According to new reports, the horoscopes with which we've come to align ourselves with over the years might actually be completely wrong - but why are star signs changing and what's all this about a thirteenth sign?
If you are someone who checks your weeklyhoroscope every Monday, you may well see yourself in the star sign with which you are assigned. You might turn to your horoscope for guidance, or a bit of an insight into what the future may hold.
But if recent news is to be believed, then we might actually have our star signs all wrong. So have star signs changed - and if so, why and what month is the Ophiuchus sign?
Star signs changed: Have star signs changed?
For thousands of years now the 12 star signs have remained the same. Your zodiac sign is determined by the sun’s position in relation to a star constellation on the day of your birth.
So why have star signs changed? According to a NASA report from 2016 (which has recently resurfaced once again, with the topic discussed on Good Morning Britain), the Earth has shifted ever so slightly on its axis, and that it means that the signs of the zodiac may well not be what they were 2,500 years ago.
With the Earth having shifted on its axis, it means that apparently none of the constellations are in the same place they were all of those many years ago.
Reportedly there is also a new (sort of) star sign - a 13th sign of the zodiac, the Ophiuchus.
On Good Morning Britain, presenter Laura Tobin explained that ancient astronomers, the Babylonians, decided that they wanted to chart the path of the sun in a numerically pleasing way, in 12 equal parts, giving us 12 star signs.
Ancient astrologers reportedly saw this sign thousands of years ago - suggesting it isn't completely new - but decided to discount it in order to have 12 neat signs for the 12 months of the year.
And NASA have even clarified this with a new tweet and article explaining the existence of the 13th sign - and confirming that they did not change the zodiac.
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This means that, with the Earth having shifted on its axis and the existence of this new star sign, some believe that the zodiac signs we all identify with are actually no longer correct.
So how might yours have changed?
What month is the Ophiuchus sign and what does it represent?
The new star sign, Ophiuchus, and the shifting of the axis means that the zodiac signs may have all shifted too, meaning you may no longer be a Virgo, Libra, Capricorn, or Leo, etc.
Ophiuchus, which represents the snake bearer, is for people born between November 29 and December 17, who would previously have been Sagittarius.
So what is your new star sign?
What are the 13 zodiac signs and dates?
- Capricorn: Jan 20 - Feb 16
- Aquarius: Feb 16 – March 11
- Pisces: March 11 – April 18
- Aries: April 18 – May 13
- Taurus: May 13 – June 21
- Gemini: June 21 – July 20
- Cancer: July 20 – Aug 10
- Leo: Aug 10 – Sept 16
- Virgo: Sept 16 – Oct 30
- Libra: Oct 30 – Nov 23
- Scorpio: Nov 23 – Nov 29
- Ophiuchus: Nov 29 – Dec 17
- Sagittarius: Dec 17 – Jan 20
It means that many typically perfectionist Virgos may now be categorised as theatrical and passionate Leo's, while former practical and ambitious Taurus' could now be brave and optimistic Aries'.
It's not yet clear what the supposed personality traits of the Ophiuchus sign would be, but the constellation reportedly represents a a man wrestling a serpent, and so some have defined it as a healer sign, or as someone who seeks enlightenment and higher education. It is also considered an authority figure, someone in a position of power.
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Of course, you might feel that your personality doesn't quite match up with your 'new' star sign, but never fear - there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to your horoscope. You can continue to read your new one or your old one, whichever you prefer.
It's also important to note, as NASA themselves pointed out above, that astrology is not astronomy - the two are completely different subjects. While the constellations have certainly (scientifically) shifted over time, it does not directly relate to star signs, which are astrological creations. In fact, the existence of Ophiuchushas sparked major debate over the last few years, with Astrologically stating, "Ophiuchus is still regarded with skepticism and may be left out of horoscopes and natal chart readings."
So do you believe in your new star sign?
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