Everyone, or at least everyone interested in astrology, was freaking out with the recent zodiac sign controversy, because if it were true, that would mean that some people’s star signs should change. Fortunately for me, my birthday lands on a day that would keep me as a Virgo, even with the shift. But for others, the news turned their world upside down. Here are some fast facts. The panic began when NASA published a blog post on Space Place in January 2016. The agency stated that the Babylonians, who created the first zodiac about 3,000 years ago, actually recognized 13 constellations. However, they trimmed it down to align with their 12-month calendar. The constellation they left out? Ophiuchus. If that didn’t cause enough frenzy, they further explained, “the sky has shifted because Earth’s axis (North Pole) doesn’t point in quite the same direction.” This means that we’d lost a day every couple hundred years. “Now Mimi’s August 4 birthday would mean she was born ‘under the sign’ of Cancer (one constellation ‘earlier’), not Leo,” the post continued. NASA spokesperson Dwayne Brown recently emailed Gizmodo with a reassuring statement. “We didn’t change any Zodiac signs, we just did the math.” “[It] was about how astrology is not astronomy, how it was a relic of ancient history, and pointed out the science and math that did come from observations of the night sky.” So, if you’re a Leo and have a tattoo of a lion, you’ve got nothing to worry about. Some cultures have claimed that there are actually a few dozen constellations, and that didn’t affect how our signs before. Also keep in mind that this is not the first time a reputable source has mentioned a 13th constellation. If you are curious about what your sign would have been, check out the shifts below. To read about Ophiuchus, look towards the end in between Scorpio and Sagittarius.Previous dates: December 22 – January 19 You enjoy planning and strategizing, which means that you are likely to excel in anything you put your mind to. As a practical person, you appreciate and implement structure and organization, which leads to stability in your life. You’re just a grounded person.
Previous dates: January 20 — February 18 These people need their independence. If not, they will want to escape. Aquarius personalities are known for being clever and seemingly unemotional or detached, but they can also be very stubborn.
Previous dates: February 19 – March 20 If you are a Pisces, you are selfless. You put yourself out there for the people you care about and don’t expect anything in return. You are also very intuitive, it’s almost scary. Many Pisces personalities are also leaders in art.
Previous dates: March 21 — April 19 Aries takes initiative and shows resourcefulness. This sign also exhibits an intense curiosity, which means that they aren’t afraid to take risks. They like the rush. On the flip side, they can be impulsive, lacking discpline in situations that demand it.
Previous dates: April 20 — May 20 Taurus, an Earth sign, is extremely hard working but also very sensual. However, there are some tendencies for Bulls to be stubborn, overly dominant, and sometimes lazy.
Previous dates: May 21 — June 20 You love to talk and because you are charming, people love listening to you. You’re constantly seeking to feed your intellect and open to learning from others, but when you don’t get this, you can begin to feel restless. When you get restless, you’re unable to finish projects.
Previous dates: June 21 — July 22 You love a sense of home and you also love your family. You are a devoted person with unrivaled patience and devotion. However, Cancer can sometimes be too intense or emotional for other signs.
Previous dates: July 23 — August 22 Oh, Leo, you already know that you lead the Zodiac. You are fiery and loyal, and everyone wants you on their team (and you love that they do). However, you can be a little short tempered, sensitive, and arrogant when in the shadows.
Previous dates: August 23 — September 22 You like everything in its place, not always in the standard sense. Sometimes Virgos have their own idea of what organization looks like. They are also very thoughtful and industrious. They believe in the power of actions over words and often won’t believe something until they see it. However, this sign is easily irritable and at times unresponsive as Virgos generally like to keep to themselves.
Previous dates: September 23 — October 22 As a Libra, you’re someone that values harmony and justice. You’re a friendly person and a good team player, and you also find beauty where others do not, which might turn you onto art. You have to admit, however, that there are times that you can be rather manipulative.
Previous dates: October 23 — November 21 If there’s anything anyone should know about you, it’s that you’re a fighter. You’re intense and passionate, which means you rarely ever quit. This same ferocity can lead to your destructiveness and ruthlessness in relationships, so be careful.
Previous dates: None Ophiuchus does not blindly follow authority, especially when it goes against your own idea of justice. When it comes to love and friendship, you are very empathetic and trustworthy. You’re also a sensual and passionate lover. The only thing you should look out for is yourself. As many sources say, ‘you are your own worst enemy’ because of the expectations you set for yourself.
Previous dates: November 22 – December 21 Everyone loves to be around you. You are always down for a good adventure. The efforts you put into your relationships and work are always sincere. For better or for worse, you are one of the most unpredictable signs.
