Hidden motives; scattered energy.
Here’s what to do and not do when you have a Mars quincunx Neptune transit. Below that are some interesting things about this transit.
Avoid During This Transit
- Don’t start new fights or get into arguments- you might not see things clearly and could regret what you say or do.
- Avoid making big decisions, especially if you feel confused or unsure. Things might not be what they seem.
- Stay away from risky actions or activities, like driving too fast or taking physical risks- you might not gauge dangers right now.
- Don’t trust people or situations blindly. Your intuition could be off, so double-check what you hear or believe.
- Hold off on starting new creative projects if you’re feeling scattered or uninspired. Inspiration might be foggy during this transit.
- Avoid overindulging in alcohol, drugs, or escapist behaviors to handle stress or anxiety. It’s easy to go overboard and lose yourself.
- Don’t push yourself too hard physically- your energy levels could be unpredictable, making you prone to burnout or injuries.
- Don’t volunteer for too much or say “yes” to extra responsibilities if you’re already spread thin- you might overestimate what you can handle.
- Try not to obsess over feeling misunderstood or ignored. Communication might be muddled, but it’ll pass.
- Avoid making promises you aren’t sure you can keep, especially if you’re feeling kind of spacey or distracted.
Do During This Transit
- Pay extra attention to your dreams and intuition. You might get useful insights now, even if they feel a little weird.
- Channel your energy into creative things- like art, music, dance, or writing. This transit fuels imagination.
- Start a new spiritual practice, or spend more time meditating. It’s a good moment for self-reflection and connecting with your inner self.
- Volunteer or help out someone in need. Acts of kindness feel extra meaningful during this time.
- Spend some time near water- like swimming, walking by a river, or just taking a relaxing bath. Water has an especially calming effect now.
- Try out a new hobby that lets you express yourself or escape from daily stress, even if it’s just for fun.
- Watch movies, read, or listen to music that inspires you. Let your imagination wander.
- Take a break from chasing perfection. Allow yourself to daydream or go off script a bit. It’s okay to not have all the answers right now.
- Write down your ideas and feelings, especially if you feel confused. Journaling can help bring some clarity to the fog.
- Let go of old habits or beliefs that aren’t really working for you anymore. This is a good time for releasing what doesn’t serve you.
What’s interesting about this transit?
- Some old astrological texts say Mars quincunx Neptune brings a “veil over the blade,” meaning your willpower (Mars) gets hidden or obscured, like a sword in mist.
- Medieval astrologers sometimes called this the “wanderer’s aspect,” hinting you might get pulled away from your goals, like a knight lost in an enchanted forest.
- In rare European manuscripts, this aspect was thought to indicate sudden bursts of inspiration that can be as confusing as they are exciting- like finding a treasure map but half the directions are smudged.
- In traditional Vedic interpretations, a Mars-Neptune quincunx sometimes warns about being tricked by clever enemies or falling into “dreams of valor,” where you believe in impossible tasks.
- One obscure reference from a 17th-century text says this transit can make “iron wish to flow as water,” suggesting that drive and determination can dissolve into fantasy or wishful thinking.
- Some older sources claim this aspect can heighten sensitivity to chemicals or poisons, encouraging care with medicine, intoxicants, or even perfume.
- A French Renaissance astrologer linked this aspect to “wandering fires at the edge of the marsh,” which is another way to say misleading energy or being drawn to mysterious or futile efforts.
Experiencing This Transit
When Mars makes a quincunx (or inconjunct) angle to your natal Neptune, it’s like your energy and your dreams are out of sync. Mars wants action and to get stuff done, but Neptune is nebulous, imaginative, and kinda slippery. During this transit, you might feel like you keep pushing forward but then everything becomes confusing, unclear, or even a little bit weird.
Challenges during this transit
- Lack of Motivation: You might start projects with tons of energy, but lose steam fast or forget why you started. For example, you sign up for an extra shift at work or a new gym class, but come the actual day, you just can’t find the enthusiasm.
