Evidently, some astrologers have figured out what astronomers have known for many years: the signs of the zodiac don’t actually correspond to the Sun’s position in the sky today. I’m sure every science blog in the world is picking this up today, but let me say it straight and as clearly as possible. Your astrological sign doesn’t actually mean anything. It doesn’t matter if you were really born under Taurus or Pisces or Ophiuchus. It doesn’t make a difference in your life.

The longer version: your astrological sign is based on the zodiac, the 12 constellations in the Babylonian system through which the Sun’s path travels over the course of the year. (This path is called the ecliptic, due to its relation to eclipses.) Note that I say Babylonian: this is really old stuff. In the intervening centuries, the Earth’s axis has precessed, like a top or a toy gyroscope, so the constellations appear to have moved around: the Sun appeared in one constellation 3,000 years ago, but it might be in another today.

But it doesn’t matter. Constellations are patterns our eyes pick out, but stars are actually randomly distributed. Two stars that appear close together in the sky are actually probably very far apart; different cultures assign different constellations to the same stars. There is nothing real about astrology. Actual studies have shown that people who are “astrological twins” (born at the same time in the same place) don’t have similar personalities or destinies. (Saint Augustine figured that one out, without anything resembling modern science to help him.) So, if you’re worried about whether the change in your sign makes you a Cancer rather than a Leo, don’t sweat it.