Another member of the Zodiac? It couldn’t be! As it turns out, your true zodiac sign might be different than what you think.
While there are many who refuse to partake in the sketchy, mysterious world of horoscopes, there are many more checking them like clockwork. If that’s you, you know who you are.
Some people don’t take astrology seriously, but other people treat it like it’s a part of the news cycle.
For those asking people what their traditional zodiac sign is in hopes of getting better acquainted, we have some bad news for you: you’ve been misinformed! And no, it’s not because a skeptic is coming out to say horoscopes are completely full of it (contain your excitement, cynics).
It’s because science has found that the majority of people have been wrong about which constellation they were born under, which probably has a lot to do with the fact that there’s a 13th zodiac sign.
What’s your real zodiac sign? Without further warning, here is an updated list of your true sign according to birth dates:
January 21 – February 16, you are actually a CAPRICORN
February 17 – March 12, you are actually an AQUARIUS
March 13 – April 18, you are actually a PISCES
April 19 – May 14, you are actually an ARIES
May 15 – June 21, you are actually a TAURUS
June 22 – July 20, you are actually a GEMINI
July 21 – August 10, you are actually a CANCER
August 11– September 16, you are actually a LEO
September 17 – October 31, you are actually a VIRGO
November 1 – November 23, you are actually a LIBRA
November 24 – November 29, you are actually a SCORPIO
November 30 – December 18, you are actually an OPHIUCHUS (Boom! Go you! New horoscope!)
December 19 – January 20, you are actually a SAGITTARIUS
What is Ophiuchus?
In 2016, NASA blew everyone’s zodiac-loving minds after announcing that an astounding 86 percent of people were born under a different constellation to their star signs.
Where did we go wrong? Well, the Ancient Greeks put the star signs in place 2,000 years ago. Throughout time, the stars drifted due what’s known as the “wobbling effect” of the Earth, moon, and sun.
People went back and forth, wondering if they should honor the NASA article and consider Ophiuchus, the 13th zodiac sign. Or if they should just stick to the 12 astrological signs.
Zodiac signs are really up to your interpretation. They’re true if you want them to be, but personality testing is a lot different than science.
To account for this change, the birth signs are off by a month, and there is a thirteenth sign called Ophiuchus (off-ee-yoo-kus), which is the Latin name for “serpent bearer,” thus why Ophiuchus is usually depicted as a man holding a snake and represented by its nearby constellation, Serpens.
Many people think Ophiuchus is represented as a snake itself, rather than a man holding a snake.
Similar to every zodiac constellation, Ophiuchus was first recorded in the 2nd century by Ptolemy, a Greek astronomer. Ophiuchus can be found near the celestial equator in the southern sky.
Ophiuchus is often connected with images of healing, as snakes are associated with doctors. The constellation received this association with snakes because the Romans equated it with Asclepius, the god of medicine. Asclepius had seen one serpent treat another serpent with healing herbs and discovered the secret to immortality.
The Babylonians also associated Orphiuchus with serpents, relating it to another constellation, Nirah, a god whose body was often partly depicted with serpents.
Kepler’s Supernova, a Type la supernova, occurs in the constellation of Ophiuchus, which is in the Milky Way. In addition, Rasalhague is the brightest star in the Ophiuchus constellation. And at a distance of 5,500 light years, it is one of the nearest globular clusters to the center of the Galaxy.
Why is Ophiuchus not part of the Zodiac?
It’s believed that Ophiuchus was left out by astronomers because 12 zodiac signs are better to work with mathematically, since 360 degrees of the sky can be divided into 12. (Lazy much, astronomers?).
Zodiac signs also follow the 12-month calendar. And, in addition to that, Ophiuchus is a constellation, not an actual sign.
So, what are the real time frames for different sun signs? Try not to be too disappointed — we realize how attached you are to your current sign (especially those with tattoos pledging allegience).
Though it’s not technically part of the Zodiac, those with a birthday that falls in the dates of Ophiuchus (November 30–December 18) are said to be extremely curious.
These individuals have a good sense of humor but are hot-tempered, and are incredibly stubborn, meaning they won’t own up to their mistakes.
They’re also known to be the perfect balance of Scorpio and Sagittarius.
Nicole Weaver is a senior writer for Showbiz Cheat Sheet whose work has been featured in New York Magazine, Teen Vogue, and more.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally posted on April 2, 2015 and was updated with the latest information.
