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August 24th, the International Astronomical Union convened in Prague , Czechoslovakia , voted to change the number of planets to eight. Pluto was demoted to a dwarf planet and Ceres, previously considered an asteroid, was elevated to the position of a dwarf planet. The definition of a dwarf planet: Pluto and any other round object that "has not cleared the neighborhood around its orbit, and is not a satellite." The first members of the "dwarf planet" category are Ceres, Pluto and 2003 UB313 (temporary name; Xena and Lila are two names under consideration and it is currently located at 21°Aries). The "dwarf planet" Pluto is recognized as an important proto-type of a new class of trans-Neptunian objects.
Caltech researcher Mike Brown, who found 2003 UB313, formally the discoverer of the 12th planet, states: "It's flattering to be considered discoverer of the 12th planet," Brown said in a telephone interview. He applauded the committee's efforts but said the overall proposal is "a complete mess." By his count, the definition means there are already 53 known planets in our solar system, with countless more to be discovered.
"Ceres is an embryonic planet," said observation team member Lucy McFadden of the Department of Astronomy at the University of Maryland . "Gravitational perturbations from Jupiter billions of years ago prevented Ceres from accreting more material to become a full-fledged planet."
As you can see, controversy among astronomers is brewing—a petition to contest the ruling is already circulating. Some ask does it matter if something is a ship or a boat; some debate the definition. One astrologer, Eric Francis, penned an article entitled the Earth is not a planet based on some of the definitions that were bandied about regarding what is a planet. Astrologer, Philip Sedgwick's Galactic Times column recommends that astrologers consider reverting to the classical rulership of planets. This notion would be whole-heartedly supported by astrologers using Hellenistic and Medieval techniques. Note that Sedgwick is known for galactic astrology not for being a classical astrologer. Astrologer Michael Erlewine commented that perhaps planets beyond Saturn, work from outside in, and are not influencing our routine lives. Astrologer Marielle Croft's email stated that as Pluto is involved in constant transformation, it is appropriate that the body was reclassified.
Does this decision influence astrologers? With regard to Pluto and the other recognized outer dwarf planets—thus far three in all—the astrologers who have used these up to this point are not likely to ignore the energy they represent. Ceres was deemed a planet back in 1801, and then demoted and now she is once again elevated to a higher status. It took two hundred years for astronomers to reconsider the status of Ceres. Astronomers are also calling Ceres an embryonic (developing) planet. Astrologers, who do not work with the four major asteroids, may reconsider the role of Ceres more seriously.
I spent eight days at an intensive astrology conference mid-August; the topic was the way astrology was practiced in Hellenistic times over 2000 years ago. Only the five known planets were used, earth was considered stationary, yet the astrology of the era was a rather accurate tool, which readily applies to the human condition of our times. Perhaps, this decision by the IAU will cause us to ponder our perception of the planets. Our worldview and mindset is different to what it was 2000 years ago. Only 250 years ago astronomy and astrology was an integrated study.
Ceres has been in Aquarius since late February and moves in Pisces at the end of this year. I consider Ceres a nurturing energy, which is linked to fertility and purity of food. I wrote an article about Ceres a few years ago; it is posted on my website.
Some links for you to investigate the various news stories are below:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/5282440.stm
http://www.iau2006.org/mirror/www.iau.org/NEWS.55.0.html
© Anne Massey 2006
Anne Massey, CAP (ISAR) is a certified professional astrologer. For personal consultations with Anne call her office at 604-888-9552. More details on the services page. Note you can now purchase reports and charts via email or regular mail and pay for personal consultations using your credit card. The pricing and types of readings are listed on the services page.
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