On February 3, 2012 Neptune moves into the sign Pisces, where it will be at home for the next 14 years. Neptune takes 165 years to travel through each sign of the Zodiac, and Pisces is the natural ruler of the twelfth house. Since Neptune is at home in Pisces, the energy here will be stronger than in any other sign. The sign of Pisces is two fish swimming in opposite directions, describing its dual nature.

Pisces is the natural ruler of the twelfth house, things secret and hidden, the subconscious mind of the collective. Here things will play out secretly, and we will feel urgings deep within our individual souls and the collective soul. The twelfth house rules mysticism, hospitals, isolation, secrets, and secret enemies which at times can even be ourselves. It is sacrifice, suffering and confinement, and will lead to new compassions. When a planet enters the twelfth house is entering the last phase of its cycle in preparation for new beginnings. It's like clearing the deck for a new start. Neptune cycles are long in duration and a new cycle will not begin until Neptune enters Aries in 2025, which will be the start of a new 165 year cycle.

When Neptune changes signs it is a major planetary shift, and a very big deal, astrologically. It will change the lives of everyone reading this, and those who are not. It signals a change in our deepest psyche and a new direction in thinking and feeling. Neptune briefly entered Pisces in 2011 April-early August. Since 1998, Neptune in Aquarius has urged us toward personal and collective freedoms, ideas, and changes in viewpoints. Collectively, we have felt the deep seated urge to seek freedoms for ourselves, and in over the past few years we have urged freedom for others as the Middle East erupted in Arab Spring of 2011 and protesters lines the streets of Europe and the US. Aquarius is ruled in part by Uranus and takes on the attributes of the planet: upheaval, disruptions, change and rebellions.
Pisces is another story altogether. Pisces is an egoless sign rather than one of personal gain, and the spiritual becomes the goal rather than the material. It is a mutable sign, meaning the energy is flexible and chameleon like, and adaptable to change. It is an idealistic, sensitive sign that is self expressive, dramatic, compassionate and intuitive in nature.

As Neptune moves through Pisces we will become more aware of the need for sacrifice and forgiveness, compassion, and understanding. Neptune in Pisces inclines itself toward romantic ideas, glamour and will be a dose of compassion in a very angry world. Many will strive for a more beautiful world. Music, movies and art will go to new levels, and we may see new art forms. As the Uranus-Pluto square shakes the world for the next four years it will continue to bring anger, disruption, and explosive situations in our lives and around the globe. Neptune in Pisces will bring an element of compassion, forgiveness, and working toward the greater good with a non-selfish approach. Of course, not everyone will automatically change personalities to personify this description, but there will be a collective element in the world that will that will bring these qualities to life.

Neptune is the most complex of planets, its energies working on a very subtle level. Neptune transits bring about a deep seated and sometimes subconscious desire to merge with something other than the self. Whether it is a lover, marriage, family, idea, or purpose Neptune causes a yearning at a soul level to join with something bigger than the self. We will feel this longing and in ourselves and the world as a collective. One of the greatest dangers of Neptune relates to the false glamour and delusion the planet tends to generate. It may cause a person or group to follow an ideal, but the over idealization of the dream can lead to great disappointment and total lack of clarity.

Neptune in Pisces will be about art, glamour, romance, creativity, cinema, photography, spirituality and religion, mystics, psychics, dreams, compassion, illusion, religion, transcending of egos, spiritual illumination. The world however, is not a linear place, rather multi-dimensional, and where Neptune is involved there is great depth and many layers of truths and illusions that stand in the way of truth. Where there is light, there is dark, and where there is darkness there is a lack of clarity.

Neptune always has a duality of nature that inclines toward illusion, delusion, confusion, lack of focus and clarity, deception, lies, and self deception. Neptune in Pisces rules drugs of all types, prescription and illegal, addictions of all types and alcohol. We will see an increase in addicted individuals, and be forced as a collective to deal with these issues. It rules chemicals, gasses, oil and salt water.

