mand of the sky, Hades the underworld, and Poseidon rulership of the sea. Poseidon
built a grand palace under the sea, yet spent as much time on land in Olympus as in his
palace. This accounts for his importance on dry land as well as the sea. He came to rule
not only the oceans and seas that lap at the shore, but also the rivers that moisten the
land. Mythology reveals Poseidon as having a violent temper as well as a savage and
unpredictable nature. When angered, his rage often displayed itself through storms and
earthquakes on land and at sea, making them much feared especially by seafarers.
Floods and droughts were also common results of his wrath. Yet, he also brought tran-
quility and stillness to the waters as he skimmed over the waves on his chariot.
Neptune’s correlation with the sea is quite symbolic when working with this
planet in the natal chart. His association with the sign of Pisces was made by the poet
Manilius in the first century C.E., who believed Neptune, as god of the ocean, most
likely had a bond with the sign of the Fish. This connection was adopted by many
modern astrologers, who consider Neptune the ruler of Pisces. As a seafaring god,
Neptune’s role in mythology connects him with all maritime matters and liquids. As
such, boats, sailing, fish, sea creatures, bodies of water, fog, and floods all fall under his
domain. Psychologically speaking, the sea symbolizes the collective and personal
unconscious as well as all that is part of the subtle, intangible side of human existence.
Thus, Neptune speaks to the intuitive mind, inspiration and imagination, dreams and
psychic receptivity. Yet, the depth of water often distorts vision causing illusion or dis-
illusionment, and bringing states of confusion, escapism, and suffering.
In the birth chart, Neptune indicates the ability to see beyond the finite self
and world in order to experience unity with a greater whole. It seeks to dissolve the
limitations and boundaries of the physical world by beautifying life or raising it to a
higher level through displays of compassion, service, and creative force. This inner
desire is often sought through artistic or spiritual experience. These activities allow one
to escape the bonds of the mundane reality for a time. Through suffering, the wisdom of
Neptune helps to flow through difficulties, leading towards levels of consciousness
beyond the ego and providing the capacity to see the unity in all. Hence, Neptune
teaches empathy and the highest form of love. Neptune is the higher expression or
octave of the planet Venus. Venus symbolizes personal love and harmonization with
others, while Neptune represents universal love and unity with the cosmos. Neptune
refines and sensitizes everything it touches such that one steps beyond the crudeness
and coarseness within and embraces the capacity for unselfish devotion and giving.
Individuals with this planet prominent in their horoscope often feel a need to
merge or submerge themselves in a group, even to the point of sacrificing their own
interests for a collective belief (such as a religious or political movement). It is also
possible such individuals are susceptible to victimization or an attitude of being the
victim. Neptunian people are extremely sensitive to others in their environment as
well as to other realms. They can be clear channels for information from other planes
of consciousness. However, this sensitivity also makes them susceptible to becoming a
psychic sponge, absorbing and identifying with everyone else’s feelings and suffering.
Boundaries, then, become paramount in working with the energy of Neptune.
A true Neptunian feels connected with everything. They are naturally kind and car-
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Neptune