The 13th Zodiac Sign, and your Sun Sign is NOT WRONG!
Every so often in the media, that old cosmic chestnut about people having the “wrong” Zodiac Sign gets recycled.
Why does this keep happening? Here I break it down into clear, bite-sized pieces.
The signs of the zodiac are the star constellations the Sun and planets appear to travel through over the course of a year. This relatively narrow path that the planets follow is called the Ecliptic. We now know it is the Earth that revolves around the Sun, but what matters is that everything is seen from our unique perspective – each of us at the centre of our own universe.
Western Tropical Astrology
Western Tropical Astrology is based on the Four Seasons, not on the actual current position of the Sun and planets in the sky.
It begins with the Vernal Equinox, the first day of Spring, which ushers in the first of four Cardinal Quadrants of thirteen weeks. These are followed in turn by the Summer Solstice, the Autumnal Equinox, and finally the Winter Solstice. Each of these four Cardinal Quadrants contains three zodiac signs, making twelve in total.
The Number 12
The twelve signs together reflect all possible aspects of life, nature and human character. We each have our Sun in one sign, which is integral to our soul’s path. Yet our unique Birth Chart, based on our Time, Date and Place of Birth, contains all twelve signs, and at some point we will express the qualities of each.
The number twelve itself is significant. There are four elements – Fire, Earth, Air and Water – the building blocks of life. Each element has a Cardinal (active) phase, a Fixed (stabilising) phase and a Mutable (changeable) phase. Every season begins with a Cardinal sign: Aries for Spring, Cancer for Summer, Libra for Autumn and Capricorn for Winter.
The Start of the Journey
In the Northern Hemisphere, on the 20th or 21st March, the tilt of the Earth’s axis in relation to the Sun means the days become longer than the nights. This point, the first day of Spring when day and night are equal, is called The First Point of Aries. It marks the start of the Western Tropical Astrological year and the Sun’s return to Aries.
The symbolism of the Sun entering Aries is powerful. Zodiac means “circle of little animals” and tells a story beginning with Aries – the sign of new beginnings, courage and initiation. New life is born and nature bursts into fresh growth.
Next comes Taurus, the sign of stability and the senses. In nature, roots deepen and new sights, sounds and colours stimulate. In life, the newborn child begins to explore through touch, sound and vision.
With Gemini comes variety and communication. Nature spreads across the land, while the child realises it can interact with the world – at first only by cries, but already opening the door to knowledge.
The story of the Four Seasons continues with Cancer at the Summer Solstice, symbolising protection and security, then through the cycle of life to Pisces. At this stage in nature, there may be hints of spring warmth, or we may still be in winter’s depths. Fragile shoots appear from the barren land, filling us with awe at life’s greater powers. In human terms, it symbolises acceptance, reflection, and a return to the womb of life.
The Southern Hemisphere
Astrologers know that below the Equator, the seasons are reversed. But astrology is a Mediterranean construct, and its symbolism still applies in the Southern Hemisphere, even if the climate is opposite.
Constellations
Constellations have no strict boundaries, and some are larger than others. The zodiac, expressed through myths and legends, reflects the seasons of life and the human life cycle.
Precession of the Equinoxes
Around 600 BC, the First Point of Aries (21st March) aligned with the Sun’s entry into the Aries constellation. Due to the Earth’s axial wobble, there is now a 24-degree difference between the Western Tropical zodiac and the constellations above.
Sidereal Astrology
Sidereal Astrology aligns the zodiac signs with the constellations as they currently appear in the sky. Western Tropical Astrology instead fixes the zodiac to the seasons, accounting for the 24-degree difference.
Vedic Astrology
Indian Vedic Astrology generally follows the Sidereal system.
Chinese Astrology
Chinese Astrology developed independently from Western traditions. Its system is based on years rather than months, but it too uses twelve animal signs.
Western Tropical Astrology v Sidereal Astrology
Both traditions use the same sign descriptors, but they interpret current activity differently. Skilled practitioners often blend techniques from both to guide clients. My own work focuses on Western Tropical Astrology, rooted in the rhythm of the seasons.
Ophiuchus, the so-called 13th Zodiac Sign
Fixed stars carry powerful symbolism, and though they shift over time, astrologers can use both their starting and moving positions for added insight.
One notable fixed star is Ras-Alhague in the constellation Ophiuchus. It symbolises wisdom, healing and teaching. A person need not have their Sun at the end of Sagittarius to feel its influence; if the star connects to personal planets in the chart, a link with healing can emerge.
The twelve zodiac signs are not random constellations. They form a continuous story. If Ophiuchus were added, others would need to be as well, since there are 88 constellations in total. For instance, the head of Cetus (the whale or sea monster) also crosses into the ecliptic between Taurus and Gemini.
Scientific Confusion
Scientists frequently conflate Western and Sidereal Astrology, mixing up their cosmic apples and pears. They then use this misunderstanding to dismiss astrology. Given their field is supposed to rest on facts, this is at best ironic and at worst entirely misinformed.
Astrology IS Proved
Another myth is that astrology lacks proof. In fact, Astrophysicist Dr Percy Seymour demonstrated that the heavens’ magnetic fields do affect us through planetary activity. His book explains more:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Astrology-Evidence-Science-Percy-Seymour/dp/1852910259
Correlation Journal
The Correlation Journal regularly publishes data and research demonstrating the efficacy of astrology. See more here:
https://correlationjournal.com/
Conclusion
The sky is rich with myth and meaning. Techniques vary, and people gravitate to what resonates most. The Precession of the Equinoxes is recognised by all professional astrologers, regardless of system.
Western Tropical Astrology also asks us to reconsider the idea that the year must begin on 1st January. Many cultures start the year at different times. Even the Julian and Gregorian calendars do not align. Understanding this context is vital, and astrology should not be dismissed through prejudice or ignorance.
Astrology is the art of understanding human emotion, motivation, needs and reactions. Free will is central, and taking responsibility for our actions is one of astrology’s key tenets.
The media often proclaims “scientists now believe” only to later overturn those same theories. Science is crucial, but no less so than the power of human love, faith and instinct – forces which, when combined with science, can be truly transformative.