Ophiuchus: Fast Facts on the 'Abandoned' 13th Sign of Zodiac

Many people were surprised when NASA posted an article about astrology, noting that there are originally 13 signs in the zodiac. The article quickly spread like wildfire, with some websites claiming that NASA is planning to shift the astrological dates to pave way for the "abandoned" 13th sign.

In a previous report, NASA already cleared the air regarding the issue. They are quick to correct the misinterpretation of their post, stating that the article describes how astrology is just a relic of ancient history and is not interchangeable with astronomy.

The article in question, posted in NASA's Space Place, revealed that there are originally 13 constellations in the zodiac. However, for some unknown reasons, the Babylonians decided to leave Ophiuchus out of the question and divide the remaining 12 into equal amount of time.

Ophiuchus, or more commonly known as the snake bearer, is situated behind the sun from November 30 to December 18, which falls between Scorpio and Sagittarius in the present 12-sign zodiac. Ophiuchus is not relatively new and has already been used in some cultures.

According to a report from International Business Times, Ophiuchus is often associated with real person that goes by the name Imhotep, who lived in Egypt in the 27th Century BCE. Others argue that the 13th sign comes from the image Asklepios, the Greek god of healing and medicine.

People who were born under Ophiuchus are considered to be seekers of wisdom and knowledge, while having a flamboyant dressing style. Ophiuchans are also considered to be great architect or builder. It is also said that people under the serpent bearer will have a big family but will leave home at an early age.

Unlike the 12 accepted signs in the zodiac, Ophiuchus does not have an opposite sign, suggesting that Ophiuchans cannot experience polarity or the opposition between signs that attracts each other.