Ophiuchus
WORD FOR GUARDIAN Master
THE CONSTELLATION
According to legend, the Serpent Bearer constellation had two planets—one covered in fiery
molten lava and the other consisting of a large swamp. Ophiuchans built their short-lived
civilization on the marshy world, where they slept in huts and spent most of their time exploring
the wilderness and developing remedies for ailments, which they exported to all the Houses.
Ophiuchus Nov 29 – Dec 18
HOUSE 13
WORD FOR GUARDIAN Master
THE CONSTELLATION
According to legend, the Serpent Bearer constellation had two planets—one covered in fiery
molten lava and the other consisting of a large swamp. Ophiuchans built their short-lived
civilization on the marshy world, where they slept in huts and spent most of their time exploring
the wilderness and developing remedies for ailments, which they exported to all the Houses.
THE PEOPLE, PERSONALITY
House Ophiuchus represented Unity. Its people were spirited, magnetic, impulsive, clever, flamboyant,
and at times jealous, power-hungry, and temperamental. At their hearts, they were healers who hoped
to one day rid the Zodiac of every ill—disease, violence, etc—and bring everyone closer together.
Ophiuchans had a natural affinity for snakes, and there was a special species of serpent, the Zawinder,
with whom their House’s Zodai developed a psychic connection. Each Zodai would capture and adopt his
own Zawinder, which they would then use to spread messages to others in the swamp.
THE PEOPLE, PHYSICALLY
House Ophiuchus had the greatest diversity in the Zodiac—people’s skin, hair, and eye color spanned the
full range of the spectrum. Yet, upon entering their teens, Ophiuchans developed scaly skin that would
protect them from various creatures’ bites and the natural elements.
THE GOVERNMENT
The people on House Ophiuchus lived in tribes and enjoyed a barter economy, where they traded goods and services.
The only figurehead was the Guardian, and he was so consumed with his quest to cure human mortality that he
barely interacted with the people.
THE GUARDIAN
Master Ophiuchus—An Original Guardian who betrayed the other Houses in his quest for immortality and subsequently
suffered in exile while his world fell to darkness and decay.
Ophiuchus (pronounced “O-fee-yu-kus”) is a big constellation that lies along the ecliptic, aka the path that the sun
travels. The twelve signs of the zodiac are roughly associated with twelve constellations that, long ago, ran along
this pathway. “Ophiuchus” means “serpent bearer” in Greek and is usually represented by an image of a man holding a snake.
It’s not clear exactly what personality traits would be associated with Ophiuchus as a zodiac sign,
but according to a 2011 Time article, Ophiuchus is considered a healer of men and a doctor of medicine or science.
He seeks higher education and enlightenment. He is expected to achieve a high position in life. … [H]e is an interpreter
of dreams and vivid premonitions. He is envied by his peers and favored by his father and authority figures.
The Asclepius and the Caduceus, the medical staff, are based on the constellation.
“Male Ophiuchus are fascinating because they can ignore gender stereotypes. Ophiuchus itself has a hard time
conforming with any characterization. They hate labels. They see people as they themselves demand to be seen,
as individuals.
It’s a hard life when you stand out like that, and Ophiuchus are persecuted as children, because of circumstances,
or because they alienate most adults, who don’t understand them. Perhaps adults fear them.
Ophiuchus understands how it feels to lack joy in life, she also understands how it feels to receive the backlash
of other people’s fears and insecurities and how important it is to stand strong in a time of bleak reality. None
of us are untouchable, and Ophiuchus is an important example because these very issues cost her, her pride, her
dignity and her faith in humanity. Let us repay her by heeding her advice, because regardless of all that she has
suffered at the hands of man, she is still faithful and loyal to her cause.
