Saturn, Neptune, Dissolution, and New Visions

Neptune is the otherworld of visions and Saturn is concrete reality. When these two collide, the illusory dreamworld is affected and many things can happen. For some people, despair and a feeling of loss can occur, for others, relief and a sense of awakening. Fantasies and hopes can be dashed by Saturn or they can become manifest through crystallization of form. Often a combination is the result. Some clarity of vision is always part of the effect.

Saturn is opposite Neptune now and will be exact at the end of February. In the lead-up, it is likely that illusions will dissolve that will never manifest and are inhibiting a person's progress. Saturn is like a chiropractic adjustment in the life enabling new or transformed visions to emerge more in alignment with the individual's destiny.

This opposition is enhanced now by the coming Full Moon in Leo approaching Saturn. The Sun will be shining on Neptune in Aquarius. There is opportunity in this configuration for everyone. Aquarius is the natural ruler of our wishes so it is especially relevant as we adjust, reroute, and think about our paths ahead.

The oppostion will take place in the astrological charts in two opposing houses. These are some of the possibilities as they apply to our personal lives.

1st House: Saturn in the 1st means an adjustment in identity is required and Neptune in the 7th usually brings events in relationships. The request is that the person be true to herself. Sometimes endings are the way, sometimes a distancing. Illusions about others will probably surface and dissolve, and decisions can be made with more clarity. Self control and understanding of cause and effect are the goals. Of course, there is always the possibility that the dream partner will arrive.... An improvement is likely if the identity is firm and recognized.

2nd House: The 2nd house governs values, possessions, and personal finances. Saturn here can bring some material restriction and the Neptune in the 8th affects shared resources. Deals with others can fall through, divorce settlements perhaps coming to the fore, deceits exposed, and things such as this. On the other hand, solid slow gains can be made with Saturn in the second and dream deals merging resources, with Neptune in the 8th. Proper management of finances is the aim and understanding one's own value.

3rd House: Here we have the thought processes being solidified with Saturn, and Neptune in the 9th can bring an end to following idealized views of others. The guru comes crashing down and the devotee is left to think for himself. The dream trip to Shangri-La might fall through and the person made to stay put for the time being. Since siblings are ruled by the third, there can be responsibilties there, and schooling is another area that can be affected. And the car. Then there is the chance that the student will discover the Great Teacher and will be recognized by this paragon of wisdom as the best student in the flock. Or the real philosophical answer will arrive after careful consideration and logical thinking. Respect for one's own ideas is the aim.

4th House: In this case, Saturn is requiring an adjustment at home and in the inner emotional body, as Neptune in the 10th is often clouding career goals. Disillusionment with the ladder climb can occur and a realization that it will take longer than expected. There are things still to be attended to at home. A feeling of an undertow can be present, but the energy is directing the individual to solidify his root base of operations. Bosses can turn out to be not what one thought, jobs can become disappointing or might disappear. On the other hand, the dream job can evolve reflecting emotional strength and maturity, and ability to balance home and the world.

5th House: In this sector we have confidence, self-love, and personal significance opposing love of, and acceptance by the group. The person can become immersed in the social "disorder" and even follow movements that turn out to be less idealistic than thought, straying far from the desired path. It would be advisable to be reminded of his own central battery and receive the love from others only after he has recognized his love for himself. Then comes the possibility of a group of friends with genuine shared interests and goals, and common respect and affection.

6th House: This house governs work, health, daily routines, and maintenance & repair. The urge now is to lay down the foundation of healthy functioning, so there can be a myriad of anxieties and problems in all these areas compounded by the lure of escape into the 12th, where Neptune is working his magic. Neptune loves to not worry. Bypass the breakdowns entirely. As Saturn in the 6th scrambles to piece it together and glue it down. Extra effort is required as the possibility of miracle cures and the grace of angels does really exist, even if evasive. Just clean it up and get it together and see.

7th House: Here we have the person who would love nothing more than to head off into her Neptunian dreamworld, but obligations in relationships are requiring extra effort. Demands are probably heightened, but if properly managed, they can keep her from drifting off into never never land only to crash on a bed of Saturnine rocks. Negotiations must be addressed, without abandoning the vision quest so strongly desired now. The aim is to find ballast in relationship while inspiring others to lighten their own steps as they join you partway in the spiritual realm you can't avoid.

8th House: The 8th is the house of crisis and merging in every way. Shared resources, death, and deep psychological revelation are 8th house matters. With Neptune in the 2nd, the person probably would like to relax and take it easy. Fritter away his money and enjoy simple pleasures. Not to be with Saturn in the 8th, where long held pains are surfacing for healing, and the way life is shared with others is up for correction. Crisis management is often required. Of course, magic, healing, and fortunate turns of destiny can occur with Neptune's influence across from this Plutonian house, if self mastery is gained with the help of Saturn's self discipline.

9th House: Saturn in the 9th is the test of faith in the effort to develop workable philosophies and religious guidelines. Often the whole world view is up for adjustment, and again, the 3rd house can involve siblings and others in the immediate environment who offer the testing ground. Mental confusion is possible with Neptune and there can be disappointments with the immediate environment as the person comes to a broader understanding of her world and a trust that things will unfold in the right way. Sifting through and rejection of belief systems is likely, always watching for unrealistic thinking, even gullibility, before arriving at the Neptunian ideal, based on solid faith.

10th House: The world, the career, and the goals of one's life fall in the 10th. Recognition, reputation , and respect for what one achieves all reside here. With Saturn a person can feel like he's spinning his wheels, and possibly longing to go home and escape. But the sanctuary eludes as obligations mount and require extra attention. On the other hand, advancement could be there in the world, but problems at home can draw him unwillingly back down. Some deep emotional issues causing confusion, and possibly unsolvable, are asking to be sorted out so solid moves ahead in the world can proceed unhampered with added responsibility, in keeping with long range plans.

11th House: In the 11th, our larger circle of friends is affected and the way we show love in a non-romantic and non-passionate way. With Neptune in the 5th there is a great chance of disappointing personal melodramas, with all the soap opera trimmings. The aim is love among your fellows, perhaps without the heightened drama of romance. Of course, once this level is attained, whose to say that some rapturous embraces couldn't be included? Or highly intelligent discussion over fine food and wine, dressed to the 9s, with another socially responsible genius driving the limo. Making sure the homeless are fed on the way.

12th House: This one's kind of a mess. There's no telling what Saturn will do in someone's 12th house. I've seen amazing things, widely divergent. It's a vast and nebulous place. Neptune in the 6th can easily encourage everything to fall apart. To give up, let go, and really seek the otherworld of visions would be wise. This is the place where Saturn is specifically hired to bring dreams into manifestation. Fairly paranoid delusions can crop up, but that's what Saturn is doing there. Getting a grip. People might not feel like working, and sometimes they don't have to. Sometimes inspired poetry, song, dance, photos, paintings, quilts, pots, rugs, gloves, novels, and other such expressions emerge. If anyone can deal with the Saturn/Neptune opposition, this one is it.

Many many other possibilities abound, but the aim: to follow the directives of Saturn, tweaking whatever knobs required, so the miracles of Neptune can be ours.
Illustration by Chris Van Allsburg.