Every so often, I get bursts of questions about NASA’s “shift” in the zodiac wheel and the introduction of a 13th zodiac sign called Ophiuchus. This usually happens whenever a post or story on social media about this “new sign” is sort of published and shared. But I am here to tell you not to listen. 

There is no 13th zodiac sign. Ophiuchus is not a zodiac sign. And all learned western astrologers will say the same thing.

So why doesn’t it exist? I’ll give you some reasons.

First and most importantly, the zodiac wheel is not and has essentially never been directly correlated with the constellations. They are correlated with the seasons. The sun enters Aries the moment the sun crosses the celestial equator in March (the spring equinox). The sun enters Cancer the moment the sun reaches the Tropic of Cancer in July (the summer solstice). The sun enters Libra the moment the sun crosses the celestial equator in September (the fall equinox). The sun enters Capricorn the moment the sun reaches the Tropic of Capricorn in December (the winter solstice). There is no direct correlation between the constellations the sun in western astrology. If you don’t like this, consider looking into sidereal astrology.

Next, there is symbolism behind the number 12 that has existed since basically forever and cannot be ignored. Twelve is considered the number of cosmic order, which is basically what astrology is all about. There are 4 elements, 3 modalities, and 6 polarities in the zodiac. There is balance. It’s all about balance. There are 12 months. There are 12 astrological houses. There are 12 basic archetypes. There are 12 apostles. There are 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac. What is associated with the number 13 in terms of order and completion? Thirteen is an odd, prime number. It’s unbalanced. It’s disorderly. A 13th zodiac sign would basically mess everything up.

In addition, NASA didn’t “discover” anything when they ignorantly introduced a 13th zodiac sign. It has always been denied by astrologers, especially over the past few decades. There’s nothing new about all this.

And I’m sort of sick of non-astrologers thinking that they can define and “change” astrology without knowing what they’re talking about. NASA’s deal is science and astronomy. Astrology isn’t science or astronomy. Astrology is not within NASA’s jurisdiction.

check sun and moon

Aries: Arians will let loose when they feel too frustrated. Like their fellow relative Sagittarius, you may not see them cry unless they feel close to pulling their hair out. They’ll grind their teeth, adjust their clothing, move their fingers. When they can’t take it, expect both sadness and anger to boil over. The best thing you can do then is rub their back and listen.

Taurus: Taurus won’t just cry. First, they’ll become distant and cold. Anger and frustration will drip from their lips, they’ll be so cold about it at first, keeping their cool demeanor for bit. Then they’ll start yelling, until their voice becomes hoarse and sounds tortured. Then, that is when you will see the bull cry. Taurus will just cry, no more yelling. Hug them. Comfort them. Love them.

Gemini: Like their sister sign, Sagittarius, the twins are not afraid to break down and cry in front of others. If this is what they need, they’re doing it. They’ll complain later on about what others may have thought about it, which won’t bother them much in the future. In fact, after they break down, they’ll feel stronger. It’s not hard to see when this sign is torn down, they’ll even let you break down their walls for them. Just be there to tell them they’re right, tell them what they need to hear to heal.

Cancer: It’s not hard to tell when they’re about to break. They’ll look depressed and upset and their whole communication process will scream “ASK ME WHATS WRONG PLEASE!” When it comes down to it, it’s actually pretty hard for Cancer to talk about what they’re feeling. Tears will weld up in their eyes and they may cut themselves short of what they’re saying. Love them, they would do the same for you.

Leo: This sign wants to look cool and feel cool regardless of their emotions. They’re built to be “tough” and have that heartless aura. Yet, when the road gets too bumpy to continue on, they’ll finally let it out. This doesn’t mean this sign will cry, they feel that’ll make them too vulnerable. The lion may simply show you, or cooly hint the sadness in their heart. They’ll be so broken, that the words they speak to express how they feel could make another cry instead. Listen, encourage them to be open, and just listen.

