The constellation is referred to as the one that winds in loops in Marcus Manilius’ astrological poem: “However, the serpent turns around and returns, bending its flexible neck as the other’s hands go over the uncoiling coils. Since they are fighting on equal grounds with equal power, the battle will go on forever “. In a later section of his poem, he claims that Ophiuchus’ astrological influence grants affinity with snakes and immunity to poisons when the constellation is in its rising phase “For those born under him, he makes serpent shapes harmless. They will kiss these venomous monsters and receive snakes within the folds of their flowing robes without suffering any harm “. Ras Alhague (Ophiuchi), “the bright star of Ophiuchus,” was connected to doctors, healers, and physicians by a later fourth-century astrologer known as Anonymous of 379. This correlation may have been made because to the connection between poisons and medications.
Since at least the 1970s, claims that there are “13 astrological signs” because “the Sun is in the sign of Ophiuchus” between November 30 and December 18 have been made based on the 1930 IAU constellation borders.
Ophiuchus (December 6 to December 31) and Cetus (May 12 to June 6) were added as new signs in Steven Schmidt’s Astrology 14 in 1970, which promoted a 14-sign zodiac.
Walter Berg adopted the concept inside sidereal astrology in the 20th century and wrote a book titled The 13 Signs of the Zodiac (1995).
The idea of “the 13th zodiac sign Ophiuchus” made headlines in the popular news, and it was reiterated in a statement made by Parke Kunkle, an astronomer at the Minnesota Planetarium Society, in January 2011.
In This Article...
Ophiuchus: Is this a rare sign?
Aries and Sagittarius, both fire signs, are the second and third most uncommon zodiac signs, respectively, according to Stardust.
Stardust claims that Aries is the first sign of the zodiac and that this sign is known for having an inspirational jolt that “gets everyone going and moving. The third-rarest sign of the zodiac, Sagittarius, “falls during the autumn season and are renowned to be adventurous and free-spirited,” according to Stardust.
Why is the zodiac sign Ophiuchus uncommon?
Ophiuchus, one of the largest constellations not typically linked to a zodiac sign, is undoubtedly genuine in the sense that it is a constellation. Ophiuchus was a real entity, but the Babylonians who constructed the zodiac didn’t include it because they only wanted 12 constellations that would correspond with the 12 months of the year, according to a recent explanation from NASA. Additionally, not all constellations are regarded as zodiac signs, as Stephanie Gailing, an astrologer and the author of The Complete Book of Dreams, notes.
While there have been instances of astrologers using Ophiuchus, the method of astrology that is currently in use and that has been around for centuries, featuring the 12 signs, has been proven to be valid and effective, according to Gailing. It’s an elegant system that has shown to provide elegant insights over time.
How does Ophiuchus appear?
Northwest of the Milky Way’s nucleus, between Aquila, Serpens, Scorpius, Sagittarius, and Hercules, is Ophiuchus. Between Sagittarius to the east and Scorpius to the west is where the southern portion is located. It is most noticeable in the summer in the northern hemisphere. It stands against Orion. In the image of Ophiuchus, a man holding a serpent, Serpens Caput and Serpens Cauda are separated from the Serpens constellation by the man’s body. Ophiuchus is an equatorial constellation having most of its surface in the southern hemisphere. Its brightest star, Rasalhague, is located at approximately +12 30 declination close to Ophiuchus’ northern boundary. The constellation reaches 30 declination in the south. Ophiuchus contains portions of the ecliptic that are south of 20 declination.
What is the background to Ophiuchus?
The ties between the Greek gods were complicated and unstable. As an illustration, consider the legend surrounding Ophiuchus, a constellation that can be seen on June evenings low in the eastern sky.
Ophiuchus, the god of medicine and the son of the god Apollo, stood in for Asclepius in ancient Greece.
According to one version of this tale, Asclepius used his staff to kill a snake. The dead snake was revived by some herbs that a different snake dropped on it. The son of King Minos was then raised to life by Asclepius using those plants.
Fewer people were entering the underworld since Asclepius’ business was doing so well. The deity of the afterlife, Hades, then protested to Zeus, the ruler of the gods. Then a lightning strike from Zeus smote Asclepius to death.
Apollo, though, didn’t like that. Zeus put Asclepius in the skies to placate him. These stars are today referred to as Ophiuchus, the serpent-bearer. He appears to have a snake around his waist. The narrative of Ophiuchus is represented by a pair of snakes wrapped around a staff, which is the symbol for contemporary medicine.
