The astronomers from the Minnesota Planetarium Society found something interesting in their observations. No, it wasn’t UFOs, it was where the stars themselves were. Because of the “wobble” in the Earth’s axis caused by the moon the dates of the signs were changed by around a month. This means that if you are one of the 25 percent of Americans who believe in astrology you may have been looking at the wrong horoscope. No wonder you didn’t meet that tall dark stranger. However astrologers disagree with the reaction to the news.
In the sidereal zodiac (this will be important later) your astrological sign is determined by the placement of the sun in the sky at the time you were born. The current dates were determined over 2000 years ago. Because of the “precession” (the official term for the wobble) the position of the sun through the seasons of the year has changed. Knowledge of the precession is nothing new. It was known by Aristarchus of Samos who lived around 280 B.C. (or B.C.E if you prefer) So why is this news you may ask? Really it isn’t.
The Minnesota Planetarium Society has recently made it’s report; however astrologers say that it is irrelevant. While this changes the sidereal zodiac, most astrology is based off of the tropical zodiac which is unaffected by the precession. The tropical zodiac is connected to the vernal equinox, not the position of the sun. This appears to be just be an attention grab by the Society. Following are the dates provided by the Minnesota Planetarium Society.
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. 23-29.
Ophiuchus: Nov. 29-Dec. 17.
Sagittarius: Dec. 17-Jan. 20.
You may notice that they have added a new sign. Ophiuchus is a constellation that was not recognized, but not used by the Ancient Babylonians. Ophiuchus is in the shape of a man wrestling a serpent.
So really you may continue with the traditional zodiac or switch over to the alternative one. Either way you’ll have to make sure your horoscopes line up with your zodiac. Good luck.
(I must note that I do not personally believe in astrology. You are free to believe what you wish.)
