"THE ASTROLOGICAL ATTRIBUTES OF OPHIUCHUS



The 13th Sign of the Zodiac




by Betty Matteson Rhodes

There was not always a 13th sign in the Zodiac [Mazzaroth]. About 2000 years ago the Sun traveled from the constellation Scorpius and then went directly into the sign of Sagittarius, but due to the constant motion of the cosmos, the Sun now enters, for a few days of the year, the star constellation 'Ophiuchus' before entering Sagittarius from Scorpius, thus creating Astrologically the birth of a thirteenth sign of the Zodiac, which is named: Ophiuchus the Serpent Holder.

The signs of the Zodiac are for the most part, the highway, or path, the Sun takes on it's yearly journey across the heavens - as it would appear to earthlings. These signs are actually star constellations occupying space in which the Sun appears to travels in an earth year. The original twelve signs/constellations: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces are quite familiar to everyone, however, the thirteenth sign/constellation, [Ophiuchus], is not well known. To acknowledge a 13th sign now would seem awkward for astrologers, who like the tidiness of '12 signs' that rule over the 12 houses of the Zodiac. But like it or not the heavens are alive and they do change and the astrologer who wants to maintain accuracy must change along with the signs in the heavens.

The constellation of Ophiuchus is the only sign of the Zodiac which is linked to a real man. This man lived in ancient Egypt around the 27th century BCE, and his name was Imhotep. The attributes of Imhotep can also be found in the Biblical Hebrew man Joseph, son of Jacob - [see comparison chart for these two men in accompanying chart]. Imhotep is credited with many accomplishments including the knowledge and use of medicine. It is said of Imhotep that he brought the art of healing to mankind. The symbol of a serpent [or snake], which is still widely used today to represent the medical profession, was used to represent Imhotep. Imhotep was also known as 'Aesclepius' to the ancient Greeks, but by any name the attributes are still all the same. These attributes, which describe Imhotep, i.e. the Hebrew Joseph, or Aesclepius I list below as keyword descriptions for the 13th sign of the Zodiac - or Ophiuchus:



LIST OF KEY WORDS OR ATTRIBUTES TO DESCRIBE THE SIGN OF OPHIUCHUS


interpreter of dreams, premonitions


attracts good luck


serpent holder


lofty ideals


a seeker of peace and harmony


doctor of medicine or science


to add, increase, join or gather together


poetical, inventive nature, expanding


seeks higher education


overseer, supervisor of work


fame - either grand or completely misunderstood


longevity, aspirations of healing the ills of man


architect, builder, reaches for the stars


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 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 however


feelings of granular, wise,


likes to wear clothing of vibrant colors


receives the favor of those in charge."

www.femalefirst.co.uk/board/a...949.html