The modern ruler of Pisces is the planet Neptune. This large planet is surrounded by a thick atmosphere of gases, water and ice. Neptune’s atmosphere is known for its active weather patterns and storms, driven by the strongest winds of any planet in the solar system. Neptune is named for the Roman god of the sea. Its glyph is the sea god’s trident.

Neptune spends approximately 14 years in each sign of the zodiac, taking about 168 years to orbit the Sun. Considered the second transpersonal planet, it’s transit through a sign affects an entire generation, and represents their idealistic wish to rise up to a higher plane of existence.

Neptune was discovered in 1846 when it was in the final degrees of the sign of Aquarius. Soon afterward it entered its own sign of Pisces and the United States entered into Civil War, in large part due to collective efforts to end slavery. We will undergo our country’s Neptune return soon, and civil rights issues, which stem from our country’s economic foundation in slavery, are being revisited. This is a time to heal the wounds from our past.

In the astrological chart, Neptune symbolizes the need to experience suffering in order to atone for our sins and become more compassionate and empathetic towards others. This is referred to as the “path to redemption.” This path to redemption often creates unhealthy perpetrator/victim/savior dynamics in our relationships, resulting in compulsions, co-dependencies and significant psychological problems for us.

Ultimately Neptune directs us to have compassion for ourselves without martyrdom. It asks us to form universal emotional connections with others through hope, faith, forgiveness and unconditional love. Through sacrifice of our ego needs we redeem ourselves, transcend our material existence, and are reborn again into the human condition transfigured.

Neptune in Pisces

Neptune was in the sign of Pisces during 1848-1863. Since then it has traveled full circle around the Sun and is once again in the sign of Pisces, where it will stay until 2025.

What can we expect during this current 14 year transit of Neptune in Pisces? What collective experiences will we have that will deepen our empathy, compassion and universal love? Must we re-experience the divisiveness  in our country that lead to our Civil War, or can we move forward from a higher spiritual awareness? As a country, can we transcend racism, sexism, “other-ism” and come to appreciate our connections with everyone, regardless of race, creed, gender, or sexual orientation?

On the personal level, how do you need to retreat from the material world to revitalize and replenish your connection to your soul? What spiritual practices will support your own spiritual development? Use this 14 year period to create a deeper sense of your own inner divinity and connection to all of humanity.

“Compassion is more important than intellect in calling forth the love that the work of peace needs, and intuition can often be a far more powerful searchlight than cold reason.”

– Betty Williams