Back in 2016, NASA released a post on the constellation of Ophiuchus, which seemed to fall in between the constellations of Scorpius and Sagittarius. The main twelve constellations all correspond to certain times of the year and their zodiac signs. Because of the arrival of Ophiuchus in between Scorpio and Sagittarius, astrologers and astrology fans went a little crazy trying to figure out Ophiuchus’ validity and if this “new” sign would change their already determined zodiac signs. 

If it did change the order of the zodiac, then some astrologers have figured that the new dates would be from November 30th to December 18th. With the acceptance of Ophiuchus as the 13th sign, the traits associated with this sign are to have a lot of curiosity, being open to change and full of passion, and overall creative people. Supposedly people born under this sign also show traits of being secretive, egotistical, having a good sense of humor, and sometimes an especially explosive temper. 

The history of Ophiuchus lies with the Bablyonians and the Greeks, as the Babylonians themselves invented the constellations 3,000 years ago and in turn inventing the signs of the zodiac. In their discovery of the constellations, the Babylonians also found out about Ophiuchus, but ultimately chose to leave it out in order to have an even 12 signs to follow the 12 months of the year. The symbol of Ophiuchus itself belongs to Greek mythology, the name meaning “serpent-bearer”. He represents the god of medicine and son of Apollo, Asclepius, who learned to revive people. After learning of Asclepius’ skill, Hades then asked Zeus to kill him.

Lucky for us, NASA quickly saw the astrology world’s panic and came out with a statement, saying that, nooo they didn’t explicitly change the order of the zodiac signs but just affirmed the location of the constellation in space. NASA stated that because they focus mainly on astronomy and don’t consider astrology to be an exact science but as a “pseudoscience”, their findings shouldn’t really have a direct impact on the zodiac and any horoscopes related to them. 

In my personal opinion, I don’t really believe in the sign of Ophiuchus existing and having an impact on the zodiac as a whole. As a constellation, sure it exists, I mean it’s clearly up in the sky and is there, but to count the constellation as a whole other sign and insert it into the already made up zodiac that’s been around for years, I can’t say I’m convinced. Astrology was based around the 12 main signs by the Babylonians and I think if they decided to omit Ophiuchus, then I have to say, I’m with them. So as an official statement from me: Ophiuchus is only a constellation, not a “new” sign on the zodiac.