Parke Kunkle, who teaches at Minneapolis Community and Technical College, and is a member of the Minnesota Planetarium Society, recently announced, "The Zodiac had a problem with dates. Not only is the Earth aligned differently today than it was in 3000 BC, but we've also been leaving the constellation Ophiuchus out of the equation." It was also announced that those born between November 29 and December 17 will fall under the Ophiuchus zodiac. This spread faster than lightning, and though Kunkle quickly clarified that his theory was based on "2,000-year-old information; astronomers have known about this since 130BC" and that he didn't understand why his explanation of how a well-known wobble in the earth's orbit throws off astrology charts turned into an internet sensation, he couldn't stem the collective panic of the world.

Anupam V Kapil : "As astrology is based on astronomy, the panchang automatically factors in such changes, and the heavens will always be divided into 12 divisions to have 30 degrees of each sign, no matter how many times the polar axis shifts, this is basic logic. If what the astronomers are saying is true, then the dates of the solar and winter solistices must also change, but as of now they remain the same. Many years back there was a 13th planet 'discovered' and many astrologers and newspapers started publishing a 13th sun sign too. Our Vedas are very clear on this aspect as the rishis are aware that there are actually many more planets, and also Suns and Moons, but the complete set of planets which actually influence the life and destiny on our Earth are only 9 (which include Sun, Moon and Rahu/Ketu.)"

Ophiuchus' qualities
# interpreter of dreams, vivid premonitions,
# attracts good luck and fruitful blessings,
# serpent holder, lofty ideals,
# a seeker of peace and harmony,
# doctor of medicine or science, natural-pathic,
# adds, increases, joins, or gathers together
# poetical, inventive nature, expanding qualities,
# seeks higher education and wisdom,
# overseer, supervisor of work,
# fame - either grand, or completely misunderstood,
# longevity, aspirations of healing the ills of man,
# architect, builder, reaches for the stars, figuratively and literally,
# tax assessor, or levys taxes,
# astrological talents, intuitive,
# large family indicated, but apt to be separated from them when young,
# the number twelve holds great significance,
# foresight and good fortune to benefit from hard times,
# has secret enemies in family or close associations,
# many jealous of this subject,
# notable father, apple of father's eye when young,
# high position in life expected [depending on aspects] highest fame and legend comes after death
# feelings of granular, wise, genius mentality,
# likes to wear clothing of vibrant colors, and plaids in particular,
# receives the favor of those in authority.

The New Zodiac Dates
ARIES = APRIL 19 - MAY 13
TAURUS = MAY 14 - JUNE 19
GEMINI = JUNE 20 - JULY 20
CANCER = JULY 21 - AUG 9
LEO = AUGUST 10 - SEPTEMBER 15
VIRGO = SEPTEMBER 16 - OCTOBER  30
LIBRA = OCTOBER 31 - NOVEMBER  22
SCORPIO = NOVEMBER 23 - NOVEMBER  29
OPHIUCHUS = NOVEMBER 30 - DECEMBER 17
SAGITTARIUS = DECEMBER 18 - JANUARY 18
CAPRICORN = JANUARY 19 - FEBRUARY 15
AQUARIUS = FEBRUARY 16 - MARCH 11
PISCES = MARCH 12 - APRIL 18