Virgo: Virgo will try to be discrete about it. They’re “fine.” They’re “not upset.” They “swear” they’re “okay.” This sign is independent. They don’t want to ask for sympathy, they don’t want to look for it or even get it by chance. They’ll break down in secret. If you happen to stumble upon Virgo in this state, don’t mention it too many times, comfort them, and forget it happened.

Libra: Libra won’t be in denial. Then again, Libra won’t be honest at first either. If confronted about their feeling Libra will smile and narrow their eyes. “You’re crazy for thinking such a thing.” Almost immediately after saying something similar, Libra will soften their expression. They’ll frown and talk about their true feelings. Let them lean on you, it takes a lot for Libra to be okay with their true feelings. It takes a lot for them to accept them. Though, it doesn’t take a lot for them to talk about it.

Scorpio: One of the TOUGHEST signs to crack when it comes to spilling their emotions. Aquarius and Leo are quick runner ups but when you deal with the Scorpion, they’re the most resistant when talking about emotions. They’ll scold you for even thinking they’re upset! They become defensive, angry and most times down right cold! In the end, when they’re all alone, they’ll cry to themselves. So much that their eyes burn. They might as well be bleeding their emotions. All they’ll want is someone to comfort them, they’re just too vain and stubborn to ask. Just hug them, let them know it’s okay to cry and be upset.

Sagittarius: They pace the floor. Throw their hands up, run their fingers along their scalp. This sign will break down when they want regardless of who is watching or why. If they’re frustrated, bothered, angry or just sad. Expect whining and yelling. When it finally comes to the tears, don’t speak. Let them take their emotions out the way they do, and let them cool down. The best thing to do is leave them alone.

Capricorn: Don’t let their seriousness fool you. Here is how you know Capricorn is about to loose their cool. Their voice will be higher, they won’t hesitate to argue no matter who you are, they might threaten you, deny it rudely that they’re upset. All of this until finally, they just cry. Don’t tell Capricorn “I told you so” when this happens. Even in their torn state, they’ll put up a fight with you. Agree with Capricorn, reassure them that things are okay. Don’t let them feel “stupid.”

Aquarius: Ah, the wisest of the signs. Lovely Aquarius, they accept their feelings, but that doesn’t mean they don’t get to them. ALTHOUGH, they’ll also be extremely secretive about their emotions. As if nothing is wrong at all. They’ll keep their strong composure about themselves. They’ll still smile when needed, and keep a serious face like usual. When Aquarius’ real feelings are figured out, they’ll look ashamed. They’ll avoid eye contact, and fall silent. They may not cry, but they know when to cut the act when it is no longer convincing. Accept them. Help them deal with their feelings exactly the way the want to.

Mars is the passionate impulse and action, while Venus tends to the overall relationship atmosphere. Mars is the masculine aspect, and this goes beyond sex into your drive, discipline, will-power and stamina. Venus is the feminine aspect, and tempers Mars to smell the roses along the way. We need Mars’ fire to generate sparks, and keep it spicy.

Mars is like the volcano of vitality inside you that must be released and channeled. Mars lights up when you become filled with desire, and this guides you toward your destiny. It influences aspects of character related to action, like endurance, persistence, discipline. The aspects with Mars in your chart show things like how you handle frustration and conflict.

keywords: ambition, sexual desire, passion, determination, will to act, discipline, motivation, initiation, impulses, fire within, energy levels, expressing anger

Mars in Aries: Seeks great feats, and rushes toward them in an impulsive, bold way. This fiery Mars is known for great vitality, along with a restless nature. Becomes energized when pushed beyond known limits, in competitive situations, or when called on to fight. Can be combative, daring, courageous and grow more resolved when there’s friction to play against. Runs hot and ardent when passions are inflamed, but can lose interest just as quickly.

