The Ophiuchus Gateway

The Ophiuchus Gateway opens approximately between the 29th of November - 18th December. It is during this time when the astronomical Sun passes through Ophiuchus that is nestled between Scorpio, The Scorpion and Sagittarius, The Centaur.

A time of potent transformation, active healing, renewal, integration and learning, with some disruption to the usual flow.

Ophiuchus translates to ‘Snake Bearer’, the image depicts a human holding a snake. The snake and human are in contact with one another but remain individual entities at this point. This gateway calls you to ARISE.

A Trinity of Underworld Initiation

It is through the sign of Sagittarius that an therianthropic marriage between animal and human fully manifests through the centaur. This suggests that the combination of these three signs (Scorpio, Ophiuchus and Sagittarius) creates a gateway of transformation, with Ophiuchus acting as a necessary bridge between what was (Scorpio) and what emerges to be shared (Sagittarius).

When we engage with Scorpio or Scorpionic experiences we enter The Underworld. This spacial archetype has a system of its own. It is a place of the hidden, unknown, shadow and death. We uncover things as we dig further and then we come face to face with it. It can be reality and ego-shattering thus a vulnerable time.

Scorpio is synonymous with rebirth and transformation, which it certainly highlights the potential for, but what if the heart of rebirthing and integration of newfound awareness truly lies within the domain of Ophiuchus, bringing the snake (awareness) and the human into contact? The image of Ophiuchus grappling with a snake certainly reflects the tension, increased vulnerability and learning curves that come with rebirthing. It shows how our active involvement as a conscious human being is paramount for transformation to take place on a physical, mental and emotional level.

This gateway offers a sacred cosmic vortex where you are deeply held during the shedding of layers, much like the snake seeking out a safe space and shelter in a rock to facilitate an extremely sensitive and transformative time, as it sheds its skin.

With today's emphasis on speeding up gratification reinforced by next-day or same-day deliveries and 24/7 access, have you noticed how that has become the norm expectation for everything, even the process of transformation. It's evident through the increased pressure to “glow up” and “Quantum Leap” which all have this underlying urge to speed up a very delicate process that naturally has its own timing. In doing so, it can mask and impede the behind-the-scenes effort that is required to truly rebirth. This is what Ophiuchus illuminates, the necessary and pivotal in-between phase.

Put together, Scorpio, Ophiuchus and Sagittarius represent a type of Underworld Initiation that incorporate universal themes. Scorpio being the chamber of separation, where detachment from usual responsibilities, roles and expectations occur. Then Ophiuchus, the liminal space where we engage with many layers of shedding, purification and strengthening. Then, Sagittarius, re-emergence into society, returning back to roles and responsibilities with an expanded and new awareness, perspective, attitude and approach. It would take a planetary energy like Jupiter (Sagittarius) to lift us out of the density of Chiron (Ophiuchus) and Plutonian (Scorpio) experiences.

Myths + Star Origins

In Greek mythology, Ophiuchus is associated with Asclepius (God of medicine and healing) and son of Apollo (God of the Sun and arts) and the mortal Coronis. Early on in his life Asclepius was taught the healing arts by Chiron. In one story, Asclepius killed a snake with his staff. He then observed how another snake gave healing herbs to the dead snake to bring it back to life. Through his observations he delved into the healing arts and resurrection, a symbolic representation how humanity has the capacity to rebirth the self and soul in this earthly experience.

On hearing about Asclepius and the new knowledge he had found, Zeus (possibly encouraged by Hades) sent a lightning bolt to Asclepius fearing he would use that knowledge to bring humans back to life. However, Apollo petitioned Zeus, who then turned Asclepius into the constellation Ophiuchus. Transfiguration seems to be a running theme here and a skill that can be cultivated through the energy of Ophiuchus

Ophiuchus As An Egregore

According to ancient theosophy, an egregore is a non physical entity created from a groups thoughts. It can be created intentionally or unintentionally. Is it possible that the collective urge to seek answers, look beyond what is being said and shown, and an increasing willingness to get more truth has created a mass thought form coming through the sign of Ophiuchus in Astrology?

An energy that prevails through doubt, chaos and challenge (possibly even thriving in such states). That seeks to explore beyond the surface, reminding us that if we want to seek truth, that path is always available but it will take tenacity, radical compassion and draw on courage we never knew we possessed. Much like Chiron in Astrology, there are gifts and skills to be gained by navigating and working with our wounds.

Locating Ophiuchus

How the snake bearer manifests individually can be found in the house Ophiuchus resides in, planets in this sign and its aspects, especially to Chiron.

For example, if you have Ophiuchus in the fifth house of creativity, play, recreation and self-expression, this is the area where you are most likely to channel Ophiuchus energy and ‘grapple with the snake’. Imagine this house as holding a sacred cosmic space of transformation. Art and music therapy, inner child work and actively engaging with your interests will help to constructively explore and manage wounding. It is possible that the skills and awareness gained from such an interaction, could lead to careers or voluntary work that involves teaching or mentoring.

**Some online Vedic/Sidereal calculators can be used to locate Ophiuchus in the natal chart, as they already acknowledge and incorporate Ophiuchus as a zodiac sign.

If you want an idea of the general vicinity of Ophiuchus in the natal chart, it is located between the cusp of Scorpio and Sagittarius. Then look to the house it falls in.

The Role of Chiron

As mentioned above, Chiron taught Asclepius (Ophiuchus) the healing arts creating a mythological and archetypal link to Chiron.

In Astrology, Chiron reflects the human urge to heal and integrate our deepest wounds. To face the internal paradoxes and fragmentation such wounding activated. In that sense, Chiron and Ophiuchus represent not of the archetype of the healer but also the warrior.

Overtime, gifts are gained which may then be shared with others, acting as a cosmic messenger of sorts. This is especially true for those that have Mercury in Ophiuchus or Chiron in Gemini and possibly Aquarius. There’s a potential to have a very powerful and healing voice or form of communication that can speak to the soul.

There’s an ongoing curiosity about and exploration of Ophiuchus and its astrological role that transcends debates. It is very possible that Ophiuchus will eventually cement itself in the Astrological cannon. It has already begun in the vedic/sidereal timeline. Maybe we will witness more people embracing this sign!

I’d love to hear your thoughts about this!

“Solve et coagula” Dissolve then solidify.

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About

Hi, I'm Leanna,

Intuitive Astrologer, Tarot mentor, and guide focused on earthing cosmic consciousness through mystical pragmatism. My mission is to hold a safe space for the souls I connect with as we explore esoteric modalities, encouraging Creative Expression + Emotional Empowerment and Intuitive Reclamation. Click here to learn more about the Approach and ways to Work With Me.