Neptune in the Signs

Neptune takes approximately 14 years to transit through a sign of the zodiac. As with the other outer planets, its sign position has more of a generational influence than a personal one. This circumstance will be more influential, as with all transpersonal planets, should this particular planet take on a personal significance in the chart.

This planet is associated with idealism, compassion, sympathy, fantasy, dreams and the unconscious, intuition and psychic tendencies, the imagination, emotions, creativity, illusion, mysticism, spirituality, confusion, escapism, delusion, deceit, self-deception, mystery, sometimes scandal, the martyr/savior complex, sacrifice, renunciation, religious pursuits, seeking the divine and divine love, harmony and unity, dissolution of physical barriers between us and others, a desire to merge with the collective, substance abuse and addictions, and as the higher-octave of Venus, the arts.

It is also associated with disappointment, for due to the high ideals we have in Neptune's sphere, we often overlook the reality of a given situation and are a bit impractical in these affairs. Obviously, when reality intervenes we may be brought down to earth rather abruptly; and thus, our illusions are shattered, fostering disappointment. This is due to the illusory influence of Neptune. It is our, often unrealistic, expectations that lay the groundwork for disillusionment. This planet is divine-oriented and does not always blend well with the physical reality of the world. It tends to have a dissolving influence on whatever it contacts in the chart, so that while we may yearn for something, it may continually elude us almost as if we were trying to grasp smoke.

The sign position of will affect many millions of people and will often indicate an area or issues that are afflicted with the ideals of a particular generation. This does not, however, indicate that these people will immediately elevate these concerns to a heavenly status and remove all the problems in these issues so that future generations will not have to deal with them.

Often, despite the idealism and good intentions, this also indicates areas we are confused or impractical in dealing with. We often fail to take in the realities of dealing with these difficulties, for we are too busy looking through rose-colored glasses and seeing only the good while we dream our dreams and fail to take into consideration the work involved in making those dreams a reality. Thus, on a generational level, we collectively fall short of our ideals and may be prone to disappointment. The house position of in the chart will pinpoint where these issues are likely to enter our lives on a personal level, if at all.

The house position will also indicate affairs that we are impractical about, where we are prone to self-deception and deceit by others, or where we are a bit confused when it comes to dealing with the affairs of this house. The sign placement will take on more personal significance here as it will color Neptune's expression and indicate how these problems tend to invade this area of our lives, probably due to our own idealism.

Obviously, this planet's influence is not all bad, but we must keep in mind the practical realities of the work involved in order to turn our dreams into concrete reality. Many people frown on "dreamers" and I'm happy to say I'm not one of those critics. Without a dream, man cannot begin to take the initial steps toward achievement. Mankind would not have bestowed upon it the blessings of the creative works of artists long dead, which we still revere today, if it were not for their dreams. If man had not dreamt of flying, would any of us know what an airplane is? Without dreams, would we have been able to put a man on the Moon or pioneer new frontiers in science, medicine and technology? Yes, dreams have their place; and that is, to bring an issue to the attention of the collective in order for that dream to someday be made a reality. In my opinion at least almost every, if not all, the significant achievements of humanity begin with a dream.

A final note links this planet with sacrifice. For instance, the Neptune in Libra generation might have to sacrifice their ideals in the realm of relationships (Libra) as their generation has to reevaluate the reality of human relationships. This, for some, could be a bitter pill to swallow. This may be one way in which it could symbolize sacrifice in the chart of the individual as well. Look to see the sign and house placement as this could indicate what the individual may have to sacrifice in some way.

ARIES NEPTUNE

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, "I have a dream." As a national statement, this dream began long before Dr. King was even born. The most significant historical event in American History that happened the last time Neptune was reported to enter Aries in 1861 was the American Civil War. For the Confederate States, the ideal pursued was "States Rights". For the Federal Government, the ideal was to retain the unity of a nation. During this same time frame, the sentiment toward the abolition of slavery in America finally came to a head. Although the Civil War was engaged over secession, through President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation the war became known as the war to end slavery.

Aries is the sign of new beginnings and at this time a very bloody birth within America was taking place. The Civil War would ultimately cost the lives of over 600,000 people, it would forever prevent the breaking apart of our nation and it would end slavery. All very high ideals, which take quite a bit more to carry out than mere legislation or even something as monumental as the bloodiest conflict in American History. This is why more than 100 years later Dr. King was still voicing the ideals for the black community with his speech – "I have a dream".

Today we know that this dream and the problems faced in bringing it to reality are multi-faceted and cannot be achieved by legislation alone. But perhaps to problems of equality there is never a single solution socially that will always fit a given situation. For problems of this nature, humanity must rise above the barriers individually. Certain programs may help ease the problems, but it must lie in the individual capacity of humanity to treat our fellows as equals. No amount of legislation will ever change this.

