June 28, 2023

Neptune Retrograde in Pisces: Reimagining the Dream

All About Neptune

Neptune is an outer planet that was discovered in 1846. It’s unable to be seen with the naked eye, which speaks to its “felt rather than seen” quality. Neptunian people are not ones that care to be on stage, or receive public accolades for their good deeds. This energy is one of the collective unconscious. Because Neptune rules both the monks in the monasteries as well as the prisoners on death row…it’s also an energy that separates us from comfortable, predictable reality.

Whether through transcendence or escapism, Neptune knows how to move beyond the ordinary.

Neptune Retrograde in Pisces

Neptune entered its home sign of Pisces in 2011 and will remain in the sign until 2026. Because it’s been in Pisces’ watery depths for more than a decade now, this is one of many similar retrogrades we’ve experienced. Neptune is also retrograde for about half the year, every year, so rather than the jarring confusion we can feel with a Mercury or Venus retrograde, for example, Neptune’s journey is more about internal versus external perspectives.

Neptune stations retrograde this year on June 30th, 2023, and as ever, it’s encouraging a review of our subtle senses. However, since March of 2023, we have had Saturn co-present with Neptune in Pisces. This influences the energy of both planets, with Saturn attempting to add structure to Neptune…and Neptune equally trying to diffuse Saturn’s boundaries! With Saturn also retrograde in Pisces the second half of 2023, we’re being tasked with reconciling the energies of holding on and letting go.

Neptune will be in a sextile aspect to Pluto when it stations retrograde, and there will also be a Mercury cazimi on the same day. This alludes to the fact that this Neptune retrograde wants us to transform the way we communicate about our dreams- and perhaps to reimagine them entirely. Have we been thinking small, when there is so much more out there for us? The traditional ruler of Pisces is Jupiter, after all, and Jupiter thinks BIG! This is a period to release expectations and flow with the tides of our deepest, truest dreams…the bigger, the better.

As a transpersonal planet, this retrograde will mostly be felt on a collective level. However, if you have planets or points around 27 degrees of the mutable signs (the degree the planet will station retrograde) this period could be felt personally.

General Tips for Neptune Retrograde

Neptune is the planet that connects us with the divine. To tap into the spirit of this energy, stay open to non-linear forms of healing making their way towards you. Pulling Tarot cards, meditating, and practicing yoga are wonderful modalities for accessing Neptune.
As spiritual as Neptune can be, it can also be deceptive. This planet is the epitome of empathy, which sometimes means wearing rose-colored glasses and forgetting to take them off. When you’re feeling called to be of service, remember to show the same kindness and compassion towards yourself. You can’t pour from an empty cup.
Neptune has a particularly soft spot for animals! If you have any furry friends in your home, use this retrograde as a period to review your relationship and shower them with affection. Any creature without a voice still deserves to be heard, and Neptune loves to listen.

Neptune Retrograde through the Rising Signs

These horoscopes were written based on your rising sign. The rising sign indicates which house Neptune is currently transiting in your birth chart.

Aries

Neptune will station retrograde in your 12th house. This is a liminal space, and Neptune is the ultimate liminal planet. The tendency to get carried away here is strong, but the retrograde will help pull you back to shore. Rather than just having profound dreams- you’ll be able to start making sense of them. Consider writing in a dream journal to reflect on the intuitive messages that repeat during waking hours.

Taurus

Neptune will station retrograde in your 11th house. This area of your life is bursting with the hive mind- and might have a tendency of confusing other people’s ideals with your own. Neptune stationing retrograde here will remind you of just how big your dreams are and encourage you to define them on your own terms. It’s ok to be motivated by others, just don’t negate your unique desires.

Gemini

Neptune will station retrograde in your 10th house. You’re concentrating on your life’s legacy in this space…but Neptune wants to diffuse that purpose into everyone else’s at the office. The retrograde here will steer you towards the motivations that serve both your desires and the rest of the conference room. Use this as a moment to recognize that what’s good for you is good for the group- no selfishness necessary.

Cancer

Neptune will station retrograde in your 9th house. Neptune transiting this area of your life suggests that the philosophies that expand it can also have a way of escaping you! Neptune retrograde here wants you to re-examine the beliefs you hold true…and find a way to bring them down to Earth. Rather than being completely carried out to sea by a new idea, try talking through it along the shore.

Leo

Neptune will station retrograde in your 8th house. Spirituality doesn’t get more transformational than this! This retrograde could mark a turning of the tides in your healing journey as you’re now in a place to reevaluate the resources you share with others. When we give from our heart space, rather than expectation, our energy exchanges expand. Review where you give and where you take- and promise yourself to do both with intentional care.

Virgo

Neptune will station retrograde in your 7th house. Neptune residing in this place instills a desire for your committed partnerships to sweep you away in love! When it stations retrograde, though, a more discerning look might be helpful. It’s one thing to manifest romance, and another thing to call in your ultimate soulmate. Rather than looking at relationships as something to fix, allow them to show up as a loving reflection.

Libra

Neptune will station retrograde in your 6th house. Navigating your 9-5 in a linear fashion is not Neptune’s MO. And especially when the planet is retrograde, taking a retrospective look at your habits could be supportive. If you’ve been sacrificing your own well-being for the benefit of others, this moment will prompt a return to balance. Never doubt that naptime is a valid addition to your schedule, as is daydreaming.

Scorpio

Neptune will station retrograde in your 5th house. Creativity is one of Neptune’s favorite pastimes, and you have the ultimate artistic touch with it transiting this area of your life. Neptune’s retrograde here is an opportunity to review your passion projects and ensure they’re something your inner-child would be proud of. Rather than pushing forward, allow yourself to slow down and let your muse(s) steer the ship.

Sagittarius

Neptune will station retrograde in your 4th house. Empathy on the home front arrives in spades with Neptune in this part of your chart. With the planet stationing retrograde, excavating the dynamics of the family tree will be especially healing. Perhaps your lineage is ready to reveal something from a fresh perspective. Don’t be afraid to go spelunking into your ancestry and it’s deep, and likely unconscious, behaviors.

Capricorn

Neptune will station retrograde in your 3rd house. Friendships act as a warm embrace because of Neptune’s presence here, but they can also leave you feeling a little lost. It’s important to be a reliable shoulder to cry on…but with Neptune’s retrograde, it’s equally important for your own vulnerability. The company you keep is an empathetic bunch, and their nurturing can be a mirror for the care you deserve to give yourself.

Aquarius

Neptune will station retrograde in your 2nd house. It’s not the planet’s happiest home, as it would rather have its head in the clouds than the checkbook- but Neptune here can align your money with your core values. With the retrograde, a reconciliation of finances could come due. Have you been earning money ethically? Does your compensation align with the effort you’ve put forth? Review your energy exchanges honestly and don’t short change yourself.

Pisces

Neptune will station retrograde in your 1st house. Sitting up close and personal with how you show up in the world, Neptune is softening your already fuzzy edges. When the planet goes retrograde, it will ask you to notice how your psychic senses show up in the body. Maybe you feel a flutter in your chest when something is awry, or get goosebumps when your intuition is in overdrive. Honor the way spirit moves through you.