As night falls, keep an eye out for the serpent bearer low in the east and southeast. The stars there are dim. However, when the sky is dark, they take on the shape of an old coffee pot that is on its side in the early evening and upright in the late evening.
Rasalhague, the “head of the snake carrier,” is the constellation’s brightest star and is located at the top of the coffee pot.
Ophiuchusis he a god?
In Greek mythology, Ophiuchus stands in for Asclepius, the god of medicine. Apollo’s son Asclepius was instructed by the centaur Chiron. Hades was concerned when he discovered how to raise the dead.
Whom ought Ophiuchus to wed?
I’m not personally impacted by the increased discussion surrounding Ophiuchus, the thirteenth zodiac sign, as I’m a proud (and predictably stubborn) Taurus. Not all people agree that the sign, which spans those born between November 29 and December 17, is a component of the recognized zodiac. It is between the signs of Scorpio and Sagittarius. However, learning about the background of the sign and the psychological traits of Ophiuchus is still fascinating. Most importantly, you could be even more interested in learning about the Ophiuchus sign’s characteristics in relationships and which signs are most and least compatible with them if you utilize astrology for love (because who doesn’t?).
For all you Slytherins out there, Ophiuchus (pronounced Of-ee-You-Cus, for those of you who were as baffled as I was) literally means “serpent bearer” and represents a human being entangled with a snake. They have a complex personality, and their ideal mate is (naturally) someone who can balance them out and put up with some of their less desirable characteristics.
Wong asserts that the key to a successful connection with Ophiuchus is to respect their need for praise as well as their want to feel unrestricted and free. The ideal spouse shouldn’t need as much praise and should have inner confidence to improve what an Ophiuchus can offer, according to her, and should be intelligent but content in a “supporting role.” “Like the cast of a movie that highlights the actor, the perfect spouse must provide a solid foundation for the partnership.
The five signs that get along best with an Ophiuchus are listed below in case you’re wondering if you would be a good match.
Pisces (February 19 – March 20)
Ophiuchus and the amorous Pisces, which Neptune rules, complement each other beautifully since they are both imaginative daydreamers. The needs of Ophiuchus in a romantic relationship are well suited for Pisces, who gives their all to partnerships and prefers to play a more supportive role. Wong claims that these two signals are able to communicate their feelings and emotions with ease. Furthermore, she adds, “both signals are adaptable to different contexts, so they would work well together at times of change.
Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)
Ophiuchus and Capricorn would get along great since Capricorn is a realistic, goal-oriented, and ambitious sign. Wong claims that both of them are motivated by ideas, dedicated workers, and competitors in both their professional and personal life. Because they are aware that some things are necessary to accomplish your goals, both partners will be sympathetic and understanding when one spouse needs to put in extra hours at work. While Capricorn has no issue with Ophiuchus spending time for themselves, they will gladly assist them if they require a sympathetic ear to vent to. Capricorn will act as a stabilizing force if Ophiuchus enters one of their moods. These two have all the ingredients for a successful power marriage.
Ophiuchus (November 29 to December 17)
Not all zodiac signs are compatible with one another when it comes to romantic relationships. After all, your negative characteristics are likely to reflect back to you. Wong, however, believed that a pair with two Ophiuchus signs would get along quite well. An Ophiuchus is constantly looking for amusement, therefore it stands to reason that they would get along well with others of their type, especially when traveling, she claims.
Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
Cancer is another delicate Water sign that Ophiuchus seems to handle rather well. Wong asserts that because both Cancer and Ophiuchus are possessive and devoted signs, they complement one another well. “The latter characteristic occasionally borders on envy,” claims Wong. However, it opens the door for both the physical and emotional fulfillment that are essential to a happy relationship. Ophiuchus truly loves a spouse who, like Pisces, is content to play the supporting role. Overall, it’s an excellent match since Cancer will make Ophiuchus feel comfortable and needed, and vice versa.
Libra (September 23 – October 22)
“According to Wong, Ophiuchus and Libra are excellent partners since they are both intellectuals, creative thinkers, and art enthusiasts. Wong describes Libra as a gentle blend of Capricorn and Pisces. They’ll get along immediately away and engage in long-lasting, fascinating chats. Libra and Ophiuchus share a “a desire to explore the unknown and find new locations. Another relationship-focused sign that is obsessed with keeping their partner happy is Libra. Libra will give Ophiuchus any room they need. Libra is more than glad to show them love if they need someone to reassure them. Most likely, these two signs would begin as friends before developing a more passionate relationship.
