New Study: Zodiac Signs are off

[AKIRA]

Apparently I'm a Gemini.

Better check your horoscope – according to astronomers, your sign might not actually be your sign.

Scientific star-gazers say the 12 Zodiac signs we have come to memorize as handily as our own birthdays are actually out of date by a few thousand years.

In fact, there should actually be a 13th sign called Ophiuchus between Scorpio and Sagittarius, changing the dates of the other signs as well.

“Precession has shifted our view of the stars significantly over a few thousand years, so the sun is no longer situated in front of certain star groupings on the astrologically appointed dates,” Mary Lou Whitehorne, president of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, as well as an astronomy educator and author, explained in an e-mail to QMI Agency.

Precession is the change in the orientation of Earth's axis over the years.

Because of this gradual shift, “things are 'off' by about one month, which is roughly the equivalent to one constellation (or sun sign) of the zodiac” since the times of ancient Greece, when these first signs were created, said Whitehorne.

That means the dates of signs are out of whack and many of us born Virgos could actually be Leos, many Aries are actually Pisces, and so on.

Others – born between Nov. 29-Dec. 17 – should actually be following the little known sign of Ophiuchus, the snake.

While astrologers are well aware of Ophiuchus, don't expect a change in your newspaper horoscopes anytime soon.

“This isn't news. This is nothing,” said Anne Massey, an astrologer and author based in Surrey, B.C.

She said astrological prognosticators have long known about the existence of Ophiuchus, and the shift of how we see stars over time, but that scientists are missing the point.

“This is symbolic – it follows a certain symmetric geometry. It's based on the seasons,” she said. “Astronomers don't observe the skies the same way astrologers do.”

According to a scientists, modern astrologers should be using these dates for the signs of the Zodiac.

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

Sagittarius: Dec. 17- Jan. 20

http://www.torontosun.com/life/2011/01/13/16878126.html

 

[Solaris]

Sheeet, I've always been a Picies but now it looks like I'm an Aquarius.

 

[ktimekiller]

I've read similar things like this WAAAAAAY back before, I don't think its new

EDIT: thread says "new" but article says old as well

 

[Raziaar]

So basically it proves how stupidly pointless Zodiac signs are because people are so into them despite them being WRONG.

"I'm a Gemini, what are you?"

"I DON'T ****ING CARE!"

This isn't news. This is nothing,” said Anne Massey, an astrologer and author based in Surrey, B.C.

She said astrological prognosticators have long known about the existence of Ophiuchus, and the shift of how we see stars over time, but that scientists are missing the point.

This is symbolic – it follows a certain symmetric geometry. It's based on the seasons,” she said. “Astronomers don't observe the skies the same way astrologers do.”

Could she say anything dumber?

 

[Tyguy]

Sheeet, I've always been a Picies but now it looks like I'm an Aquarius.

Sucker, now I'M the Pisces. I'm enjoying your sloppy seconds.

 

[Bad^Hat]

Oh no! My personality!

 

[Viperidae]

So basically it proves how stupidly pointless Zodiac signs are because people are so into them despite them being WRONG.

True. But many women will ride you for your sign. So, best to know yours.

 

[Remus]

So basically it proves how stupidly pointless Zodiac signs are because people are so into them despite them being WRONG.

EXACTLY.

I've seen one documentary where they did a blind test. They showed a group of people predictions/personality traits based on one star sign, without telling them what it was, then asked them how many saw themselves in that description. And the answer is they all did.

It's all BULL SHIT.

 

[AKIRA]

Also, Scorpio is only 6 days?

 

[Stigmata]

Well, there goes my Scorpio-blessed natural sexual virility

 

[Raziaar]

The thing with Zodiac signs is that they are so vague and applicable to pretty much anybody. When people are first introduced to their zodiac sign they find the traits within it that they view themselves as having, but the reality is they can find those same things in all of the other signs just as easily. People grow up so attached to them and can't possibly believe that they could match up just as well with any of the others... but they can. Basically they're just there to make people feel good about themselves, but it's silly how much people look into it and try to discern the world through it.

 

[Acepilotf14]

Oh wow... it's ****ing nothing.

 

[Higlac]

Hmm. Never really cared about it, knew I was a libra, but meh.

People take these things too seriously sometimes though. Some guy where I work got his sign tattooed to his bicep, so the only time you can read it is if he flexes.

