There have been many articles floating around on the internet since 2011, stating that there is a 13th astrological sign. These articles further explain that all those born under the sign Sagittarius are no longer Sagittarians, and that your true sign is now Ophiuchus. This is in fact not true. While many would be excited that a 2000-year-old art has added a new sign to the scheme, it simply does not work by the ancient science and art of astrology.
Science has long sought to debunk astrology and those who use it as a tool to help individuals on their path to self-empowerment. This tool has been created by the Gods in the beginning. This science was once required for all those who were going to practice medicine and herbalism, educate society and to be a contributing member of a ruling class. It was thought that those who understood the power of the stars held the key to the soul. This still remains true today.
Science cannot explain the concept of a soul or its progression throughout one’s life. It is for this reason that many scientists try to find ways to usurp the metaphysical community by adding in concepts or ideas such as “a new zodiac sign”. Frankly, who is NASA to re-establish the Zodiac? They did not create it, nor did the organization exist 2000 years ago when the Egyptians and Grecians established the rules by which astrology is known today. The ancient Babylonians were the first to understand and use astrology. Prior to this knowledge, they used animal organs to predict the future, explain events and educate those that were to be privy to this information. When they looked into the cosmos they formulated an art and science through the relation of patterns and energies that were presented. This helped them to gain a new understanding of society. The twelve signs that were established in this day are the same, and have not changed.
When studying astrology, there are core concepts, elements and modes which and brought together through a Universal balance. Each sign in the zodiac has a partner, or opposite energetic relationship; Aires/Libra, Taurus/Scorpio, Gemini/Sagittarius, Cancer/Capricorn, Leo/Aquarius and Virgo/Pisces. These pairings create a karmic axis of personal growth and understanding. If you were to add another sign into the mix, the balance would no longer exist. The 13th sign would not have an opposite, nor would it align with the proper numerical balance within the astrological chart.
There are four elements that divide evenly among the signs creating their elemental energies; Fire (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius), Earth (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn), Air (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) and Water (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces). It is important to note that the numbers three and four are very powerful in astrology. If a sign were to be added, it would disrupt the numerical harmony that exists. What element is Ophiuchus and what mode would it be? How would this sign be classified or assigned within the standard archetypes that have been handed down through the ages?
A similar situation occurred when the scientific community no longer recognized Pluto as a planet in our solar system. The astrological community still recognized and continues to embrace the energetic presence of Pluto, as these planetary energies help guide us through life. This can be seen with the addition of Uranus which represents the energies of liberation and freedom in society. This occurred when it was viewed in the sky between 1750 and 1769, right before the liberation and independence of America from Brittan. Being completely understood in 1781 as a new planet, this energy changed the way things were to be in years to come. As planets are discovered, they indicate the type of energy that is being experienced during the time. The Signs are the environment or the lens in which the planets are viewed. The resonance of the planets is directly associated with the astrological signs, and creates an energy and vibration that is Universally harmonious. There is no planet that is directly associated with the sign Ophiuchus. The twelve signs of the zodiac have a direct relationship to the planets of our solar system, which will enhance and connect them together.
I completely embrace new ideas and concepts associated with astrology. We are a community of one on this planet. We also need to understand that as we progress and change, so do the energies we use in astrology. However, the twelve astrological signs are THE signs. They are the filter in which the planets use to express themselves. The only thing in astrology that changes is the direction one wants to go with their life. Nasa claiming to add another sign to an ancient art might seem like a bold and refreshing change to the astrological community. But in hindsight, this so-called change has caused confusion and does not truly align with the science and Universal laws of astrology throughout the ages and into the future.