On a more personal level, Neptune in Aries may indicate dreams of adventure, pioneering new fields and warriors fighting to bring those ideals to expression. It could, and probably does, indicate an individual that prizes personal independence and initiative. These individuals are likely to be willing to fight for what they believe in, although this does not necessarily have to be on a physical level.

The down side could be the Aries impulsiveness and recklessness and impatience continually leading them to believe their ideal dream (Neptune) lies just over the horizon where pastures are greener and there is new territory to conquer (Aries). This combination of Aries' lack of perseverance and this planet's impractical leanings toward the harsh reality of the amount of work entailed to surmount obstacles, may leave the all too common result of a long list of incomplete projects in the native's wake.

However, these people may make ideal champions for those less fortunate than themselves as long as the troops are deployed properly. We will have to wait and see how this will manifest on a more personal level the next time around, for Neptune is not projected to enter Aries again until around the year 2025.

TAURUS NEPTUNE

This could indicate ideals of a practical nature and this could be particularly so where material assets are concerned. On a generational level, this could bring the economic and material sphere to the forefront of consciousness. On a negative level, this might manifest as materialism, but on a more positive level this could bring to consciousness the stewardship of humanity not only toward economic and material resources, but of the natural resources of the world and man's responsible stewardship of our planet.

This would be fortunate and may indicate a future trend for humanity when this planet returns to Taurus in about the year 2039. Also, because Taurus is ruled by Venus, which Neptune is the higher octave of, this could indicate an individual and a generation much more closely attuned to the arts and possibly a time of growth in all artistic fields is foretold. Great works of art and music may result from this.

GEMINI NEPTUNE

With this placement, the idealism of Neptune is probably directed toward third house issues and Gemini's affairs. This is liable to manifest on a generational level as a keen interest in education, literacy, and all forms of communication. There are also likely new ideas along the lines of transportation; and, because this planet is aligned with intuition and psychic tendencies, there could be interest along these lines such as research into telepathic communication.

On a personal level, this could denote interest or talent in literature or poetry and a time of great strides made in these areas. Neptune is associated with music, so talent could take this form of communications media. Also associated with it is photography and cinematography, so there could be talent indicated along these lines and generational strides could be made here as well.

This planet can sometimes be associated with misguided effort and an interesting historical aside in America may be of note here. The public transportation system that deteriorated in the United States, supposedly due to car manufacturers buying up these systems in order to let them deteriorate so that the American public could be encouraged to buy cars, happened with the last transit of Neptune here! So today America, the land of the personal car, has been sold on having a car in order to be mobile and, consequently, public transportation has suffered. This further undermines the security of our nation because now we are far too dependent on foreign oil. Talk about something coming back to bite you on the butt!

CANCER NEPTUNE

With this placement of Neptune, idealism is directed toward Cancer and fourth house issues. This includes the home, motherhood, children, food and cooking; and also, due to the connection to real estate, the home. This is usually an indication of patriotism. Often the rose-colored mentality of this planet will refuse to acknowledge existing problems.

In Europe during this time problems came to a head in 1914 and World War I broke out. Laws were passed at this time to protect the quality of food. The denial of Neptune in Cancer may be at least partially attributable to the crimes against humanity committed by the Nazis during World War II. The patriotism of this generation and the refusal to see the darker side of humanity may have contributed to the Nazis having a free hand when this generation came to power and chose to look the other way.

On a personal level, these people may have very high ideals where home and family are concerned, though they may be just as likely to gloss over problems in this area such as alcoholism, abuse, or anything else unpalatable for that matter. Obviously, this strategy is somewhat lacking when it comes to dealing with these issues. This could also indicate a good deal of psychic capabilities as these people may be rather prone to pick up on things around them. However, as always with the intuitive process, these images are not always accurate. This is, however, the sign of exaltation for Neptune.

LEO NEPTUNE

Leo is a sign equated with a flair for drama and Neptune's last transit of this sign was no exception to the rule. On a generational level, this saw the beginning and end of World War I toppling many from high places of power (Leo/Royalty). Also, Leo being the natural sign of the fifth house of financial speculation, this transit probably ushered in the circumstances that led to the stock market crash of 1929 and the era of the Great Depression. At the same time movies (Neptune/cinematography) were making great strides on the entertainment (fifth house) scene and other artistic medium were burgeoning as well. Some credit this time frame with the birth of modern art.

On a personal level, this could indicate idealism in other fifth house matters also. This could include children, romance and creativity. There might be an indication of artistic talent or at least a person that admires creativity and has an appreciation for art. Due to the fifth house connotation, this could make for a rather unrealistically romantic individual prone to disappointment in this area when reality steps in. Others may be prone to foist their artistic ambitions onto their offspring, expecting them to live out their parents' dreams.

