Have you ever wondered if the zodiac is missing something? You may have heard whispers of a mysterious 13th star sign—Ophiuchus, the Serpent Bearer. Unlike the well-known twelve zodiac signs, Ophiuchus is often left out of mainstream astrology. But why? And what does it mean for those born under this sign?
If you’ve found yourself questioning whether Ophiuchus is a real zodiac sign or simply a myth, you’re in the right place. This guide explains everything you need to know about Ophiuchus in astrology, from its personality traits to why it’s been left out of traditional astrology.
Jump to:
- What is Ophiuchus?
- What Birthday is Ophiuchus?
- Is Ophiuchus a Real Zodiac Sign?
- The Ophiuchus Zodiac Symbol and its Meaning
- Why Was Ophiuchus Removed in Astrology?
- Ophiuchus’s Personality Traits and Characteristics
- Ophiuchus in Love
- Ophiuchus in Career
- Ophiuchus in Health
- Ophiuchus Compatibility – Who Matches This Sign?
- Is Ophiuchus a Mix of Scorpio and Sagittarius?
- How Do I Pronounce Ophiuchus?
- Why is Ophiuchus So Rare?
- Is Ophiuchus a Sun Sign, Moon Sign, or Rising Sign?
- Study Astrology for £29
Recommended for you!
Best Sellers
What is Ophiuchus?
Ophiuchus (pronounced oh-FEW-cuss) is the name of a constellation found between Scorpio and Sagittarius. It represents a man holding a serpent, which is why it is called the “Serpent Bearer.” Unlike the twelve zodiac signs, Ophiuchus was never widely accepted into the astrological system, even though the Sun passes through this constellation each year.
So, why is Ophiuchus not included in the standard zodiac? The answer lies in the way Western astrology is structured. The zodiac signs are based on the twelve segments of the sky aligned with the Earth’s seasons, rather than the actual constellations. Because of this, Ophiuchus is left out—despite being astronomically significant.
What Birthday is Ophiuchus?
If the zodiac included Ophiuchus, its dates would be 29 November to 17 December. This means that if you were born during this period, you might identify with Ophiuchus rather than Scorpio or Sagittarius. However, since Ophiuchus is not officially recognised in mainstream astrology, most people still consider themselves part of one of the traditional twelve signs.
Is Ophiuchus a Real Zodiac Sign?
Whether or not Ophiuchus is a real zodiac sign is one of the most debated questions in astrology. The Sun moves through the Ophiuchus constellation between 29 November and 17 December, which means that some people born during this time could technically belong to the Ophiuchus zodiac sign. However, most astrologers do not consider it an official sign because it doesn’t fit into the traditional twelve-sign system.
That said, some modern astrologers and astronomy enthusiasts argue that Ophiuchus should be included, as it is a genuine constellation along the Sun’s path. Whether you personally believe in the 13th star sign or not, it’s fascinating to explore what Ophiuchus means and how it compares to the other zodiac signs.
The Ophiuchus Zodiac Symbol and its Meaning
The symbol for Ophiuchus is the image of a man holding a serpent, which represents knowledge, healing, and rebirth. This symbolism links Ophiuchus to Asclepius, the Greek god of medicine. The serpent in the symbol is often associated with wisdom and hidden knowledge, making Ophiuchus a sign of transformation and enlightenment.
Why Was Ophiuchus Removed in Astrology?
If Ophiuchus is a real constellation along the zodiac, why was it left out of astrology? The answer goes back thousands of years. The original zodiac was created by the Babylonians, who divided the sky into 12 sections to match the lunar calendar. Even though they recognised Ophiuchus, they chose to leave it out to keep the system neat and symmetrical.
Since then, astrology has been based on this twelve-sign structure. Even though astronomers acknowledge that the Sun passes through Ophiuchus, astrologers continue to follow the traditional system. This is why Ophiuchus is often referred to as the “forgotten” zodiac sign.
Ophiuchus's Personality Traits and Characteristics
Since Ophiuchus is positioned between Scorpio and Sagittarius, it’s believed to share qualities of both signs while also having its own distinct traits. People who identify with Ophiuchus may have the following characteristics:
- Intelligent and Curious – Ophiuchus individuals are known for their sharp minds and love of learning. They have a natural curiosity and enjoy uncovering hidden truths.
- Charismatic and Influential – With a strong presence and persuasive nature, Ophiuchus personalities often find themselves in leadership roles or inspiring others.
- Independent and Free-Spirited – Much like Sagittarius, Ophiuchus values freedom and dislikes feeling restricted by rules or expectations.
- Passionate and Determined – Ophiuchus shares Scorpio’s intensity, often pursuing their goals with unshakable focus.
- Healing and Transformative – In mythology, Ophiuchus is linked to healing and transformation, which may explain why people born under this sign are drawn to medicine, psychology, or personal growth.
These traits make Ophiuchus individuals both fascinating and complex, balancing deep emotions with a strong sense of adventure.
Ophiuchus in Love
Ophiuchus individuals bring passion, depth, and mystery to their relationships. They are naturally charismatic and have a magnetic presence, which draws people towards them. Their love lives are often intense, and they seek deep emotional connections rather than surface-level interactions.
- Passionate and Devoted – Ophiuchus lovers are deeply committed once they find the right person. They put their heart and soul into relationships and expect the same level of dedication in return.
- Mysterious and Hard to Read – Like Scorpio, Ophiuchus can be private about their emotions. They may not always express their feelings openly, which can make them seem enigmatic or even distant.
- Independent and Selective – They value their freedom and won’t settle for a relationship that feels restrictive. Ophiuchus individuals need a partner who understands their need for personal growth and space.
