10 Traits of the Ophiuchus Zodiac Sign

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The dates, mythology, and qualities behind the 13th zodiac sign
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For as long as the zodiac has existed, there have been only 12 star signs in the sky. Recently, though, many astrologers are making way for a 13th constellation: Ophiuchus. Some say this newcomer slots into the space between Scorpio and Sagittarius. But what are these mysterious Ophiuchans like? We’ll give you the 411 on their defining traits, compatibility with other signs, and where their new sign came from in the first place.

Things You Should Know

  • Ophiuchus is known as the “serpent bearer” and is said to rule anyone born between November 29 and December 17.
  • Ophiuchans are naturally curious and tend to go wherever that curiosity leads them, making them excellent and adventurous friends.
  • Ophiuchans are great at smoothing over conflicts, and are also extremely straightforward and honest.
Section 1 of 3:

Ophiuchus Traits

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  1. Ophiuchans are seekers of knowledge. [1] Like the Roman hero Asclepius, who discovered the secret of immortality and who is associated with the constellation, people ruled by Ophiuchus tend to be insatiably curious. They’ve always got another question, and they’re always ready to get their hands dirty to find an answer.
    • Because they’re so inquisitive, Ophiuchans are also pretty insightful! They don’t just gather information; they think on it and spend a lot of time trying to figure out what it means.
  2. Ophiuchans are prone to boredom and have a hard time keeping still for too long. But luckily, they’re also skilled at finding their next adventure, so boredom never overstays its welcome. [2] Also, any sort of routine quickly starts to grate—Ophiuchans feel the urge to constantly switch things up, just to keep their lives interesting.
    • This means that many other signs tend to have a hard time keeping up with Ophiuchans.
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  3. They’ve got no time for mincing words or dancing around a tricky subject. When an Ophiuchan has something to say, they say it. [3] They wear their emotions on their sleeves, and have little patience for people who try too hard to be overly polite, or who let themselves get emotionally stepped on. This trait probably comes from their astrological neighbors, Scorpios and Sagittarians, whose star signs overlap with Ophiuchus.
    • Ophiuchans can sometimes be a little too blunt or straightforward. Their tendency to speak their minds sometimes leads to hurt feelings.
  4. The constellation is often associated with doctors or healers. [4] That’s probably why Ophiuchans are known to be adept healers themselves—not necessarily physicians, but rather healers of the emotional sort. They’ll always lend an ear or a shoulder to cry on, and know how to handle conflict , with themselves or with others.
    • Since Ophiuchans are also naturally insightful, they also have a knack for avoiding conflict themselves—they usually know how to read people, and which buttons not to push.
  5. Snakes are often seen as tempters—think the classic episode in the Garden of Eden. Ophiuchans are basically defined by snakes, and so they tend to be effortlessly flirty and alluring. [5] Their ability to read people makes navigating the dating pool somewhat easier for them, and if they want a relationship, they know how to get one.
    • Ophiuchans might struggle with monogamy, since they’re such natural flirts, and also crave adventure. Often, they thrive in polyamorous relationships , where they can experiment and explore.
  6. When an Ophiuchan sets their mind to something, they go at it with their entire being. They have an unmatched zest for life. [6] That might be thanks to the Roman hero associated with the sign, Asclepius, who pursued immortality. Like him, an Ophiuchan wants to take full advantage of their life and make a name for themself while they can.
    • This passion also translates to platonic and romantic relationships. Ophiuchans want to make the most of their time spent with others.
  7. Like their sister sign, Sagittarius, Ophiuchans think with their hearts and their instincts. [7] This means they tend to be more spiritual and philosophical than others, as they’re constantly looking inside themselves to figure out what they feel and what they think about the world around them.
    • This also makes Ophiuchans skilled artists, since they’re always trying to express what they find within themselves.
  8. Ophiuchans think with their hearts, and sometimes that means they have trouble empathizing with other people, and can be a little judgmental as a result. [8] That said, it’s only a matter of time before their honesty and insight kick in, and they’re quick to revise that judgment if they’re proven wrong.
    • Since Ophiuchans are also so passionate, they can be petty or vengeful when someone wrongs them.
  9. Their zodiac neighbors are Scorpios, who are cool and aloof, and Sagittarians , the friendliest people at the party. Ophiuchans sit right in the middle: enigmatic while also being charismatic. [9] These 2 traits together are a recipe for being the center of attention. Ophiuchans are often the life of the party, wherever they go.
    • Sometimes, being the center of attention can be a bit overwhelming for an Ophiuchan, though, and they’ll probably need some time alone every now and then to recharge.
  10. More than anything, Ophiuchans are just plain fun to be around. [10] Their natural curiosity, craving for adventure, honesty, ability to smooth over arguments, and passionate nature all combine to make them buoyant and uplifting people. Everyone wants an Ophiuchan in their corner.
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Section 2 of 3:

Ophiuchus Compatibility

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  1. A Pisces has the energy and stamina to keep up best with an Ophiuchus. Aries and Cancers, too, tend to be able to match Ophiuchans’ sense of adventure, as well as their ability to smooth over conflicts. Then, Scorpios and Sagittariuses, Ophiuchans’ zodiac neighbors, naturally make companions to the 13th star sign.
  2. These signs can go either way when paired with the 13th zodiac. Like Ophiuchans, Geminis are charismatic and good talkers. [11] When they meet up, the two will either hit it off or just play it cool, but probably won’t swing too hard in either direction. Libras are creative like Ophiuchans, and so they’ll either be great collaborators, or butt heads over artistic decisions.
  3. Ophiuchans’ free spirits don’t match well with stubborn temperaments, which makes Tauruses a hard sell for the serpent bearers. Virgos are a coin toss, since they’re similarly creative. [12] But a Virgo’s type-A personality tends not to mesh with an Ophiuchan’s need to constantly mix things up. Then both Aquarius and Leo are often a bit too similar to Ophiuchus—big personalities that feel very deeply—and there’s often only room for one of the three in a group.
    • Reader Poll: We asked 354 wikiHow readers if they think Taureans are generally controlling and stubborn, and 70% of them said yes . [Take Poll]
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Section 3 of 3:

What is Ophiuchus?

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  1. The Ophiuchus constellation isn’t anything new, but some astrologers began to acknowledge it around 2011. [13] When the zodiac was first conceived by the Babylonians about 3,000 years ago, the Earth’s axis had a slightly different tilt, and so Ophiuchus was obscured in the night sky. Nowadays, though, the Earth’s tilt has shifted, and Ophiuchus is a more obvious presence, hence the new astrological development. [14]
    • Zodiac signs are determined by observing the constellation that currently backdrops the sun if you were to observe it in the sky. Nowadays, we look up and see a slightly different set of constellations behind the sun than people 3,000 years ago.
    • Many astrologers still stick to the 12 established zodiac signs, saying that ancient astrologers knew of Ophiuchus, but it just wasn’t selected as 1 of the 12—after all, there are many constellations, but not all of them are zodiac signs!
  2. Thanks to the “new” zodiac sign, some say that your rising, or primary, zodiac sign may have shifted. For those who accept Ophiuchus as a new fixture in the astrological chart, the 12 “sections” of the zodiac are now divided up into 13, with Ophiuchus ruling anyone born from November 29 to December 17. [15] Take a moment to double-check your own chart ; you might have a new rising!
    • Sagittarius: Dec 17 – Jan 20
    • Capricorn: Jan 20 - Feb 16
    • Aquarius: Feb 16 – March 11
    • Pisces: March 11 – April 18
    • Aries: April 18 – May 13
    • Taurus: May 13 – June 21
    • Gemini: June 21 – July 20
    • Cancer: July 20 – Aug 10
    • Leo: Aug 10 – Sept 16
    • Virgo: Sept 16 – Oct 30
    • Libra: Oct 30 – Nov 23
    • Scorpio: Nov 23 – Nov 29
    • Ophiuchus: Nov 29 – Dec 17
  3. The constellation depicts a man holding a snake, which coils around his waist. [16] It was first recorded by the Greek astronomer Ptolemy in the 2nd century. To the Romans, the constellation was associated with the figure Asclepius, who discovered the secret of immortality by watching one serpent heal another, after which Asclepius was killed by Zeus for knowing too much. The Babylonians, who conceived the zodiac, associated the constellation with Nirah, a god with the torso of a human and the body of a snake. [17]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/healthy-minds/202301/curiosity-is-a-key-to-well-being
      2. ↑ https://www.mhainde.org/the-truth-behind-boredom-and-what-to-do-when-youre-bored/
      3. ↑ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352250X22001166
      4. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/relationships/communication/conflict-resolution-skills
      5. ↑ https://www.npr.org/2021/07/11/1014019821/flirting-how-to-dating-romance-advice
      6. ↑ https://www.researchgate.net/publication/228347175_On_the_Psychology_of_Passion_In_Search_of_What_Makes_People's_Lives_Most_Worth_Living
      7. ↑ https://mhanational.org/take-care-your-spirit
      8. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-deal-with-jealousy
      9. ↑ https://www.summahealth.org/flourish/entries/2023/12/five-surprising-health-benefits-to-socializing-with-others
      1. ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/get-back-your-social-life-to-boost-thinking-memory-and-health
      2. ↑ https://www.sunsigns.org/gemini-zodiac-sign/
      3. ↑ https://positivepsychology.com/big-five-personality-theory/
      4. ↑ https://www.dictionary.com/e/ophiuchus/
      5. ↑ https://web.pa.msu.edu/people/horvatin/Astronomy_Facts/constellation_pages/ophiuchus.htm
      6. ↑ https://astrolibrary.org/read/
      7. ↑ https://www.interactivestars.com/zodiac_pdf/Ophiuchus.pdf
      8. ↑ https://www.dictionary.com/e/ophiuchus/

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