Is that clear? Good. Let’s take it a step farther now. Four triplicities and three quadruplicities separate the twelve zodiac signs into sub-groups. Don’t worry if this appears a little perplexing; there’s a method to the madness. Fire Signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius), Earth Signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn), Air Signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius), and Water Signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) are the four zodiac sign elements, each with three zodiac signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces). Fire signs are passionate and energetic, earth signs are practical and grounded, air signs are intelligent and inquiring, and water signs are intuitive and emotional, to name a few characteristics.
In This Article...
What is the order of the 12 zodiac signs?
Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces are the 12 zodiac signs in order. Each zodiac sign has a symbol that dates back to Middle Ages Greek manuscripts. Let’s look at the zodiac symbols, constellations, and qualities in more detail.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
The ram is the constellation that represents Aries, the first of the twelve zodiac signs. You are adventurous, active, ambitious, and competitive if you were born under this sign. Aries are recognized for their agility and leadership abilities, as well as a tendency to be impetuous and blunt (due to the “fire” aspect).
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
Taurus is the second of the twelve zodiac signs, and the constellation Taurus represents it. You are dedicated, dependable, focused, and creative if you were born under this sign. Tauruses are noted for their intelligence, trustworthiness, and stubbornness (the sign is a bull, after all). Tauruses are notorious for questioning authority and seeking pleasure.
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
The constellation Gemini, which is made up of the twins Castor and Pollux, represents Gemini, the third of the twelve zodiac signs. You are energetic, expressive, intelligent, and playful if you were born under this sign. Geminis are recognized for their gregarious personalities and diverse interests, yet they have a (probably undeserved) reputation for being duplicitous.
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
The constellation Cancer, which is most typically pictured as a crab, represents Cancer, the fourth of the twelve zodiac signs. If you were born under this sign, you are brave, empathetic, protective, and perceptive. Cancers are noted for their tendency to be remote and passive-aggressive, as well as their caring nature.
Leo (July 23-August 22)
The lion is the constellation that represents Leo, the fifth of the twelve zodiac signs. You are vivacious, extroverted, and fiery if you were born under this sign. Leos are recognized for their warm personalities and great self-esteem, although they can be proud or jealous at times.
Virgo (August 23-September 22)
The virgin is the constellation that represents Virgo, the sixth of the twelve zodiac signs. You are practical, analytical, and sophisticated if you were born under this sign. Virgos are recognized for their generosity and meticulous attention to detail, yet they may also be introverted and have unrealistic expectations for themselves and their loved ones.
Libra (September 23-October 22)
The scales, the only inanimate constellation, represents Libra, the seventh of the twelve zodiac signs. You are thought to be balanced, social, and diplomatic if you were born under this sign. Libras are recognized for their selflessness and camaraderie, although they can be overly pragmatic and insecure at times.
Scorpio (October 23-November 21)
Scorpio is the eighth of the twelve zodiac signs, and it is symbolized by the scorpion constellation. You are loyal, resourceful, and dedicated if you were born under this sign. Scorpios are recognized for their boldness and pioneering spirit, but they may be abrasive and walled off to strangers.
Sagittarius (November 22-December 21)
The archer is the constellation that represents Sagittarius, the ninth of the twelve zodiac signs. If born under this sign, you’re considered to be optimistic, independent and intellectual. Sagittariuses are noted for their magnetic qualities and generosity, yet they can also be arrogant and direct.
Capricorn (December 22-January 19)
Capricorn is the tenth of the twelve zodiac signs, and it is symbolized by the sea goat constellation. If you were born under this sign, you are patient, hardworking, and disciplined. Capricorns are recognized for their tenacity and fondness for boundaries and regulations, but they may be stubborn and too concerned with perfection.
Aquarius (January 20-February 18)
Aquarius is the eleventh of the twelve zodiac signs, and it is symbolized by the water carrier constellation. If you were born under this sign, you are thought to be creative, loyal, and unique. Aquariuses are recognized for their rebellious temperament and ingenuity, but they can be aloof and unyielding with loved ones.
Pisces (February 19-March 20)
Pisces is the last of the twelve zodiac signs, and it is symbolized by the fishes constellation. You are intuitive, artistic, and sympathetic if you were born under this sign. Pisces are famed for their empathy and artistic abilities, yet they can also be overly sensitive or delusional.
How many different zodiac signs are there?
