What was once considered a cheesy pick-up line has become a hot topic, putting "What's your sign?" on people's lips once again.
Last week's report from the Minnesota Planetarium Society has many people up in arms over changes to the Zodiac sign. The report stated that due to the moon's gravitational pull on Earth, the alignment of the stars was repositioned by about a month. Since the Earth moved over time, its relation to the constellations changed, hence Zodiac signs would be altered.
But leading astrological experts say this won't change things at all. That's because Western astrology adheres to the tropical Zodiac, which is fixed to the seasons. The sidereal Zodiac, observed in the East, is the one affixed to constellations, and is thus the one that would change. Despite this, some astronomers are pushing this Eastern philosophy and attempting to add a 13th sign to our traditional Zodiac, Ophiuchus - the serpent, or serpent destroyer; I'm not too clear on that aspect yet. And don't ask me how to pronounce it!
If you chose to believe what a few American star experts want you to believe, your new Zodiac will look like this: Capricorn: Jan. 20 to Feb. 16; Aquarius: Feb. 16 to Mar. 11; Pisces: Mar. 11 to Apr. 18; Aries: Apr. 18 to May 13; Taurus: May 13 to June 21; Gemini: June 21 to July 20; Cancer: July 20 to Aug. 10; Leo: Aug. 10 to Sept. 16; Virgo: Sept. 16 to Oct. 30; Libra: Oct. 30 to Nov. 23; Scorpio: Nov. 23 to 29; Ophiuchus: Nov. 29 to Dec. 17; Sagittarius: Dec. 17 to Jan. 20.
If you were dismayed to discover that your sign has changed, you are not alone - judging by the outpouring of negative reactions about the astrological switch-up on Facebook, Twitter and at the local watering hole over the weekend. I'll admit that I too was a little disturbed at the thought of changing astrological signs. We tend to relate with our birth sign, whether we take any real stock into what it forecasts for us or not.
Over the years, I have come to identify with my water-bearer sign, Aquarius. Aquarian traits include honesty, loyalty and intellectualism, as well as egotism, detachment and stubbornness. Capricorns (my "new" sign), on the other hand, are said to be patient, responsible and driven, as well as pessimistic and unemotional - not like me at all!
Whether it's tropical or sidereal, the Zodiac is not meant for literal translation and should only be used as a guide or, at best, for entertainment.