Neptune can also bring deception, strange thoughts, events and trickery. Neptune in Pisces will also be about the more sordid side of life: prostitution and gambling, narcotics, trafficking of all types, and pornography. Neptune rules mists, fog, and the seas. Pirating will increase and we are at risk of oil and chemical spills. Water, oil, nuclear weapons, chemicals, and diseases, both air and water borne, will come into focus one way or another over the next 14 years. When Saturn squares Neptune in 2015-2016, water will become an important commodity, and we may be called upon as a civilization to afford greater protection toward our most vital asset.

Neptune and Chiron: Neptune is within a few degrees of conjuncting Chiron, known as the wounded healer. Chiron has been classified as both an asteroid and a comet and its influence can intensity issues that are already challenging. The effects of Neptune can make it difficult to evaluate the challenges rationally and with clear thinking. So, in essence the challenges may become worse before they get better or are evaluated for future growth. Spiritual growth and healing seldom occur as quickly as we would wish.

Sir Winston Churchill once said, "Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it." Never is this saying more applicable than when looking at astrological trends. Neptune was in Pisces the following periods: 1029-1042, 1193-1206, 1356-1370, 1520-1534, 1684-1697 and 1847-1861.

The last period saw the rise of the industrial revolution, and was the pre-cursor to the American Civil War. Labor conditions began to change and the world morphed into a different time. The Underground Railroad was shuttling slaves through a series of safe houses in the U.S. and out of the country. The abolition of slavery occurred in the French colonies in 1848. Mysticism took hold in America. Cocaine was used as a drug and freely prescribed. The Age of Enlightenment occurred in Europe during 1650-1700.

It is within these boundaries we will walk over the next 14 years of our lives as the world shifts into a new age in front of our eyes.

Leslie

Mars retrogrades at 23 degrees of Virgo January 24. Mars retrogrades every 18 months, and the last time this phenomenon occurred was October 17-December 20, 2009, when the planet of action retrograded in the sign Leo. Mars remains retrograde through April 14, and it will remain in the sign Virgo until early July. Mars is stationary retrograde through January 27. It is generally at this point you will notice a decline in energy or issues start to become more complex. Mars goes stationary direct April 14-21, and you may notice an effect if it is transiting personal planets in your natal chart. It will remain in the shadow period until June 20, when it reaches the degree at which it retrograded.

What Does This Mean?

When Mars retrogrades (every two years) it is time to take a step back. We may feel as though we are paddling upstream. Sometimes retrospection can be quite positive. Action may become slower or more subtle rather than straightforward, especially if you have mutable planets in your chart (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces, or if your Mars is mutable). Mars rules physical energy, sex, male energy-men, physical force and your desire to achieve. It describes the male relationships in your life, and sometimes these relationships may stall at this time. Retrograde Mars can give rise to introspection, a slowdown in work projects, accidents, rage, war, or other types of violence if misdirected. Retrograde Mars is a time to rethink, especially where work projects and health is concerned. Starting large projects or new relationships with men on a retrograde Mars may go through a period of change or end when Mars goes direct in April.

Sometimes retrograde planets often seem to coincide with fated events, that is events and situations that seem to be out of one's personal control. Sometimes this represents an outcome of an inevitable situation, other times the event seems to be something unexpected.

Mars in Virgo

Mars retrogrades in Virgo, the natural ruler of the sixth house of work and health. Virgo is known as the sign of the perfectionist, and during this period it is important not to become too critical of others or ourselves. Constructive criticism can sometimes bring positive change but as Mars retrogrades, the criticism may not be so constructive or we may be the victim of criticism. Knowledge is power, and being aware of this tendency can go a long way toward avoiding animosity. Tolerance is called for on all fronts.

Issues may develop with work situations that have to be addressed, and dissatisfaction may become more acute at this time. Plans may be changed, projects altered, and some may leave jobs during this period by choice or forced circumstances. Co-workers and supervisors may become overly critical or concerned with minutia, and problems from the past may come back now as major concerns at this time. If you are looking for a job and in a position to postpone changing positions, that might be advisable, as when Mars goes direct in the spring, changes you were not aware of could occur at that time.

As Mars rules the house of health this can be a positive time to review health concerns or plans. Fitness programs and diets may be implemented or altered, and with some individuals this will be a time of discovering heath issues that may have been previously hidden. (This alone will not cause a health problem - other factors must be present in your chart to signify a major health problem.) As Mars rules steel and cutting, elective surgeries should be postponed at this time if possible.