Each of the zodiac’s 12 astrological signs is said to occupy 1/12 (or 30) of its vast circle. These symbols no longer match to the astrological constellations where the Sun can be found.
Is the 22nd of October a Libra or a Scorpio?
The sun enters aquatic Scorpio on October 22 or 23, after spending a month in airy Libra. If your birthdate is within a few days of these dates, you may be classified as a Libra-Scorpio cusp.
Being born near one of the sun’s zodiacal ingresses doesn’t automatically make you a combination of two signs planets can only be in one zodiac sign at a time, so even if you were born in the last hour of Libra season, you’re still a Libra sun but it doesn’t rule out the possibility that someone born on the Libra-Scorpio cusp has a significant serving of both energies in their birth chart. Mercury and Venus are always near to the sun in the zodiac, therefore a Libra born in late October is likely to have some Scorpio planets in their horoscope (or vice versa for an October Scorpio). This could emerge as someone who possesses both Libra and Scorpio features, or what are known as Libra-Scorpio cusp characteristics.
All zodiac signs can feel the shifting energies when the sun transits through this section of the sky, regardless of whether they were born near the Libra-Scorpio cusp or not. As we begin our autumn trip, Libra season always begins on the day of the fall equinox, which aids us in finding balance and forming social ties. However, once the sun enters Scorpio, we tend to become more introspective, and the surface-level connections we had throughout Libra season have the potential to become more intimate and personal. Each planet’s journey through the zodiac depicts a journey, and in the case of the Libra-Scorpio cusp, this energy ushers us into the heart of autumn while asking us to create trust with those around us.
While being a cusp sign isn’t exactly an astrological idea, if you were born near the sun’s movement between the two signs, you can still have a lot of Libra and Scorpio zodiac energy in your chart. If that’s the case, knowing the Libra-Scorpio cusp attributes will help you make sense of your most distinctive characteristics.
Is Ophiuchus an uncommon species?
Aries is the second rarest zodiac sign, followed by Sagittarius, both of which are fire signs, according to Stardust. “Aries is the first sign of the zodiac,” Stardust explains, noting that this sign is known for having a spark of creativity that “gets everyone up and moving.” The third rarest zodiac sign, Sagittarius, “falls during the autumn season and is renowned to be adventurous and free-spirited,” according to Stardust.
Ophiuchus, who shall he marry?
I’m not directly touched by the rekindled dispute regarding Ophiuchus, the 13th zodiac sign, because I’m a proud (and predictably stubborn) Taurus. The sign, which lies between Scorpio and Sagittarius and encompasses those born between November 29 and December 17, is not universally accepted as a part of the official zodiac. However, learning about the sign’s history and the psychological attributes of Ophiuchus is fascinating. Most importantly, if you use astrology for love (and who doesn’t? ), you might be even more interested in how the Ophiuchus sign behaves in relationships and which signs are most and least compatible with them.
For those of you who were as perplexed as I was, Ophiuchus (pronounced Of-ee-You-Cus) means “serpent carrier” and represents a human being entwined with a snake ideal for all you Slytherins out there. Their personality is complex, and their ideal spouse is someone who can complement them and deal with some of their less desirable characteristics.
The most important aspect of a successful relationship with Ophiuchus, according to Wong, is respecting their need to be free and unbound, as well as their want to be appreciated. An Ophiuchus is best suited to someone who is intelligent but content in a “supporting role.” “The perfect spouse shouldn’t require as much praise and should have inner confidence to complement what an Ophiuchus can offer,” she says. “Like the crew of a movie that shines a light on the star, the perfect partner needs to be a solid backbone for the partnership.”
If you’re wondering if you and an Ophiuchus are a good match, these are the five most compatible signs for the serpent bearer.
Pisces (February 19 – March 20)
Because they’re both creative daydreamers, the Neptune-ruled Pisces is the ideal match for Ophiuchus. Pisces is a sign that puts their heart and soul into their relationships and loves to play a more supportive role, which is a good match for Ophiuchus’ romantic requirements. These are two signs, according to Wong, who can easily express their emotions and feelings. “More than that, both signs are easygoing when it comes to adapting to new situations,” she adds, “so they’d be fantastic together in times of change.”
Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)
Capricorn, a realistic, goal-oriented, and ambitious sign, would get along swimmingly with Ophiuchus. They’re both intellectually ambitious, hardworking, and competitive in their professional and personal lives, according to Wong. When one of you needs to put in extra time at work, both partners will be understanding and supportive, because they understand that some things are required in order to reach your goals. Capricorn has no objections to Ophiuchus spending time for themselves, but will gladly listen to their complaints if they need someone to listen. Capricorn will be a grounding influence for Ophiuchus if they are in one of their moods. These two appear to be a well-balanced power pair.
Ophiuchus (November 29 to December 17)
When it comes to love, not every zodiac sign can effectively date another zodiac sign. After all, your worst characteristics will almost certainly be reflected back to you. Wong, on the other hand, believes that a couple with two Ophiuchus signs would have a lot of fun together. “Because an Ophiuchus is always looking for pleasure, it seems logical that they are particularly compatible with their type, especially when traveling,” she explains.
Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
Cancer is no exception for Ophiuchus, who seems to perform well with sensitive Water signs. Cancer and Ophiuchus, according to Wong, are a wonderful match because both are devoted and possessive signs. “The latter trait can verge on jealousy at times,” Wong explains. “It does, however, prepare the way for physical and emotional fulfillment, both of which are essential components of a healthy partnership.” Cancer, like Pisces, is content to perform the supporting role, which Ophiuchus values much in a mate. Overall, Cancer and Ophiuchus are a solid match because Cancer will make Ophiuchus feel at ease, while Ophiuchus will make Cancer feel needed.
Libra (September 23 – October 22)
“Libras – a gentle combination of Capricorn and Pisces are intellectuals, creative thinkers, and art enthusiasts, therefore Ophiuchus and Libras complement each other well,” Wong explains. They’ll hit it off immediately away and have enthralling discussions that will last for hours. Ophiuchus and Libra both have a “a desire to go to new locations and explore the unknown.” Another relationship-oriented sign, Libra, is obsessed with keeping their spouse happy. Libra will provide space for Ophiuchus if they require it. Libra is more than happy to reassure them and shower them with attention if they need it. These two signals are likely to begin as friends before moving on to a more romantic level.
What is the appearance of Ophiuchus?
Were you born between the 30th of November and the 18th of December?
On your birthday, the sun will most likely pass in front of the constellation Ophiuchus the Serpent Bearer.
I’m almost expecting to hear someone say:
You’re entirely correct. That’s because Ophiuchus is a zodiac constellation, not a sign. Continue reading to learn more about the differences between astrological signs and astronomical constellations, when and where to look for Ophiuchus, the deep-sky gems it holds, its mythology, science, and more.
Signs versus constellations
On August and September evenings, the Serpent Bearer stands tall in the south to southwest sky from Northern Hemisphere latitudes. Ophiuchus is closer to above from the Southern Hemisphere. Antares, the brightest red star in the constellation Scorpius the Scorpion, is also close by.
The International Astronomical Union (IAU) drew up the official boundary lines for all 88 constellations in the 1930s. Rasalhague, Ophiuchus’ brightest star, and Antares, Scorpius’ brightest star, are labeled in the photo below of the constellation Ophiuchus. Rasalhague is a bright star that marks Ophiuchus’ head, although it pales in comparison to Antares, the star that depicts the Scorpion’s beating heart.
Ophiuchus is in a bad way. Despite the fact that the ecliptic passes through him, no one ever claims him as a birth sign. After all, the zodiac band stretches 8 degrees north and south of the ecliptic, with a total width of 16 degrees. The constellations aren’t evenly distributed along this area in our sky, either. Everyone who reads astrological advice online is familiar with the zodiac signs. There are 12 zodiac signs: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, and so forth. However, there is no Ophiuchus.
However, the moon and planets pass through Ophiuchus on a regular basis. Likewise, the sun. From roughly November 30 to December 18, the sun is in front of Ophiuchus.
Around November 21, or anytime the sun is exactly 30 degrees west of the December solstice point, the sun is said to enter the sign of Sagittarius. On the December 21 solstice, the sun enters the sign of Capricorn. So, regardless of the sun shining in front of the constellation Ophiuchus from November 30 to December 18, the sun passes through the sign Sagittarius for the month leading up to the December solstice.
The December solstice point, by the way, travels one degree westward in front of the zodiacal constellations or backdrop stars every 72 years or so. By the year 2269, the December solstice point will have finally moved into the constellation Ophiuchus.
