Eris and Dysnomia
The object 2003 UB313 now has a name. Thank goodness for that. We can now start calling it Eris - a Greek goddess of discord and strife - which is quite appropriate given that 2003 UB313 Eris caused the definition of a planet to be brought into question over the last couple of years. It has taken this long for the name to be assigned because the status of the object - which is slightly larger than Pluto - had to be confirmed so that the appropriate naming committee of the IAU could decide. The new name is pronounced ee' ris and was suggested by its co-discoverer Mike Brown.
Eris's moon (previously nicknamed Gabrielle) has been named Dysnomia - the Daimon spirit of lawlessness - which may be playing on the surname of the actress that plays the character Xena (also Eris's nick name for the past year). In the Greek myths, Dysnomia was the daughter of
Eris and the counterpart to Eunomia who
puts an end to the anger of grievous strife.
We still have to wait for names for the other potential dwarf planets: 2005 FY9 and 2003 EL61.
Comments: Eris and Dysnomia
Eris - Strife and discord seems far more problematic than Xena. From the perspective of the other than conscious mind it would have been wiser to stay with the quirky warrior archetype than to add even more discord and strife.
and then there is Pluto
in Astrology, the most important planet is being called a dwarf. Translation would be let's pretend that the darkest, deepest aspect of the psyche is not really so very important.
wild, how between naming and not naming worlds collide and are born in the imagination.
imaginatively naming xena - might be wise to conjure something other than the energy that demoted Pluto.
kind regards
laurel
Posted by laurel on Saturday 16th Sep 2006 (05:40 UTC)
Laurel, why do you think that Pluto is the 'most important planet'?
Ultimately, the words we use to describe things are just that, words. They are only convenient labels. Eris was given that name precisely because of the discord and strife it caused by forcing astronomers to revisit the definiton of a planet.
By the way, why do astrologers use the names assigned to objects by non-astrologers?
Posted by Stuart on Saturday 16th Sep 2006 (15:10 UTC)
Laurel, why do you think that Pluto is the 'most important planet'?
Hi Stuart
During an Astrology reading
Pluto is the planet that most powerfuly draws one into the dimension of "What is really going on."
when someone talks of intense experience most often you can guess pluto transit and find it.
Pluto is farthest out and that would translate to deepest inside us.
In Tarot Pluto connects to the Aeon card which has to do with cooperation with the inevitable.
mainly i think pluto is most important because of hundreds of readings and personal experience.
realize if astrology is not a language you speak this can sound a bit strange.
many powerful languages, Astrologoy is one.
Ultimately, the words we use to describe things are just that, words. They are only convenient labels.
words have power too. have you ever read the translation of a poem by five different translators?
Eris was given that name precisely because of the discord and strife it caused by forcing astronomers to revisit the definiton of a planet.
By the way, why do astrologers use the names assigned to objects by non-astrologers?
excellent question. my sense is that there needs to be an honoring of the collective and if astronomers are the ones that get to name the planets and ersatz planets then that is the way it goes. otherwise each astrologer would name a planet something different and communication would be a bit obtuse.
though i have been reflecting on your question alot. many auspicous names could have been chosen. adding more discord to a language many value seems to portend more of what we see each day - forboding - forbearing might be wiser.
the other than conscious mind would have chosen something that is evocative and contributes to the poetry of healing and exciting discovery.
Eris - just feels wrong.
tis late
thanks for asking
wishing you well
laurel@symbolicbridging.com
Posted by laurel on Thursday 21st Sep 2006 (07:39 UTC)
"...can guess pluto transit"
Laurel, I'm confused as to what it is that Pluto is transiting. As I know the word, a transit would be when Pluto passes inbetween another object and the observer (us). I don't see how Pluto can transit any of the planets or the Sun.
You are correct that words certainly do have power but my point is that Pluto is still Pluto whether it is given the label "dwarf planet" or "planet". The words don't actually change what it is, just people's perception of it.
We know of most large objects near to the Sun, so new ones will be a long way from the Sun and therefore are cold and dark places. What that means is that people tend to chose names related to the darker side of mythology because they seem more appropriate. The names given are not related to the state of the political situation on the Earth.
Posted by Stuart on Thursday 21st Sep 2006 (10:00 UTC)
can guess pluto transit"
Laurel, I'm confused as to what it is that Pluto is transiting. As I know the word, a transit would be when Pluto passes inbetween another object and the observer (us). I don't see how Pluto can transit any of the planets or the Sun.
Astrologically Pluto transit is when the degree Pluto is in is the same as the degree a planet is in. If Pluto is 29 degrees Scorpio and you have your Moon at 29 degrees scorpio that transit would be a conjunction. very powerful and definitely noticeable (understatement) from an astrological perspective.
