Confused Motivation
Here’s what to do and not do when you have a Mars square Neptune transit. Below that are some interesting things about this transit.
Avoid During This Transit
- Don’t make big decisions based on feelings- your judgment might be a little foggy.
- Avoid starting new projects that require a lot of focus or attention to detail.
- Try not to take risks or jump into situations you’re unsure about, especially if something feels “off.”
- Don’t ignore gut feelings about people, but also don’t trust every hunch- things can get confusing.
- Hold off on confrontations or arguments, since misunderstandings are more likely now.
- Avoid overindulging in alcohol or substances- escapism can backfire during this time.
- Try not to promise more than you can deliver, even if you really want to help.
- Don’t let yourself get dragged into drama or secrets. If something seems sketchy, it probably is.
- Don’t rush into romantic or sexual situations- fantasy can cloud reality now.
- Avoid getting involved in activities that aren’t totally honest or above-board.
Do During This Transit
- Channel your energy into creative projects, like art, music, or writing- it’s a great time for imagination.
- Use this time to explore dreams, psychic experiences, or anything spiritual; your intuition’s turned up a notch.
- Practice gentle forms of exercise, like yoga, tai chi, or swimming instead of super intense workouts.
- Volunteer or help others- Mars-Neptune energy loves compassion and selflessness.
- Start meditation or mindfulness routines to help clear any confusion or scattered thoughts.
- Pay attention to your dreams- they could be super vivid now, and might give you cool insights.
- Work on letting go of old habits that drain your energy or aren’t healthy for you.
- Take some time out for yourself- rest and healing are just as important as action right now.
- Research or get involved in anything relating to mysticism, astrology, or spiritual studies.
- Let yourself daydream a little and see what inspiration comes up- just don’t try to force things!
What’s interesting about this transit?
- Mists of Deception: Some old European astrology texts mention Mars square Neptune as “walking through mists at twilight.” It’s said to bring a period when motivations are cloudy, and actions might be misled by illusions or half-truths.
- The Thief’s Aspect: Certain 17th-century astrologers called it “the thief’s aspect,” suggesting a higher risk of being lied to or even stolen from- materially or emotionally.
- The Warrior’s Disguise: In ancient Arabic astrology, Mars square Neptune was described as “a warrior putting on a mask.” Aggression or assertive drives could be channeled in sneaky or indirect ways, and intentions are often misunderstood.
- Ghostly Battles: Some old sources talk about fighting “ghosts”- struggles feel as though you’re battling invisible or shifting forces. There might be a focus on invisible enemies, paranoia, or self-sabotage.
- Poisoned Wells: In medieval times, Neptune was associated with poisons. Mars square Neptune sometimes got the reputation of a time when “the well is poisoned,” literally (bad water) or metaphorically, as in people spreading rumors or shady intentions.
- The Artist’s Wanderlust: Other forgotten French texts say this transit creates “le désir de peindre sans brosse”- the urge to create something beautiful but not knowing how or lacking the right tools. It’s a restless artistic energy, searching for form.
- Dreams of Rescue: In older Russian astrology, this transit was considered a “heroic fantasy phase”- a period when you genuinely want to save someone or something, even if it’s not very realistic.
Experiencing This Transit
Mars square to natal Neptune is kind of a weird cosmic mashup. Mars is your drive, your impulse to “just do it.” Neptune is all foggy feelings, dreams, and sometimes things that aren’t real. When they clash like this, life feels confusing. You might want to act, but you’re not sure what’s actually going on. Or maybe you think you know, but it turns out you don’t- and you might not find out until it’s too late!
It’s a time where your energy can get zapped or pointed in the wrong direction. You could get super inspired- and then lose track of what you were trying to do. You might want to help but not see things clearly. This is an aspect that blurs the lines between ambition and fantasy.
Challenges during this transit
- Mixed motivations: You might not know why you want what you want- or the reason keeps changing. For example, jumping into a new relationship because it “feels magical,” only to realize you were tricking yourself.
