Which star sign are you? Chances are, even if you don’t believe in horoscopes, you’ll know whether you’re Capricorn or Cancer, Leo or Libra.

But what if everything you thought you knew about the zodiac was wrong? What if you weren’t the sign you thought you were, but another one altogether?

That’s certainly what a new wave of scientists and sky-watchers believe. According to them, prevailing astrological theory is out of date – and not just by a little, but by more than 2,000 years.

Due to the changing position of the Earth, experts say, the 12 zodiac signs we know today – which were invented by the Babylonians over two millennia ago – no longer equate to the same periods of the year they once did.

So if you’ve spent your life thinking you’re a Gemini, for example, because of when your birthday falls, you may actually be a Taurus (the one that comes just before it) according to the updated calendar.

The revelation, widely known in astronomy circles but not much beyond, causes what Dr Mark Thompson – astronomer, science broadcaster and author – calls ‘a bit of a mess for astrology’.

‘If you take the idea seriously that star positions and the position of the Sun in relation to them actually influence people and their lives, then everyone’s been told the wrong star sign for centuries,’ he says.

But how can this be? After all, although new scientific discoveries are happening all the time, our basic solar system – the planets, Sun and stars – has remained pretty constant.

It’s all to do with something called ‘axial precession’, also known as the Earth’s ‘wobble’.

Our planet doesn’t spin on a fixed axis running through its poles; rather, it wobbles irregularly over time – which shifts the backdrop of stars that fall behind the path of the Sun.

‘Think of Earth like a spinning top that’s starting to slow down,’ says Dr Thompson.

‘Earth’s axis traces out a big, slow circle in space, taking about 26,000 years to complete the loop.

‘This happens because Earth isn’t a perfect ball; it’s a bit fatter around the middle. The Sun and Moon’s gravity tugs on that bulge, causing the whole planet to wobble like a wonky spinning top.’

So although we see the same stars the ancient Babylonians would have spotted in the sky, these stars appear at different places in the sky and at different times of year.

Back then, Dr Thompson explains, ‘the Sun was sitting in completely different constellations on any given date compared to now. So if an astrologer today says you’re an Aries, then that’s where the Sun was at the time of year you were born 2,500 years ago.’ But not, crucially, when you were actually born.

Today, if you look at things from an astronomical perspective, for most people the whole zodiac has shifted by one sign.

Astronomy and astrology, however, don’t go hand-in-hand, though they once did.

For while the great astronomers, such as Ptolemy, Kepler and Galileo, dabbled in horoscopes alongside mapping the stars, the two disciplines grew apart during the Scientific Revolution in the 16th and 17th centuries – and had completely separated by the 1800s.

Today, astrologers claim to be aware of the impact of the Earth’s wobble on their zodiac calendar, but say the star signs remain entirely unchanged.

How? Horoscopes, they say, are more rooted in the seasons than actual stars, and are affected by ‘energies’ that transcend mere astronomy. When The New York Times covered the new horoscope theory earlier this month, outraged astrologers took to social media in their droves, telling readers not to believe the ‘lame attempt to debunk astrology’.

‘Modern tropical astrology is not based on the stars but the seasons,’ insisted Aliza Kelly, astrologer to celebrities including Drew Barrymore and Taylor Swift. ‘It’s geocentric, meaning it’s anchored by our perspective on Earth, not the actual position of constellations.

‘While there are 88 named constellations in the sky, only 12 zodiac signs exist. In other words, the zodiac signs share names with constellations but are not the constellations themselves.’

Astronomers like Dr Thompson firmly disagree. ‘If the stars truly mattered, wouldn’t getting their positions right be pretty important?’ he asks. ‘It’s like insisting your watch is right when everyone can see it’s an hour slow. They keep moving the goalposts further away from actual science.’

There are also two other factors driving this new, divisive theory about your zodiac sign.

The first is the fact that all the constellations are very different sizes. They do not, as horoscopes might have you believe, divide neatly into 12, with even chunks of the year assigned to each one.

