Neptune in the Houses

Whereas Uranus is the higher octave of Mercury, Neptune is considered the higher octave of Venus. The house where it is placed will be connected in some way to the house with Pisces on the cusp or contained within it. There will also be a connection to the house containing the ruling planet of the sign this planet is posited in. Placement in Libra, for instance, would mean a connection between the affairs of this house and the house containing Venus, the ruler of Libra.

This planet's relation to the element of water activates the feeling nature and intuitive processes. This can be benevolent, as expressed in a desire to help others, or be disruptive if we give sway to unbridled passions; depending on how we choose to express these energies. This planet is the natural ruler of the twelfth house and, in the same manner, may symbolize where we yearn to lose ourselves and blend with something greater. For obvious reasons this may also be symbolic of where we may be prone to disappointment and disillusionment.

Neptune and Pisces have often been equated with Christ and this is symbolized through its energy by showing where we may play the role of the martyr or, more positively, be seen as a savior guiding others along the path of life. It can be expressed either way depending upon conditions. This is where we may wish to lose ourselves through love, religion, sacrifice, dedication, etc. In the western world especially, this yearning could be in conflict with the desire for autonomy, leaving the native to grapple with the issue. The means resorted to dealing with this could lead to substance abuse.

In my opinion, Neptune generally points out an area where we may be too idealistic. This area is where we are most apt to fool ourselves as well as others, although not necessarily intentionally. This is also indicative of an area where we may be most prone to deception by others. For some people, due to the nebulous nature of this planet, it may simply mean an area of confusion. Trying to catch Neptune may prove to be as elusive as trying to grasp smoke.

FIRST HOUSE NEPTUNE

The first house is associated with our personality; identity, mannerisms, physical characteristics, our birth and subsequently our view of the world.

When Neptune is placed in the first house, it usually means sensitivity to people and to the emotions and psychic energy in the world around the native. This position is said to favor those who are artistically and musically inclined. This influence here can guide the native to give vision to artistic mediums and bring these visions into the material world, thus expressing the feelings and yearnings through art that others may not be able to articulate but may feel, nonetheless. This gift of empathy may also be used positively by healers and therapists that help others in dire straits find their way. This expression of its energy may be seen to embody the savior to some people or the artist to others. For others, however, there may be drawbacks.

Neptune at times blurs the line between others and ourselves. This could mean an individual so highly adaptable that they reflect whatever they feel is expected of them. This can go a long way toward helping these natives relate to others, but may also interfere with the native establishing a solid identity of their own. In this way, these people that are too eager to please may very well go about seeking out someone to be a savior for them. The expectations of others may also come to be seen as a burden by the downtrodden native engendering resentment. If this is the case, the early years of life and the parent/child relationship should be scrutinized for further insight and possible solutions for the native.

These people may deceive themselves or others and this may or may not be intentional. They should take great pains to be honest with themselves, particularly about short-comings. If this position is afflicted, the natives should avoid any form of substance abuse, which will only exacerbate potential problems. Some natives escape by wandering aimlessly through life apparently without direction. This, of course, would be attributable to the confusion sometimes associated with Neptune.

SECOND HOUSE NEPTUNE

The second house is associated with personal finances, innate talents and inner resources at our disposal; personal values and what constitutes inner security for the individual. Self-worth is reflected here as well.

Neptune posited in the second house is not generally viewed as favorable to the affairs associated with this house. It tends to have a dissipating or illusory influence wherever it is placed and in the second house this could have an adverse influence on one's finances. These people may be careless with their money or possibly are too generous to the point that giving to others ends up leaving them financially destitute. They may be some of the favorite targets of con-artists or those selling get-rich-quick schemes that leave no one but the seller any richer.

These people should make a concerted effort to hold onto their funds and keep close tabs on where their money goes or, like smoke on the wind, their assets will tend to disappear. Finances may be a point of confusion for these people and they may not be able to choose a course that will bring them financial rewards. On the other hand, some may feel that only wealth will bring them the happiness they seek. This is a reflection of doubting their inner-worth. If they do achieve financial security it is more likely than not a hollow dream and they are left again chasing after an illusion.

