Ophiuchus – Bearer of the Serpent

The name Ophiuchus comes literally from the Greek phrase meaning the man “the man that holds or bears the serpent.” Ophiuchus sprawls over a large area of the sky and is generally so faint that most may never have gotten a good look at it. It is often shown with the stars of Serpens making it appear as a double constellation. Ophiuchus is located above and between Scorpius and Sagittarius – nestled at the western edge of the Milky Way’s band of light. Ophiuchus’ stars make a house-shaped figure that straddles the celestial equator while the stars of Serpens extend above and below it on the east and west sides. The west side of Serpens is called Serpens Caput and the east extension is Serpens Cauda, the head and tail of the serpent, respectively. Although difficult to imagine with such faint stars, some observers tend to see a giant man grappling with a snake.

The number twelve for the zodiac signs was used as early as 3000 BC to correspond to the twelve full months of the year. In fact the ecliptic plane passes through the twelve official signs of the zodiac. Ophiuchus is actually the unofficial thirteenth sign of the zodiac and makes his presence known by extending his foot down into that part of the sky between Sagittarius and Scorpius. The Sun actually spends more time journeying across the foot of Ophiuchus than it does in Scorpius. So if you believe your zodiac sign is Sagittarius, modern astronomical calendars reveal that you are most likely part of the thirteenth zodiac sign – Ophiuchus. 

In Greek mythology, the constellation Ophiuchus is identified with Aesculapius, son of Apollo, and is said to have been the first doctor. According to the legend, Aesculapius was widely known as a miracle healer, repairing terrible wounds of battle and bringing those near death back to life. His curative powers reached a pinnacle when he discovered an herb brought into his house by a snake. Though he killed the snake, it quickly revived. He noticed the snake carrying a plant in its mouth, the source of the herb. Aesculapius believed it was this herb that revived the snake. Taking the herb from the snake’s mouth, Aesculapius studied the herb and learned about its healing powers. He became a great healer, expert at saving lives. But this infuriated Pluto, god of the underworld and he complained to Jupiter (Zeus). The dead of the underworld were his property and Hades was being depleted rapidly. Aesculapius was, in effect, making man immortal and therefore god-like. This could not be tolerated, so Jupiter struck Aesculapius with a lightning bolt, killing him. His body was placed into the sky along with the serpent, as a symbol of the great physician’s healing powers.

This legend has given rise to the serpent symbol of medical professionals; a staff with a serpent wound around it.

Enjoy! And Keep Looking Up!