Leo's penchant to do things in a big way and a tendency toward extravagance may give these people a tendency to revere opulence and ostentation with possibly little regard for what lies beneath it. On a generational and societal level, it may have been this generation that laid the groundwork for the materialism which seems to permeate the United States to this very day.

VIRGO NEPTUNE

This placement will bestow idealism on Virgo characteristics and sixth house issues. This coincides with uncertain times when unemployment was rife in the United States and tensions on the world scene were mounting. This combined with Mercury's (Virgo's ruler) tendency to nervousness is said to indicate that this generation is prone to worry and also hold job security high on the list of ideals (Virgo/sixth house). Medical advancements were made in pharmacology (Neptune/drugs) but perhaps gave too much emphasis on everything being cured by doctors and pills. Pesticides and chemical additives were put into extensive use at this time and, along with some of the side effects of the drugs introduced, may have caused more problems than they cured.

Virgo is also associated with perfection and purity; and, during this time perhaps the most insidious evil view of purity made its presence known. This, of course, began when Hitler came to power in 1933 and the German State became more interested in the purity of the Aryan race. This led to the conclusion that anything or anyone that was not Aryan must obviously be inferior. This reasoning ushered in a pogrom responsible for the deaths of millions of innocent people in the concentration camps of Europe.

On a personal level, this could indicate idealism directed toward medicine and the helping professions. These people may be able to give practical (Virgo) expression to Neptune's ideals if this placement is used properly. They may institute more efficient production techniques or pioneer new fields of research as well as introduce new programs to serve the less fortunate. If afflicted, this may indicate that the critical faculties of Virgo are plagued with Neptune's confusion.

LIBRA NEPTUNE

Here idealism is foisted upon Libra's characteristics and seventh house issues. Relationships will have a romantic flair for this generation, but due to unrealistic expectations this group of people is also noted for having an unusually high divorce rate. This is attributable to the fact that these people are prone to look for perfection in a mate, or the ideal partner, which lays the groundwork for disillusionment when reality steps in.

Diplomacy is another issue here; and, as this generation was born in the post World War II years and at the beginning of the Cold War, peace may be elusive (Neptune) to this generation, although great strides in diplomacy were made. Also, since Venus rules Libra and both Venus and Neptune are associated with the arts, this could indicate interest and contributions to the artistic fields.

Personally, these people are likely to be romantic in nature, but should ground this tendency in realism if they wish to build enduring relationships. They will have an appreciation for artistic expression and this may be an indication of talent along these lines if the rest of the chart concurs.

SCORPIO NEPTUNE

This transit saw the rise of the drug culture (Neptune) probably to help offset the intensity of what was being touched in the unconscious (Scorpio/eighth house). Drugs were looked upon as a way to get in touch with the unconscious and hidden potential, but more probably were just an escape (Neptune).

During this time, violence and sex were exploited in films and in the United States death was ever present in the social consciousness as the Viet Nam war raged. Birth control pills took away much of the fright of unwanted pregnancy, and the attitude toward sex consequently became more relaxed, ushering in a burgeoning of the venereal disease rate and a plethora of new sexually-transmitted diseases.

On a personal level, these people have the opportunity to get more closely in touch with what lies in the unconscious and use this creatively. That is, of course, if the native can get around the confusion fostered by Neptune. This can, and likely will, give rise to new musical, art and cinematic forms of expression. These people will probably have to grapple with pessimism and, due to the influence of Neptune, may be prone to substance abuse, addictions and obsessions.

SAGITTARIUS NEPTUNE

Sagittarius is ruled by Jupiter, planet of expansion, and is the natural sign of the ninth house. Therefore, with this position of Neptune the idealism of this generation is likely to entail expansion of horizons and particularly where ninth house issues are concerned. We see more people returning to college during this time, but we also see disappointment as the soaring cost of education puts college beyond the reach of many. Many people may be disillusioned when they find that, despite having a degree, they cannot find employment. We may see a resurgence in religion and philosophy, particularly Eastern expression of these concerns (ninth house/religion/foreign), but at this time there could also be a proliferation of false prophets and gurus. This also indicates a time when foreign travel is becoming more accessible to the masses.

Perhaps historically, this period will be looked back upon as the beginning of the explosion we refer to as the information age. Due to the proliferation of computers we now have at our fingertips overwhelming amounts of information. Also, due to the expansion of technology, computers are outdated so rapidly that if you buy one this year, by next year it is practically obsolete. This is ironic in that a human invention can enslave humanity in this fashion, but then this is similar to the belief that household gadgets would give us so much free time we would not know what to do with ourselves. The reality is that we spend more time working now than ever before!