‘The Sun spends weeks drifting through sprawling Virgo, but barely a week in tiny Scorpius,’ explains Dr Sheila Kanani, a planetary scientist and author of The Starspotter’s Guide.

Indeed, the different sizes of the constellations means the time the Sun spends in each varies hugely, between about seven days and 45 days.

‘The ancient astrologers basically just drew 12 equal slices of pie in the sky, completely ignoring where the actual star patterns were,’ says Dr Thompson. ‘It was purely about convenience: 12 months; 12 signs; nice and neat.’

The second factor casting doubt on traditional astrology is the presence of Ophiuchus, which may sound unfamiliar, but is actually the name of the 13th constellation.

It’s not new – the Babylonians knew it existed, but chose to ignore it – nor is it insignificant; the Sun spends around 18 days moving through it every year. And yet it doesn’t equate to a zodiac sign.

Some modern-day astrologers have tried to include it, but this means building an entirely new set of star signs from scratch – so most choose to leave it out.

If you were born between November 30 and December 17, however, there’s a theory that says you’re not Sagittarius (your ‘old’ sign) nor Scorpio (your ‘new’ sign, see the table opposite), but in fact Ophiuchus.

Those born under this sign are said to be intelligent, charismatic and free-spirited, passionate about learning and drawn to healing professions.

But you won’t find this mentioned in most traditional horoscopes, as it’s more convenient to continue pretending it doesn’t exist.

‘If we updated the zodiac, I would actually shift from being Sagittarian to being Ophiuchian,’ says Dr Kanani. ‘All of this shows just how fluid and fascinating our view of the sky really is.’

The changes that have taken place in the past 2,000 years are undeniable – and scientists say it’s ‘frustrating’ that astrologers won’t take them into account.

That said, there are few scientists who place much emphasis on their star sign or what it supposedly means.

‘Study after study has failed to find any real connection between when you’re born and your personality or life events,’ says Dr Thompson. ‘And the physics of it? The gravitational pull from the doctor or nurse delivering you has more influence than Jupiter does.’

Whatever your sign, and however much you enjoy reading about imminent love affairs and lottery wins in your horoscope, it’s a reminder not to believe everything you see in the stars.

Capricorn

Capricorn represents time and responsibility, so those born under its constellation are often traditional and serious in nature.

You’re a master of self-control, a born leader who is good at making plans and managing others. You’re practical, reliable and learn quickly from your mistakes.

But Capricorns can also be stubborn and struggle to accept others’ differences. Loved ones may perceive you as cold and unfeeling, and you find it hard to let go of guilt.

Lucky colours: Brown, grey.

Birthstone: Garnet.

Compatible with: Taurus, Cancer.

Aquarius

Aquarius is a sign different from the rest of the zodiac and those born during its time in the Sun feel quite special.

You’re a deep thinker, highly intelligent and love fighting for causes close to your heart. You’re often energetic and spontaneous, but you also need time away from everyone to recover.

You’re open, honest and shape the lives of those around you. You like to belong to a community, but might have trouble finding the place where you belong.

Lucky colours: Blue, silver.

Birthstone: Amethyst.

Compatible with: Leo, Sagittarius.

Pisces

Pisceans are friendly, selfless and love being surrounded by others. If this is you, you’re compassionate, intuitive and often talented in music or the arts. You go so far to make other people happy that sometimes you sacrifice your own wellbeing in the process.

Pisceans can also be fearful, overly trusting and sometimes come across as a martyr or victim. You may worry about being alone – but when you find your soulmate you will give them your all.

Lucky colours: Purple, green.

Birthstone: Aquamarine.

Compatible with: Virgo, Taurus.

Aries

The presence of Aries usually brings energy and turbulence. You’re constantly looking for speed and competition and thrive on being first in everything – from work to personal relationships.

You are blessed with excellent organisational skills, but can get frustrated easily, venting anger at others. You like physical challenges and sport, but can be impulsive and short-tempered when bored. Arians are naturally brave and rarely afraid of danger.

Lucky colours: Red.

Birthstone: Diamond.

Compatible with: Libra, Leo.

Taurus

Practical and grounded, Taurus is one of the most reliable signs of the zodiac. You’re committed, good at making money and eager to work on the same projects for years – making you an excellent employee and long-term partner or friend, always there for the people you love.

You like the material world and physical pleasures, making you quite superficial and possessive. You may also find it hard to find love without making a significant change in your life.

Lucky colours: Green, pink.

Birthstone: Emerald.

Compatible with: Scorpio, Cancer.

Gemini

Expressive and quick-witted, Gemini represents two different personalities in one. You may be sociable, communicative and ready for fun, then suddenly feel serious, thoughtful and restless. You’re curious and fascinated by the world around you, always seeking new friends.

Your versatility means you’re good at writing, but this can also come across as indecision or nervousness. You’re a flirt and need excitement, variety and passion in relationships.

Lucky colours: Yellow, light green.

Birthstone: Pearl.

Compatible with: Sagittarius, Aquarius.

Cancer

Those born during this period of the year are deeply intuitive, sentimental and sensitive. Cancer is one of the most challenging zodiac signs to get to know, due to their heightened emotions. You care deeply about loved ones, tend to be very loyal and can empathise with others’ pain and suffering.

However, you are also moody, pessimistic and often insecure. Guided by your heart, you get hurt easily and may struggle to fit into the world around you.

Lucky colours: White, silver.

Birthstone: Ruby.

Compatible with: Capricorn, Taurus.

Leo

People born under this sign are natural-born leaders. You’re dramatic, creative, confident and generous and loyal towards friends. You’re warm-hearted, with a good sense of humour, and take the initiative in resolving complex situations – both at work and home.

You like expensive things, going on holiday and wearing bright colours. But others may see you as arrogant, stubborn and self-centred, failing to take their views into account.

Lucky colours: Gold, yellow, orange.

Birthstone: Peridot.

Compatible with: Aquarius, Gemini.

Virgo

Loyal, analytical and hard-working, Virgos are known for being careful and paying attention to details. You approach life methodically and, though your character is strong, you prefer things to be organised, practical and conservative. Even your goals have strict borders in mind.

You can be overly-critical and others may accuse you of being ‘all work and no play’. But in relationships you’re tender and loving, even vulnerable, with the right person.

Lucky colours: Brown, beige, green.

Birthstone: Sapphire.

Compatible with: Pisces, Cancer.

Libra

People born under the sign of Libra are peaceful, fair-minded and hate being alone. You spend much of your life looking for partners – both in friendship and love – that mirror your own personality. You have a strong intellect, love reading and do everything you can to avoid conflict.

You’re also prone to self-pity and are known to carry grudges, often for years. You’re happiest outdoors, spending time with other people and visiting beautiful places.

Lucky colours: Pink, light blue.

Birthstone: Opal.

Compatible with: Aries, Sagittarius.

Scorpio

Resourceful, passionate and assertive, Scorpios are known for their determination and focus. You make a great leader, good at overcoming challenges, and can be trusted with other people’s secrets. You’re dedicated, brave and fearless in the face of adversity.

But inwardly you often feel distrustful and jealous, finding suspicion in ordinary situations, which can make you appear mysterious. You stop at nothing to achieve your goals – which isn’t always ideal.

Lucky colours: Dark red, dark purple.

Birthstone: Topaz.

Compatible with: Taurus, Cancer.

Sagittarius

Curious, energetic and full of enthusiasm, those born under Sagittarius are extroverts. A natural traveller, you have an open mind and optimistic outlook on life, making you adaptable through change. You’re generous and idealistic, and love a philosophical debate.

But your honesty can also be your downfall; sometimes you can hurt others’ feelings with your lack of tact. You are also known to over-promise, and feel impatient easily.

Lucky colours: Purple, blue, pink.

Birthstone: Turquoise.

Compatible with: Gemini, Aries.

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