Dreams vs. Reality Check
Here’s what to do and not do when you have a Neptune Square Saturn transit. Below that are some interesting things about this transit.
Avoid During This Transit
- Don’t ignore your responsibilities, even if you feel overwhelmed or confused.
- Avoid making big financial commitments right now- things may not be as clear as they seem.
- Try not to start major new projects that require strict structure or long-term planning.
- Don’t escape your problems with unhealthy habits like overindulging in food, alcohol, or other distractions.
- Avoid acting on a gut feeling alone, especially if the facts aren’t clear or trustworthy.
- Don’t let yourself get too lost in daydreams or unrealistic expectations.
- Avoid people or situations that seem too good to be true- they probably are.
- Try not to isolate yourself or withdraw completely from support systems.
- Don’t deny your fears or anxieties- face them with honesty if you can.
- Avoid ignoring your own needs just to please others or keep the peace.
Do During This Transit
- Let go of old fears or limiting beliefs- it’s a great time to release what’s holding you back.
- Work on forgiving yourself and others, since this transit can help you heal old wounds.
- Spend time journaling or exploring your feelings, especially if things feel confusing or unclear.
- Embrace flexibility and go with the flow instead of forcing strict plans or routines.
- Get creative- painting, music, or writing can help you process the strange vibes this transit brings.
- Practice meditation, mindfulness, or gentle yoga; these can help you stay grounded if reality feels shaky.
- Talk to a therapist, trusted friend, or mentor if you’re feeling lost or stuck- they can help you see things more clearly.
- Double-check important documents, agreements, or commitments so you don’t overlook anything.
- Take care of your physical and mental health; don’t ignore what your body or mind is telling you.
- Be open to spiritual growth and trust your intuition- even if it doesn’t make logical sense right now.
What’s interesting about this transit?
A lot of people think of Neptune square Saturn as confusing and frustrating- and it can be. But, if you dig into older astrology books, you’ll find some curious insights that have mostly been forgotten:
- In some Renaissance sources, Neptune (seen as “the mystical sea”) squaring Saturn (“the great limiter”) suggested secret enemies at work, or being “bewitched” by structures you can’t see- like secret societies, spellwork, or even unresolved ancestral karma.
- Some old German astrology texts say this square can bring dreams that foretell hard truths– not so much symbolic, but shockingly literal in content about what you fear losing or failing at.
- In medieval astrology, Saturn afflicted by Neptune was sometimes described as building on quicksand– you’re working hard but your foundations seem to dissolve right out from under you, often “by a woman’s hand or sea-folk” (meaning sometimes this was said to relate to women in authority, or people who live or work by water).
- Old French astrologers sometimes saw this transit as a sign that you’d lose faith in the “old gods” or traditions, suddenly feeling like customs or rules you’ve believed in your whole life no longer make sense or serve you.
- Some Victorian-era occultists warned that Saturn square Neptune could signal a period of illusory imprisonment– you feel trapped, but maybe there’s no real barrier but your own fear or guilt.
- The square was sometimes considered a caution for those in authority, because structures (like businesses or governments) built now could look steady but contain invisible flaws, like hidden debts or deceitful partners.
Experiencing This Transit
When Neptune squares your natal Saturn, life can get weird. Saturn is all about structure, discipline, and reality, while Neptune brings fog, confusion, and sometimes inspiration. Imagine having your only map suddenly smear and your compass spin. Things you thought were reliable might get strange, and you could question if you can trust your own senses.
You might notice your routines falling apart, or maybe commitments you made just don’t seem to fit, like you’re wearing clothes that no longer belong to you. Responsibilities feel heavier but also more confusing- it can be hard to tell what’s real obligation and what’s just in your head. Sometimes, people report feeling like “life is happening underwater” during this transit: sounds are muffled, boundaries are blurred, and time just doesn’t flow normally.
Spiritually, it can be a time when beliefs you’ve clung to don’t work anymore. You might start doubting things you thought were facts, and even question if the effort you’ve put towards something is actually worth it.
Challenges during this transit
- Dealing with vague fears: You might feel paranoid or anxious but not know why, like something’s wrong but you can’t put your finger on it.