Mars in Taurus: Mars mellows and deepens in Taurus, often preferring to go with the flow and root in one fertile spot. Finds satisfaction in cultivating an art, building things, lining the nest, being in nature and enjoying sensual pleasure. Has one eye on security, and the ability to build on resources in a wise, steady way. Slow to anger, but once aroused, has steam coming out of the ears. Can stubbornly lock into a position, and be unable to make a course correction. Is known to be jealous and see the love object as the property of their heart.

Mars in Gemini: Can easily shift gears, if a new idea catches this Mars’ fancy. Busy, frenetic energies keep this air Mars on the go, always searching for new stimulation, contacts, fascinations. May dip just the pinkie toe into things, before moving on to the next novelty. Is deflated in boring or repetitive atmospheres. Is energized in environments where there’s constant change, and a direct hook-up to the world of ideas. Very social, gregarious, though many exchanges never go beyond the mental flirting stage. Likes to keep a light hold in relationships, with one eye on the escape hatch.

Mars in Cancer: Is stirred to action via the emotions. Acts from a subjective emotional based, and must feel secure, before taking steps. Is very protective of loved ones, and will do battle to protect the family. Finds it hard sometimes to be objective and makes decisions based on the mood of the moment. Passions are stirred through a kinship feeling, and in places where they feel emotionally protected.

Mars in Leo: Acts with confidence, with warmth, power and playful humor. Wants to take grand actions that cause others to sit up and take notice. Wants to be memorable and make a name in the world. The legacy is creative acts, friendship, good times and a knack for business risks. Power is an aphrodisiac for Mars in Leo, and they shine when respected, admired, followed. When dating, Mars Leo is generous, romantic, and affectionate.

Mars in Virgo: Has a strong need to discover the problem and fix it. Is drawn to noble service through volunteering, and leading projects for the common good. Can spin out on the details of a task, and lose sight of other options. Too much self-generated pressure to be perfect can result in body tension. Has a technical, bodywise approach to sex, with a sense of devotion and desire to please the other. Inhibitions can be paralyzing, but overcome in relationships where they are supported and feel secure.

Mars in Libra: When taking action, this Mars is able to walk a diplomatic line, and harmonize the players involved. Has a knack for choosing the path that strikes the right balance. Doesn’t like conflict, and will defer to keep the peace. Motivated by ideals of fairness and justice. Knows how to charm and be tactful, with a good sense of timing. This Mars is known for being able to unlock the sexual passions of others. Likes to keep it clean, high-minded, and therefore, doesn’t go in for too much experimentation.

Mars in Scorpio: The magnetism of Scorpio is vitalized, giving this person an undeniable sexual appeal. Can be a catalyst for the emotional-sexual healing of others. If there’s no self-awareness, this Mars acts on jealousies, is vengeful and driven by overwhelming passions. When channeled creatively, there’s great discipline, creativity and ability to persevere. Very lusty, with a desire to get lost in the sex act, and reemerge anew.

Mars in Sagittarius: High vitality and the hunger to freely roam many landscapes of culture and ideas. Is excited by learning, especially when there’s a hands-on aspect that gets the blood pumping. Athletic and energetic, able to spontaneously set off for adventure. Loves to travel, live fully and openly in the moment, and seek different kinds of sexual experience.

Mars in Capricorn: Puts off formidable energy, of one not to be trifled with. Cautious, self-controlled, always weighing choices against long term goals. Doesn’t just hang out idly, but likes to work toward a substantial plan. Needs mountains to climb, in fields where ambition and practical smarts are rewarded. A strong drive to succeed makes them fearsome competitors. Rich and earthy sexuality under that mask of the traditionalist.

Mars in Aquarius: Acts in unexpected ways, and comes up with crazy solutions that end up working. An innovator that finds satisfaction when able to pursue their inspirations fully. Loves to experiment, and may be attracted to those outside their social class, race or culture. Has a rebellious streak, and loves to confront authority. Is a sexual eccentric, open to anything.

