Our Guide To Neptune's Meaning In Astrology
When it comes to astrology, you might not know anything beyond your zodiac sign or possibly your big three. However, there's never a bad time to expand your knowledge about this age-old form of divination and how it may be impacting your life.
Although astrology is thought to date back centuries, its definition and perception have shifted throughout history, according to California State University. Astrology is believed to have evolved from the idea that the planets could indicate what may happen in the future. Many people looked to the sky to explain events with the alignment of the stars, and today, astrology remains a cultural phenomenon that knows no bounds.
Many people who believe in the practice will tell you that each planet in our solar system plays a role in our lives. Even the sun and moon have an impact on us, according to astrologers, and where they're located in the universe is critical to understanding our struggles and successes alike. That being said, how does Neptune affect our daily lives? Here is what you need to know about the other blue planet.
The basics of Neptune's astrological significance
In astrology, Neptune is thought to be linked to our spiritual selves. This means that everything from psychic abilities to dreams can be traced back to the blue planet. Neptune is also often associated with intuition and overall enlightenment. However, it isn't all good news when it comes to its potential.
Many astrologers agree that Neptune is also the planet of delusions and deception. Although it may provide us with the ability to tap into our inner selves, it opens the door for the potential to go too far. Think escapism, but not just in the form of dreams — Neptune is sometimes associated with addiction and vices.
Generally speaking, Neptune is symbolic of feminine energy, according to astrologists. It is also commonly thought of as the planet that rules the sign, Pisces, and falls into the Twelfth House. In total, it takes a whopping 165 years for Neptune to orbit through each of the 12 zodiac signs. On average, it spends 14 years in each sign, meaning that when it comes through your life, it has a long-term impact.
What are astrological houses, anyway?
In order to better understand how planets like Neptune impact our lives, it helps to familiarize yourself with the concept of houses as they pertain to astrology. According to how astrology is practiced by much of the Western world, there are 12 houses that represent everything from our relationships to our health. The planets that fall into your 12 houses are dependent on where they were situated in the universe at your time of birth. For example, if Neptune falls into the fifth house in your astrological birth chart — the house associated with creativity, love, and fun — you might expect some of the traits of Neptune to arise. For instance, this could be seen in the use of your intuition for creative projects.
It's worth noting that it's possible to have multiple planets in one house — this is sometimes referred to as a stellium by astrologists. Alternatively, not everyone has a planet in each house.
How Neptune can impact an astrological house
Because every planet is a part of the zodiac, according to astrologists, each person has at least one in their astrological chart. However, you might find that you have some empty houses as a result of the specifics around when you were born. This doesn't mean that you won't feel the impact of your seventh house, for example, which refers to your relationships with other people — it just suggests that the energy of a particular planet does not influence it.
Depending on where Neptune is in your astrological chart, you may feel its impact differently. Going back to the previous example, Neptune may show up in your seventh house, which is associated with the partnerships you have in your life. If this is the case, you may be on a seemingly never-ending quest to find your soulmate — and Neptune's relation to deception may work against you. Instead of seeing people for who they truly are, Neptune might leave you to jump through some hoops first.
What happens when Neptune appears in a stellium?
Stelliums are controversial in the world of astrology, as noted by Astrology42. This is because some experts believe that there is a minimum number of planets that need to be in a house for it to be considered a true stellium. Many astrologists, however, simply define it as having more than one planet in a single house.
When you have a stellium in a particular house, the energy from the planets within it is amplified. That being said, Neptune is considered by astrologists to be a transpersonal (or "outer") planet, along with Pluto and Uranus. These planets — which are situated beyond Saturn — are renowned for their slow movement (Remember, Neptune takes 165 years to make its way through each house!). If you spot Neptune in one of your houses, but it looks to be in a stellium, think about its traits. For example, having Neptune in your fourth house, which is associated with home and family, might show up as healing or nurturing relationships.
Keep in mind that Neptune also has a dark side, though. If it appears in a stellium in your seventh house, which is linked to your relationships with other people, you might have trouble creating boundaries.
Pisces, Neptune, and the Twelfth House
Neptune is commonly associated with the zodiac sign, Pisces, by those who practice astrology. To understand how this planet relates, it helps to familiarize yourself with the characteristics typically linked to Pisces.
Those who were born between February 19 and March 20 have Pisces as their sun sign, according to the zodiac. Sometimes, you'll see fish used to symbolize Pisces, but generally speaking, the element of water is a key component of this sign. Pisces are thought to be more willing to "go with the flow" than those with other sun signs. However, they sometimes get a bad rap for being moody as they move in and out of emotions.
Just as Neptune is associated with the Twelfth House in astrology, Pisces is linked to it, too. In fact, it's the sign that rules this house, according to many astrology experts. Neptune might stir up your imagination and biggest dreams in this house, according to Advanced Astrology, and Pisces' presence can be beneficial — think manifestation, particularly through creative means.
What happens during a Neptune retrograde
While we've all heard about the dreaded Mercury retrograde, other planets go through retrogrades as well — including Neptune. If you're a believer in astrology or have seen some of the supposed effects of Mercury retrogrades for yourself, you may already be panicking. However, there are a few facts to familiarize yourself with as you consider this planet's retrograde.
As Astrology King notes, Neptune is actually in retrograde about 40% of the time (Mars is only retrograde 9% of the time, for comparison). Because of its natural planetary motion, a Neptune retrograde usually lasts about five months, which is a good chunk of the year. For this reason, you might want to look at a Neptune retrograde as an opportunity, rather than a period of time to fear. This is the perfect time to look inward to see what's possible. Take advantage of the positive energy around you to make your dreams a reality.
Why Neptune is thought to impact entire generations
Because Neptune takes more than a decade to cycle its way through the zodiac signs, many astrologers believe it has a lasting impact on entire generations. Many people are born within the time period it takes to orbit the sun, and in turn, astrologers claim that this group often takes on the planet's characteristics.
How Neptune affects you according to your zodiac sun sign is dependent on other factors, such as your time of birth. That being said, it is thought that people born while Neptune is making its way through the zodiac signs share similar dreams, per Pandora Astrology. They often have an otherworldly vision that, while beautiful, may counter cultural norms.
For example, Neptune exited the sign of Virgo in October 1942 and entered Libra. It eventually shifted back into Virgo in April 1943 before moving back under the sign of Libra in August of the same year. This happens to be the time in which the Baby Boomer generation rose in prominence, rejecting the notion of war and striving for peace — is it a coincidence?