What’s my star sign? Horoscope dates, traits and zodiac change explained
THOUGHT you knew everything about your star sign? Think again.
A resurfaced NASA blog post recently claimed that there are actually 13 Zodiac signs rather than 12 - but it turns out, that was an old hoax.
What is the "new" star sign?
Astrological signs are determined by the sun’s position in relation to a constellation on your day of birth.
But the night sky has moved around since the Babylonians first invented the 12 signs of the zodiac more than 2,500 years ago.
They saw the constellation of Ophiuchus too - but since it didn’t fit neatly into one of these 12 slices, they left it out of the zodiac.
Most astrologers don't acknowledge Ophiuchus as a star sign- but for those that do, it applies to those born between November 29 and December 17.
Has my star sign changed?
Including Ophiuchus within the Zodiac causes other star signs to shift slightly.
♑ CAPRICORN
PREVIOUSLY: December 22 – January 20
NOW: January 20 - February 16
Capricorns are famous for being driven workaholics who generally have a sensitive nature.
Their key personality traits include being sensitive, disciplined and practical.
According to Mystic Meg, Capricorns are often the breadwinner of their family and take their time to choose a partner.
They get on best with the other Earth signs Virgo and Taurus as they are all fundamentally hard-working and pragmatic.
♒ AQUARIUS
PREVIOUSLY: January 21 - February 18
NOW: February 16 to March 11
This star sign is ruled by the planet Uranus - so those who fall into the Aquarius category are both both assertive and analytical.
What's more, Aquarius are generally independent spirits who need time to get close to people - but once you do, they're friends for life.
Mystic Meg said: "People fall under your spell because you really listen to them and care. Your love style is special and imaginative."
♓ PISCES
PREVIOUSLY: February 19 – March 20
NOW: March 11 to April 18
Pisces is one of three star signs belonging to the Zodiac's water element.
Ruled by the planet Neptune, Pisceans are empathetic souls with impressionable, creative and romantic natures.
In terms of picking a partner, Mystic Meg said: "You will never stop believing in romance and a fairy tale ending, so when the fairy tale is stripped away it can be difficult.
"You make a brilliant partner and often reward your other half."
♈ ARIES
PREVIOUSLY: March 21 – April 20
NOW: April 18 to May 13
As one of the three fire star signs, those born under Aries are famously passionate people.
They tend to have fiery personalities and generally take the lead among friends.
They are ruled by the planet Mars and, as a result, are always ready for an argument.
Describing their "impulsive" natures, Mystic Meg said: "When you find the right partner, you are intensely loyal and protective.
"You know exactly what they want in a relationship and are determined to give it to them."
♉ TAURUS
PREVIOUSLY: April 21 – May 21
NOW: May 13 to June 21
Famous for stubborn stances, Taurus is among the three Earth signs within the Zodiac.
Taureans' key characteristics include being materialistic, determined and practical.
Explaining what they're like in relationships, Mystic Meg said: "Talented and tenacious at work, romantic and sensuous in relationships, you are also a loyal and dependable friend.
"You create the most welcoming, comfortable home and make your lover feel totally cherished."
♊ GEMINI
PREVIOUSLY: May 22 - June 21
NOW: June 21 to July 20
One of the three star signs belonging to the Zodiac's Air element, Geminis are gentle and affectionate souls - but are sometimes nervous and indecisive.
They are ruled by the Planet Mercury which represents writing and communication.
Mystic Meg said: "You have such imaginative ideas and can fill a partner’s life with new experiences.
"You’re charming, flirty and fun and you can talk to anyone."
♋ CANCER
PREVIOUSLY: June 22 to July 22
NOW: July 20 to August 10
The Cancer star sign is ruled by the moon and Cancereans can experience mood swings based on its movements.
Cancer is famous for the star sign's loyalty, intuition and emotional depth.
Mystic Meg said: "The way you tune in to a partner’s secret desires makes you a dream lover.
"People think you are gentle and good-tempered but when someone annoys you, you show it in a subtle but effective way."
