I have had a good giggle today! As my birthday approaches I was so excited to share with you this little book I received as a gift. Simply titled “Aries”, it’s a quick read about the qualities and innate characteristics of people born under the first sign in the astrological line-up.
It was months after receiving this book that I finally read it. As a Christian it felt kind of strange studying astrology. And as a strong-willed person, I just flat out refused to allow a horoscope written by another human being to define my day.
But, I decided God made the stars and they were a part of our universe so maybe there was some correlation between their existence and mine. I was surprised and delighted with what I found. Everything the book described about an Aries was true about me! I mean it was uncanny. I couldn’t believe I had found my tribe.
The positive traits of courage, energy, optimism and idealism were all me…along with of course the challenges of being impulsive, opinionated and impatient. Even the numerology section that explained the importance of the number 4 totally synced up with me being super excited about being 4-4 on 3-2-2. Yes, it sounds ridiculous now but I somehow knew this past year would be special, and indeed it has been a life-altering, transformative experience.
So, as I sat down to write to you today I thought this is going to be fun to explore. But something told me I better read more about astrology before I post. Am I glad I did…especially since I found out the zodiac calendar is W-R-O-N-G! According to NASA, I am a Pisces not an Aries! Isn’t that hilarious?
It seems the ancient Babylonians, the architects of our current Zodiac calendar, took a few liberties. First, there are 13 constellations instead of 12. They decided to lop off Ophiuchus because they only had 12-months on their calendar. (And let’s be honest, who wanted to be labeled an Ophiuchus?)
Second, the Earth’s axis doesn’t point in quite the same direction as it did 3,000 years ago. So people born today are not really born under the same sun sign, as they were when the table was created.
Finally, the sun does not spend the same amount of time lined up with each constellation because they are different sizes. So for example, the sun only takes 7 days to travel through Scorpio whereas Virgo it takes 45 days.
I know, I know…I was kind of bummed too. It was fun being an Aries. But take heart, you may still be the sun sign you always thought. Check out NASA’s table for your real astrological sign – for what it’s worth.
In a way, I’m kind of glad this happened. I started to scrap the whole blog, but then I realized this experience has been a great reminder of two very important life lessons.
First, be careful what you accept as truth. So often we blindly believe what others tell us as fact, especially when people have been repeating it for years and years. Then we dig a little and find out it is nonsense. That’s why no matter the messenger, we should always read and study to find the truth for ourselves.
Second, we don’t need external labels to define us. We can just be ourselves, and know that is enough. When or where we were born doesn’t determine whether we will be a success. We were all meant to be great – at something. Trust your own path as the path to your unique purpose. When we let our passions lead us to our purpose is when we are at our very best.
How about instead of trying to figure out our sign, we work on becoming a sign? A sign of God’s goodness, a sign of His love; a sign of sweet peace, and a sign of the extraordinary life that’s possible if we put our trust in Him.
Drop me a line and let me know your thoughts.
Loving on Me as I Love You. ❤
Rhonda Stallworth-moutry says
Absolutely awesome! Will be working on becoming a sign of God’s goodness. Thank you for sharing!
katrinamcghee says
I’m so glad you stopped by! Peace and Blessings…
Crystal K says
Uh, (raises hand) since my birthday comes along at the end of the year, does this mean I would have been an Ophiuchus? LOL! But, on a more serious note- thanks for encouraging me to be a sign representing God today. I love it! This is so appropriate since my kiddo and I are on our way out of the door to do some volunteer work on this rainy Saturday morning:-)
shereeseslate says
I must thank you for this blog. You constantly share such great informative knowledge. Not only am I excited to know you, I am also excited to know that you are truly a sign of God’s goodness. Continue to share what has been divinely placed on the inside as you love on you!
katrinamcghee says
Thank you Shereese. Praying God’s blessings shower you and your business as you work to bring forth the vision He has given you. Love and Blessings!
Barbara Gershman says
I agree with the respondent who said your blog posts are always interesting. Like you, NASA transported me from an Aries to a Pisces. I did identify with descriptions about Aries until I met someone born on the same day as I. She could not have been more different from me. My best friend was, and post-NASA count, still is a Pisces. It will be good to officially be in her constellation. Anyway, happy birthday to you and me.