What is the spirit animal of Ophiuchus?
You were born between November 30 and December 18, right?
If so, your birthdate likely coincides with the sun crossing in front of Ophiuchus, the Serpent Bearer.
I nearly hear someone say right now:
You are 100 percent correct. This is due to Ophiuchus being a constellation rather than a zodiac sign. Continue reading to learn more about the differences between astrological signs and astronomical constellations, how to find Ophiuchus, when and where to look for it, some of the deep-sky gems it holds, as well as its mythology and science.
Signs versus constellations
The Serpent Bearer is seen in the south to southwest on August and September evenings from latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere. Ophiuchus is higher overhead in the Southern Hemisphere. The bright red star Antares, the brightest star in the Scorpion constellation, is also close by.
The International Astronomical Union (IAU) drew the official boundaries for each of the 88 constellations in the 1930s. Rasalhague, the brightest star in Ophiuchus, and Antares, the brightest star in Scorpius, are identified in the image below of the constellation Ophiuchus. Despite not being as bright as Antares, the star that represents the Scorpion’s beating heart, Rasalhague denotes the head of Ophiuchus.
Ophiuchus is poor. Despite the fact that the ecliptic also crosses him, no one ever claims him as their birth sign. After all, the zodiacal belt spans a total of 16 degrees in breadth and extends about 8 degrees north and south of the ecliptic. Additionally, along this area in our sky, the constellations are not properly spaced out. All readers of online astrological guidance are aware with the signs of the zodiac. There are 12 well-known zodiac signs, including Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, and others. No Ophiuchus, though.
However, the moon and planets do frequently move within Ophiuchus’ borders. The sun also does this. From roughly November 30 to December 18 of every year, the sun is in front of Ophiuchus.
Around November 21, or anytime the sun is precisely 30 degrees west of the December solstice point, the sun is said to enter the sign of Sagittarius. On the solstice of December 21, the sun then moves into the sign of Capricorn. In spite of the sun beaming in front of the constellation Ophiuchus from November 30 to December 18, the sun moves through the sign of Sagittarius during the month before and up to the December solstice.
By the way, it takes around 72 years for the December solstice point to travel one degree westward in front of the zodiacal constellations or backdrop stars. This indicates that by the year 2269, the December solstice point will eventually enter the constellation of Ophiuchus.
When and where to locate Ophiuchus
Summer in the Northern Hemisphere is the ideal season to view Ophiuchus (Southern Hemisphere winter). This constellation can be seen high in the southern sky at dusk and early evening from the Northern Hemisphere in late July and early August. On autumnal evenings in the Northern Hemisphere, it can be visible in the southwest sky.
The region of the sky north of the constellation Scorpius the Scorpion and south of the constellation Hercules the Hero is occupied by this relatively big constellation. Try star-hopping to Ophiuchus from this crimson gem of a star if you are familiar with Antares, the brightest star in Scorpius. The star Rasalhague designates the head of Ophiuchus (Alpha Ophiuchi).
In mythology and in the sky, Ophiuchus is associated with the Serpent constellation.
This constellation, which depicts a large man holding a snake, may be visible if your sky is clear and dark.
The Greek words for serpent and holding are the origin of the name Ophiuchus.
Deep-sky objects in Ophiuchus
Take your binoculars on a moonless night and use them to scan Ophiuchus, which is close to the Milky Way’s band and offers numerous deep-sky wonders. For instance, Ophiuchus features a large number of globular clusters. According to the accompanying figure, M10 and M12 are the two globular clusters that are the most straightforward to see with common binoculars. When viewed via a telescope, these globular clusters start to take on the appearance of feeble puffs of light that they appear to be through binoculars. They are enormous stellar cities with a diameter of 100300 light years that are seething with tens of thousands of stars.
The Pipe Nebula, a huge interstellar cloud of gas and dust that spans roughly 7 degrees of sky, is another prominent deep-sky favorite. That is around the width of three to four fingers when held at arm’s length. This dark nebula can be seen with the unassisted eye in a pitch-black, clear sky at a distance of 600700 light-years in southern Ophiuchus. The Pipe Nebula is located directly east of Antares and directly north of Shaula and Lesath. The above graphic displays these two stars but not the Pipe Nebula.
