Pluto and astrology

I'm in a quandary. The International Astrological Union downgraded Pluto to nonplanet status. Even more horrifying is the potential, sometime in the future, for other planets being re- or declassified. Astrologers need to address this problem quickly, by answering the following questions, so that we can retain trust in their scientific advice.

1. What effect will this have on past and future horoscope accuracy?

2. Is the influence or noninfluence of a planet retroactive? Exactly when would past decisions become wrong?

3. If someone entered a business deal based on the position of the planets, will that deal go bad if the equation was based on the position of a body that really wasn't a planet? Could stock market profits be made by secretly polling the IAU voters to determine the outcome of planetary-status elections?

4. Should people reconsider the suitability of their marriage partners or of improper wedding dates?

5. If a new body is discovered and possibly meets planetary qualifications, would its influence on our lives begin immediately after its discovery, or would the influence have to wait for an IAU vote? How suddenly would we feel this effect?

These are important problems. Those "inquiring minds" who need astrology to help guide their lives may otherwise be destined to have to use reason for guidance, and our politicians who depend on astrology and on those with inquiring minds will perhaps be unable to keep hold of their power.

P.W. Marsh

Weare, New Hampshire

COPYRIGHT 2007 Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning