Precession of the Equinox
or How I Learned To Love The Wobble
Every year, like clockwork, someone writes an article about how your zodiac sign has suddenly changed. Mass confusion ensues. You now have a new sign, the author exclaims because you were born under a different constellation than your star sign.
Are they right? And if so can you get your money back? Yes, it’s true that astronomically, the sky has changed over thousands of years. The sky that exists today is different than the first one recorded by ancient astrologers. So if you’re an Aquarius, you’re now a Capricorn. If you’re a Pisces, you’re now an Aquarius. To add to the chaos, there’s even a 13th sign – Opichius. Stay calm, friends.
However, it’s not true astrologically. Western astrologers use the original locations of the constellations. In other words, the signs remain the same as they did thousands of years ago. The world is sage again until next year when another article is written.
Okay, but what’s all the fuss about, you may ask? Well, it has to do with the Wobble. When the Earth rotates, it’s got a cute little wobble. The Earth bulges a bit around the equator. It’s kind of like how your skirt fans out when you twirl a hula-hoop.
The Moon and Sun pull on this bulge which causes the Earth to rotate like a top. This movement leads to something called precession. After thousands of years, this wobble caused the constellations to slide to the east, roughly a degree per human lifetime. So yes, in reality, the Sun passes through the 12 constellations about one month later than what is recorded in your horoscope.
I say stick to your regular Sun signs and all will be well. Pinky promise.