- Responsibilities slipping through your fingers: Even tasks you’re usually good at become confusing or exhausting. Say, you keep misplacing things for work or forgetting appointments, and you feel like you’re letting everyone down.
- Disappointment in authority figures: You may find out a boss, parent, or mentor isn’t as solid as you thought. Maybe someone you looked up to fails you, or you see hypocrisy in people who “make the rules.”
- Self-doubt: This transit can bring impostor syndrome. You wonder if you’re actually qualified for your role, or if you’ve just been faking it all along.
- Escapism: It’s tempting to check out- through TV, sleep, daydreaming, drinking, or other ways to avoid facing your responsibilities.
- Physical issues: Sometimes, chronic tiredness, immune system dips, or mysterious aches (especially related to bones or feet) can pop up.
Opportunities during this transit
- Learning where real limits are: Neptune dissolves illusions- so even though it feels like everything solid is melting away, you’ll see what actually matters, and what was just fear or old baggage.
- Getting creative with solutions: The usual ways don’t work right now, so you’re forced to think sideways. Someone with this transit might end up inventing a new workflow at their job, or designing a “just for now” plan that ends up being better than the old way.
- Spiritual deep-dives: Old beliefs being questioned can actually make room for a more personal, authentic spirituality. Maybe meditation, art, or journaling suddenly click for you in a way they never did.
- Letting go of what’s no longer useful: If a job, habit, or responsibility explodes during this transit, there’s probably a reason. It can be a good time to update what you expect from yourself.
- Compassion and empathy: Because boundaries blur, you can become more compassionate to yourself and others. Maybe you start volunteering, or forgive someone (or yourself) more easily.
- Acceptance of uncertainty: You don’t have to have all the answers now, and that can be freeing in a strange way. It’s a chance to float a little, and explore options you never would’ve considered before.
How the Sign of Transiting Neptune Modifies This Transit Square to Natal Saturn
Read the one for the current sign of transiting Neptune.
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Transiting Neptune in Aries:
It shakes up your drive and initiative, making you question if you’re really on the right track or just rushing things. You might feel confused about what you want to start or who you want to be. -
Transiting Neptune in Taurus:
Security and comfort seem foggy or out of reach. You might feel unsure about finances, possessions, or what really makes you feel safe- a time to rethink what’s truly valuable to you. -
Transiting Neptune in Gemini:
Your thoughts and communication can get extra muddled. You could have a tough time expressing exactly what you mean or trusting what you hear from others. Facts might feel slippery. -
Transiting Neptune in Cancer:
Emotions and family matters take on a strange, dreamlike quality. You might doubt your instincts or feel lost about where- or who- “home” actually is right now. -
Transiting Neptune in Leo:
Confidence and creativity get clouded. You may second-guess your talents or crave attention and affection in unrealistic ways. Personal recognition feels harder to grab hold of. -
Transiting Neptune in Virgo:
Daily routines and responsibilities become a bit chaotic. You might feel overwhelmed by details, lost in obligations, or hard on yourself about not being “perfect” enough. -
Transiting Neptune in Libra:
Relationships and fairness may seem wishy-washy. You could struggle to see where you stand with others, or feel let down by partners and friends. Balance feels more complicated than usual. -
Transiting Neptune in Scorpio:
Secrets and deep feelings bubble up in strange ways. You may feel suspicious or uncertain about hidden motives- yours or others’. Intense emotions might seem more confusing than ever. -
Transiting Neptune in Sagittarius:
Your beliefs, goals, or sense of adventure can feel lost in the clouds. You might question what’s really true for you, or struggle with disappointments around travel or education. -
Transiting Neptune in Capricorn:
Career and life goals seem especially unclear. You might feel lost at work, uninspired by your ambitions, or uncertain about the rules you’ve always followed. -
Transiting Neptune in Aquarius:
Friendships, groups, and your vision for the future can get blurry. You might feel disconnected from your community or uncertain about your place in the bigger picture. -
Transiting Neptune in Pisces:
Sensitivity is sky-high and boundaries are basically see-through. You might feel extra dreamy, emotional, or unable to pin down what you’re supposed to do- trust is hard to find, even in yourself.