Ophiuchus (astrology)

Serpent-bearer
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Ophiuchus (/ˌɒfiˈjuːkəs/; Ancient Greek: Ὀφιοῦχος, lit. 'Serpent-bearer'; astrological symbol ⛎︎) has been proposed as a 13th sign of the sidereal and tropical zodiac. The idea appears to have originated in 1970 with Steven Schmidt's suggestion of a 14-sign zodiac, also including Cetus as a sign. A 13-sign zodiac has been promulgated by Walter Berg and by Mark Yazaki in 1995, a suggestion that achieved some popularity in Japan.

However, in sidereal and tropical astrology (including sun-sign astrology), a 12-sign zodiac is based on dividing the ecliptic into 12 equal parts rather than the International Astronomical Union's constellation boundaries. That is, astrological signs do not correspond to the constellations which are their namesakes, particularly not in the case of the tropical system where the divisions are fixed relative to the equinox, moving relative to the constellations.[1][2] The astronomical constellation Ophiuchus, as defined by the 193 IAU's constellation boundaries, is situated behind the Sun from November 29 to December 18.[3]

  1. ^ Kahn, Nina. "Here's What Astrologers Want You To Know About Ophiuchus, The So-Called 13th Sign". Bustle. Retrieved 28 November 2021.
  2. ^ Andrew, Scottie. "No, NASA didn't create a 13th zodiac sign". CNN. Retrieved 28 November 2021.
  3. ^ McClure, Bruce. "Born under the sign of Ophiuchus?". Earthsky Communications Inc. Retrieved 2021-04-22.