Most of these individuals will have high ideals where personal values are concerned; this combining the second (personal values) with Neptune (idealism). It is considered favorable for professions ruled by this planet and this could involve painting, poetry, music, photography, or other forms of creativity. This is also favorable for marine trade such as sailing goods across the seas.

One thing with this placement should be kept in mind and that is the native's sense of self-worth. A poor sense of self-worth can lead to oral addictions such as alcoholism or smoking. The negative manifestations of Neptune, wherever placed, may tend to alcohol or drug abuse; both of these closely aligned with the escapist tendencies of this planet.

THIRD HOUSE NEPTUNE

The third house is associated with the immediate environment; early education, communication, commerce, short-range travel, left-brain activity and rational thinking and relations with neighbors, siblings and close relatives. The third house is symbolic of how a person tends to think.

Neptune placed in the third house tends to heighten intuition, but the native's thoughts or ideas may be of an impractical nature. These people may be prone to daydreaming or wool-gathering. Early education may be a trial for some of these people and serious afflictions to this position may denote learning disabilities of some sort. This placement may manifest as problems in communications and having their words or ideas misunderstood. This would also carry over to legal documents, so natives should strive to understand completely the terms of any contracts before signing on the dotted line.

Some of these people may be deceptive or vague when dealing with people and others may resort to distortions or lies. However, some of these natives may have these same experiences played upon them by others they deal with as well. This may also give the native an interest in the metaphysical and they may study and possibly write about this subject.

This placement may activate the imagination and is said to aid in visualization of their ideas. This could prove beneficial to painters or photographers. Some may communicate their thoughts and feelings through these mediums or possibly through music. They should learn to discipline themselves in third-house affairs as Neptune may incline them to drift along in this area. The third house is symbolic of rational thought whereas this planet represents the other-worldly. The native with this placement must learn to achieve balance between the two.

Travel as well could be afflicted with confusion and these people might easily end up somewhere other than their intended destination. Some of these people can be a bit naïve refusing to see anything but the good in their surroundings. Others may be so sensitive as to pick up vibes in the atmosphere so acutely they cannot distinguish between their feelings and those of others. Some of these people were lonely as children, but this may have served to help them develop their imaginations. This is said to be a good position for teachers that work with troubled children. Neptune's compassion and empathy can then be put to productive use helping others.

FOURTH HOUSE NEPTUNE

The fourth house is associated with domesticity; the home we grew up in and the home we wish to make for ourselves later in life. This house symbolizes how we tend to end things including the closing years of our lives and our death. This house is representative of the parent in the background (hidden parent).

When Neptune is placed in the fourth house, the native often has a very idealistic view of what childhood and their home life was like. They may describe their past as idyllic and perfect in every way. It may have been exactly as they describe it or maybe not. Placement can be descriptive of an area where we may delude ourselves or see only the good and blithely ignore the bad. This could describe a home life where artists and musicians gathered or where a good deal of compassion and sympathy was shown to all. This could also indicate a home that was open to the less fortunate.

This planet sometimes calls for sacrifice and with this position this could be an indication that the native had to sacrifice their individuality in order to fit in at home. This goes along with Neptune's ability to empathize to the point of becoming what others expect us to be in order to please and thereby merge with the other; another trait of Neptune. It is said that some with this placement grow up in institutions such as orphanages or boarding schools. Natives with this placement are said to thrive best when living near water.

The hidden parent may have been highly idealized or altogether absent due to this planet's penchant for sacrifice. "Hidden" here could also mean doubts about the actual parentage. This parent could have been highly compassionate, idealistic or poetic. Or this parent could have had a problem with substance abuse due to Neptune's affinity with drugs and alcohol. Or, on a mundane level, the father may have been a merchant marine leaving the child to sacrifice the love and closeness of this parent. This parent might have also been away frequently to minister to others less fortunate, leaving the child at a loss for the parent's love. Later in life, these people may develop health problems which could be emotional in nature. Some may take up artistic pursuits or open their homes to artistic people. The closing years of life, however, are often spent in seclusion.

FIFTH HOUSE NEPTUNE

The fifth house is associated with artistic/creative self-expression; hobbies, leisure pursuits, romance, children, gambling and financial speculation. The fifth house symbolizes how we tend to play.

