The ecliptic band of zodiac sun sign
Global panic ensued when NASA first announced the inclusion of a new, 13th zodiac sign called Ophiuchus. But fear not, astrology enthusiasts, for you are still the same star sign you've always been. Regardless of what NASA or TikTokers claim, here are 7 reasons why Ophiuchus is not the new zodiac sign.
The constellations have shifted. The zodiac sign dates have not.
Periodically, astronomers will declare that horoscopes are inaccurate due to the shifting constellations or the discovery of a 13th zodiac sign. However, Western astrology follows the Tropical Zodiac, which uses "artificial" constellations based on the Sun's apparent path, not the actual constellations in the sky.
NASA's claim about changed zodiac signs
There are three different branches of astrology, and the star sign dates change depending on which one you use.
There exist three branches of astrology: the Tropical Zodiac, the Sidereal Zodiac, and the Constellational Zodiac. Western astrology, which uses the Tropical Zodiac based on seasons and the ecliptic, is the most widely recognized. Most astrologers do not consider the Constellation Zodiac, which includes Ophiuchus, to be accurate or legitimate.
Western astrology is based on the seasons, NOT the constellations.
The Tropical Zodiac is tied to the seasons, with each year starting at the Spring Equinox. This system follows the Sun's path through the zodiac signs, signifying the changing seasons. The zodiac sign traits are inspired by the seasons, not the constellations.
Relationship between constellations and the zodiac
The zodiac signs are named after the constellations, but not tied to them.
The zodiac signs are named after the constellations, but the two are distinct entities. Ptolemy, an ancient mathematician, created the Tropical Zodiac, which remains unaffected by shifts in the constellations or the Earth's axis. Although the constellations have shifted, the zodiac signs have remained fixed.
Ptolemy, creator of the tropical zodiac system
Ophiuchus has been around for over 3,000 years.
The idea of Ophiuchus as a 13th zodiac sign resurfaces periodically, claiming it as a new discovery. However, this concept dates back to ancient Babylonian times. The Ophiuchus sign dates fall between November 29 and December 17, overlapping with Sagittarius. But since Ophiuchus is not part of the Tropical Zodiac, the traditional zodiac signs remain unchanged.
Is Ophiuchus a new star sign?
Ophiuchus is only one of 88 constellations!
In reality, there are 88 constellations that span the skies. Only 13 of these constellations intersect with the Sun's apparent path, known as the ecliptic. This intersection led astronomers and NASA to speculate about the inclusion of Ophiuchus in the zodiac signs.
The beauty of Ophiuchus
You can still embrace the spirit of Ophiuchus (without calling it a zodiac sign).
While Ophiuchus may not be an official zodiac sign, you can still delve into its mythology and symbolism. The name "Ophiuchus" originates from Greek and means "serpent bearer." Embrace the allure of this serpent symbolism, but remember that it exists outside the realm of zodiac signs.
Don't let the hype about Ophiuchus sway your belief in your star sign. Stick to the tried and tested zodiac that has guided you for years. Let the constellations shine in the night sky while your astrological journey remains firmly grounded in the traditional zodiac signs we all know and love.
More reading about the myth of the new zodiac sign and Ophiuchus:
- Ophiuchus Traits: The Mythology Behind the "New Zodiac Sign"
- Ophicus: Is There a 13th Sign?
- Your Star Sign Is Still the Same: Here's What NASA Got Wrong
- Tropical, Sidereal and Constellational Zodiacs
- Susan Miller Debunks the New Zodiac
- Wikipedia: Ophiuchus and Astrology
- And while we're at it! Sun Sign or Rising Sign Horoscope: Which Should You Read?