Mars in Pisces: Dwells inside a swirl of images, dreams, emotions….and action emerges from those inner cues. Is sensitive to the environment, and acts with confidence when emotionally secure. Enormous capacity for art, music, drama. Ability to take action is hindered when there’s overwhelm, and a lack of direct energy (too diffuse). Can send out mixed sexual signals, and passively attract, sometimes the wrong person. Is motivated to act on a strong sense of compassion, and is a loyal lover.

Natal Mercury Retrograde

 reconsiders before speaking

 lots of inner conversation and thoughts

 expresses self better in writing

 may feel misunderstood

Mercury involves mental processes and communication, exploring ideas, seeking knowledge, writing, public speaking, making contacts, short trips and commerce. Mercury is retrograde at least three times each year, and is our most frequently retrograde planet. During this usually three week timeframe, we’ve learned to look for misunderstandings to increase, mail to get lost, messages delayed, misdirection and frustration with miscommunications of all kinds.

For a few, this retrograde has the opposite effect.  I feel this is true for anyone born with the retrograde in their natal chart, it’s a powerful time for us.  New ideas, new speaking or writing abilities are often revealed in folks whose natal Mercury is retrograde. Are you normally hesitant or afraid to speak out? Do you find yourself very concerned with how others will take your words or what will happen if you speak your mind? You may tend to get improvements in both your usual internal and external dialogue.

In karmic terms, natal Mercury retrograde suggests you may be dealing with old lessons about the consequences of uninhibited speech. Motives mean a lot to you. You could find yourself attracting criticism or opposition to your ideas. You can learn to overcome your fears. Apply your curiosity and take an active interest in the welfare or interests of people around you. Half of your ability comes from listening.  If speaking to groups of people makes you nervous, let your thoughts escape into the outside world by writing. Make small talk wherever possible about any topics of interest, while you boost your self confidence and begin to overcome your hesitance of expounding your personal views in public.

Natal Venus Retrograde * reconsiders before expressing love or affection * relates awkwardly to others * doubts the love others offer * can become obsessed in relationships * feels let down by the commitment level of others

Venus involves pleasure, love, romance, relaxation, aesthetics, peaceful feelings, harmony, money, and values. Venus tends to work by attraction. Approximately every eighteen months or so, Venus slips into retrograde for about six weeks. While Venus is retrograde, you are may find yourself much more concerned with achieving or maintaining external beauty, your flow of ready cash, questioning your ideas of pleasure, aesthetics, or even revaluating your feelings about romantic relationships.

Do you find yourself inhibited about seeking what you really want from your romantic partner? Does your ability to attract the money and attention you feel that you need seem to cause you problems? Is your natal Venus retrograde?

A natal Venus retrograde can cause you difficulty achieving fulfillment or finding your right romantic partner. You may be more in love with your ideas about love than you are with any real person you know. In karmic terms, you need to complete a life lesson about giving and receiving love and affection. You are here to determine what is truly of value to you and learn about creating a balance of give and take in your romantic life. You will have to be willing to experience loving and being loved in order to attract what you desire into your life and create the feelings of security you need.

Natal Mars Retrograde * reconsiders before expressing anger * finds competitive situations hard to handle * tends to repress and so …. * can become depressed

Mars represents direct energy, physical expression, individual action and assertiveness, as well as anger, desire, sexuality, competitiveness and motivation for self interest. Mars energies tend to burst forward, with short duration. Every two years Mars goes retrograde for two to two-and-a-half months. What often results are frustrations in daily life as emotions become internalized.

If you have natal Mars retrograde, you may find that you are waging an internal battle.  This causes you difficulty in asserting yourself because you are afraid of the consequences of releasing your anger. You may tend to overthink before you act. You may find that you have a tendency to hold back. In karmic terms, you are likely to be attempting to make up for some past misdeeds you now regret. You are learning about yourself, defining who you are by what actions you take. You will need to let go of timidity or a lack of direction in order work out how you can initiate actions without creating the chaos of needless destruction.

