The transits of the planets

Effects of the transiting Neptune

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Inward

Transits by Neptune may bring any of the following experiences: a reduction in physical and psychological energy; heightened awareness and sensitivity; confusion; receptivity to divine or spiritual influences; the sudden embrace of a fanatical belief system (not necessarily religious); mystical experiences; and a gradually emerging awareness and understanding, in contrast to the sudden flash of revelation associated with Uranus.

Whatever planet or point Neptune is transiting, and in whichever house this occurs, you may experience doubt or confusion about the matters signified by that planet, point or house. Another common issue with Neptune is that its influence appears to lower physical vitality. This is usually caused by something entering the mind or body from outside. In other words, it is not Neptune’s energy that directly diminishes vitality; rather, some debilitating force comes in, and it may not be Neptunian in itself. When Neptune forms a conjunction (0°), square (90°) or opposition (180°) to planets connected with ego drives — Mars and the Sun in their lower expressions — or to Saturn, which rules the ego’s sense of separateness, you may experience fear, insecurity and anxiety.

As mentioned earlier, the best approach during a Neptune transit is to look closely at your life and identify the areas that seem most confused or unclear. If any of these areas are signified by the natal planet, point or house that Neptune is transiting, focus your efforts there. Other parts of your life that are not functioning well may reflect constant natal tendencies, or they may be indirect results of the area most directly affected by Neptune’s energies.

Outward

Be cautious when dealing with groups and organizations associated with Neptune. They are not necessarily harmful, but you will not know for sure until you move toward them slowly, giving yourself time to sense how their energies affect you and whether they enhance or diminish your quality of life. Do not feel obliged to join any group that makes you feel strange, confused or afraid. Despite what others may say, there is no need to rush. Allow yourself to grow into new ideas and beliefs at your own pace. In time it will become clear whether they are beneficial. The key is to avoid making commitments before you achieve a reasonable degree of clarity.

If Neptune is transiting something in your chart that demands meticulous attention, swift decisive action or strategic planning, wait until the transit is over. One of two things will then occur: you will either recover from the confusion typical of Neptune transits and be able to proceed properly, or the transit will bring a significant shift in consciousness that shows you there is no reason to continue with your previous plans. While Neptune’s energies dominate, focus on dealing with those energies and keep your “real world” activities to the minimum needed to maintain basic life functions.

Unless you are experienced in working with people who constantly struggle with Neptunian issues such as drugs, alcohol, other addictions or a persistent tendency toward victimhood, limit your contact with them until the transit passes. Otherwise, their problems can drain the very energy you would need to help them, with little benefit to anyone involved. It is good to use Neptune’s empathy to assist others, but not when you are already overwhelmed by Neptunian energies yourself.

Neptune at the Personal Level

Neptune is one of the transcendental planets; its energies are not especially useful at the personal, ego-based level. Neptune does not reward actions driven by ego. If your understanding is sufficiently clear, it may support altruistic efforts, but at that point you are already operating beyond the personal level. If you find yourself slipping into dependency, addiction or victimhood, seek help immediately. In such cases you are unlikely to succeed alone; if you could, you would not be in that condition. Neptune is transcendental and transpersonal, so any activity rooted in attachment, ego drives or self-interest runs counter to its energies.

Neptune at the Interpersonal Level

Because Neptune is altruistic, its energies might seem beneficial for close interpersonal interactions. The problem is that, even if your ego is not involved, someone else’s probably is. Therefore, interpersonal activity during a Neptune-dominated period is seldom effective unless you are already skilled at handling Neptunian energies. In that case, your actions can raise the consciousness of others until they too move beyond purely personal or interpersonal concerns. Remember, Neptune’s energies are not entirely of this world, and conventional social or psychological standards are likely to be disrupted. Exceptions include people in the helping professions or those whose work is both spiritual and altruistic.

Neptune at the Transcendent Level

This is Neptune’s proper sphere. At its highest level, Neptune represents the awareness that you are simultaneously an individual and completely at one with everything in the universe. Uranus may signify the moment of enlightenment, but Neptune signifies the enduring awareness that follows. At the transcendent level comes the understanding that individuality is not incompatible with oneness. Just as a whirlpool in a river can be recognized as a discrete form, it is also in continuous contact with the river.