The Wheel of Light
Monthly Newsletter - February 2012
One of the most important transits of the year takes place when Neptune enters Pisces on February 3rd. Astrologers posit a relationship between the 12 signs of the zodiac and the planets of our solar system. We define planets as energies. Each of the heavenly bodies has its own unique manifestation. The signs filter the energy of the planets. If the interaction between planet and sign is challenging, it will be hard to express the planetary energy. Neptune and Pisces are in complete harmony with each other. The nature of Neptune will be expressed purely and abundantly while it’s transiting through Pisces. Last year, Neptune was in Pisces from April through early August but never got beyond zero degrees. When it enters Pisces this year it will remain there for 14 years.
Some people define Neptune as the energy of illusion. I agree with that, but with a caveat. Not everything that Neptune deals with or pertains to is an illusion. In fact, Neptune asks the question, ‘what is reality and what is illusion’? And it provides the energy to distinguish one from the other.
Like anything else in life, we can deal with Neptune more effectively when we are centered. Then we can use the intuition that Neptune provides to help us distinguish fact from fantasy and reality from illusion. We become aware that the earth plane is the illusion. That is, where we are and what we are doing is temporary and always changing. Nothing here is permanent. In addition, we each have a different definition of what in fact is going on around here. Neptunian perception allows us to be aware of this and to see through and beyond it in order to get in touch with that which is never ending – the mystery of life itself. Sometimes we are embodied and sometimes we’re not. Sometimes when we are on the earth plane we are male, sometimes female, sometimes rich, sometimes poor. With Neptune’s help we can be aware of all of that as well being aware of the more subtle influences and energies that pertain to more ethereal realities.
Neptune helps us to transcend both awareness and attachment to the material plane and everything that pertains to it, including our own ego or sense of who we are. It is this ability to see life beyond the point of self that enables us to develop wisdom. Instead of subjectively assuming what life is, we can actual perceive and feel what it truly is.
When we are centered, transcendence enables us to realize that reality is limitless. The material and the non-material are all part of the same life force. Neptune enables us to become aware of the real world that isn’t there. We can become aware of this realm through dreams or tapping into our creative imagination. Working with spirit guides or ascended masters and becoming aware of other people as manifestations of the same life force as I am can enable us to tune into a different state of consciousness. This state causes us to relate to others with compassion and unconditional love.
The danger is in dealing with Neptune when we are off-center. Then, the illusion of our perceptions becomes the basis of our lives. We can confuse devotion with co-dependency and service with self-sacrifice. We may feel unworthy of having the job we really want or to be in a meaningful relationship or even to feel good about who we are. Neptune can also be self-destructive. Sometimes that can be in the form of decisions made from a point of confusion. Sometimes it can be from addiction to substances such as drugs, alcohol, food or sex. We might assume that the rush we get from those behaviors is a real transcendent state, when in fact they are escapes from dealing with life. Sometimes one might seek out those escapes just to stop the incessant emotional, intuitive mechanism from being overwhelmed with others’ pain and suffering. Neptunian intuition is so strong we feel everything from all sources at all times. Only by being centered can we be open to awareness but not sucked into dark and negative mental or emotional spaces.
We are centered with Neptunian energy when we do things that help us to focus inwardly. Quality time alone on a daily basis is essential to that end. Meditation, yoga, tai chi or Qigong are all useful tools to work with Neptune. Journaling, working with our dreams and spending time in creative expression are also techniques that help us to get centered with Neptune and use its energy in constructive, growth-oriented ways.
This transit is important because it can enable us to transcend the mundane, consumerist value system that currently pervades the earth plane. Neptune can provide the clarity to transcend the mean spirited contentiousness that is saturating every corner of our world. From that transcendent perspective we can choose to relate to others and ourselves with love, service and compassion in ways that uplift others without compromising our own sense of well being or self-worth.
Aries (March 21-April 20)
With your ruling planet, Mars, retrograde and Venus transiting through Aries, this is a time to be less assertive and more accommodating to others. Growth comes from becoming more thoughtful and considerate of others even as you strive to see things from their point of view.
Taurus (April 21-May 21)
Spend some time with good friends in early month. Sharing spiritual or creative activities with others can provide a deep sense of fulfillment. By mid-month focus more on doing things on your own. The creative and spiritual should still be in high focus, just enjoy them during your alone time rather than in social contact.
Gemini (May 22-June 21)
This is a good time to start planning or researching future career changes. This could be anything from changing industries, or jobs in the same industry, to simply doing something new and exciting being where you already are. New information gained in early month can shared openly by late month.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
The full Moon in Leo on the 7th challenges you to be more open about sharing your feelings with others. The deeper the feelings the more profound the sharing. Be selective, however. Only share with those whom you trust and who in turn truly care about you.
Leo (July 23-August 23)
A three part month for you. Early month is a good time for learning and sharing information with others. Mid-month is a time of introspective contemplation. Late month is time to put ideas into action in ways that are patient and thorough.
Virgo (August 24-Sept 22)
Mars will be retrograde in Virgo until mid-April. Take advantage of this period by focusing on self-awareness, self-development and self-expression. Get in touch with your anger and find healthy ways of expressing it. Get in touch with your sexuality and find fulfilling ways to express it. Physical outlet is important, but do only what you have the drive and energy to do.
Libra (Sept 23-Oct 23)
Early month is a transitional period for you. Focusing on refining skill at work enables you to function more efficiently. Most of the month, however, could be spent focusing on a primary relationship. Growth for you comes from being direct and self-affirming in letting your partner know what you need and what you have to offer.
Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)
Relationship challenges could manifest for you this month. You could feel obsessively drawn either toward or away from someone. Growth comes from tuning in to your feelings in a more subtle way. The key is communication. By being clear with each other, you and your partner could realize it’s not all black or white. Then the real relating can begin.
Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)
Focus on earth plane activities this month. Work on creating a daily routine that will help you to take of your body, and your domestic environment in healthy, self-affirming ways. Spend time becoming more efficient at work by developing new techniques or refining old skills.
Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20)
There is a part of Capricorn that can be very spiritual, even mystical. This month is a good time to tune into that part and work to develop it. You might find it easier to meditate than usual, or you may feel drawn to be more creative. Whatever means you choose, this is a month to open up to your higher self in gentle and comfortable ways.
Aquarius (Jan 21 to Feb 19)
Social activities, the arts and transcendent experiences can all be part of your life this month. Be direct and open with others in early month. Let them know who you are. Taking an art class enhances that part of your life. Whatever type of spiritual discipline you are drawn to should prove fulfilling to you throughout the month.
Pisces (Feb 20-March 20)
Basking in the Neptune transit can bring you exhilarating experiences on every imaginable level over the next 14 years. Getting to know yourself as the spiritual being, cosmic citizen that you are can totally shift feelings of self-awareness and self-worth into new and more positive directions.