Leading astronomers declared Thursday, August 24, 2006 that Pluto is no longer a planet under historic new guidelines that downsize the solar system from nine planets to eight. The International Astronomical Union stripped Pluto of the planetary status it has held since its discovery in 1930. This decision should not affect astrology as we know it because Pluto is still there, it's just not technically called a planet anymore.

Pluto is change, sudden upheaval, revolt, rebellion, but always acts in order to make better conditions. It is complete transformation. It rules Urban Renewal so this is a classic example of how it operates. It demolishes and then builds anew.

Pluto rules death and at the same time rebirth - since its discovery the reincarnation theory has once more spread throughout the world. This is death for a purpose - to be reborn again, hopefully under new and better conditions if the soul has earned the right.

Pluto rules psychics, the underground or that which is buried, rockets and exploration of outer space. It is secretive in that it develops something undercover and then, when the time is right or an aspect develops in your chart, brings it out into the open and causes complete transformation or
upheaval.

Pluto rules Scorpio and therefore retains all the qualities and characteristics of that sign and the 8th solar house. Now that its influence is becoming stronger responsibilities will undergo a complete change - for example, woman's lib. Shortly the divorce laws will change so that men are no longer solely responsible for their children's support. Pluto brings pressure to bear on whatever house it is in. Pressures build up to the exploding point. Pluto can also cause high blood pressure when aspecting a planet in the sign of Aquarius or mental break- down when aspecting Mercury (usually the conjunction) or emotional break-downs when aspecting Venus in an adverse manner.