 

[Hectic Glenn]

Oh my...well that's so strange because my old star sign was so me. I've just checked out my new one and realised that it is definitely more me, my old sign was actually way off. I feel so silly now!

People take these things too seriously sometimes though. Some guy where I work got his sign tattooed to his bicep, so the only time you can read it is if he flexes.

I bet his star sign isn't cancer.

 

[Vegeta897]

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
Sagittarius: Dec. 17- Jan. 20

Whoever wrote this is retarded.

What if you were born on Feb 16? March 11? May 13? etc

 

[bam23]

I've been following the wrong horoscopes?

FML.

 

[Stigmata]

Whoever wrote this is retarded.

What if you were born on Feb 16? March 11? May 13? etc

Superpowers.

[edit] And also superdeficiencies.

 

[bbson john]

I've just got a bipolar

 

[Avoidist]

Wasn't this the whole reason for the hullabaloo over the year 2012, the celestial era would now officially move to the next sign due to precession?

Edit: just did some quick research, it's called the astrological age and apparently the two don't coincide at all. It's also where we get that "dawning of the Age of Aquarius" lyric from.

 

[Bad^Hat]

What if you were born on Feb 16?

Aquaricorn.

March 11?

Piscerius.

May 13?

Tauries.

 

[dfc05]

I've read similar things like this WAAAAAAY back before, I don't think its new

EDIT: thread says "new" but article says old as well

Yes. The most astonishing things are that (1) anyone cares enough to report this -- now; (2) that it's somehow become "big news." It obviously can't be new as it's not like the Earth suddenly and discontinuously shifted without warning to make the zodiac signs off.
Two people I have on Facebook have posted about this within the last several hours.
WHY

I learned about this in astronomy class several years back. Nobody in class really cared.

It's like if someone were to write an article saying: "Strawberries -- not actually berries in the botanical sense." It's always been that way! It's not news.

The only other interesting tidbit is that we can kinda compare this to the whole Bird Death frenzy. Just because the media idiotically decides "This is the most fascinating thing ever" doesn't mean it's special or it doesn't happen under normal circumstances.

 

[Stigmata]

Aquaricorn.

With the power to bring terrestrial agriculture to the sun-parched depths of the Marianas Trench!

Piscerius.

With the power to take mathematical constants far too seriously!

Tauries.

With the power to make political conservatives appear sillier!

 

[DEATHMASTER]

I REFUSE TO ACKNOWLEDGE. Forever Scorpio.

 

[Krynn72]

Yeah, I don't get Vegeta's post. Also what the **** is a Libra? Also, what was I before? Nov 17th

 

[Warped]

I REFUSE TO ACKNOWLEDGE. Forever Scorpio.

Same here bro!

Also my girlfriend is all upset shes a Leo now and I'm a Virgo. WTF this is so confusing

And just to make it all clear I don't believe in this shit anyway.

 

[Krynn72]

Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius—air elements: The Air signs possess the virtue of knowledge. This does not mean they are more intelligent than anyone else but are generally well-rounded and informed. They are good communicators. Most have a good grasp of the language and generally know a little something about everything - they can communicate well on any subject under discussion because they are so well-read and learned. They have good personalities and are easy to get to know. The Air signs are what the philosophers called seers or priests. These are mentally inclined people. They actively acquire knowledge through experience, education and association.

Looking good so far.

The Air signs are curious,

Sure am.

original,

Eh, sorta

well-disciplined,

Uh...

quick thinking,

Not particularly

and possess initiative.

Yeah, after I procrastinate for awhile.

They are rational in their methods, rather than depending upon emotional or physical factors.

Ok, now we're getting back on track.

They enjoy any type of entertainment where they can use their intellectual capacity,

Getting pretty close.

and their ability to think quickly and accurately often gives them the upper hand.

Losing it again.

The emotional nature of the Air signs is directed toward self appraisal. Air signs have a tendency to judge themselves harshly.

Haha, do you realize this is the motherf*ckin Krynn you're talking about?

They set standards for themselves when its comes to their hygiene, fashion,

Wrong, and wrong

education, job performance, and family.

True, true and true.

At their worst, they can be mean. They carry a grudge, and are quick to express their opinion.

True about being mean, false about holding grudges, true about quick to express my opinion.

Libra is not as violent as Aquarius or Gemini.

****, I hate those bullies.

The Air signs will not hesitate one moment to express their anger verbally, but physical violence is not a first choice during that anger

True.


Hey, I see why this stuff is popular. Its pretty entertaining.

 

[Vegeta897]

Yeah, I don't get Vegeta's post.

The start date for each zodiac sign is the same as the end date of the last one. So if your birthday is that date, which the **** one are you?

 

[Naph]

The start date for each zodiac sign is the same as the end date of the last one. So if your birthday is that date, which the **** one are you?

Depends if you were born during the morning or afternoon?
:|

 

[Bad^Hat]

Actually it's decided by a coin toss.




... A celestial coin toss! Ooooooh.

 

[Eejit]

So this week I shouldn't be decisive, won't meet a potential good friend and should in fact be afraid to try new things?

 

[DEATH eVADER]

My birthday is April 29th, so that puts me in line with Aries

The spring equinox, March 21, is the beginning of the new zodiacal year and Aries, the first sign, is therefore that of new beginnings. The young ram is adventurous, ambitious, impulsive, enthusiastic and full of energy. The Arian is a pioneer both in thought and action, very open to new ideas and a lover of freedom. They welcome challenges and will not be diverted from their purpose except by their own impatience, which will surface if they don't get quick results.

That doesn't sound like me at all

 

[Remus]

Hey, I see why this stuff is popular. Its pretty entertaining.

LOL, looks like fun let me try.

A typical Capricorn has good organizational skills, is neat and tidy, have hardheaded practicality.

Oh boy... wrong right from the start, this is going to go well.

You have strong work ethic

Not really.

materialistic tendencies

True

a conservative streak, conventionality and great respect for authority.

WROOOOONG!

You are ambitious, serious and dedicated to duty.You are self-disciplined, responsible and practical but at times, you can wallow in self-pity. Your reasoning ability is excellent and has strong sense of purpose and direction.

Not so much.

You are capable of falling in love for its own pleasure but love alone will not motivate you to marriage. To you marriage serves a social design.

True

 

[VirusType2]

Haha, I always understood this stuff as a load of shit that was all wrong, and now that they've given me the "right" sign, ... well actually, Aquarius completely describes me in an extremely creepy-like fashion.

 

[Stigmata]

LOL, looks like fun let me try. [...] Oh boy... wrong right from the start, this is going to go well.

Alright, let's see what Libra has to say about me:

General character:
Libra (the balance) is said to be the most desired Zodiac Sign. You are charming, good looking, gentle and kind.

Off to a good start!

You are a good judge of character and have many good friends.

Yes.

You do not like it when your decisions are challenged, and are impatient with people who criticize you. You hate people who are cruel to others.

That last bit is uncanny...

Libras enjoy the arts more than science, so a career in the arts would be a good choice.

Almost false, I like them nearly equally.

You will understand other people's views and sympathize with them. A negative Libraian (there aren't many) flirts and seems shallow. They also are impatient with a daily routine.

Correct, and I'm not a negative Libraian so that's cool too.

Romantic character:
Take care in romance as you have a tendency to flirt from one love affair to another.

Not really...

You also have an attraction for the opposite sex but should be careful as you are very emotional, therefore you cannot make difference between good and bad.

wat

You are advised to think well before making the first move, because, sometimes your partner may put you in a scandal. Every one of the opposite sexes is not a virtuous, honest and loveable person. Some are cunning and advantage seeking.

I'm not sure if I like that this is encouraging my natural social paranoia.

A beautiful love partner can be paradise for the eyes, hell for the soul and purgatory for the purse.

Deep, brah.

 

[<RJMC>]

I guess there will be a updated remake of saint seiya soon

 

[comradesean]

So apparently this just applies to newborns. You all get to keep your signs.

 

[Solaris]

So apparently this just applies to newborns. You all get to keep your signs.

I think you're misinformed.

 

[Rizzo]

Then you got 2 signs.

Also, no one takes these things seriously. Those who do are probably retarded.

 

[DEATHMASTER]

Don't know bout you but I was just glad mine was something comprehensible, Scorpio the ****ing scorpion.

 

[Shakermaker]

This is my favorite research on astrology:

In 1979 Michel Gauquelin put an advertisement in Ici-Paris offering a free horoscope. Recipients were asked to reply saying how accurate they and their friends found the horoscope. Of the first 150 replies, 94% percent said it was accurate as did 90% of their friends and family. Unfortunately, they all got the same horoscope, that of Dr. Petiot, a notorious mass murderer.

[Source]