11 Facts About Ophiuchus, The 13th Zodiac Sign

Shocking news hit the internet, changing our understanding of celestial birth signs and meanings. The bombshell was revealed to be a 13th astrological sign called Ophiuchus — a man grasping a snake. Since its introduction, people have been asking questions about their own signs and trying to figure out what it all means. Luckily, you are about to read 11 facts about Ophiuchus, the 13th zodiac sign.

So where did this ~new~ sign come from? It turns out it's not new at all. Astrological signs were first introduced by Babylonians, and would correspond with the motion of the Earth around the sun. Because they had a 12 month calendar, the Babylonians ignored the 13th sign in order for everything to fit their design. This 12 sign system has been in place for the last 2,000 years — unchanged and not messed with. That is until NASA unintentionally dropped a bombshell on all of us in 2011 by mentioning A 13th sign, shifting the system around and affecting everyone's astrological signs. The internet was shocked, and then promptly forgot about it, and then for some reason, we all got up in arms about it this September.

But here's the thing: NASA is an organization dedicated to astronomy, not astrology, and they had no intention of making a ~stir~ with this. So before you start yelling at your computer screen, listen to what a NASA spokesperson Ria Misra has to say about the whole ordeal:

We didn’t change any Zodiac signs, we just did the math. The Space Place article was about how astrology is not astronomy, how it was a relic of ancient history, and pointed out the science and math that did come from observations of the night sky.

But hey, knowing the 13th astrological sign and the facts about it will be an amazing addition to a dinner conversation — not to mention very useful if you ever plan on being on Jeopardy. Here are the fast facts below:

1. The New Placement Of Ophiuchus Is On Nov. 29 through Dec. 17

If you are born between those dates you will now be referred to as an Ophiuchus, if you so choose — but more on that later. For those of us still going by the old calendar, this would be the spot usually relegated for Sagittarius or Scorpio.

2. Ophiuchus Is Not New

While most people believe that this is a new revelation, Ophiucus existed back when the Babylonians were first checking out the stars. They just chose to get rid of it so that the signs could fit their 12 month calendars based off of moon cycles. You can choose not to go by it, and keep your old sign.

3. Ophiuchus Does Not Have An Opposite

Every sign we have has an "opposite" sign, meaning that it is our least compatible. Ophiuchus doesn't have that.

4. Ophiuchus Cannot Experience Polarity

Because of the previous point, people that are of the Ophiuchus sign cannot experience Polarity, an opposition between signs that often drags both signs out of their comfort zones.

5. The Sign Falls Between Scorpio And Sagittarius

Which has caused a bit of a stir among Scorpios and Sagittariuses, because their birthdays usually put them in one or the other before Ophiuchus hit the scene.

6. Ophiuchus Folks Seek Knowledge And Wisdom

Now you can brag that you were definitely supposed to be sorted into Ravenclaw.

7. You Also Have A Flamboyant Sense Of Style

People lucky enough to be born under the Ophiuchus sign must be used to getting noticed for their dope appearance. I guess it's time to find myself a friend born under this sign.

8. Ophiuchus's Luck Number Is 12

This doesn't mean that I am recommending you go on a gambling spree, but you might want to ask for a promotion on that date.

9. Ophiuchus Is A Snake Handler

In both Greek and Babylonian texts, the constellation was depicted either as or involving snakes. Maybe you have a little Slytherin blood in you after all ...

10. Some Famous People Are Ophiuchi

Famous people who include Britney Spears, Taylor Swift, Jay-Z, Lucy Liu and Billy Idol. Not bad company to keep!

11. Ophiucus Does Not Have An Element

Unlike the other signs that have elements such as fire, water, air, earth — Ophiuchus doesn't have one. I guess this means you can just assign one to yourself. I'm picking fire.

Images: Rico Lee / EyeEm/EyeEm/Getty Images, Giphy (5)