Dear Daphne, An international committee of astronomers chose the name. We do not know how or why, but by long-standing tradition, we astrologers honour all decisions and definitions made by our scientific brethren, even if they show us no such respect in return. They chose what they chose. We must accept and interpret that.

Dear Zack,
Ceres was found in 1801, around the peak of the agricultural revolution. Initially a planet, she was "demoted" around the time Neptune was discovered. There's an echo here, in the way Pluto has diminished since Eris emerged! Many astrologers, though, have never stopped working with Ceres. She is seen, not just as a goddess of the earth but an Earth Mother whose new found prominence suggests women are about to become a lot more powerful.

This could be 'one of those weeks' - especially if you work in sales, marketing or transport . Or if you buy, sell, write, count or compute. Likewise, if you are trying to strike a deal, negotiate a contract or seek out a secret. Mercury is slowing down. Next weekend, it begins a three week 'reverse trundle' through the zodiac. It's an optical illusion. Planets don't really go backwards - but, when they appear to be standing still, the issues and processes they govern tend to grind to a halt. Mercury, the winged messenger, was the ancient equivalent of a motorbike courier. The sky's gods and goddesses, this week, may not all be answering their mail!