Friday, May 29, 2009
Jan
Just after midnight (Eastern) on May 29, Neptune switches gears and turns retrograde. Neptune rules all that which is hidden and operates in the unseen world -- our subconscious, psychological self, dreams, imagination, and spirituality. She is often associated with confusion (lack of clarity), escapism (drugs/alcohol), creativity (music), transcendence, "oneness," and unconditional love.
Neptune currently transits Aquarius, known for its originality, innovation, rebellion, love for freedom and independent thought. Aquarius is humanitarian, civic-minded, and unconventional. In Aquarius, Neptune's ideals are stretched to reflect the identity of the self within the whole, the purpose of the individual within the greater society, the contribution of one that reaches many.
Since Neptune's entrance to Aquarius in 1998, there have been technological advances that introduced new ways of connecting with people across continents or with similar interests or reconnecting with old friends (Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, Ning), giving to charities or helping others in need (Kiva, Nothing But Nets, The Petition Site), easier searching for volunteer opportunities (onebrick.org, idealist.org, Volunteer Match), and generally, bridging the geographical/cultural gap between communities/societies/countries to jointly meet in a virtual world, where everyone is equal and has a voice. These are just some examples of global developments representative of Neptune (oneness) in Aquarius (innovative) influence ... as above, so below.
Neptune is retrograde from May 29 to November 4, 2009. This period offers us the opportunity to give attention to our spiritual side, psychological self, imagination, and ideals; aspects of our selves that we may have neglected during the course of living our busy, daily lives. This is the time to get in touch with realities in the spiritual plane that are just as true and substantial as the realities we face in the physical world. Be wary of excessive escapism, especially with drugs, during this period. A fog of confusion is also common; don't fear it. Instead, embrace the abyss of the unknown. In surrendering, clarity will follow.
We continue to be under the umbrella of the phenomenal Jupiter-Chiron-Neptune conjunctions which was strongest from May 23 to May 27, making these next few months an advantageous period to seek deep within, heal, transform, and welcome new experiences.
Those born between February 12 to 15 (+/- 2 days) or with personal planets/house angles between 23 and 26 degrees of air signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) or fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius) may be feel this Neptune retrograde more strongly.
Unsure if you have any planets or house angles in these degrees/zodiac signs? Cast your own birth chart by clicking here (opens a new window) -- birth date, time, and place required.
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Image of Neptune, as seen through Voyager 2, courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
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