On a more personal level, these people are likely to highly prize their freedom and have a keen interest in being able to expand their individual horizons. However, this could indicate a tendency to spread ourselves too thin, particularly when Neptune's impracticality is added to the equation. This could indicate a talent for writing (ninth house/publishing) about what one has learned or about far-off, distant horizons that have yet to be glimpsed by the human eye.

CAPRICORN NEPTUNE

This position of Neptune indicates that idealism is directed toward Capricorn's characteristics and tenth house issues. At the time of this writing, we can easily see its undermining influence as well. During the '80's wealth was all that seemed to matter and people eagerly spent themselves into debt in pursuit of the material security that is Neptune's illusion in this sign. The battle cry of those in power seemed to be, "Hooray for the rich and to hell with the poor!" This is evident today through the widening gap between the haves and the have-nots. Another source of disillusionment in the United States is with the Social Security system (material security) which is believed will go bankrupt in the near future if adequate steps are not taken to avert this.

Politics (Capricorn/tenth house) in the United States is another source of disillusionment, and there is an ever stronger cry for a party that looks after the interests of the working class, which has to work ever harder just to survive. This could be an indication that an economic collapse could be on the horizon when this generation reaches adulthood or, at the very least, economic (Capricorn) dreams (Neptune) will have to be drastically scaled back and reassessed and the inequities of rich and poor given closer scrutiny. Another circumstance that I believe is pertinent to the United States is the information age ushered in with Neptune in Sagittarius, which is now gearing our economy to be more information and service-oriented and replacing the industrial and manufacturing base that our economy was once so dependent on.

On a personal level, this could ideally give a practical ambition to make dreams a reality through hard work and legislation. These people may work diligently to bring their ideals into concrete reality. The opportunity is there if they do not allow themselves to get lost in Neptune's fog; for with this planet things are rarely as they seem.

AQUARIUS NEPTUNE

This transit of Neptune, it is said, will help usher in the Aquarian Age which some believe begins approximately in the year 2000, although some astrologers dispute this dating. Actually, due to the wobble of the Earth's axis, the timing is off, and this is not supposed to happen until about the year 2150! This time (Aquarian Age) is said to foster advances in science, medicine and the arts beyond anything we can imagine today. Well, who is to say what the next 1000 to 2000 years will bring humanity; but it is safe to say that these expectations are typical of Neptune's idealism which, unfortunately, the reality rarely lives up to.

It is probable, however, that Neptune in Aquarius will indicate a time of advances in science, technology, computers and a more directed mass consciousness toward humanitarianism. We should also remember, at this time, that Aquarius is equated with egalitarianism. This is reflected in the current war on terrorism that may well have its basis in the poverty afflicting much of the world while the rest of the world lives in relative luxury. We may see, similar to Neptune in Aries, a sort of equality arising from the bloodshed, but this is not likely to come anytime soon.

This could also be a time when we see a proliferation of inventions, and not all of them practical. This may also be a time of renewed interest in the occult, astrology and psychic phenomenon; and thus, could indicate breakthroughs in the neuro-sciences in understanding more about how our brains function. If economic trends continue on their present course, this could be a time when the collective conscience is directed toward teaching those who have fallen through the economic cracks how to help themselves. In this way, the humanitarianism of Aquarius may manifest as well as accomplishing their goals with group participation (the collective).

On a personal level, this may indicate a person that is extraordinarily intuitive. These natives are likely to project idealism onto Aquarian traits and eleventh house issues. However, as always, they should keep in mind that often ideals fall short of reality. The objectivity could offset this disappointment through Aquarian influence. These people may put too much faith in science and technology to solve their problems for them rather than exercising personal initiative, although they may have a gift for invention.

PISCES NEPTUNE

This placement may indicate an increased interest in spiritualism and mysticism. This could further interest along psychic lines and psychic phenomena. Some believe this will indicate a time of peace when humanity's idealism is colored by Pisces' compassion and sensitivity. This could also indicate a time of proliferation in all fields of art.

Quite likely this will indicate a time when social consciousness is more aware of, and more willing to do something for, the more unfortunate people in our culture and throughout the world. The ideal would be that humanity becomes aware of the fellowship of all the inhabitants of the world but, as we have seen, Neptune also tends to symbolize ideals we often have a particular difficulty trying to manifest in reality.

On a personal level, these people may be gifted artists that have creativity stemming from the unconscious. They may be very gentle and compassionate souls that truly believe in the brotherhood of humanity and world peace. However, my observations of human nature have taught me to believe that lambs are often eaten by wolves, of which we are never in short supply.

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