NASA Shakes the World With a 13th Zodiac Sign! (Or Not)

The history of astrology is rather broad, as outlined in the "What Is Astrology?" resource page. There were several civilizations that adopted their own astrology systems as a means to predict the future, independent from one another. As a result, some astrological variables of the other early civilizations did not make it into the Hellenistic approach we base astrology off of today. This includes the 13th constellation -- not a zodiac sign -- the Babylonians and Greeks followed.

When it came to creating zodiac signs, the Babylonians decided to omit a 13th zodiacal constellation as it did not align with their calendar that counted 12 lunar cycles per year. In reality, there are well over 13 zodiacal constellations, some believing there are around 21 constellations of the zodiac. This 13th zodiacal constellation is called Ophiuchus, and what sets it apart from the others is its large size.

The Ophiuchus constellation was discovered by the Greeks thousands of years ago. Ophiuchus derives from the Greek language, and means ‘serpent bearer’. Photos depicting this constellation show a man holding a large serpent in his hands. Had it been included in the zodiac signs, it would take place between Scorpio season and Sagittarius season. Here is how it would shift the zodiac dates:

So why does this age-old concept continue to be brought up? Well, some astronomers, including astronomers from NASA, have noted that Earth’s tilt has changed since the Babylonians, shifting the amount of time the sun is aligned with each constellation. They have added the Ophiuchus constellation into their calendar, which has led astrologers to think about if the zodiac signs should reflect this change as well. It is important to note that astronomy is NOT synonymous to astrology, and many astronomers are critical of the study of astrology.

The lack of easily accessible and comprehensible information to the public about what astronomy is versus astrology, and what zodiac signs are versus constellations leads to the continuation of this misunderstanding. To put these concepts into simple terms, astronomy is a scientific study of celestial bodies, or anything outside of Earth’s atmosphere. While astrology is historically based on the sun and the stars, concepts in the realm of astronomy, it is considered a study that looks out how the movement of celestial bodies may influence people. All zodiacs are derived from constellations, these 12 specific constellations are called the 'zodiacal constellations', but not all constellations are zodiacs.

While it is very unlikely that astrologers will add Ophiuchus to the zodiac signs, it does raise the question on the validity of astrology. Are astronomers just in their opposition to the study of astrology? Is astrology useful or harmful to people? What about those who dedicate years of their life to studying it, If there was absolutely no validity to astrology, then what are they studying? If it is not reliable why do so many people connect with it? These questions should be considered when using astrology.

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Sources:

International Business Times: https://www.ibtimes.sg/astrology-not-astronomy-insists-nasa-wheres-missing-13th-zodiac-sign-35050

Inverse: https://www.inverse.com/article/21990-how-to-find-new-zodiac-sign

NewScientist: https://www.newscientist.com/article/2107207-no-nasa-hasnt-changed-the-zodiac-signs-or-added-a-new-one/