Scorpios take note

For years and years, the ruling planet of Scorpio was thought to be Mars. However, with the relatively recent discovery of Pluto, many modern astrologers have taken this planet to rule Scorpio. Any good theory evolves once there are more facts on the table. However, this week, the International Astronomical Union has their XXVIth General Assembly in Prague (the perfect place for an astronomical assembly if you ask me) and the hot topic for debate is whether or not Pluto should remain a planet. Or should it become a "Pluton"? Should its moon Charon be bumped up to Pluton status as well? What about Ceres and 2003 UB₃₁₃, should they become planets or Plutons or something?

When I first started this post, as a Scorpio, I was all in favor of keeping the status quo ante XXVIth General Assembly. I mean, would you want to be ruled by a Pluton? But then I calmed down and began to reconsider. I mean, if the heavenly bodies do rule our actions, from an applied science perspective, shouldn't we take as many of those heavenly bodies as possible into account? If I am actually ruled by 2003 UB₃₁₃, isn't it better that I know it now rather than continue in darkness? Plus, with all the computing power available today, why aren't we looking to the Kuiper belt for more accurate horoscopes?

UPDATE: The day after I wrote this, there was an interview on All Things Considered with an astrologer about what if any effect the ruling of the IAU would have on astrology. It includes a great part where the astrologer calling out a colleague for committing malpractice.

Furthermore, the vote is official and Pluto is now not a planet. There are only eight planets. Please alert your local school board so that by the year 2012 we can teach our elementary school kids about this.