Back in May I discussed the transits of Uranus and the kinds of sweeping, unexpected and sometimes chaotic change it brings to our lives as we search for a greater sense of freedom. Today I want to talk about the next planet out in the solar system, Neptune, and the effects that it can have on our life.
The essence of Neptune is to dissolve boundaries, and to open us to more subtle and intangible energies. It is very much the antithesis of Saturn, which relates to cold, hard reality, structure, form and all things concrete.
Saturn is our 3D physical world, while Neptune is more ethereal. Its energy is impossible to pin down and define clearly, simply because that it its nature. Neptune’s influence leads to the longing to lose our individual, separate identities. It symbolises a whole spectrum of things, from alcohol and drugs, through daydream, fantasy, illusion and delusion, to spirituality, Oneness and divinity. It is associated with anything that we define as unreal in some way, e.g. TV, films, ghosts and spirits, as well as art and music which can precipitate a shift in consciousness out of our usual linear way of relating to the world.
As with everything else in astrology (and in life) nothing is intrinsically good or bad, but there are higher and lower expressions of Neptune. Somebody with a prominent Neptune in their natal charts may at one point in their life be involved with alcohol and/or drugs (or just be a daydreamer/fantasist) and later on become very interested in spirituality. Sometimes there is a tendency to express the lower side of a planet first before experience teaches us that isn’t going to work, and then we move towards a more skilful expression of the planet. Here, both sides are symbolised by Neptune, with the unifying factor being the desire to transcend the usually-felt confines of our individual human existence. Music and art can take us to this place too.
So when Neptune hits a sensitive point in our natal chart – the biggest impact being on the Sun, Moon, the angles of the chart or planet that rules the Ascendant (known as the chart ruler) – then our initial experience is usually one of confusion and a lack of clarity (about whatever the issue is as indicated by the natal chart). At this time any amount of striving, straining and trying to force the issue will almost certainly be completely ineffective. The lesson that life is trying to teach us through Neptune is one of surrender. The energies of Neptune are completely beyond our personal control, and the smoothest and most beneficial way through the transit is to stop struggling, stop trying to find a solution and instead work on qualities of faith, trust and surrender. This is the time to go on retreat, to meditate, to make music or maybe even write poetry. This is the time when we are more sensitive to, and potentially more open to, the more subtle messages of the cosmos, which can be quite profound and can transform our way of being in the world.
It is important to remember that under the influence of Neptune things are never quite what they seem. It is never a good time to make an important decision as there will be something you’re not seeing clearly, which will only come to light after the transit has passed (this can take 12-18 months in total). So spend the time deepening your connection with the cosmos instead. Those people who are more concerned with getting on in the physical world, who are linear, logical and rational, who like to be proactive, dynamic and problem-solving, tend to have the tougher time under Neptune transits as those skills and that way of operating just doesn’t seem to work at this time. For artists it can be a wonderfully inspirational time. The more we struggle and fight, the worse things seem to get. This is not because life is cruel and doesn’t want us to achieve, but there is a season for everything and at this time life wants to show us there is so much more to life than this 3D physical world. Place your faith in life and surrender to the universe’s plans and you may just experience something quite magical.
Neptune takes about 14 years to pass through each sign, and is currently in early Pisces, having moved into that sign in April 2010. So if you have any sensitive chart points in early Virgo, Gemini, Sagittarius or Pisces (any natal placement here will feel it most strongly), then Neptune will be doing its thing in your life right now or in the coming months.
Thank you, Mark, for a clear explanation here, regarding the unpredictable role of Neptune.
I was reminded by a friend of the Uranus transition on Nov. 23rd at 22.10 hrs Dutch time,
and intended to be with it, paying attention. As it worked out, I lived through that moment,
without thinking of it. There’s a feeling of centeredness within myself though, since Nov. 23rd.
For sure I’m noticing Neptune’s energy and I find great humour in it, as my grounding becomes stronger, in sync with my clarity rising, after a long period of creating illusions, that were instrumental for my survival.
By this experience I have grown humble to any person who is entangled in them, without being able to free him/her self of those reins. As I see it now, looking back at it.
Realising we’re in a world of illusionary nature anyway, when looking beyond the matter that matters to us on the physical plane. Going through my days, I find a stronger sense of myself at the steering wheel, of what works for me, in handling situations. For example, like shifting from anxiety to tranquility of mind in acceptance of someone’s angry behavior. Combining that centeredness with the use of humour.
Even visualising a wished for situation and finding it manifested 5 minutes later 🙂