“Hey, what’s your sign?” A common pick up line years ago, where there were only 12 answers.  Due to the precession of the equinoxes, Ophiuchus can now be responded to the timeless question. Had you been born at the same time on the same day of the year thousands of years ago, you would have been dealt a different sign.

A horoscope is an astrological forecast. The term describes a map of the zodiac at the time of one’s birth, the apparent paths of the sun, moon, and major planets all fall within the map of the zodiac. Observable effects caused by the precession of the equinoxes: the equinox and solstice points have moved westward about 30 degrees in the last 2,000 years (when the Babylonians first mapped out the zodiac.) There is no longer correspondence with the ancient zodiacal constellations and the segments of the zodiac represented by their signs. 

Ophiuchus was one of the 48 constellations listed by Ptolemy, represented by the constellation Serpens. Commonly, it could be seen as a man grasping a snake. The man behind this confusion is a community college professor from Minnesota, Parke Kunkle. Now, I know not everyone follows their zodiac religiously, so to speak, but Aries, how do you feel about being Pisces? 

This identity crisis may affect those born before 2011, but if in fact it does, here’s a list of the new signs; get to know your new self.

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 (New Sign)
Sagittarius: Dec. 17 – Jan 20