Introduction

One thing that people want to know is, what birth sign am I. This isn’t as straightforward as it seems. This is because the current zodiac used by Western Astrology is based on twelve 30 degree divisions with the Sun starting in zero degrees Aries in the Northern hemisphere at the time of the Vernal Equinox (called the Vernal point).

There is a difference between signs and constellations. Constellations are not conveniently 30 degrees wide. In fact, the Sun merely passes through the head of Scorpio, whereas other signs are much wider. The Sun is in precession by about 1 degree every 74 years. Procession is going forward, precession is going back. This may not sound a lot, but the Western zodiac has not been in line with the constellations since around 200 AD. In fact, the Sun is currently in the constellation of Pisces at the time of the Equinox heading towards Aquarius (the Age of Aquarius is predicted to be a time of spiritual enlightenment).

Ophiuchus

The 13th sign in sidereal astrology is Ophiuchus, a large constellation that means “serpent-bearer” in Greek.

Personality traits

Some personality traits associated with Ophiuchus include being curious, passionate, and hungry for knowledge.

Greek mythology

In Greek mythology, Ophiuchus represents the god of medicine, Asclepius.

Druids would have used observation to decide the positions of the seven classical planetary bodies (Sun, Mercury, Venus, Moon, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn). These are the ones visible with the naked eye. The Sun is what provides us with power and energy, so the exact position of the Sun (which can be determined from the position of the stars on the horizon before dawn) and determines our Birth Sign. Of course, this is only part of the picture, and the positions of the other planets, the phase of the moon, and the time of year also have a bearing on you.

Birth Signs Today

These then are the current positions of your birth signs today, using the 13 signs of the sidereal zodiac. Bear in mind that the signs move by 1 degree approximately every 74 years, which is the equivalent of just over 1 day. Also, the Sun is 0.5 degrees across (just over half a day), so if you are born at the transition of the Sun between 1 sign and the next, you were born on the cusp. You may recognise a mixture of traits from both signs.

To check your sidereal birth chart use the birth chart calculator using this link. Courtesy of
http://masteringthezodiac.com/what-is-my-sidereal-sign/.