Sheilagh’s Question: Who the heck is Ophiuchus?
I’m surprised you’ve never heard of the constellation of Ophiuchus, Sheilagh. Ever since I’ve been an astrologer, every few years when they have nothing better to do, the media decide to indulge in a bit of Sun Sign astrology-bashing.They announce that astrology has been totally discredited by the existence of a thirteenth sign, ie Ophiuchus, the serpent bearer.
Here is a fairly mild offering: ( note the misspelling of Sagittarius….) http://newsfeed.time.com/2011/01/13/ophiuchus-what-all-saggitarius-and-capricorns-need-to-know-about-their-new-zodiac/
Now, here are some astronomical facts:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ophiuchus
Ophiuchus is one of thirteen constellations that cross the ecliptic. It has therefore been called the ’13th sign of the zodiac’. However, this confuses sign with constellation.
The signs of the zodiac are a twelve-fold division of the ecliptic , ie the 360 degree great circle in the heavens against which the planets are plotted in their orbital paths.Each sign spans 30° of that great circle, approximately the distance the Sun travels in a month, and (in the Western tradition) is aligned with the seasons so that the March equinox falls on the boundary between Aries and Pisces.
Constellations, on the other hand, are unequal in size and are based on the positions of the stars. The constellations of the zodiac have only a loose association with the signs of the zodiac, and do not in general coincide with them. In Western astrology the constellation of Aquarius, for example, largely corresponds to the sign of Pisces. Similarly, the constellation of Ophiuchus occupies most of the sign of Sagittarius.
So now you know!
AND – New visitors and Followers out there! Do drop by with your observations….. and, of course, your Questions….on any astrological topic.
Zodiac
250 words copyright Anne Whitaker 2013
Licensed under Creative Commons – for conditions see Home Page of Writing from the Twelfth House
Astrology: Questions and Answers 
Basically 20 years of semi-disconnect from that other life, I am sometimes amused to find that I am part of a small number of people still in the dark regarding random information. I remember reading a magazine while on the flight back to the USA, and the author stated, “If you happen to be one of the ____ (ten?) people who has not watched a Survivor episode….” and I thought, “Survivor?”
I was a little happy to know (later) that my interests were elsewhere.
This article made me straighten my back as a quizzical expression crossed my face. “Ophiuchus?”
Being off line most of the time, it’s been a series of sessions to learn more. Thanks for the links, which of course led me to more — and I especially loved seeing those ancient illustrations… Here’s an example of where my searches took me! I was able to scroll thru the images, ah, lovely!
Your new photo is really nice.. it captures a wise woman who endures with a positive attitude – no matter what the challenges… You are a light to all! Love, Lisa
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What a lovely message, Lisa! Thank you so much for your kind words, I’m glad you enjoyed the varieties of information presented in the article. Looking forward to dropping in on you again soon, Anne 🌈
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