When Neptune is placed in the fifth house it may be an aid to creativity. This is usually an indication of a vivid imagination and the native will probably find creative self-expression very beneficial. This may indicate a leaning toward music or dance as artistic forms of expression or possibly an interest in the theater. We should keep in mind, however, this planet's association with sacrifice. In the fifth house this could mean, for one reason or other, the person was not able to pursue their artistic leanings. Much depends on aspects, of course, for this could just as likely show up in the charts of art teachers (Neptune/art – children/fifth). Or this could indicate a teacher that uses Neptune's qualities, such as compassion and empathy, to work with troubled children. These same qualities could be reflected by their own children; that is, artistically gifted or somewhat troubled. Aspects will give more of an indication which is more likely.

In the area of romance this could indicate disillusionment of some sort. Love affairs might be of a secretive nature or the native may be drawn to those that are unattainable; leaving them to pine away like a forlorn martyr. Some with this placement may seek out a lover as if the person were their savior of sorts. If this position is favorably aspected, however, it could indicate a total union with a lover that the native feels is nothing short of heaven on earth. If afflicted, this could indicate children born out of wedlock or coming from a broken home. Some may suffer from neglect or perhaps had a problem with substance abuse. Children are usually sensitive and intuitive, but may suffer emotional or psychological problems.

Finances could be undermined by Neptune's dissolving qualities, so any gambling or financial speculation should be carefully scrutinized and kept within limits.

SIXTH HOUSE NEPTUNE

The sixth house is associated with health and work and service to others. Here we find indications of illness or disease the native is susceptible to. This is where we find indications about relationships with co-workers, employers and employees. Here there is also a connection with daily routine, diet, and domestic animals.

When Neptune is placed in the sixth house we might find that the native has to make sacrifices for their work. These people may not be adequately compensated for the work they do or may work long and hard for little appreciation. Their employers may treat them as a doormat. Possibly employment situations that are seemingly favorable will be subjected to the whims of fate, and what started out as a secure position will become victim to recession, downsizing or redundancy. The entire area of employment might fall prey to the influence of confusion associated with this planet.

This could lead the native to indecision about exactly what type of work they would like to do or they may choose to follow an impractical career goal or not be determined enough about pursuing it. On a more mundane level, this could be an indication of employment that is associated with the nature of Neptune. Vendors of alcohol, druggists or merchant marines may have this placement. It is also associated with artistic vision so this too could be the native's calling.

Depending upon conditions surrounding Neptune in the sixth house, this placement is not generally considered to be conducive to a strong constitution. These people are usually acutely sensitive to alcohol or drugs of any kind. They should use caution where this is concerned. They may be accused of hypochondria or prey to illnesses that are vague in nature or difficult to diagnose. Their health could be prone to being influenced by their emotions and this could mean a negative work environment might impact their health. They should endeavor to surround themselves with a positive atmosphere.

This is considered a good placement for those who work in the health field; particularly that which benefits the native such as naturopathy, homeopathic or religious healing.

SEVENTH HOUSE NEPTUNE

The seventh house is associated with marriage; business partnerships, public relations, open enemies and the lower courts.

When Neptune is placed in the seventh house, we will usually find that the person had exceedingly high ideals where relationships are concerned. Being too idealistic to be practical could lead to disappointment with this placement as is often the case. Some of these people are shy and prefer privacy, but are usually sensitive to the needs of others. This could be an indication of being deceived by a partner, but may also mean that the native builds an illusion around the partner and is then disappointed when the smokescreen blows away and the partner is unable to live up to the idealized image that the native has of them. This, in turn, could indicate a critical nature the native could exhibit when their partners fail to live up to their expectations; which could be rather demanding if not downright unrealistic.

Some with this placement are capable of relationships that are founded on an honest love where both partners allow the other growth. As always, aspects to this placement are a factor as well as the degree of development of the individual. Too often with seventh-house placements we unconsciously expect a partner to live out something for us that we have difficulty expressing for ourselves. Then when we are let down, as is often the case, we are left to learn to express these things for ourselves; which is as it should be. With Neptune in the seventh house, we may have to make sacrifices for a partner or, negatively, may be treated as a doormat. Possibly we are looking for a partner that might be considered a savior of sorts.

