Astrologically Speaking: Tuning Into Neptune
By Catherine Carlson
“Now you see me, now you don’t,” says the magician. This is an excellent catchphrase for the planet Neptune because it applies both astronomically as well as astrologically. Dimly lit Neptune was discovered via mathematical calculations and Newton’s gravitational theory years before it was officially observed with a telescope in 1846. Even with the help of our modern telescopes, it can be elusive.
Around the time of Neptune’s discovery was the advent of photography and the creation of the first electric light bulb. Both inventions opened up new worlds and are tied to the meaning of Neptune in astrology. Photography allowed us to capture and see what a person or place looked like beyond paintings or physically witnessing them. Electric light also allowed us to see beyond what we had before with candles and lanterns, something we especially appreciate in these dark winter months.
What does Neptune represent?
Named after the Roman god of the sea, Neptune represents the mysteries of our unconscious, our hopes, dreams, and the concept of unity. Neptune is the master of illusion (and disillusion) and can show us what exists in another time or place. A perfect example of Neptune’s influence is the entire Science-Fiction and Fantasy genres, which are born out of our imaginations. Neptune can also represent out-of-this-world creativity such as classical music, refined architecture, and haute couture. In the modern Cinderella movie Mrs. Harris goes to Paris, she pursues her fantasy to own a Dior gown as a means to a more dignified life.
Neptune represents the impulse to escape through drugs or alcohol—formerly known as “spirits”—causing altered states of consciousness. We all experience other realities in our dreams when we sleep. Deep diving into spirituality, transcendental meditation, past life regression, or the metaphysical arts are other explorations of the unconscious.
The flip side of being blissed out in another reality is disillusion and illumination. Once the fog and mist fade, much is revealed. When truths or secrets come to light, suddenly life takes on new meaning. Perhaps you learn your grandmother had an earlier marriage nobody knew about. Another situation could be finally learning what is causing an ambiguous health issue so you can finally seek help. These are true lightbulb moments.
How does Neptune affect you?
Neptune is the modern ruler of Pisces. If Pisces is your sun sign, ascendant, or moon sign, or you have a lot of planets in the twelfth house, you will connect with the significations of Neptune. However, even if none of that applies, Neptune still has an effect on you. Do you love to daydream? Did you have imaginary friends growing up? Have you ever seen a ghost or had a paranormal experience? These are all Neptunian experiences.
Neptune is a lot like Harry Potter’s invisibility cloak. Are there places in your life where you are less visible? Maybe you have the ability to see, hear, or learn things that others are unaware of? Neptune energy is like the rose-colored glasses most of us wear on occasion, or the blind spot we all experience when driving—both literally and metaphorically. Neptune is also the place in our life where we have had to make a sacrifice in some fashion.
In medical astrology Neptune represents soft tissue with its permeable boundaries. It also represents the Pineal Gland, Melatonin, allergies, funguses, parasites, and addiction. As a distant planet, it remains in a sign for many years, and you will share your Neptune sign with those in your age group.
Where is Neptune now?
Neptune has been transiting quite comfortably in dreamy Pisces for about 14 years. During that time, we have seen fantasy books and movies explode, spirituality and unity consciousness become mainstream, and plant-based medicine is again a popular healing tool. We have all become one through technology and we have blurred many a boundary. All of this draws to a close when Neptune moves into Aries on January 26 for the first time since 1866 where it will remain until 2039.
The fiery Aries energy Neptune is moving into is vastly different. Ruled by red-hot Mars, Aries is more self-oriented, direct, and energetic. This gives Neptune a charge. The dreams that were incubating during the Pisces’ transit, might inspire in some the courage to take action. Others may find themselves assertively pushing boundaries in favor of the underdog. There may be a mass wake-up call with people seeing things with new eyes or inspiring some to spiritual independence instead of a reliance on groups and religions. Previous Neptune in Aries’ transits throughout history have consistently seen church reform. Individual sovereignty is also a theme. During the transit from 1861-75 Russia ended serfdom, President Lincoln was instrumental in ending slavery, and several states seceded from the union.
There is an especially opportune time to take action in the direction of your dreams in February when Neptune will conjunct Saturn in Aries. Saturn will lend a hand with purposeful structure and discipline to help you overcome obstacles.
Playing hide and seek is Neptune’s specialty just like the ocean tide moves out revealing the life, beauty, and fossils for a time, only to cover them up again.
Catherine Carlson is an Astrologer who offers consultations for adults and children. She is an Ann Arbor native who enjoys living locally with her family. She can be reached at catherine-carlson.com or catenka@mac.com.
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