You may have seen news online claiming that NASA introduced a new horoscope sign, Ophiuchus. However, this is absurd and impossible, because NASA has nothing to do with astrology. NASA deals with astronomy, space exploration, and celestial bodies.
1. Astrology is a different discipline that does not study space or celestial bodies but analyzes the connection between what happens on Earth and what happens in the cosmos.
2. There are 88 constellations in astronomy. Ophiuchus has long been known, like all the other 88 constellations. New constellations might be discovered in the future, but this has nothing to do with the Zodiac.
3. Astrologers do not focus on constellations; we work with Zodiac signs. Zodiac constellations are those that lie along the ecliptic.
4. That is, we have the Earth and the Sun. The Earth rotates on its axis daily. This daily rotation gives the illusion that the Sun rises and sets, but in reality, it is the Earth that rotates. This creates the Sun’s apparent path in the sky, which passes through certain constellations. These constellations are called Zodiac constellations.
Astrologers primarily work with Zodiac signs rather than Zodiac constellations because signs carry symbolic meaning. Zodiac constellations and Zodiac signs are not the same. For example, the constellation Virgo is enormous, while Libra is much smaller.
There are 12 constellations on the Zodiac circle, and these are the Zodiac constellations because they are related to the movement of planets along the ecliptic. Astrologers study the movement of planets from the perspective of a topographical grid—relative to the Earth and specific coordinates on its surface. We are interested in how planetary movement influences life on Earth.
Therefore, NASA deals with astronomy and cannot introduce new Zodiac signs. They can announce the discovery of a new constellation, but Ophiuchus has long been known. Some astrologers have attempted to include it in the Zodiac, but this does not make sense. If we include Ophiuchus, we would have to include all 88 constellations, which is not done.
Astrology is a discipline with a specific system of knowledge based on centuries of observation. The Zodiac circle consists of 12 signs, and this system works. There is no need to add new constellations.
Planets like Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto were discovered relatively recently, but they are significant in astrology because of their influence on human life. Although Pluto is no longer considered a planet in astronomy, its significance remains in astrology because it is important in predictions and natal charts.
Thus, the astrological system is quite ancient and still works today. Ophiuchus has not affected astrology, whereas new planets have influenced it due to the discovery of new energies and technologies such as electricity, the Internet, and atomic technology.