♌ LEO
PREVIOUSLY: July 23 to August 23
NOW: August 10 to September 16
Leo is ruled by the sun which, unsurprisingly, means Leos are passionate and enthusiastic people.
Gravitating towards leadership roles, Leos are ambitious and often have vivacious personalities.
Mystic Meg said: "You are passionate, playful and, when you know you’re loved, can be tender and loyal.
"True and everlasting love doesn’t happen by itself so you have to work at it. Don’t sit on your romantic throne."
List of 13 Star Signs - including Ophiuchus
Capricorn - previously December 22 – January 20, now January 20 - February 16
Aquarius - previously January 21 - February 18, now February 16 to March 11
Pisces - previously February 19 – March 20, now March 11 to April 18
Aries - previously March 21 – April 20, now April 18 to May 13
Taurus - previously April 21 – May 21, now May 13 to June 21
Gemini - previously May 22 - June 21, now June 21 to July 20
Cancer - previously June 22 to July 22, now July 20 to August 10
Leo - previously July 23 to August 23, now August 10 to September 16
Virgo - previously August 24 to September 22, now September 16 to October 30
Libra - previously September 23 to October 23, now October 30 to November 23
Scorpio - previously October 24 to November 22, now November 23 to November 29
Ophiuchus - November 29 to December 17
Sagittarius - previously November 23 - December 21, now December 17th to January 20th
♍ VIRGO
PREVIOUSLY: August 24 to September 22
NOW: September 16 to October 30
Ruled by the Planet Mercury, people with a Virgo star sign tend to be super organised, communicative and bright.
They're often modest hard-workers who sometimes struggle with imposter syndrome but make for conscientious friends.
Describing their "perfectionist manner", Mystic Meg said: "You want to make your partner’s life a success story and do everything you can to help the family excel.
"Some people think you’re pernickety and too fussy about detail but you read your partner’s life brilliantly and enjoy learning."
♎ LIBRA
PREVIOUSLY: September 23 to October 23
NOW: October 30 to November 23
Libra is ruled by the Planet Venus and Librans are famous for their love of balance and order.
They have a taste for the finer things in life and can't stand mess - especially in their homes.
Mystic Meg said: "YOU handle people skillfully at work and in your private life.
"You have a real talent for togetherness and your ability to see life through a partner’s eyes deepens understanding and leads to special love.
♏ SCORPIO
PREVIOUSLY: October 24 – November 22
NOW: November 23 to November 29
Scorpio has not one but TWO planetary influences - Pluto (otherwise known as the god of the Underworld) and the god of war Mars.
Passionate, loyal and persistent are all key characteristics of a Scorpio.
Mystic Meg said: "You're the zodiac’s sexiest sign, both magnetic and compelling.
But you also have a strong belief in life-long relationships and friendships."
OPHIUCHUS
November 29 to December 17
Summing up this new star sign, Mystic Meg explained: "You are a very complicated character who wants success, not just for yourself but for everyone else in your life.
"You can be a super-strong lover once your emotions are fully evolved. You’re passionate and not interested in short-term relationships.
"You are flamboyant and expect people to be in awe of you and notice your presence."
♐ SAGITTARIUS
PREVIOUSLY: November 23 – December 21
NOW: December 17 - January 20
Sagittarius tends to be optimistic, adventurous and generally restless.
You're an independent person who is always honest with friends and has a philosophical spirit.
Mystic Meg said: "You are adventurous, idealistic and outspoken – if sometimes outrageous.
"You’re always ready to learn and have a spirit of independence and love the idea of finding freedom."
A previous version of this article suggested that NASA had added a 13th star sign. In fact, the blog post NASA published said that the Babylonians identified 13 constellations, but chose to leave one out when inventing the 12 signs of the zodiac. We are happy to clarify.
For more zodiac stories, we revealed what what your star sign says about your bedroom habits - and Sagittarius is adventurous while Aries like spontaneity.
And the star signs that have the most sex have been revealed – and it’s good news if you’re an Aries
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Here's how you can figure out what star sign you are.
Latest horoscopes from Mystic Meg.