Events on the World Stage

Mars rules the military, police, surgeons, bank auditors. As Mars retrogrades through Virgo we will see unrest, possible military skirmishes and growing dissatisfaction that will reach more acute stages. As Mars retrogrades it will conjunct Neptune in the US chart January 28-February 6. We will likely see unrest among demonstrators and groups, dissatisfaction among the workplace and unemployed workers, and the possibility of military threats skirmishes, and saber rattling at this time. We are at risk of violence in the US, and bad decisions based on lies and mistruths, especially abroad. This transit relates to water and situations around water, drugs and chemicals. There will be discord with those abroad. Those promoting fundamentalist religions may be in the forefront.

This period will be a time of unparalleled violence is Syria as retrograde Mars conjuncts the natal Sun of that country, then squares Jupiter. We will hear of causalities and a call for change of government at this time.

During the period of Mars retrograde criticism will become more vocal about unemployment, the state of jobs/employment in America, and we will hear news that relates to medicine, pharmaceutical companies, health situations and hospitals.

Mars in Virgo relates to bank auditors, and we may hear news of audits and banking practices that come to the forefront. This could involve big banks, and it may also relate to financial practices at home and abroad that come under scrutiny.

On April 8, Mars retrogrades to 3 degrees opposing Neptune in Pisces at 2 degrees. Mars turns direct at 3 degrees on April 14, making the opposition prominent, and the planets do not separate until April 22. This opposition is difficult at best, tiring, and overall negative. Mars relates to the ego, and Neptune is ego-less, and therein lies the conflict. The best use of this energy is found in serving others and directing the energies toward spiritual practices. We will hear news of situations that are unclear in scope, possible violence and situations relating to water, drugs and chemicals. Mars begins to move forward again April 22, and things will get back to normal June 2, when Mars reaches 23 degrees.

Leslie

The planet Neptune is often called the planet of illusion, confusion, delusion, lies and deception. When transiting Neptune makes contact with a planet in the chart of an individual or entity (countries have charts, as well as companies, cities, and all legal entities) situations often occur that involve very peculiar experiences and the collective or individual is often not prone to seeing things in a realistic manner. Deception is the key word, either self imposed or imposed by circumstances designed whereby the individual or collective fails to see clearly what is really happening.

The most commonly used chart for the USA is the Sibly chart, and in this chart, the USA has a 12 degree Sagittarius ascendant and a 27 degree moon in Aquarius that falls in the third house of communication, expression, and debate. In the USA Natal chart the moon represents the common people and their mood.

An Aquarius moon in the chart of a country represents a collective of people who are emotional Aquarians. Aquarius is ruled by both Uranus and Saturn. Uranus is the planet associated with rebels, rebellions, individuality, and revolutions. One of the best known rebellions in the Western World was called the Boston Tea Party. The founders of America had a revolutionary spirit, without which America would still be a British colony.

It is totally fitting America has an Aquarius moon and it describes the common feeling of the people. Aquarius is known as being open minded, fair and impartial, detached and on the cutting edge, as well as ahead of their own time. An Aquarius moon often portrays an interest in philosophy, and finding or creating an ideal world. Aquarius is often about the isms (ideals) of the world; capitalism, socialism, feminism, nationalism, Catholicism, militarism, or whatever the ism or idea of the time may be.

The moon is a changeable luminary, especially placed in the third house. This shows a population of people changeable in their moods and opinions, always seeking that which is ideal. Aquarian moons value friendship and impartial judgment, and are considered to have a 'world view.'

Transiting Neptune has been conjunct or within a few degrees of the Moon in America's natal chart since summer of 2008. Neptune conjunct Moon in the natal chart of a country would indicate a population that is depressed, confused, and unaware of events that are be taking place. Incorrect or incomplete ideas are likely to occur, as well as confusion over values, ideas and situations. The moon represents the most primitive of emotions and it is the core of the emotional being. At its worst, the transit shows a population that is being duped by the powers that be, and left holding the bag. Not only is the population being duped by the individuals in charge, individuals contribute to their own demise by burying their heads in the sand, and failing to grasp the consequences of their own apathy, disinterest, fear, and willingness to go along with the status quo or move past fear, and seek viable solutions. As Neptune moves away from the moon, clarity will start to come into focus for Americans and situations will be revealed for what they are. At its highest this transit can represent spiritual enlightenment, usually through hardship and sacrifice.

When a planet contacts the moon it will be tempered with the emotionality and influence of the planet involved. Neptune creates a feeling of idealness that may seem very real at the time; Neptune in Aquarius conjunct the Moon of the USA has seemingly called individuals who easily respond to the radical nature of Aquarius to idealize certain political parties, religious views, and other ideas that embrace the isms (ideals) or religious-political idealism they perceive as ideal at the time.

This is Neptune in Aquarius in motion, always searching for the universal ideal. Neptune is the most misunderstood of planets due to its dual nature. Neptune rules spirituality, callings of the highest order, religion and all things spiritual and metaphysical. The other side of Neptune is the dark side of lies, deception, betrayals, misunderstanding, and the potential fleecing of those under its influence due to miscommunication, misunderstanding, or absolute mis-truths. It is a nebulous, watery, planet and those afflicted with hard transits are prone to finding out they were wrong about things held most true. It takes a pure heart and unblemished soul to withstand the test of Neptune and not fall under its delusionary spell and live to regret it, or otherwise see the matters in a different light once the transiting planets start to separate. Neptune transits always call for sacrifice in some form, and the desire to merge with something greater than self, whether it be ideas, individuals, or ultimately, even death in some cases. Neptune transits are dissolving in nature, and prone to involve elements of untruths and misconceptions.

Neptune came within orb of America's moon during summer of 2008 and over four years has enamored American society with the ideals and isms Aquarius is fond of. Americans have heeded the call of Neptune: individuals have chosen to merge themselves with political/religious ideology, whichever side of the isle fits the individual picture of a perfect world. In true Uranian style some of the parties and ideas have been revolutionary and promote an agenda that is totally different from the old. The problem with Neptune idealism is that no matter how real or perfect the ideal may seem, there are often hidden factors involved, lies and deceit, or weak strategies based on unrealistic expectations.

Thus, Americans have promoted what they perceive to be their political parties' stance on social and financial issues, ignoring facts and focusing on the ism or ideal rather than the problem itself; supporting political leaders and would be leaders who capitalize on mass confusion, promoting an alleged ideal. Thus, it becomes easier for the powers that be, banks, insurance companies, Wall Street, big business and other national and international factions to manipulate and control the masses. An individual under the influence of Neptune-Moon is often duped by others, and he/she often contributes to their problems by failing to face the facts, becoming their own worst enemy by default.

In world astrology, Neptune represents deception and confusion, as well as social movements. The Occupy Wall Street movement was born during the last half of 2011, on the final swing of Neptune conjunct America's Moon, and prior to that the Tea Party Movement. Neptune rules high ideals, but also confusion and lack of focused expression or goals. Their appeal of both groups to the public is on an emotional level, against those perceived as taking advantage of the masses. The Occupy protesters are nebulous individuals who defy definition. Not a bad thing, totally Neptunian in nature. Neptune is formless, foggy and structure free and absolute focus is usually lacking.

Before the Occupy Movement, March of 2009 saw the rise of the Tea Party. After its initial rise promoters (there were no leaders, by design) began to be seen as off the wall or too radical, which watered down the appeal. Members were against the government and government programs and some of their tactics and speakers bordered ideas of anarchy. Eventually, they were linked to the Washington insiders the Koch Brothers, and the rest is history; the Tea Party became relegated by the mainstream to right wing extremists, hypocrites, and kooks. Such is the way of Neptune - deceit, lies, lack of clarity and dissolution.

The moon rules women, and Neptune conjunct America's moon has produced several Moon-Neptune female Presidential candidates over the past four years. First was Sarah Palin, a 22 degree Aquarian herself, with a 6 degree Aquarian moon. She talked about the fact she would not play be the rules, and left her Governorship in Alaska amid allegations of abusing her office, although she was officially cleared of misconduct.

