A viral post circulating on social media recently reignited debate over astrology, claiming that people’s zodiac signs are now “wrong” because of changes in the position of the constellations. The claim, which quickly spread on TikTok and Facebook, argues that the Earth’s axis has shifted over thousands of years, altering the zodiac calendar and, for some, their astrological identities.
However, both astronomers and astrologers have clarified that the viral report is misleading. According to a feature by People.com, astrologers emphasized that Western astrology does not use the actual positions of constellations in the sky. Instead, it follows what is known as the tropical zodiac, a system based on the Earth’s seasons and the Sun’s position relative to the equinoxes, not the shifting stars.
“Western astrology is season-based, not constellation-based,” explained astrologer Susan Miller, founder of Astrology Zone. “Your zodiac sign hasn’t changed. Aries will always begin at the spring equinox, Libra at the fall equinox, and so on.”
The confusion stems from a scientific concept known as axial precession — a slow wobble in the Earth’s rotation that gradually shifts the position of the constellations over thousands of years. Astronomers note that while the stars’ positions have indeed changed slightly since ancient times, this does not affect the zodiac signs used in astrology, which are tied to Earth’s orbital cycle rather than the night sky’s visible layout.
Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson, astrophysicist and science communicator, has long pointed out that astrology and astronomy are “completely different systems.” He explained that astronomy is a science based on observation, measurement, and mathematical models, while astrology is a belief system that interprets human behavior and destiny through symbolic meanings of celestial positions.
The viral claim also revived discussions about a supposed “13th zodiac sign” called Ophiuchus, which some posts claimed should be added to the modern horoscope. Experts again dismissed this idea, noting that Ophiuchus has been known to astronomers since ancient times but was never included in the astrological system that divides the ecliptic into 12 equal segments.
Despite repeated clarifications from experts, astrology remains deeply popular across social media, especially among younger audiences who use it as a form of self-expression and reflection. Scientists, however, continue to encourage media literacy and critical thinking when encountering claims that blend science and belief.
“Precession is real,” said astronomer Dr. Lisa Harvey-Smith, “but it doesn’t mean your zodiac sign has changed. It’s a misunderstanding of how the tropical zodiac works.”
As with many viral trends, experts urge the public to verify information from credible scientific and astrological sources before sharing.
Paraluman P. Funtanilla
Paraluman P. Funtanilla is Tutubi News Magazine's Marketing Specialist and is a Contributing Editor. She finished her degree in Communication Arts in De La Salle Lipa. She has worked as a Digital Marketer for start-up businesses and small business spaces for the past two years. She has earned certificates from Coursera on Brand Management: Aligning Business Brand and Behavior and Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content. She also worked with Asia Express Romania TV Show.
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