This is considered a good placement for artists and musicians as this planet is equated with the arts. Compassion is also an aspect of Neptune, so this would be favorable for counselors. It is also symbolic of illusion, so relations with the public could rise and fall almost as if by the whims of fate. Martyrdom could also play a part such as the one who goes to jail while an accomplice goes free.

EIGHTH HOUSE NEPTUNE

The eighth house is associated with partnership resources, legacies, inheritance, alimony, insurance, taxes, sex and death. The eighth is also associated with the instinct for survival and, as a water house, with the unconscious. This is why what is found in the eighth may be very powerful for the native to deal with. Eighth house issues, in this light, deal with the transformation of its contents.

When Neptune is placed in the eighth house, it is usually considered an indication that the native be careful where shared resources are concerned. Some with this placement may be deceived by partners financially and find that the partner has absconded with the funds and left the native behind to pay the tax bill. These people may marry and think that the marriage will bring financial security only to find their security is an illusion and not as bright as they had perceived.

The native should always use caution in their business dealings and make certain all parties concerned understand the terms of any agreements. With this placement they may inadvertently deceive others or be prey to deception themselves. Some with this position afflicted may resort to insurance fraud or cheating the taxman. Inheritance and legacies could vanish almost as if by whim of fate, or joint resources shared after divorce may prove less than adequate.

Sexually this placement is, at times, associated with promiscuity and reasons for this behavior are probably not solely glandular. Sex may be seen as giving or healing. Neptune wants to dissolve boundaries and in this regard sex may fill the bill quite nicely. The eighth house joining of two bodies in sexual union is symbolic of the merging, oneness and dissolving of boundaries Neptune seeks. Some may merely use sex simply to escape more pressing problems in life. There are those that believe the cure for any problem is having an affair. The problem may not get solved but maybe you can forget about it for awhile. Some may take a sexual relationship and make it platonic; foregoing sex in favor of celibacy.

For many of these people sex can be a disappointment. Others, although shy, may make it a point to help others in need, and in this regard Neptune in the eighth can be a favorable placement. Then they can use their compassion and sensitivity, dissolving boundaries in helping others help themselves. With this placement, self-destructive tendencies may be present.

NINTH HOUSE NEPTUNE

The ninth house is associated with higher education, the law, higher courts, philosophy, ethics, religion, publishing, long-distance travel and foreign countries and relationships with relatives of marriage and business partners. The ninth house also represents right-brain activity, which is associated with the intuitive processes and abstract thought.

When Neptune is placed in the ninth house, the native may be drawn to Eastern religions or philosophies. This planet is associated with idealism, and the ninth house with philosophy, so these natives may have beliefs that appear Utopian or impractical to others. Some may be drawn to cults that believe sacrifice brings redemption only to find later that they sacrificed while their leaders reveled. This is not to say that some with this position will not find a purpose within their beliefs. Some may find great satisfaction indeed. It is just that often with this placement the native is looking on the outside for answers that all too often are better found within themselves.

The ninth house is associated with abstract thought, and with Neptune placed here it could indicate a vivid imagination. This planet is also aligned with the arts, so this could manifest as artistic expression. This could be the field of study or a profession. One man I know with this position studied marine (Neptune) biology in college and is a professional musician by trade. Some with this placement have found international (ninth) acclaim for their work in artistic fields.

If afflicted, this could mean that the person is drawn to cults or people to give them answers about life only to find disappointment. This could mean becoming the victim of a phony guru or spiritual teacher. Another drawback could be that these people may be fanatical in their beliefs, believing that only they and theirs have the right answers.

This can also indicate an individual that does not pursue higher education along established lines, if they pursue higher education at all. They may also seek God through substance abuse; one of Neptune's favorite, albeit negative, escape routes. There may be problems with in-laws and travel. This is often an indication of the native's faith being shattered somehow in childhood.

TENTH HOUSE NEPTUNE

The tenth house is associated with career ambitions, professional achievements, our image in the eyes of the public and the parent that had the more dominant or apparent influence on our development.

When Neptune is placed in the tenth house, it may have an adverse influence on the native's ambition. These people are usually concerned with working in a harmonious atmosphere and this can be more important to them than monetary gain or public recognition. Some may not feel too comfortable in the public eye and pursue careers behind the scenes. Conversely, others may court public approval, particularly in the artistic fields.

