Neptune, God of the Sea, is the ruler of Pisces. In astrology, Neptune is considered a planet of inspiration, dreams, psychic receptivity, illusion, and confusion. Neptune rules spirituality, and all things subtle. A youthful, and sometimes naive, spirit characterizes those with a strong placement of Neptune in their natal charts.
Neptune’s glyph, or symbol, resembles the trident that the god Poseidon/Neptune is often shown holding. The crescent, representing receptivity, is pointing upwards, indicating spiritual receptivity, and is placed above the cross of matter. This symbolizes the yearning of the soul to break free from the restrictions and limitations of matter/reality.
Neptune is a planet that is said to be a bridge for each generation connecting it to its fate or destiny. Neptune influences extra-sensory perceptions and hence is connected with the illusory world out there and it has to do more with our spirits rather than our physical senses. Neptune rules over our dreams and visions in life.
If Neptune is strong in your chart then you would have spiritual and mystical pursuits in life. Neptune also has to do with all sorts of entertainment, the fantasy world in short. Neptune rules over the house of Pisces. Neptune on the flip side also rules over substance abuse, all sorts of vices, deceits that might entangle the lives of people.
But then Neptune is also said to bring out the compassionate nature in ourselves and is connected with divine love and service to humanity. Neptune's effect on us would be subtle and it holds the mystery or secrets around us.
Neptune takes about 14 years or so to transit one zodiac house. Hence it is said to rule over generations and it reigns over their nature and core themes and is not concerned with personal lives. Neptune is in the house of Pisces from 2012 to 2025.
On the up side, Neptune is associated with intuition and spiritual enlightenment. As well, it is a planet of mercy and compassion. The more negative manifestations of Neptune include deception, trickery, deceit, guilt, and addiction.
In the chart, the position of Neptune by sign will be shared with other people in the same generation due to Neptune’s slow movement in the heavens. By house, Neptune’s position shows where intuition, dreams, and psychic sensitivity come into play. Natives may be able to rise above the demands of the ego in the areas of Neptune’s influence.
Planets that Neptune contact are often colored by fantasy and dreaminess, and a vulnerable nature that may be susceptible to disillusionment. Here, we find hope that is sometimes unrealistic, a poetic and intuitive outlook, and compassion.