By Brenda Black, CAP
www.astrologyforbabyboomers.com
January 30, 2011

Ophiuchus as a constellation has been known since the 27th Century BCE. It
exists between the constellations of Scorpio and Sagittarius. This
constellation is known as the “Serpent Holder” and the story of Ophiuchus
dates back to Biblical Times. The picture of the constellation shows a man
with a large snake wrapped around him.

There is a legend that Ophiuchus killed a snake only to have another snake
appear. This snake healed and brought to life the snake that was killed
using an herb. Ophiuchus was known throughout history as a healer for the
people and as we go back to using herbs as the ancients did, this brings
Ophiuchus back into the astrological picture.

Astrologer and Mythologist, Kelly Hunter says, “If you are a Ophiuchun you
may be a natural therapist or healer. Early childhood experiences can lead
to extra sensitivity and an intuitive sense of people that gives an
unselfish compassion for others.”

In late January 2011 Professor Parke Kunkle, an astronomer in Minneapolis,
Minnesota had a conversation with a prominent news reporter and said
officially Ophiuchus is the 13th sign of the Zodiac. Followers from all over
the Internet contacted Professor Kunkle for more information about
Ophiuchus. Our basic Zodiac with the 12 signs is now challenged.

Through the centuries students of the ancient world saw that Ophiuchus has
been called by other names. During the Biblical Times around 1 AD, Joseph,
son of Jacob was thought to be embodied as Ophiuchus because of his great
healing powers and the ability to interpret dreams. Ophiuchus is linked to
the famous Egyptian, Imhotep, who lived in the 27th Century BCE. He was
also the popular healer of the people in his time. The Greeks know this
great healer as Aesculapius, the Greek Physician defined as the God of
Medicine. Claudius Ptolemy was aware of Ophiuchus as a sign, but ignored
that constellation as he set up the Zodiac, as we know it today, with 12
signs and 12 houses in the astrological chart.

Professor Kunkle explains that over time the precessional wobble of the
Earth’s Spin Axis has shifted now, including Ophiuchus as the 13th
constellation. The Moon’s gravitational pull has caused the Earth and Sun’s
alignment to change over the centuries. Kunkle describes how the Earth
wobbles on its axis changing the relation of the planets to the stars.

The official constellation boundaries were set up in 1928 by a professional
organization of astrologers called the IAU. The astrological signs have
changed, including Ophiuchus, as the Earth has shifted its position in
relation to the stars. As our Solar System becomes aligned with the Galactic
Center near December 21, 2012, a 26,000 year era on Earth and the other
planets in our Solar System, closes and a brand new era with a new way of
thinking begins. This brings to those living in 2012 a Paradigm Shift.
Many of us are starting to think differently as residents on Earth. Many
things from the last 26,000 era will be left behind and forgotten.

Professor Kunkle stated that many students request information on Ophiuchus
on the first day of class. As the current college generation grows in their
fascination with astronomy, many will be fascinated by Ophiuchus and
eventually create the astrological software to include this constellation.
One prominent astrologer in Phoenix, Arizona says “Every ten years the media
discovers Ophiuchus but nothing really changes in both Vedic and Western
Astrology.”

If you are looking for information about this “Paradigm Shift,” there is a
book published in 2010 called “Transforming Through 2012”. I have
contributed a chapter in the book explaining the astrological aspects on the
day of 12/21/2012; the rest of the book is a collection of articles written
by prominent authors and scientists who try to explain this paradigm shift
in their own words. The book is available through Amazon or you can order
it on my website www.astrologyforbabyboomers.com.

Many well-known and published Astrologers have mixed reactions to the idea
of a 13th constellation. Most astrologers will continue to use our
12-constellation system in their work. Until Solar Fire, a major
astrological software company on the east coast, presents astrological
software, including Ophiuchus, I will continue to use the traditional system
of Western Astrology based on the Equinox and Solstice positions of our
Earth as it travels around the Sun.

Here are the time periods for the new Zodiac.

Aries – April 19 to May 13

Taurus – May 15 to June 21

Gemini – June 22 to July 21

Cancer – July 22 to August 11

Leo – August 12 to Sept 17

Virgo – September 18 to Oct 31

Libra – November 1 to November 22

Scorpio – November 23 to November 30

Ophiuchus – December 1 to December 18

Sagittarius – December 19 to January 20

Capricorn – January 20 to February 16

Aquarius – February 17 to March 12

Pisces – March 13 to April 19

Although millions of astrology books, which show the 12 signs, may be
obsolete in the far future, our new generation of Astrologers may include
Ophiuchus in their Software and Astrology Books.

If you enjoy playing games of chance, Brenda can provide you with Fortunate Days, Lucky Numbers and Winning Times. Call 602-363-6396.