Drugs and alcohol are related to this planet as well, so this could indicate working with these substances such as vendors, distillers or pharmacists. However, if Neptune is afflicted here this could just as easily mean that substance abuse by the native could be the cause for loss of position and create a public scandal. The marine industries, either building or shipping, may be possibilities along with counseling or religious work of some kind where compassion and sacrifice may come into play.

Some similarities with Neptune in the fourth house (the hidden parent) may come into play here as well. These could include the child having to sacrifice the parent in some way, possibly through the parent's work. This parent may have had to be away from home often. Perhaps this parent was seen as a victim or martyr of sorts or possibly as very compassionate and sensitive. This parent could have been artistically gifted and the native may share this talent. There is also the possibility that the parent worked in ministry or medicine and, through their dedication to their work, had little left over to bestow upon their child. If afflicted, we may see a parent that had their own problems with substance abuse.

If this position is well aspected, the native may eventually receive the recognition their efforts merit. If not, they may toil long and hard for little reward, or perhaps be confused as to what career path to choose at all.

ELEVENTH HOUSE NEPTUNE

The eleventh house is associated with friendships, group associations, professional organizations, hopes and wishes and goals and objectives. This is considered where we yearn to be more than we are as isolated individuals.

When Neptune is placed in the eleventh house, it is usually an indication of high ideals toward the family of man. These people will readily take up the fight for the downtrodden in society and are capable, through their sensitivity, of feeling the pain of others acutely. In their search to meld with others, they may join societies dedicated to uplifting the more unfortunate among us.

These people can be true friends and help their friends in times of crisis. If afflicted though, they could prey on the sensitivities of their friends, garnering their support for tasks that are actually the native's responsibility. This could also bring deception to the fore; either by the native or the native could become a victim of the deception of friends. Friends could undermine the native and thus be the cause of the native being martyred in some way.

On the more positive side, this could mean that friends resonate with Neptune's nature such as artists, healers or musicians. Group affiliations may reflect this influence as well, and the native may be drawn to organizations of an artistic or altruistic nature. Within the group the native will probably work and make sacrifices for the group, but should be warned about letting this get carried too far as to be a doormat. It is advisable with friendships or a group association for the native to choose wisely where these matters are concerned, for this planet does tend to fall under the influence of others all too easily; both for good and ill.

The highest manifestation of Neptune in the eleventh house is of a person that is truly compassionate and sensitive to the needs of others. These people can truly believe that all of humanity is connected and that if one suffers we all do. Some join mystical societies while others seek Utopia.

TWELFTH HOUSE NEPTUNE

The twelfth house is associated with confinement such as prisons, hospitals, asylums and the staff working there. This also includes things hidden, particularly family problems and also the contents of the unconscious – our "secret enemies". Other institutions such as museums and libraries and their working staff come under the twelfth house as well.

When Neptune is placed in the twelfth house, we will usually find this to increase not only the person's compassion and sensitivity, but may very well increase their sense of vulnerability, too. Many with this placement enjoy solitude, and often need this to clear their heads of their everyday problems. They should be warned about taking this to extremes as they may be wont to do because of an acute sense of vulnerability.

Some of these people can be quite imaginative, and if they are not actively creative themselves they frequently have a keen appreciation for the arts or anything beautiful. In fact, when feeling distressed, a good form of therapy for these individuals is to focus on the beauty around them. This could be done at an art gallery or a musical concert or just a nature walk. Anything that helps them focus on the beauty in life is usually beneficial.

If this position is afflicted, we may find that the person's thinking could be somewhat confused or even neurotic tendencies may be present. The potential creativity of some natives may merely be daydreaming for others. Some people may escape into a dream world all their own that has little relation to reality. If the problems of life get too heavy at times, some of these people may become self-destructive or choose escape using the vehicles associated with Neptune – alcohol and/or drugs. In extreme cases, some may feel victimized by life or that they have no control over life. This could be symptomatic of too high expectations leading to disappointment.

As stated earlier, seeing the beauty in life is therapeutic for these people. If they are not creative themselves, as they can be, they can take time to enjoy the beauty of the world, art or music to keep in touch with themselves. This position is also favorable for work in the helping professions in hospitals or psychology. In this way, Neptune has a positive expression for its compassion.

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