During the first time Neptune was conjunct Palin's Sun she was touted as the next Vice President of the USA, joining Senator McCain's campaign for President August 29, 2008. But, the campaign was lost to freshman Senator Barrack Obama. In true Neptunian fashion Sarah, who was once considered a savior by conservative, evangelical Republicans became known as one of the lunatic fringe over the next three years. As the Tea Party sank, so did her star and she become host of a TV show. In Sarah, we can see the Neptunian process at its most typical. It begins as a process or event that seems very real. Sarah garnered the limelight for a time, and anticipated a bright political future, as did her supporters. As soon as she announced her candidacy touting conservative values, her teenage daughter announced an unplanned pregnancy with her on again off again boyfriend. From the start she was surrounded by scandals and mysteries. She was not up to the intellectual standard American's expect, her ideas were radical and excluded all but the most conservative, evangelicals, mainly white. She left a State Governorship under a cloud of suspicion, her political star fizzled, and she became a commentator and reality TV star. By the time Republican candidates were chosen in 2011 she was considered unelectable and considered a kook by the majority.
Another woman who became prominent during this transit was Michelle Bachmann, born 04-6-56 with a 24 degree Aquarius moon. Her rise as a Presidential candidate came quickly in late summer 2011, when she won the Ames straw poll. Like Sarah Palin, she lit a fire under conservative, evangelical voters, for a time. While Sarah remained in the limelight for a few years, Michelle lasted only a few months. Her campaign never developed a solid message. One trait she shared with Sarah was a basic lack of facts when it came to American history, and a very public bungling of the facts. Michelle's campaign seemed to focus on primarily two subjects; God and gays, and she took heat from the American Pediatrics association over her comment the HPV vaccine causes mental retardation, with no evidence to back it up. Again, she embodied the lack of clarity Neptune personifies.

Along with the ill informed HPV vaccine attack, her husband's concept of 'praying away the gay' at his clinics during a time when many Americans support gay marriage, a reassessment of her electability occurred among voters. Rick Perry's entrance into the race spelled the death knoll for her campaign for President, and she dropped out early 2012. Michelle's campaign was Neptune at its best; smoke and mirrors with no real structure or solid core, surrounded by mysterious and questionable associations or circumstances.

The biggest event in America during the Neptune-Moon period began with the Bank Bailouts of 2008. During this time, Neptune was within a few degrees of America's moon. TARP funding was signed into law by George Bush on October 3, 2008 in response to the sub-prime mortgage crisis and authorized the Secretary of the Treasury to spend up to $700 billion to purchase failing bank assets both US and foreign. (The moon also rules housing and home, and the real estate market crashed at this time) Rules concerning the funding were unclear, the public did not have access to information, and would soon find out foreign banks were being bailed out with US taxpayer money, as well.

Some of the money did not go where it was intended. By January 2009, the first TARP fraud case was filed against Nashville based Gordon Grigg and Protrust Management. In January 2010, 86 fraud cases had been opened. The Special Inspector General told lawmakers, "Inadequate oversight and insufficient information about what companies are doing with the money leaves the program open to fraud, including conflicts of interest facing fund managers, collusion between participants and vulnerabilities to money laundering."

In January, 2012 as Neptune in Aquarius makes its last pass over America's moon, the US Government Accountability Office stated, "The U.S. Treasury Department has highlighted projected gains while omitting estimated losses in press releases about federal bailouts over the past two years." Additionally, they stated expected costs were omitted that could render TARP investments unprofitable. The program remains shrouded in secrecy.

The above are but a few of the most obvious examples of the influence of Neptune conjunct America's Moon. It does not address the housing and job crisis, the BP oil disaster, the oil crisis, the wars and causalities that have exhausted American's hearts and tax reserves. It does not address the hopes the Presidential election of 2008 promised, then disappointed. It does it address the mass confusion many Americans feel over the loss of what was once the American Dream: perhaps the biggest loss of all.

The collective mind in America has been uneasy, burdened with fear and forebodings. As Neptune moves away from America's moon, the collective, or all of us, will begin to see the world in a new and different light. Perhaps a new American Dream will be born. When lessons are learned Neptune-Moon aspects can bring about personal and spiritual illuminations and awakenings and connection with all that is infinite. As Neptune moves into Pisces in February it will move into the most spiritual sign of all, and perhaps we can begin the long process of healing wounds, lives, people, and the United States of America.

Next: Neptune is Pisces - The Twelfth House/End of a Cycle

Leslie