- Confusing Actions: You can feel like you’re spinning your wheels and not getting anywhere, or that your efforts are misunderstood by others. Maybe you offer to help someone, but it turns out you did the wrong thing because you misunderstood what was needed.
- Disillusionment: Goals that seemed possible a week ago may suddenly feel impossible, or you see the flaws in your own plans and get disheartened.
- Tendency toward Escapism: It’s easy to check out and avoid reality, whether that’s through binge-watching shows, sleeping too much, daydreaming, or even substance use.
- Being Misled or Tricked: There’s a higher chance of being duped or running into scams, especially if you’re acting on impulse or wishful thinking- like buying stuff online that turns out to be fake or disappointing.
- Accidental Mishaps: With Mars involved, there’s a slightly higher risk of minor accidents, especially if you’re distracted, tired, or not paying attention (like burning dinner because your mind is elsewhere).
Opportunities during this transit
- Creative Breakthroughs: Mars gives you energy, and Neptune gives you imagination, so you might come up with cool artistic ideas, music, or stories. If you channel your energy into something creative instead of practical, you could surprise yourself.
- Helping Others: Your empathy can be supercharged. If you focus on doing something kind or gentle for someone else, it’s satisfying- and it actually works out better than charging ahead with your own plans.
- Letting Go: This transit can help you release something you’ve been gripping too tightly, like an old grudge, unrealistic expectation, or goal that’s out of reach.
- Spiritual or Mystical Experiences: With Neptune, you might notice more insightful dreams, or just feel more connected to things that are hard to put into words- music, poetry, being in nature, or experiences that are bigger than yourself.
- Learning to Trust Intuition: Actions feel off when you try to force them, so you’re sort of forced to listen to your gut rather than your usual logic. This can be weird but useful, like having an urge to take a different route home and then running into an old friend.
- Recharging: If you go easy on yourself and don’t expect everything to move in a straight line, this can be a time to rest, heal, and dream up new plans, so you’re ready to act when your energy is back in sync.
How the Sign of Transiting Mars Modifies This Transit Quincunx to Natal Neptune
Read the one for the current sign of transiting Mars.
- Transiting Mars in Aries: You might rush into things and feel easily confused when you don’t get quick results. Impatience meets uncertainty- try not to act before you’re clear about your motives.
- Transiting Mars in Taurus: It’s harder to budge from your usual ways, even when your instincts feel fuzzy. Frustration can build if you’re stuck in a rut while craving clarity.
- Transiting Mars in Gemini: Your mind’s scattered, and you could chase too many ideas at once, making it tough to focus. Be careful about saying one thing but meaning another.
- Transiting Mars in Cancer: Emotional reactions take over, and boundaries blur. You might feel overloaded by other people’s feelings or struggle to act on what you truly want.
- Transiting Mars in Leo: You might get dramatic or crave the spotlight, then end up feeling misunderstood or unappreciated. Creative pursuits can be inspiring, but watch out for unrealistic expectations.
- Transiting Mars in Virgo: Little details frustrate you, and you may second-guess your plans. It’s easy to get bogged down by confusion over how to “fix” things, so try not to stress about perfection.
- Transiting Mars in Libra: You want harmony, but mixed signals from others make you doubt yourself. Try not to let indecision or people-pleasing zap your motivation.
- Transiting Mars in Scorpio: Feelings run deep and secretive. There’s extra temptation to hide your true motives or act on hunches that aren’t totally clear- watch for self-deception.
- Transiting Mars in Sagittarius: You want freedom and adventure, but it’s easy to chase illusions. Double-check facts before jumping into something “inspiring.”
- Transiting Mars in Capricorn: You try to take charge and make plans, but things don’t always go how you want. If progress stalls, don’t get discouraged by confusion- adjust your strategies instead.
- Transiting Mars in Aquarius: You’ll want to break the rules or try something unusual, but plans could get sidetracked or misunderstood. Keep an open mind, but don’t drift too far from reality.
- Transiting Mars in Pisces: Action feels dreamy or uncertain, and you could struggle to distinguish your own wishes from others’. It’s easy to drift, so try to ground yourself before making big moves.