Thursday, August 17, 2006 | Goddess Power Dear Friend and Reader: Okay -- with a whole bunch of help*, I think I've got to the bottom of, and actually comprehend, the IAU proposal for the inclusion of Ceres, Charon and Xena (2003 UB 313). It seems that these are indeed official planets, and that the category "dwarf planet" is descriptive rather than official term (kind of like gas giant, such as Saturn or Neptune). "Pluton" is an official classification of planet, that includes any object with an orbit of 200 or more years, an eccentric (highly elliptical) orbit and a steep inclination to the ecliptic (it orbits at a steep angle, in other words). It is not a descriptive term, but rather a new category. Charon is being considered twin planet to Pluto and hence, for the first time, we will have two planets in one point in the astrological chart -- this is very big news, and will be compelling us to take a whole new look at Pluto, and to search out the "other side of Pluto." This is a big day for both astrology and astronomy. To me, what is most remarkable is the presence of female energy in this development. Ceres has long deserved recognition merely for what she represents: mothers, food, processing grief and loss, and nourishment. Xena, though an unofficial name, is powerful, outrageous female warrior figure and who was not only overtly sexual, but bisexual. And Charon was described a generation ago as Minerva, a kind of feminine counterpart to Pluto -- the wisdom aspect of Pluto. I have to say, this is very impressive indeed. If the archetypal world is speaking through these astronomer-priests, who are all at heart mystics gazing toward the heavens, we are getting a truly encouraging message that something on the planet is balancing out. More details in Thursday night's Astrology Secrets Revealed. Thanks for tuning in. Yours & truly, Eric Francis *That would be from Melanie Andrews, who has been patiently wading through and assembling the bits of IAU documents all day. And -- welcome -- here is a table listing the members of the new solar system. http://www.planetwavesweekly.com/resources/table.html