Meet Ophiuchus: The “Forgotten” Zodiac Sign

Have you ever heard someone say there’s actually a thirteenth zodiac sign? That’s Ophiuchus, also called the “snake bearer.” It sits in the sky between Scorpio and Sagittarius. For most people, the idea of a new zodiac sign is shocking — does this mean your horoscope has changed?

Here’s the backstory. Thousands of years ago, the Babylonians created the zodiac. They wanted twelve signs to match the twelve months of the year, so they divided the Sun’s path into twelve equal parts. The problem? The Sun actually passes through thirteen constellations, including Ophiuchus. To keep things simple, they left it out.

In modern times, astronomers explained that the Earth’s axis slowly shifts over thousands of years, a process called precession. Because of this, the Sun’s position in the sky has moved compared to where it was long ago. That’s why, if we include Ophiuchus, the zodiac dates look very different:

Sign	Symbol	Old Dates	New Dates
Capricorn	♑	22 December – 20 January	January 20 – February 16
Aquarius	♒	20 January – 19 February	February 16 – March 11
Pisces	♓	19 February – 20 March	March 11 – April 18
Aries	♈	20 March – 20 April	April 18 – May 13
Taurus	♉	20 April – 21 May	May 13 – June 21
Gemini	♊	21 May – 21 June	June 21 – July 20
Cancer	♋	21 June – 23 July	July 20 – August 10
Leo	♌	23 July – 23 August	August 10 – September 16
Virgo	♍	23 August – 23 September	September 16 – October 30
Libra	♎	23 September – 23 October	October 30 – November 23
Scorpio	♏	23 October – 22 November	November 23 – November 29
Ophiuchus	⛎	—	November 29 – December 17
Sagittarius	♐	22 November – 22 December	December 17 – January 20

So yes, technically there are thirteen zodiac constellations. But don’t worry — most astrologers still stick with the classic twelve signs. For them, the zodiac is about symbolic meaning, not astronomy. Still, Ophiuchus is a fun reminder that the night sky has more secrets than we imagine.

Disclaimer: The information provided regarding is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Regulations and insurance products are subject to change. Consult licensed insurance professionals for guidance specific to your situation.

Emily Sterling

2025.09.17