Ophiuchus in myth and star lore
Ophiuchus is thought to be the sky god Asclepius, the Greek deity of medicine and physicians. He is consistently shown clutching a large serpent or snake. And a snake’s venom can either kill or heal, depending on how it is applied. According to legend, Asclepius created a healing elixir with the venom of Serpens the Serpent, Gorgon’s blood, and an unidentified herb. Up until Pluto, the god of the underworld, made a request to the ruler of the gods, this elixir granted people access to immortality. Zeus was prompted to reevaluate the effects of the death of death by Pluto.
We don’t really understand Pluto’s appeal. Maybe what he meant to say was that no mortal can have one without the other and that nothing that never lives never dies. The inherent moral of the narrative may have been best summed up by Sophocles who said:
Better to pass away and experience the never-ending sleep than to continue living when the soul has passed away.
The poet T.S. Eliot may have repeated the idea of the eternal story in his Four Quartets:
We pass away with the dead:
The dead are born with us:
In any case, Asclepius was banished from Earth and placed in the starry heavens by Zeus, who also allegedly seized the potion. The World Health Organization’s and other medical organizations’ Staff of Asclepius insignia pays homage to this tale and mirrors the impressive celestial form of the constellation Ophiuchus the Serpent Bearer.
Ophiuchus in history and science
Within our own Milky Way galaxy, a supernova explosion of a star has not been observed in more over 400 years. However, a supernova known as Kepler’s Supernova erupted in the year 1604, being visible to the human eye for 18 months. It glowed not too distant from the Pipe Nebula in southern Ophiuchus.
Tycho’s supernova in Cassiopeia in 1572 was followed closely by Kepler’s supernova in 1604. The European intelligentsia, which strongly believed in the Aristotelian idea of an unchangeable world outside the circle of the moon, was shocked by these supernovae. Tycho Brahe measured the parallax of the supernova in 1572, establishing that it was not an atmospheric occurrence. The supernova actually shined well beyond the moon’s orbit. Shortly after, Kepler’s Supernova in 1604 seemed to make the argument crystal clear once more.
Tycho Brahe also discovered that a comet was further away than the moon when he estimated its distance in 1577. The idea of Aristotle’s unchangeable universe was again put to the test by Tycho, who refuted the Aristotelians’ desire to think that comets were gases burning in the atmosphere.
Conclusion: Ophiuchus, the Serpent Bearer, is a fictitious member of the zodiac because the sun passes through its borders for about two weeks out of every year. Find out how to find Ophiuchus and the differences between astrological signs and astronomy constellations.
What color is Ophiuchus’ zodiac sign?
The name Rasalhague, which translates to “Head of the Snake Charmer” in Arabic, is another name for the star. The knees of Ophiuchus are marked by two stars, Eta Ophiuchi and Zeta Ophiuchi, a hot blue giant with a reddish tint brought on by interstellar dust.
How far away from Earth is Ophiuchus?
With a surface area of 948 square degrees, Ophiuchus is the 11th biggest constellation in the sky. One of the fifteen equatorial constellations is it. It can be viewed at latitudes between +80 and -80 and is situated in the third quadrant of the southern hemisphere (SQ3). Aquila, Hercules, Libra, Sagittarius, Scorpius, and Serpens are the nearby constellations.
Rasalhague, Alpha Ophiuchi, the brightest star in the constellation, has an apparent magnitude of 2.08. The Ophiuchids, Theta Ophiuchids, Northern May Ophiuchids, and Southern May Ophiuchids are the four meteor showers connected to the constellation.
Along with Aquila, Ara, Centaurus, Corona Australis, Corvus, Crater, Crux, Hercules, Lupus, Lyra, Sagitta, Scutum, Sextans, Serpens, Triangulum Australe, and Vulpecula, Ophiuchus is a member of the Hercules family of constellations.
Seven Messier objects are found in the constellation Ophiuchus: Messier 9 (NGC 6333), Messier 10 (NGC 6254), Messier 12 (NGC 6218), Messier 14 (NGC 6402), Messier 19 (NGC 6273), Messier 62 (NGC 6266), and Messier 107. (M107, NGC 6171). Seven of its stars are known to have planets.
There are 11 named stars in the constellation. The International Astronomical Union (IAU) has formally recognized the names Barnard’s Star, Cebalrai, Guniibuu, Mahsati, Marfik, Rasalhague, Rosaladecastro, Sabik, Timir, Yed Posterior, and Yed Prior as proper names for stars.
