform along with an ability to alter his personality to fit each role. Neptune's taste for illusion permits him to go from tender to tough with ease. His Oscar-nominated role as a man who loves men in 'Brokeback Mountain' and his tough U.S. Marine in 'Jarhead' demonstrate the range that has made him one of Hollywood's top young male stars. His choice of parts, too, shows how daring Jake is, willing to risk his career in 'Brokeback' by entering forbidden territory for most leading men. Sagittarians generally like to take risks. The excitement of danger -- physical, emotional or professional -- addresses this sign's need to go where others fear to tread.

Venus, the planet of love, artistry and beauty, also reveals Jake's interest in breaking the rules. His is in Sagittarius, which reinforces his Sun's interest in chancy activities. But it's a close conjunction between his Venus and revolutionary Uranus that really sets him apart. Venus conjunct Uranus makes for unusual tastes, appreciation for the strange and unusual, and relationships in which freedom is more important than security. Jake's interest in arty films is not an actor's pretension, but a real desire to participate in projects that shatter old images and invent new ways to tell stories with film. It's often a sign of open-mindedness when it comes to love. Jake once said, "You know, it's flattering when there's a rumor that says I'm bisexual. It means I can play more kinds of roles. I'm open to whatever people want to call me. I've never really been attracted to men sexually, but I don't think I would be afraid of it if it happened."

Jake's Moon -- the planet of emotions and moods -- is in adaptable Gemini, underscoring his ability to change attitudes, appearances and roles with relative ease. Diverse Gemini is hungry for variety, which is ideal for actors who have to reinvent themselves in every part they play. Jake's Ascendant (Rising Sign) is Leo, another positive attribute for someone in the public eye. The Ascendant is one's image, what we see when we first meet them, and none is better for presenting a powerful persona than Leo. This confident and dramatic sign knows how to get attention and keep it. It's the perfect staging point for Jake's diverse talents, boundless imagination and gift for presenting new concepts in an entertaining form.