- Easy to get tricked (or trick yourself): People might lie, bend the truth, or spin things to their advantage. It’s also common to fall for your own wishful thinking. Maybe you put all your energy into a shaky project that sounded better in your head.
- Low energy or weird health stuff: Mars usually gives energy but Neptune can sap it. You could feel tired, get colds or allergies more easily, or just feel like you’re dragging your feet for no reason.
- Passive-aggressive moods: Instead of facing issues directly, you or people around you might avoid them, act out in sneaky ways, or just give the silent treatment.
- Confusion in action: Plans might slip through your fingers. Maybe you try to get something done and keep running into delays, weird vibes, or just plain miscommunications.
- Escaping instead of dealing: There’s a temptation to check out. You might binge shows, escape into addictive stuff, or lose yourself in daydreams just to avoid stress.
Opportunities during this transit
- Boost for creative stuff: If you’re into art, photography, music, or writing, this is a wild, inspirational time. Even if your ideas are kind of out there, that’s where magic can happen!
- Spiritual workouts: Mars-Neptune can help you get motivated for meditation, yoga, or other mind-body-soul practices. Great for taking up tai chi, going on a silent retreat, or getting deep with mindfulness.
- Helping out others (with boundaries!): Compassion is high, so it’s a good time to volunteer or support someone who’s lost. Just be careful not to martyr yourself or get sucked into someone else’s problems completely.
- Dreamwork: Your dreams could be super vivid or meaningful now. Keep a notebook by your bed. You might get creative solutions or emotional breakthroughs from your unconscious.
- Learning to flow: Since nothing is going straight, you get a chance to let go of rigid plans. This transit can make you better at improvising and trusting your gut (with a tiny bit of second-guessing for safety).
- Finding the hidden story: If you’re a detective at heart, you might enjoy putting pieces together and figuring out what’s really going on behind the curtain- just don’t go full conspiracy theorist!
How the Sign of Transiting Mars Modifies This Transit Square to Natal Neptune
Read the one for the current sign of transiting Mars.
- Transiting Mars in Aries: You might feel extra jumpy and impatient, acting on impulses that don’t make sense. It’s easier to get carried away by dreams that can’t actually go anywhere.
- Transiting Mars in Taurus: You could be stubborn about unrealistic goals, pushing too hard for comfort without noticing the signs that something’s off. There’s a tendency to stick to plans even when they’re not working.
- Transiting Mars in Gemini: Confusion or distraction might hit your communication. You say things you don’t mean, or there’s mixed signals with others. Scattered efforts make it hard to focus energy in one direction.
- Transiting Mars in Cancer: Emotions might run the show, leading to passive-aggressive moves or misplaced anger. It’s easy to feel misunderstood at home or with family, and you might shy away from straight talk.
- Transiting Mars in Leo: You might try too hard to impress or chase recognition that isn’t as real as you hope. Ego-driven choices can lead to disappointments.
- Transiting Mars in Virgo: Getting obsessed with fixing things that can’t be fixed or getting caught up in tiny details that throw you off track is likely. Critical thinking might get a bit muddled.
- Transiting Mars in Libra: There’s a struggle between wanting to keep the peace and pushing for what you want. You might end up taking action just to avoid a conflict, even if it doesn’t feel totally honest.
- Transiting Mars in Scorpio: Secret motivations come into play. You might act on hidden feelings or desires without knowing why, and it’s easy to get swept up in power games or emotional drama.
- Transiting Mars in Sagittarius: Chasing after far-off dreams or big promises can land you in tricky spots. It’s tempting to believe in shortcuts or jump into adventures that don’t really fit your true goals.
- Transiting Mars in Capricorn: Ambition gets tangled with confusion. You might work really hard for something that isn’t clear, or push toward a goal that’s not actually practical right now.
- Transiting Mars in Aquarius: There’s a pull to act out in rebellious or unpredictable ways, and it could be hard to see the real impact of your actions. Group projects or friendships might get fuzzy and confusing.
- Transiting Mars in Pisces: Motivation might sink way down, and it’s tempting to drift, daydream, or just escape. It can be tough to get things started, and there’s a risk of acting on wishful thinking.