Confusing motivation
Here’s what to do and not do when you have a Neptune Quincunx Mars transit. Below that are some interesting things about this transit.
Avoid During This Transit
- Don’t make impulsive decisions- things might not be as clear as they seem right now.
- Avoid jumping into conflicts or arguments; chances are you’ll misunderstand what’s really up.
- Try not to push your body too hard with physical activities- you might not notice when you’re overdoing it.
- Don’t start new projects that need a lot of energy, focus, or aggression. Motivation could come and go without warning.
- Avoid risky behaviors and dangerous situations; your instincts might not be as sharp or reliable.
- Don’t commit to something that requires clear boundaries or direct action- lines can blur big time with Neptune involved.
- Try not to chase fantasies or unrealistic goals, especially if you’re feeling restless.
- Steer clear of shady people or situations where it’s easy to get taken advantage of.
- If you’re feeling tired or drained, don’t force yourself to keep up with others.
- It’s best not to react out of frustration or confusion- take a breather before acting on strong feelings.
Do During This Transit
- Slow down and double-check your plans- things might feel confusing or unclear right now.
- Pay close attention to your energy levels; rest if you feel drained instead of pushing too hard.
- Try creative activities like painting, journaling, or music to channel any weird or scattered energy.
- Spend time by water, like lakes or the ocean, to feel more relaxed and inspired.
- Practice meditation or yoga to help keep your mind and body in balance.
- Set realistic goals and leave room for changes- it’s easy to get frustrated if things don’t go as planned.
- Talk things through with a friend before making big decisions, especially if you’re feeling unsure or stressed.
- Focus on compassion and forgiveness- sometimes, misunderstandings pop up during this transit.
- Let go of the need to be in control all the time; things might work out better if you go with the flow.
- Avoid confrontations or arguments- they can easily spiral out of nowhere under Neptune’s influence.
What’s interesting about this transit?
- Some old astrologers wrote that Neptune quincunx Mars can stir up “bewildering fevers”- not just physical, but fevers of motivation that come and go for no reason.
- Medieval texts linked this aspect to “phantom rivals”- you might find yourself competing against mysterious, even invisible, opponents.
- There are mentions of “labors performed in vain,” hinting that your efforts can vanish like mist unless you’re careful.
- An ancient Roman astrologer suggested that when Neptune touches Mars this way, a person may attract “secret saboteurs” or hidden sabotage in their projects.
- Some rare texts call this aspect “the ghost commander,” as if you’re trying to follow orders from an unclear or absent leader.
- It’s considered a time when “the sharpness of the sword is blurred,” so your ability to assert yourself might feel soft or uncertain, as if fighting underwater.
- Neptune quincunx Mars is said to “stir restless seas within,” so your energies may feel churned up, swirling in unknown directions, making it tough to get on course.
Experiencing This Transit
When Neptune forms a quincunx (also called an inconjunct) to your natal Mars, it can feel like you’re caught between two different worlds. Mars is all about action and willpower, while Neptune is foggy, dreamy, and sometimes confusing. Put those two together at this odd angle, and things can get a bit weird. You might suddenly feel unsure about what you want or lose motivation while chasing after something, only to find out it wasn’t what you thought. The drive is there, but it gets tangled up with uncertainty or disappears right when you need it most.
Challenges during this transit
- Lack of Clarity: You start something with confidence, but halfway through, the goal seems to dissolve. For example, you may sign up for a new project at work, only to wonder why you agreed in the first place.
- Confused Anger: It’s easy to feel irritated, but you might not know why. Arguments start over nothing, or you’re mad but can’t figure out who or what to blame.
- Invisible Obstacles: Plans get interrupted or delayed by things you couldn’t have predicted- like miscommunication, random mood swings, or people acting flaky around you.
- Low Energy or Motivation: One day you want to do everything; the next you can’t get out of bed. It’s like your energy’s on a rollercoaster you don’t control.
- Escaping Problems: There’s a temptation to avoid stuff you should deal with- maybe binge-watching, daydreaming, or just checking out mentally whenever things get too intense.
Opportunities during this transit
- Creativity Boost: If you work with art, music, or anything imaginative, this transit can dissolve the usual boundaries, letting truly original ideas flow.
- Letting Go of Old Battles: It’s a great time to drop fights that don’t matter anymore. If you’ve been holding onto grudges, Neptune’s mist can help you release them.
- Deepening Compassion: You may feel softer towards people, with more patience and understanding- especially for those who frustrate you.
- Learning Surrender: Mars wants to control, Neptune wants to let go. The best growth comes when you accept there’s a limit to what you can push and start flowing when things get stuck.
- Finding Spiritual Motivation: Channel your Mars energy into helping others, meditation, or causes bigger than yourself. You’ll feel more fueled by purpose than by ego.
How the Sign of Transiting Neptune Modifies This Transit Quincunx to Natal Mars
Read the one for the current sign of transiting Neptune.
- Transiting Neptune in Aries: You might feel a confusing urge to leap into action without knowing why. Impulsiveness meets uncertainty, making it easy to act on unclear or unrealistic motivations.
- Transiting Neptune in Taurus: There can be tension between wanting stability and feeling vague about what security even means now. Material goals might seem less clear, and your drive could feel “fogged in.”
- Transiting Neptune in Gemini: It’s easy to scatter your energy on too many things or get caught up in unclear arguments. Your words and actions might not line up, and it’s hard to focus on one direction.
- Transiting Neptune in Cancer: Emotions get stirred up, but it’s tough to know what to do with them. You may want to protect or care for others, but the best way forward feels slippery or misunderstood.
- Transiting Neptune in Leo: Desire for attention or creative expression gets tangled with uncertainty about what you truly want. Acting for recognition might leave you feeling unfulfilled or misunderstood.
- Transiting Neptune in Virgo: It’s tricky to focus on details now. Criticism or perfectionism might backfire, especially if you’re not clear on what’s really at the root of your drive to “fix things.”
- Transiting Neptune in Libra: You could feel unsure about relationships and how to assert your needs. Efforts at compromise might feel muddled, making it hard to take clear action with others.
- Transiting Neptune in Scorpio: Intense desires or passions are softened or confused. You might feel drawn to mysterious things but aren’t sure what you’re really after, so actions get tangled in hidden motives.
- Transiting Neptune in Sagittarius: You may chase big dreams or beliefs that aren’t fully thought through. Idealism and adventure call, but your actions might lack clarity or a true sense of purpose.
- Transiting Neptune in Capricorn: There’s confusion around goals, ambitions, or authority. It’s tough to take effective action towards success since rules and boundaries seem to shift or feel less important now.
- Transiting Neptune in Aquarius: Hard to know how or where to direct your energy for change. You might chase abstract ideals, but group efforts or causes feel scattered or lack a clear sense of action.
- Transiting Neptune in Pisces: Your actions get swept up in feelings, dreams, or confusion. You might feel driven by compassion or inspiration- but it’s easy to drift, and motivation can dissolve when you try to pin it down.