Natal retrograde Mars are prone to be uncoordinated mentally and physically and experience sexual difficulties. They’re also more likely to be more full of guilt and blame than most others. Grounding through meditation will help to regulate the various bodily systems to reduce adverse affects.

Natal Jupiter Retrograde * has doubts about what they deserve and so … * finds it easy to settle for crumbs * feels superior in some way inside * abundance is felt on the inside * looks inside for answers to religious questions

Jupiter represents the principles of expansion, gambling, speculation, luck, opportunities, optimism, abundance, travel, higher education, teaching, religion and philosophy. Approximately four months a year, this planet slips into retrograde. When it does, you are likely to see its influence roll through your life and society around you. Plans have a tendency to implode. Jupiter retrograde influences us internally to look within to seek new meanings. You may find you can best use these opportunities to revaluate your life and reach new levels of awareness and understanding.

Abundance is felt within as you search the world looking to discover truth and develop a broader philosophy of life and living. At the same time, you may feel hesitant about involving yourself too deeply in others affairs or sharing your views out of a concern for being thought so different that you may be cast out by public opinion. Speculations may not bring you all the external rewards you seek, but each time you take a chance, your adventures allow you to gain from a wide variety of experiences. You must remain open and honest with yourself in order to expand your spirituality and allow your inner voice to guide you.

Natal Retrograde Jupiter can cause you to encounter one impediment after another in your search for understanding and positive experiences, especially in early life. Positive abilities, talents, attributes and skills tend to come later in life. Higher education is prone to be delayed, if it comes at all. One of the beneficial aspects of this placement, is that you are more likely to be introspective, which assists in the development of higher spiritual ideals.

Natal Saturn Retrograde * feels inside that they’re never good enough * indulgent outward behavior may mask inner feelings of inadequacy * hides fears * over-disciplines self to keep from getting out of control

Saturn deals with karma, limits, responsibility, tradition, conservatives, authorities, long term goals and accomplishments patiently created, taking responsibility, creating structure, and setting boundaries. Once a year the planet Saturn goes retrograde for about four-and-a-half months. During this influence, you will probably find it unwise to attempt sudden changes or to rush through things. Take practical steps and accept limitations while you take serious steps toward your long term goals. Saturn retrograde can cause you to become your own hardest taskmaster, limit your actions or leave you feeling blocked and pessimistic.

Saturn retrograde indicates that you are likely to have been abused by those with power over you. You may need to declare personal boundaries in order to work out conflicts with authority on a karmic scale. You could feel that fate conspires against your desires but it’s really you putting the brakes on through feelings of persecution or inhibition in the house where it is placed until you work out how to face whatever it is that threatens you. Your lesson is one of patience and steady application of hard work as you overcome the impatient urge to cut corners. Everything you gain will be hard won but you will eventually succeed, win the respect of others and actually can shine where you faced difficulties before.

Natal retrograde Saturn individuals are extremely introspective, conservative, frugal and serious. They are teachers who have brought much knowledge with them from past incarnations and are happy to share that knowledge with others. They are minimalists and overly disciplined, oftentimes to an extreme.

Saturn direct is restrictive, but Saturn retrograde often causes you to feel even more restricted. Consequently, you become frustrated when unable to bring to fruition, plans on which you’ve spent years developing. Yet Saturn also provides the tenacity and meticulousness required to bring those plans to culmination. However, allowing yourself to ‘go with the flow,’ and not resist lessons, you will ultimately experience the peace you seek.

Natal Uranus Retrograde * reconsiders outward expressions of rebelliousness * feels inside that they are different * outward conformist behavior masks inner feelings of non-conformity or … * goes out of their way to upset others apple carts * has a difficult time finding their niche in society

Planet of change, independence and risk, Uranus is retrograde for about five months out of every year. While it is, you can expect the unexpected. The situation is not secure. Things are subject to sudden fluctuation and you may be feeling a bit stubborn, rebellious, your emotions explosive and uncooperative toward anyone or anything that represents the status quo. Internally, you may feel like you are so ready to take a risk and just blow off conventional wisdom or prescribed ways of doing things.