- Magnetic and Alluring – Their charm and natural charisma make them attractive to many, but they are selective in choosing their partners. They are drawn to those who can match their energy and intelligence.
- Healing and Supportive – Ophiuchus is connected to transformation and healing, meaning they often play a nurturing role in relationships. They are deeply supportive of their loved ones' personal growth.
Ophiuchus in love is a mix of intensity and mystery, seeking partners who can handle their depth and match their thirst for knowledge and adventure.
Ophiuchus in Career
With their intelligence, ambition, and strong presence, Ophiuchus individuals thrive in careers that allow them to lead, inspire, and transform. They prefer meaningful work that challenges them intellectually and allows for personal growth.
- Natural Leaders – Ophiuchus individuals are confident and persuasive, making them well-suited for leadership positions. They excel in roles where they can guide and influence others.
- Driven and Determined – They are highly ambitious and will work tirelessly to achieve their goals. Once they set their mind to something, they are unstoppable.
- Passionate About Learning – Ophiuchus thrives in careers that involve continuous learning. They may excel in research, science, or any field that requires deep knowledge.
- Drawn to Healing Professions – With their connection to transformation and healing, they often succeed in medicine, psychology, coaching, or therapy.
- Entrepreneurial and Independent – They dislike being micromanaged and often prefer working for themselves. They have the vision and determination needed to start their own businesses.
Ophiuchus individuals shine in careers where they can use their intellect, passion, and leadership skills to make a real impact on the world.
Ophiuchus in Health
Health and well-being are important to Ophiuchus, as they recognise the connection between the mind, body, and spirit. They often seek holistic approaches to wellness and believe in healing through transformation.
- Strong but Sensitive – Ophiuchus individuals are naturally strong, but they can be sensitive to stress. Their intensity and deep-thinking nature may lead to overworking or mental exhaustion.
- Drawn to Alternative Healing – They are often interested in holistic health, such as herbal medicine, energy healing, and meditation. They may prefer natural remedies over conventional medicine.
- Active and Energetic – With their adventurous spirit, they enjoy staying active. Activities like yoga, hiking, or martial arts suit their personality well.
- Emotionally Intuitive – Their emotions can have a direct impact on their health. If they are stressed or emotionally unbalanced, they may experience physical symptoms.
- Focused on Self-Improvement – Ophiuchus individuals constantly seek to improve themselves, and this includes their health. They are likely to experiment with different diets, fitness routines, or wellness practices.
For Ophiuchus, maintaining good health means finding a balance between physical activity, emotional well-being, and intellectual stimulation.
Ophiuchus Compatibility – Who Matches This Sign?
If Ophiuchus were officially part of the zodiac, it would likely have strong compatibility with signs that appreciate intelligence, independence, and passion. Based on its traits, Ophiuchus may get along well with:
- Aries – Both signs are bold, adventurous, and driven.
- Leo – Ophiuchus’ charisma and leadership ability make it a great match for confident Leo.
- Sagittarius – The free-spirited and curious nature of both signs creates an exciting connection.
- Aquarius – Both signs value independence and enjoy deep intellectual conversations.
Because Ophiuchus is not officially part of astrology, compatibility interpretations vary. But if you feel connected to this sign, you might find that these matches make the most sense for you.
Is Ophiuchus a Mix of Scorpio and Sagittarius?
Because Ophiuchus sits between Scorpio and Sagittarius in the sky, many people wonder whether it is simply a blend of these two signs. While Ophiuchus shares some traits with both, it also has distinct characteristics that set it apart.
Like Scorpio, Ophiuchus is passionate, intense, and often mysterious. At the same time, it shares Sagittarius’ adventurous spirit, curiosity, and love of freedom. However, Ophiuchus also carries a unique energy tied to transformation, healing, and wisdom.
Am I Ophiuchus or Sagittarius?
If your birthday falls between 29 November and 17 December, you might feel drawn to Ophiuchus. Whether you choose to embrace this identity or stick with Sagittarius is entirely up to you. Astrology is a personal journey, and the most important thing is finding what resonates with you.
How Do I Pronounce Ophiuchus?
Ophiuchus is pronounced "oh-FEW-cuss" or "oh-FYEW-cuss", depending on regional variations. The name comes from Greek, where it means "serpent bearer." Many people struggle with its pronunciation, but once you break it down, it’s much easier to remember.
Why is Ophiuchus So Rare?
Ophiuchus is considered rare because it is not widely recognised as part of the mainstream zodiac. Since most people follow the traditional twelve-sign system, those born under Ophiuchus' date range usually identify as Sagittarius or Scorpio. Additionally, the Sun only spends around 19 days in the Ophiuchus constellation, making it one of the shortest time frames in the zodiac cycle. This adds to the idea that Ophiuchus individuals are unique and unusual compared to those of the other signs.
Recommended for you!
Best SellersIs Ophiuchus a Sun Sign, Moon Sign, or Rising Sign?
Since Ophiuchus is not part of the standard Western astrology system, it does not typically appear in sun sign, moon sign, or rising sign calculations. However, if you feel drawn to Ophiuchus, you may consider incorporating its traits into your personal astrology interpretations. Some astrologers who acknowledge Ophiuchus suggest that its influence could be felt in a person’s natal chart in subtle ways, even if it isn’t officially listed as a sun sign.
Study Astrology for £29
If you’re fascinated by the stars and want to deepen your knowledge of astrology, why not take your learning further? The Astrology Diploma Course with Centre of Excellence is the perfect way to explore the zodiac, birth charts, and astrological influences in more depth. Right now, you can access the course for just £29, giving you the opportunity to develop your understanding of astrology at a fraction of the usual price.
