Author Archives: schutt

January 9, 2011, began like any other day for millions of people across the United States, many of whom rely on their daily horoscope to keep them informed on what opportunities and challenges they may face throughout the day. But by the end of that day numerous social networks, message boards, blogs, TV news programs, and other media outlets were buzzing with the news that the dates for our horoscopes had gone through a drastic change which would affect the vast majority of horoscope followers. And if the announcement of new horoscope dates wasn’t enough, there was also the introduction of a new zodiac sign, named Ophiuchus.

There were a whirlwind of emotions expressed that day, from excitement and anticipation, to confusion and fear. And rightly so, considering that for many of us our zodiac sign is not only used for guidance on how to proceed with important life decisions, but also as a symbol for who we are as individuals. Our zodiac signs are typically tied in not only with our character and personality traits, but also our compatibility with romantic partners and friends. If our zodiac signs were in fact completely different, does it mean that we have been living a lie this entire time?

It all began with an article in the Minneapolis Star Tribune, when Parke Kunkle, an astronomy professor at Minneapolis Community and Technical College and board member of the Minnesota Planetarium Society, explained that for at least the past 2000 years the Earth’s alignment with the stars has continuously shifted. This is due to a process known as “precession”, which causes the way we view the distinctive nighttime patterns to change as a result of the moon’s gravitational pull on our planet, causing Earth’s position to change in relation to its axis. This can be compared to the wobbling effect of a spinning toy top. Ancient Babylonian astronomers were understandably working with incomplete data when the original Zodiac was created some thousands of years ago during the first half of the 1st millennium BC.

As soon as the news surrounding the new horoscope dates and the addition of a 13th zodiac sign began to spread, a number of astronomers and astrologers stepped forward to either support or debunk the idea that we had to make a complete change in how we view the horoscopes that many have grown accustomed to for thousands of years.

For some astronomers, the introduction of this news validates their belief that astrology is rooted in mysticism, and has no scientific basis. Professor Kunkle himself has stated that astronomers have been aware of the difference between the actual alignment of the stars and the alignment used to determine zodiac signs since 130 BC.

Numerous astrologers have stepped forward to advise that although we must acknowledge that the alignment of the stars has changed over many centuries, it has no bearing whatsoever on astrology charts, due to the type of astrology used by Western civilization. While “sidereal zodiac”, the zodiac followed mainly in the East, does in fact rely on the alignment of the stars, most of the Western World subscribes to the ideals of “tropical astrology”, which was introduced by Ptolemy in the 2nd century. Tropical astrology is based on the seasons of the Earth, not the alignment of constellations. Thus, as Tarot.com astrologer Jeff Jawer recently stated in a CNN interview, the change in constellations and their alignment is “irrelevant”.

Several astrologers believe that this is simply being used as a means for astronomers to further discredit their beliefs.

Although Professor Kunkle has expressed an astonishment over the amount of attention that his revelation is receiving, as well the angry phone calls and emails filling up his inbox (One caller even asked Kunkle to “Give me my sign back.”), it really isn’t surprising that a lot of people would feel a sense of anger and disbelief over the changing of ideals that they may have clung to their entire lives.

For some, their zodiac sign is a source of pride, as evidenced by the abundance of zodiac tattoos. One Milwaukee tattoo artist estimates that 1-in-5 of visitors to his shop come in for a tattoo of their zodiac sign. And the zodiac sign market is huge, consisting of a ton of merchandise emblazoned with zodiac symbols, including apparel, car accessories, and other products that are geared toward those who are “astrologically-inclined”.

Others use zodiac readings as a guide for how they should proceed with important decisions in their lives. This includes people from all walks of life, including the CEOs of major corporations and world leaders. A number of anecdotes have confirmed that former President Ronald Reagan often relied on the readings of famed astrologer Joan Quigley when making decisions that affected people around the globe.

And most of us are familiar with the age-old (and, some would argue, ineffective) pickup line, “What’s your sign?” Well, for many people, the zodiac sign of their prospective significant other is an important factor in determining whether or not they wish to pursue a romantic relationship any further.

But not everyone is loyal to and protective of their zodiac sign. In fact, a great number of people who have been commenting on the new horoscope dates are actually ecstatic with any potential changes because they are unhappy with their current zodiac sign. And there are even some who feel that the changes only confirm what they’ve suspected all along. As one commenter stated, “I always thought I was more Leo. This definitely confirms that!”

With so much potentially at stake, is there any wonder that this news has caused an uproar not seen since the concepts of astrology were originally introduced?

Regardless of your stance on this issue, the debate between astronomers and astrologers, as well as the controversy surrounding the proposed new horoscope dates and zodiac sign, is sure to continue. And even if a general consensus is reached among the experts, and changes are acknowledged, most people are likely to remain loyal to the zodiac sign they have known all their lives.