My background is Yoga, Psychology and Creativity
have a great deal to learn about Astronomy.
interested and find it a wee bit challenging.going to Scotland on Monday. where the wee bit is coming in.
You are correct that words certainly do have power but my point is that Pluto is still Pluto whether it is given the label "dwarf planet" or "planet". The words don't actually change what it is, just people's perception of it.
that is true and if i started calling a friend a dwarf friend it would have an impact.
Consciously it is not respectful, for the other than conscious mind the effect is more mysterious and potentially dangerous.
We know of most large objects near to the Sun, so new ones will be a long way from the Sun and therefore are cold and dark places. What that means is that people tend to chose names related to the darker side of mythology because they seem more appropriate. The names given are not related to the state of the political situation on the Earth.
the darker side of mythology is also the feminine side, the yin side, receptive, evocative , deep creative well of the mysterium magnum.
Equinox approaching
balance of day and night before night grows stronger. realize you know this.
wishing you well
kind regards
laurel
Posted by laurel on Friday 22nd Sep 2006 (06:42 UTC)
So, what is the difference between a transit and a conjunction astrologically? They appear to be the same thing from your description.
In astronomy, a transit is when one object passes directly infront of another. A conjunction is when objects are roughly in the same position on the sky in Right Ascension (rather than on the ecliptic/plane of the Solar System).
On a different note, one thing I always find interesting is how people force gender onto the the Universe.
Posted by Stuart on Friday 22nd Sep 2006 (13:01 UTC)
So, what is the difference between a transit and a conjunction astrologically? .
In astronomy, a transit is when one object passes directly infront of another. A conjunction is when objects are roughly in the same position on the sky in Right Ascension (rather than on the ecliptic/plane of the Solar System).
a conjunction is one transit. a transit describes the kind of relationship a planet in the sky now has to the position of the planet when you were born. a transit can be a square, opposition, conjunction, etc.
when were you born?
On a different note, one thing I always find interesting is how people force gender onto the
the Universe
absolutely
and from a Jungian or Alchemical perspective the tension of the opposites , (wry smile)is important to be mindful of. so many masculine archetypes - wise to have more namings that relate to a feminine nature that is powerful and transformative in an auspicious way.
what is your connection with mythology and your dreams?
laurel
Posted by laurel on Friday 22nd Sep 2006 (18:14 UTC)
Laurel, I'm not going to give out my birth date because potentially it could be used for things like identity fraud. That certainly doesn't mean that I think you or anyone else who regularly reads this blog would do such things but there are people on the interwebs who might.
I get frustrated at the constant application of gender stereotypes with non-gendered things, so I had better not say more otherwise I'll just sound tetchy.
I don't have much (if any) connection with mythology - I'm certainly not mythological ;-) - other than it being a nice set of stories that can be useful to know.
Have a good trip to Scotland; I just got back from a short visit there myself.
Posted by Stuart on Sunday 24th Sep 2006 (16:44 UTC)
Hi Stuart
understand about birthday. i wouldn't want to post mine either.
wondering about astronomers connection to mythology, dreams, the mysteries. realize it is very individual, subjective, etc. still when the naming happens.. does anyone offer a recent dream ( smilng, imagining, wishing to under stand)
and yes, beyond the opposites, there is the mysterium magnum that is not gender based.
still the play of opposites is so much more fun if it is play.
jung spoke often about the importance of holding the tension of the opposites until something new emerges.
do tell me a little about Scotland if you feel to.
am excited about journey. want to take long walks in the highlands where i might hear only Gaelic and work on my novel.
wnat to do other things too.
anything you particularly enjoyed or recommend?
have enjoyed our dance/conversation
wishing you well
laurel
Posted by laurel on Sunday 24th Sep 2006 (17:15 UTC)
Hi
Interesting blog.
I am trying to connect my own blog, in Spanish, with others who might me interested. Please, have a look at.
http://weblogs.madrimasd.org/astrofisica/
Posted by DByN on Monday 25th Sep 2006 (15:13 UTC)
DByN, I've added a link to your "Spaceship's log" under the Astronomy Blogs links to the right.
Laurel, if you enjoy walking then the west of Scotland and the Western Isles are great - just make sure you have some midge repellant! Visit Edinburgh (of course there is the castle and the famous Princes Street but I think the botanical gardens are worth a visit too) and Stirling (Castle and the Wallace Monument) if you get the chance.
Posted by Stuart on Monday 25th Sep 2006 (17:25 UTC)