If your natal Uranus is retrograde, you are ready to try something new and likely to experience wide fluxuations in circumstances. You have a tendency to push things to extremes. You are a catalyst for positive energies if you channel your rebelliousness into originality as you move toward independence and personal freedom. Karma indicates that you are here to learn about individuality, opening up to an attitude that change is very good.

Natal retrograde Uranus denotes an extremely unique individual who may be seen as rather odd, and whose genius may not be appreciated until later in life, generally seen as revolutionaries who change society for the better.

Natal Neptune Retrograde * feels guilty inside and so …. * tends to blame themselves when things go wrong * super sensitive inside and so ….. * puts on a tough skinned mask

Neptune goes retrograde five months out of every year, a time when a lack of boundaries, imagination, creativity and a desire to experience the pleasures of the moment can get the best of you as logic is set aside, replaced by feelings and intuition. There is a tremendous amount of creative potential for you to achieve your dreams if you focus your activities and compassion outward as well as inward.

Neptune retrograde indicates that you could feel inhibited by the harsh realities of the physical world, choosing to spend a lot of time in your own imagination. Daydreams could replace active participation in life, inhibiting your ability to realize your potentials in the areas of life represented by the house where Neptune is placed. Substance abuse can be triggered by a need to escape and you can fall prey to your own illusions if you don’t accept people as they are and use your sensitivity to let go of limitations as you stay connected to others.

Retrograde Neptune Individuals are enigmatic and not easily understood. They may be extremely sensitive, and an old soul. They are capable of seeing realities to which most of us are blinded, including our own illusions. However, like the rest of us, they have their shadow side, and often chase unrealistic fantasies of their own. Because they are so highly intuitive, they can see the outcome of a situation without having to experience it.

Natal Pluto Retrograde * keeps their chin up during crisis because ….. * they want to keep inner upheavals private * they get what they want by acting like they don’t care

Pluto is the planet of transformation, upheaval, reversals, and beginnings. It spends on average, five months out of the year in retrograde. This is a time of rebuilding when intense situations and outside forces intervene. Be willing to go to extremes and prepared to cut away the useless in those areas of life represented by the house your Pluto is in, releasing what no longer serves you in order to regenerate your life.

Natal Pluto retrograde indicates that you are here to learn karmic lessons about intensity, control, and struggles for dominance. While you are wrestling with your own inner conflicts, outside forces are likely to upset your life. You are likely to find public opinion can be fickle. The people who make up your world may revere you one moment and revile you the next. Part of your lesson is to refuse to get locked in a battle of egos. Penetrate to the essence of the situation uncovering hidden truth. Trust your instincts, being completely honest with yourself. Forgive yourself and others. You may not always be able to control what you face nor what is done, but you are in sole control of how you choose to respond and react.

Natal Retrograde Pluto is the epitome of the deepest form of transformation. Those born with this placement feel the world’s ills on a personal level, and feel compelled to change themselves in an attempt to transform society’s inadequacies and idiosyncrasies.

Natal Chiron Retrograde * initiates us to discover unrecognized abilities * looks within first to heal itself * magnetizes healing from the outside

Chiron is the planet of the wounded healer.  Natal Chiron retrograde indicates that this is a time to discover previously unrecognized abilities. Often, the most beaten down parts of ourselves are actually our greatest strengths. However, they’ve never been developed or cultivated and remain in that wounded, beaten down state. This lack of growth somewhere in our lives is now holding us back. It’s time to let these wounds heal, to let go of old grudges, to wake up to how powerful we can be if we cease being a “victim”. Chiron is an initiator, helping us break through to possibilities undreamed of. However, we must be willing to take the initiative, consciously stepping out of life-as-usual. If your Chiron is retrograde, you can activate past life healing skills for use in this incarnation. You are meant to serve others.