Zodiac Change 2011 : Astrological Rumour about 13th Zodiac Sign creates crisis

Friday's media hype about Ophiuchus, “the new 13th Zodiac Sign,” sent folks spinning into an astrological identity crisis. It all began when astronomy professor Parke Kunkle of Minneapolis Community and Technical College told the Minneapolis Star- Tribune that as the earth and the sun slowly move the signs gradually change.

The change didn’t happen overnight. Almost 3,000 years ago, when astrology began the 12 signs were designated to different periods of the year. Since then the earth’s position in relation to the sun has changed.

The world media picked up Kunkle’s comment and reported that the sign many people were born under may now be different.

Soon there was absolute panic on Internet: The predominant sentiment was that our understanding of the zodiac is off by about a month and that people have been identifying themselves with the wrong sign.

People might think they are Pisces (compassionate, imaginative), but often they are really an Aquarius (witty, clever); and so on and so forth. Or maybe, if you were born between November 29 and December 17, you’re actually a strange new zodiac sign: Ophiuchus, the serpent holder.

“ If my zodiac symbol has been changed to a Libra, what am I supposed to do with my Scorpio tattoo?” read one tweet.

So what is the truth? Explained an expert putting the controversy in perspective: Astrology is based on the four seasons, not on constellations — and the seasons don’t change. There are four seasons, each with a beginning, middle and end, which adds up to 12 zodiac signs. There is no 13th astrological sign. Period.

In other words, your horoscope sign hasn’t changed. If you were a Gemini yesterday, you’re still a Gemini today - don’t worry, you’ll never wake up a Taurus. Meanwhile, the astronomer who began the whole ordeal, has also come out to clarify that he never contended that Ophiuchus ought to be added to the existing list of 12 signs.