Neptune’s Transit Through Pisces: Romantic Delusion or Delight?

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Neptune returns to Pisces this February and certain signs (Pisces, Virgo, Gemini and Sagittarius) will be vulnerable to its heady cocktail of romance and illusion. Neptune rules Pisces with an energy that transcends reality. It is spiritual rather than physical. Boundaries fade, acceptance grows and others’ faults don’t seem to matter.

When transiting Neptune makes a hard (conjunction, opposition or square) aspect to the relationship planets (Venus, Mars, the Sun or Moon), the chance of romantic delusion increases. But so does the chance for the romance of a lifetime. Read on to see how the four mutable signs will be affected and what they can do about it.

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Pisces

If you have planets between 0-4 degrees Pisces, Neptune will pass over (conjunct) them during the next couple of years. Existing tendencies for romantic escapism and weak relationship boundaries will be magnified. So will your natural compassion and ability to heal the one you love. If you’re in denial about relationship issues, this transit will confront you with the truth. Neptune initially obscures, but the big reveal always follows with a shot of disillusionment.

Let’s say you have Venus in Pisces. You give your lovers 100 second chances. You relate (Venus) to others through your desire to surrender. What you surrender depends on Venus’s house position and natal aspects, but it can range from pain (when you heal your partner) to self-respect (when you martyr yourself).

Neptune’s transit could bring a dreamy, addictive relationship. How will you know if it’s the real thing or another illusion? If a new relationship feels like other heart-breakers you’ve experienced, chances are it’s not a keeper. If you’ve been working on your issues and you meet someone who treats you differently than past lovers, this could be your dream come true. In other words, you’ll attract the reflection of your self-esteem (Venus).

An existing relationship may shift and become unclear as you explore your romantic needs. If your love life is basically healthy, you may simply experience a more profound bond with your partner. This transit will emphasize existing patterns.

Use this rare, potent energy to transform yourself. Handled correctly, Neptune can dissolve your pain and replace it with a greater understanding of what you have to offer in a relationship. You may not even want to be involved with someone during this transit. If you feel like withdrawing, know that it’s a chance to heal.

Virgo

Neptune will form an opposition to planets between 0-4 degrees Virgo over the next two years. The opposition involves you (Virgo) and the other (Pisces) that you feel uncomfortable with. This is when you’ll learn how to cut partners (and yourself) some slack. The more you try to be the perfect partner or find the perfect partner, the more you’ll fail. That’s a harsh word, but it’s the lesson Neptune will deliver if you insist on pushing that Virgo agenda. Here’s your chance to break away from romantic pessimism and micro-managing.

I’m going to use Mars in Virgo as an example. With this planet/sign combination, you know who and what you want. You have a precise way of achieving your relationship goals. Well, get ready for all that to change during this transit. Focus will go out the window and who you’re attracted to will become a mystery. Sexual (Mars) fantasies (Neptune) may become very distracting. The idea of sex, and projecting your fantasies onto someone unavailable, could become more compelling than the real thing.

Neptune wants to release you from any intellectual limits you’ve been putting on your love life. If that means dangling someone totally inappropriate but ridiculously tempting in front of you, so be it. Should you throw caution to the winds and chase this new addiction? If they are unavailable/uninterested/unreal or unaware of your existence, things probably won’t change. A healthier use of this energy would be to identify what it is about the fantasy that you’re so attracted to. This is what Neptune can bring into your life, if you allow it. Treat a new romantic interest as a symbol of what’s missing rather than the answer to your prayers.

Gemini

Planets between 0-4 degrees Gemini will be squared by Neptune in Pisces in the coming two years. This aspect will challenge your ideas about relationships. Rationalizations that you’ve made in the past won’t cut it now, and you’ll question your romantic choices. Neptune’s emotional, super-sensitive energy will make it feel like you’re drowning. But you’ll actually be diving into emotional intimacy.

Using the Moon in Gemini as an example, the need (Moon) for choices (Gemini) in relationships makes you feel safe. Intellectual distancing is your way of coping when things get heavy. The square from Neptune will undermine all that. Be prepared for increased sensitivity, restlessness and confusion over what makes you feel good. Where did that light and airy comfort zone go?

Any deception that arises will be a result of your confusion—or not wanting to hurt your partner’s feelings. When everything you think about relationships is dissolving, you may not even know what the truth is. This is why honest communication will be critical; try to express exactly what you’re thinking, even if you’re not sure what that is. The ultimate goal of this transit is to dissolve the superficial and expose you to a whole new level of relationships. While we’re on the subject of honesty, can you trust a new lover who appears during this transit? Pay close attention to what they say and how they say it.

Sagittarius

Neptune will also square planets between 0-4 degrees Sagittarius. This transit will challenge what you believe by expanding your urge for exploration in relationships. This could mean a time of wandering without a map in new relationship territory. It could also be your Dark Night of the Soul. Watch that the search for meaning doesn’t get you tangled up with a partner who takes advantage of you.

If your Sun is in Sagittarius, your ego is healthy and your will is focused on the future. You see no reason why a relationship can’t work out. If you’re single, it’s okay because you’ll meet someone when it’s meant to happen. Neptune’s square can undermine this fiery energy. You may find yourself questioning what you bring to a relationship and how special you really are. When faith in yourself vanishes, where do you look?

For many Sagittarians, this could be the first time without your optimism to keep you warm. The ensuing search might make you do some interesting things. Potential romantic partners who come into your life during this time should be viewed as experiments, not saviors. Your faith hasn’t gone anywhere, you’ll just be questioning it. This is what will make it stronger and turn you into a more empathetic partner.

For any sign, the rule of thumb during a hard Neptune transit is to hold off on new romantic commitments until the influence is over (although of course there are exceptions to every rule). Neptune’s influence on planets between 0-4 degrees will continue (roughly) until early 2014. Many people wake up after these transits and wonder what they ever saw in their Dream Lover. Some are fortunate enough to experience a capital “R” romance that is positive and healing. Everyone who goes through this transit will be gifted with the opportunity to transcend their relationship limits.

How do you think Neptune’s transit through Pisces will affect you and your relationships? Let us know in comments below.

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