When an outer planet (Uranus/Neptune/Pluto) first enters a new sign or a new house it can be a momentous occasion and often manifests in some kind of (symbolic) event (major or minor) to announce the ‘new’ energy pattern that is about to unfold. Of course, leaving behind the old sign, or old house also has its own significant events that sum up the lesson(s) of what’s being left behind, at least until the cycle repeats again. Such is the ‘wheel’ of Karma, what goes around, comes around.
Neptune entered Pisces in 2012 and with all the turmoil in our mundane world, Neptune in Pisces can be a welcome antidote or a dangerous escape.*
Neptune rules all things ‘spiritual’. Spiritual yearning, spiritual awakening, spiritual enlightenment, spiritual growth, spiritual development are all indicated until it moves into Aries in 2026. Many will be drawn towards exploration and experimentation during these years. Ancient spiritual seekers spent whole lifetimes exploring these spiritual dimensions. Along the way they developed many different techniques that helped them achieve enlightenment and higher consciousness They showed us that transcendence and transformation is possible. Those that follow eastern philosophies and techniques are taught that “the guru is within” and enlightenment is possible at any moment. Karma & dharma are the foundational principles and Astrology is a respected resource for guidance and comfort.
Today, we can’t go away and live in a cave for 30 years. We are ‘householders’ on the path. We have worldly responsibilities to attend to. Still the yearning for spiritual communion persists. And, the same practices that bring enlightenment can also bring us an expansive experience of happiness, health, and wholeness. Rarely do these practices harm us in any way.
The explosion of yoga & meditation into today’s mainstream is one of the most visible manifestations of this illusive transit. Yoga, the original mind/body/spiritual practice, is a powerful practice to access the deeper parts of our consciousness, particularly when you go beyond asana to include off-the-mat techniques with an experienced teacher. Inner space explorations stir up the unconscious and help us to see places we don’t visit consciously. For this reason, it is important that people who do this work are prepared, willing and emotionally ready to do so. Self-study (svadhaya) and discipline (tapas) are required.
When Neptune reached 8 degrees in spring of 2013, she slid into my ninth house. Neptune can deliver some frightening experiences if left ignored so its always best to find healthy ways to experience it. Such is the gift of astrology, to make one aware of what is possible. So it’s my intention to use it wisely. She’ll be there until 2029 after which she’ll connect with my midheaven and enter my 10th house.
During these years she will slowly dissolve what was before and invisibly recreate all ninth house affairs. Our personal philosophy is described in the ninth house and with Neptune here I expect I’ll think about things quite differently before it’s over.
Other ninth house topics include: long distance travel, foreign or distant places, aliens, immigrants, as well as judges, religious authority figures, philosophers and athletes. Travels need not be physical, but could be intellectual or spiritual .
In order to understand a transiting planet in one’s personal horoscope, you must first investigate the natal placement of that planet first. And that’s where it gets impossibly ridiculous for me! Because, you see, I was born in Neptune, NJ, and lived from 0-8yrs in Neptune City, NJ. Natal Neptune is in my 4th house of home, real estate, and early childhood. Neptune is demanding my attention!
*Neptune rules a lot of other things too. Keywords are here.
