Ophiuchus – the 13th star sign?

Every now and then, the topic of Ophiuchus (pronounced “o-few-cus”) pops up, sparking curiosity about whether it’s a “forgotten” or even a 13th zodiac sign. While Ophiuchus does capture the imagination, it’s important to know that it doesn’t have a place within Western astrology.

In Western astrology, we follow the tropical zodiac, which is rooted in the Earth’s relationship with the sun and the natural rhythm of the seasons. This system goes back over 2,000 years to Ptolemy and is based on 12 equal signs. These signs aren’t arbitrary—they are deeply connected to the changing seasons and represent key phases in our lives. The astrological year begins with Aries at the spring equinox, with each sign following in a natural flow, giving us a complete and balanced picture of life’s cycles.

Although the sun does briefly pass through the constellation of Ophiuchus between late November and mid-December, it’s important to understand that Ophiuchus is just that—a constellation, not a zodiac sign. The idea of Ophiuchus as a 13th zodiac sign was first brought up by astrologer Stephen Schmidt in 1970 and again in 1995. It caused a bit of a stir, but it never made its way into mainstream Western astrology. In 2016, there was some confusion when people thought NASA had changed the zodiac to include Ophiuchus, but this was simply a misunderstanding of the difference between astronomy and astrology.

Some sidereal astrologers, particularly in the Vedic tradition, include Ophiuchus in their system, which tracks the current positions of the constellations. They believe it brings a new layer, blending Scorpio’s intensity with Sagittarius’s adventurous spirit. However, even within sidereal astrology, the inclusion of Ophiuchus is debated and not widely accepted.

Meanwhile, the 12 signs in Western astrology have guided us for centuries, offering timeless wisdom through life’s natural cycles. Ophiuchus, while interesting, remains outside this sacred system.

If you’re curious about your own astrological path, exploring your birth chart can offer profound insight. The 12 houses within your chart tell a unique story about you, and the zodiac provides a complete, harmonious framework for self-discovery.

Why not book an astrology reading here and see how the ancient wisdom of the zodiac can guide your path?