Tyra Banks is an energetic Sagittarius who has shaken up the world of modeling. She's broken down old stereotypes on her way to international success, first in fashion and now on television. And with her Sun and Moon in dynamic Ffire signs, she's likely to continue pushing the envelope in her professional life.

Tyra Banks is far from being a typical model, and her chart is equally unique for her glamorous field of work. Born December 4, 1973 at 7:13 pm in Inglewood, California, Tyra is a fiery Sagittarius ... an outgoing, outspoken dynamo who has successfully made the crossover from modeling into mainstream media. Sagittarians are adventurers who seek new horizons, something Tyra's done throughout her career. This voluptuous African-American woman is a radical change from the pale, thin models who typically define fashion. Instead of blending into the background or becoming pigeonholed as a Victoria's Secret pin-up girl, she's become a television star with two hit shows of her own. As bright as she is attractive -- and as fun as she is fabulous looking -- Tyra's fame has continued to rise since she's retired from the runway.

Tyra's strong Sagittarius Sun is matched by an equally dynamic Aries Moon. The Moon represents moods and attitudes, and Aries -- the fiery first sign of the zodiac -- is self-motivated and independent. Having both her Sun and Moon in Fire signs gives Tyra a double dose of energy that will always drive her forward. Powerful Pluto opposing her Moon means that she's not afraid of challenges and doesn't expect anything to be given to her without effort. In spite of her obvious grace and charms, it's clear that Tyra's not relying on someone to manage or motivate her. With active Mars also in do-it-yourself Aries, no one needs to push Tyra to get her moving or to tell her where to go.

Venus is the planet of beauty, which Tyra has in abundance. But hers is in dedicated Capricorn, so she's taken what nature's given her and worked hard to transform herself from the girl next store to an international celebrity. Her Venus forms tense 90-degree squares with Mars and Uranus, astrology's two most individualistic planets, which may be why she's still single. She needs excitement and change, as well as a great deal of personal freedom, even while in a committed relationship. The cosmic message is repeated over and over that Tyra's a total original ... not a typical model.

As fans of 'America's Next Top Model' know, being able to adapt to different situations and change one's look is vital for success in this highly competitive field. A personality as strong and individualistic as Tyra's could be a handicap for someone in a job where the goal is to sell the clothes, not the girl. Tyra's secret ingredient is Neptune, the planet of illusion and fantasy, conjunct the Sun in her chart. This gives her the gift of being like a great actress who can change roles and convince you that she's completely authentic in every part she plays. Tyra's ability to transform herself before our very eyes, but always remain true to herself, is the biggest reason why she became a star and will continue to be one for a long, long time.

About the Author
Jeff Jawer is the co-author of Barnes & Noble's "Your Astrology Guide." A professional astrologer since 1973, his articles have appeared in astrology journals and magazines and websites around the world. He holds a B.A. in The History and Science of Astrology from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and teaches and lectures both in the U.S. and abroad.