Neptune
The planet of the subconscious, dreams, and fantasies
Neptune in Astrology
Neptune is the planet of our subconscious minds, influencing our dreams and fantasies, our imaginations, hopes, beliefs and our connection to spirituality. Yet Neptune can also be deceiving, as there is a tendency to take the fantasies that Neptune delivers as true reality, only to realize later that we’ve been duped. Confusion can arise when Neptune’s in the picture, yet there is also incredible potential for compassion, creation, and connectivity.
Fast Neptune Facts
Zodiac sign Neptune rules: Pisces
Exalted in: Leo
House Neptune rules: 12th House of Spirituality and Subconsciousness
Neptune retrogrades: Once every year, with each retrograde lasting around five months
Neptune stays in each zodiac sign for: About 14 years
Neptune makes a complete trip through the zodiac: About every 168 years
Neptune and Pisces
Fantastical and dreamy Neptune rules over the zodiac sign Pisces. In Roman mythology Neptune is the God of the Sea, and the planet Neptune’s influence is just like the vast, flowing, nebulousness of the ocean. The currents of Neptune allow Pisces to swim through a neverending world of imagination and spirituality where anything is possible.
Neptune and the 12th House of Spirituality and Subconscious
It’s time for some deep reflection as we move into the 12th House of Subconscious, ruled by Neptune. The 12th house represents your connection to spirituality, the deep and personal emotions you feel, and the openness of your heart. Neptune’s understanding of quiet contemplation and emotional speculation is heavily reflected in the 12th House of Subconscious. This house is all about taking time for healing and rejuvenation before beginning anew.
Neptune’s Lessons
One way to enjoy the creative and comforting arms of Neptune is to recognize that reality is much more than our thoughts, egos, and individual identities. Returning to the spiritual source from which we came happens when we take a breath and step back from our personal dramas. Recognizing that we belong to humanity, the cosmos, and the indivisible fabric of existence reminds us that we are neither alone nor as separate as we might think or feel. Nature is an excellent source of this experience as it’s easy to let go of our issues and connect with the beauty and power of mountains, streams, oceans, deserts, and meadows. Walking in places without people provides the silence needed to quiet our heads and hear with our hearts, which is where the truth of our spiritual connections lie.
Neptune represents the invisible web that supports us when we let go of control and trust that we cannot fall out of the universe. It’s like falling asleep or floating in salt water. Softening eyes to blur the lines that separate us from others is another way to merge with the magical energies of Neptune. Sharp thinking is critical when we’re driving a car or presenting detailed ideas, but this kind of focus inhibits imagination and reinforces the separatist, atomizing view of reality that dominates much of modern life. Notice when the mind hones in with a critical perspective that narrows options, and gently release yourself from this tight focus that’s based on so-called facts. Seeing with soft eyes opens emotions and intuition that provides a wider, gentler and more inclusive perspective.
Prayer, meditation, and spiritually-based physical activities like qigong, tai chi, and yoga invite the healing powers of Neptune. And body, mind, and spirit can also be united with music and other forms of inspirational art like poetry. The dissolving effects of Neptune, though, are also associated with fatigue and failure. There are times when the will is sapped, energy wanes, and we feel disempowered. When we’re down and out, or simply down emotionally, a wonderfully Neptunian way to regain equilibrium is to serve others. Giving when we think that we are empty refills us with hope. That’s because turning away from the isolation of ego and personal travails reconnects us with the infinite energy of the universe that Neptune represents.