(Scott Chia -- The Beacon)
By Rachel McIntosh, Staff Writer -- mcintosh14@up.edu
"Yesterday when I woke up I was a Sagittarius, but today I am an Ophiuchus. WHAT IS AN OPHIUCHUS? Is this real life?"
"Am I still an Aquarius? I don't even know who I am anymore. Has my life been a lie?"
Two weeks ago, Facebook statuses across the nation focused on the changes in the horoscope signs.
A reporter from the Star Tribune in Minneapolis, Minn., spurred a worldwide panic as people looked to their zodiac signs.
Fear not, the horoscope change is only relevant to those born after 2011.
The earth's changing magnetic poles changed the planet's orientation so that it is a month behind. If you were born today in 2010 you would be an Aquarius. With the change, the new sign for January 27 is Capricorn for those born after 2011.
However, no matter how the signs may have changed, Manhattan astrologer Lawrence Grecco said, "Your sign is your sign."
For some readers, being able to depend on their horoscopes is an important concept.
"Humans are very aware of their futures and they take it into consideration. People get married or don't get married because of their signs," physics and astronomy professor Mark Utlaut said.
"I know of no scientific basis or evidence that there is anything to horoscopes that are based on astronomical things. I place no importance to them as a guide. I know it gives some people pleasure, and I don't think that is bad," Utlaut said.
Horoscopes can be a much needed daily peptalk to get motivated.
"Astrology in general is a personal thing. It is a great way to have a positive approach to your day. It can be an encouragement or a different way to look at things," junior Bree Bowman said.
Horoscopes give people something to look forward to each day. Some people use their horoscope readings to enhance their perspective on the day.
For freshman Ben Snodgrass, the horoscope readings sent to his Facebook are an intriguing concept.
"It is interesting how the mind works," Snodgrass said. "There are positives and negatives to horoscope readings, but if you can take something and relate it to your life in a positive way then it can be good for some people."
But zodiac signs aren't all fun and games. There is a great deal of history behind each sign.
According to the New York Times' Jan. 14 article "Did Your Horoscope Predict This?" Ophiuchus, originating from Greek and Latin, means "serpent-holder," which has various interpretations, such as Adam and the serpent from the Bible. Its cycle runs from Nov. 29 to Dec. 17.
Individuals born during that time period after 2011 will have the Ophiuchus zodiac sign instead of a Sagittarius. People born during the time of the Ophiuchus tend to be extremely curious, open to change, passionate and very jealous. They have an explosive temper, good humor, and a thirst for knowledge and are secretive and egotistical.
The New Horoscopes:
Capricorn Jan. 20 – Feb. 16
Aquarius Feb. 16 – Mar. 11
Pisces Mar. 11 – Apr. 18
Aries Apr. 18 – May 13
Taurus May13 – 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
