ERIS: FROM CHAOS

2003UB313 finally has a name, and so from chaos, eventually comes order. Our solar system has been experiencing a major shake-up lately, from the demotion of Pluto to a dwarf planet to the addition of Ceres and Eris as dwarf planets as well. For those of you that haven’t been following the development in our solar system, I offer a re-cap. Mike Brown, an astronomer and academic, discovered in April of 2006, that 2003UB313 (which he nicknamed “Xena” until it was given an official name) was larger than Pluto. Although Professor Brown had discovered many other trans-Neptunian objects (ie objects beyond Neptune), 2003UB313 was the first Neptunian object found that surpassed Pluto in size. Naturally, “Xena”/Eris was considered for planetary status, but astronomers argued that if Xena/Eris and Ceres were admitted as planets, then, it would open the door for an influx of new planets, ultimately, resulting in chaos. Thus, all three trans-Neptunian objects were to be treated uniformly. Basically, in an effort to apply an “all or nothing” approach to our solar system, scientists now have a new, simple definition of what at planet is, and it doesn’t include Pluto. So, where are we now?

We find ourselves at the edge of our solar system, with Neptune as our border or gatekeeper because Neptune is now our last official “planet”. Does anyone else find the idea of Neptune as a BORDER a bit ridiculous? Neptune has never been especially good with boundaries, as it is associated with the formless, dreamy, inspired forms of expressions and being. Think poets with really beautiful ideals and ideas about humanity but little ambition for bring it into reality. Neptunian experiences can certainly be uplifting and creative, but is it an effective border? I don’t think so. All of which points to the boundaries in our world disappearing as technology leads the way, which, by the way, is very Neptune in Aquarius. So, where does Eris (pronounced ee-ris) step in?

In mythology, Eris was known as the goddess of strife and discord. In most mythological texts, she is not described favorably. She, being the sister of Ares, god of war, has all of his nasty traits, but in the female form. Eris was known specifically for her trouble-making and instigation skills, as she has been credited with starting the Trojan War. Eris is also associated with being the Goddess of Disorder, while, her opposite is the Goddess of Order. Does anyone sense a Pisces/Virgo polarity here? With Neptune as our new official “border” and our newest trans-Neptunian object named after the Goddess of Disorder and Strife, one has to wonder, what exactly is happening in our world? Could it be the mass confusion, the lies, and the all wars started for the wrong reasons are producing chaotic responses amongst humanity? I think so. The impact of war is felt collectively and individually, and in the case of Bush’s war, society/the masses are finally starting to wake up. “Staying the course” is no longer a valid option, as America must face and embrace the chaos of living in a fish bowl, where everyone can and will see our mistakes. These lies must be exposed, and in its wake, we will expect chaos, a flood, and a sudden opening in our consciousness. However, it would serve us well to remember the distant icy planet Eris. As she will teach us, from chaos comes a return to order, even when the possibility of healing seems far from reality.

Eris has been blamed for quite a few things already, in her short life as part of our solar system (for example: the demise of Pluto), and so I imagined if Eris could speak this is what she might say:

BLAME IT ON ME: ALANA DAVIS

Leaves change from green to red without notes in tune with time that surrounds
I think that's something that you said back a while when you first started coming around
You and I are from different worlds but that gave us more to share
You'd ask me where I wanted to be and I was happy with you just being there
Now I feel we've got some serious talking ahead and I don't want you to get me wrong
It's just we've become kind of a habit to each other and this can't keep going on
Blame it on Me
Over the past few months through no fault of your own
I've grown disenchanted and I've got to go it alone
Seems the natural thing to do 'cause you can't cling to me if I'm not gonna stick with you
Now take a look at what it's all coming down to
You act like I'm leaving you on the shelf but I don't know how else to say it
Life's a game and we all have to play it
So I've got to look out for myself
Blame it on me
All these changes coming on
And I'm feeling it so strong
You know they've got to be real
It's hard to explain it baby if i can't tell you how i feel
I've been pushing it aside but i can't sacrifice my pride any longer
I thought it would subside
Something I could hide
But it's only getting stronger
Blame it on me