For nearly 2000 years we have followed the way of the ancient Babylonians in astrology. They divided the zodiac into 12 signs which are still in use today. However, a new finding suggested that that those signs may have changed and now there may be 13 signs instead of 12 and that all our astrological signs may not be what we once thought they were. Is that really the case or are we just mistaken in our understanding astrology?
A report in the Star Tribune
It was reported in the Minneapolis Star Tribune that all of the zodiac signs are off by about a month. This according to Parke Kunkle, an astronomy professor at the Minnesota Community and Technical College who calculated that the Earth's axis has "wobbled" due to a pull by the Moon's gravity over the past 2000 years. In astronomy this is known as precession of the Earth's axis which is a change of one degree every 70 years in the position of the stars as viewed from Earth. This change has caused the alignment of the stars to alter in turn affecting the astrological charts.
Ophiuchus, the thirteenth sign of the zodiac
There were rumors of a thirteenth sign called Ophiuchus, a sign based on the same name of the constellation said to represent the healer Ascepius, son of Apollo in Greek mythology, who is seen holding two snakes. Ophiuchus is thought to bring good luck and hold lofty ideals, while striving to achieve peace and harmony. This all according to the professor who caused a big stir with his announcement causing millions to panic wondering if they were really Libras or Virgos.
Your true astrological sign
The mystery of your astrological sign has finally been solved. According to astrology there are really two zodiacs. Astrology that involves calculating signs based on constellations is known as the sidereal zodiac. This form of astrology is practiced more so in the East. Western astrologers rely on the tropical zodiac, which is fixed to the four seasons and the four equinoxes. So what is the conclusion of western astrologers? According to western astrology nothing has changed in the signs of the zodiac. This is a blessing for many who were thrown off kilter when the news of the new zodiac signs first emerged.
So rest easy, if you are a Pisces, you will remain one and those that are Libras will remain Libras. The next time you read your horoscope you can be rest assured that it is at least the right sign that you are reading.
References
"Astrology crisis: stars realign, new zodiac sign lacks personality", Jamie Lose, January 17, 2010
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