When and where to locate Ophiuchus
Summer in the Northern Hemisphere is the ideal time to see Ophiuchus (Southern Hemisphere winter). Late July and early August in the Northern Hemisphere show this constellation high in the southern sky during twilight and early evening. On fall evenings in the Northern Hemisphere, it can be visible in the southwest sky.
This relatively large constellation lies to the north of Scorpius the Scorpion and to the south of Hercules the Hero in the sky. If you’re familiar with the brightest star in Scorpius, Antares, try star-hopping to Ophiuchus from this crimson beauty. The star Rasalhague appears on Ophiuchus’ skull (Alpha Ophiuchi).
In tradition and in the sky, Ophiuchus is associated with the Serpent constellation.
If you have a dark sky, you might notice that this is one constellation that looks exactly how it should: a large man holding a snake.
Ophiuchus is derived from two Greek words that signify serpent and holding.
Deep-sky objects in Ophiuchus
Take your binoculars and scan Ophiuchus, which lies in the Milky Way band and has numerous deep-sky wonders, on a night when the moon isn’t visible. For example, Ophiuchus has a lot of globular clusters. M10 and M12 are the two simplest globular clusters to see with conventional binoculars, as seen in the chart above. They seem as weak puffs of light via binoculars, but with a telescope, you can see these globular clusters for what they are. They’re massive stellar metropolis with hundreds of thousands of stars that span a hundred to a few hundred light-years in diameter.
The Pipe Nebula, a massive interstellar cloud of gas and dust spreading across nearly 7 degrees of sky, is another big deep-sky favorite. That’s about the width of three to four fingers at arm’s length. This dark nebula is located in southern Ophiuchus at a distance of 600 to 700 light-years and can be viewed with the naked eye in a dark, transparent sky. The Pipe Nebula is located to the east of Antares and to the north of Shaula and Lesath. The above chart shows these two stars (but not the Pipe Nebula).
Ophiuchus in myth and star lore
Ophiuchus represents Asclepius, the Greek deity of medicine and doctors, in Greek mythology. He is always shown with a large serpent or snake in his hand. A snake’s venom can either kill or cure, depending on how it’s utilized. Asclepius is claimed to have manufactured a healing elixir from Serpens the Serpent’s venom, Gorgon’s blood, and an unknown herb. Until the god of the underworld, Pluto, appealed to the king of the gods, this potion granted humanity immortality. Pluto urged Zeus to rethink the consequences of death’s death.
We have no idea how Pluto made his case. Maybe he just said that what never lives never dies, and that no mortal can have one without the other. Sophocles may have summed up the myth’s core theme when he said:
It is preferable to die and sleep the never-waking slumber than to live after the soul’s life has passed.
In his Four Quartets, poet T.S. Eliot may have mirrored the notion of the ever-living story:
In any case, according to legend, Zeus seized the elixir, exiled Asclepius from Earth, and enshrined the great physician in the celestial realms. The Staff of Asclepius, which represents the World Health Organization and other medical organizations, pays homage to this legend and reflects the powerful celestial shape of Ophiuchus the Serpent Bearer.
Ophiuchus in history and science
A supernova explosion of a star within our own Milky Way galaxy hasn’t been seen in almost 400 years. However, in the year 1604, a supernova known as Kepler’s Supernova blasted into the scene, allowing for 18 months of naked-eye sight. It sparkled in the southern hemisphere of Ophiuchus, not far from the Pipe Nebula.
Tycho’s Supernova, which lighted up Cassiopeia in 1572, was followed by Kepler’s Supernova in 1604. The Aristotelian notion of an unchangeable world outside the orbit of the moon was shattered by these supernovae, which sent shock waves through Europe’s elite. Tycho Brahe measured the 1572 supernova’s parallax, proving that it was not an atmospheric phenomenon. In reality, the supernova flashed well beyond the orbit of the moon. Shortly after, in 1604, Kepler’s Supernova seemed to hammer home the point once more.
Furthermore, in 1577, Tycho Brahe estimated the distance of a comet and discovered that it was also farther away than the moon. Aristotelians wanted to believe comets were gases burning in the atmosphere, but Tycho disproved Aristotle’s unchanging universe theory once more.
Bottom line: For nearly two weeks each year, the sun passes through the constellation Ophiuchus the Serpent Bearer, making Ophiuchus an unofficial member of the zodiac. Learn the difference between astrological signs and astronomy constellations, as well as how to find Ophiuchus.