Deep spiritual confusion or transformation.
Here’s what to do and not do when you have a Neptune Square Pluto transit. Below that are some interesting things about this transit.
Avoid During This Transit
- Don’t get involved in shady or secretive activities- things that seem mysterious might end up being way more complicated than you expected.
- Avoid big power struggles, especially if you’re not sure what’s really going on. People’s motives can get kind of blurry during this transit.
- Try not to escape from problems by using alcohol, drugs, or other unhealthy habits. It might feel tempting, but it usually makes things worse.
- Don’t make huge life changes or big decisions (like breaking up, quitting your job, or moving far away) unless you’re 100% sure. Things aren’t always as they seem with Neptune squaring Pluto.
- Avoid getting obsessed with conspiracy theories or weird hunches- your intuition can be off right now.
- Don’t lend or borrow large amounts of money. There’s a big risk you’re not seeing the whole story, or that someone’s not being honest (even unintentionally).
- Steer clear of manipulative people or those who try to guilt-trip or control you. Boundaries can get confusing during this time.
- Avoid keeping secrets that eat at you or letting things fester below the surface. They’ll just come out in weird ways later on.
- Try not to isolate yourself. It’s easy to get lost in your head, so reach out if you’re feeling overwhelmed.
- Don’t assume every intense feeling is “the truth.” Emotions and perceptions can be foggy or exaggerated now.
Do During This Transit
- Explore your subconscious: It’s a great time to dive into your dreams, meditate, or journal your thoughts. You might get new insights about yourself that have been hidden under the surface.
- Let go of old habits: If you’ve been hanging on to things that aren’t healthy for you- whether that’s behaviors, beliefs, or relationships- this transit can help you release them.
- Get creative: Neptune’s energy is super imaginative. Try painting, writing, playing music, or anything else that lets your creativity flow.
- Reflect on power dynamics: Notice where you feel powerless or controlling, and think about healthier ways to deal with these situations.
- Practice forgiveness: Old grudges could come up now, so it’s a good moment to work on forgiving yourself and others to free up emotional energy.
- Stay grounded: Reality can feel a little fuzzy with Neptune squaring Pluto. Eat well, get enough sleep, and spend time in nature to stay balanced.
- Study spiritual or mystical subjects: If you’re drawn to things like astrology, tarot, or meditation, now’s the perfect time to learn more.
- Allow for transformation: Big inner changes can happen, so trust the process and don’t be afraid to let parts of your life shift or evolve.
- Set boundaries: Make sure you’re protecting your energy from people or situations that drain you.
- Be gentle with yourself: This isn’t always an easy transit, so it’s totally okay to take things slow and give yourself extra self-care.
What’s Interesting About This Transit
- The Unconscious Rebellion: According to Astrological Essays by Charles E. O. Carter (1945), Neptune square Pluto may trigger a strange urge to rebel against deep-seated, inherited fears or taboos. Carter suggests this aspect sometimes brings “psychic warfare,” where old family shadows or collective hidden guilt come to the surface in oddly irrational ways.
- Disruption of Occult Societies: In The Astrological Aspects by C.E.O. Carter (1930), it’s hinted that this transit can stir up trouble in small, secretive spiritual groups or occult circles. Carter argues the aspect can attract “strange companions, and not always for good,” unraveling secret societies or making someone obsessed with forbidden knowledge.
- Peculiar Misuse of Power: In The Astrology of Personality (1936), Dane Rudhyar claims Neptune square Pluto may be linked with the misuse of intangible or invisible powers- like manipulation, mesmerism, or hypnotic suggestion- usually in subtle and indirect ways, sometimes without realizing it.
- “Spiritual Dry Rot”: Ivy M. Goldstein-Jacobson in Here and There in Astrology (1968) coins the term “spiritual dry rot” for this transit. She describes it as bringing slow, hard-to-detect collapse in rigid beliefs, especially if one refuses to adapt to the subtle changes in collective values or spiritual truths.
- Karmic Cleansing and Strange Dreams: Sepharial in Transits and Planetary Periods (1920) notes the likelihood of vivid, sometimes disturbing dreams, possibly connected to unfinished business from past lives. He describes this influence as a “purification by weirdness,” where uncanny things happen to shock one out of old destructive patterns.
- Episodes of Social Anarchy: In Cosmic Loom by Dennis Elwell (1987), it’s suggested this aspect is a backdrop for confusing social movements, with individuals feeling pushed to act out chaotically against social norms- sometimes for reasons they don’t really understand.
- The Poison of Unrealistic Hope: Grant Lewi in Heaven Knows What (1935) mentions that Neptune square Pluto can tempt you to believe in glamorous illusions tied to power or transformation- leading to disappointment if you try to shortcut real work and growth.
- Hidden Fears Emerge in Groups: Alice Bailey in Esoteric Astrology (1951) connects this transit with collective anxiety: suppressed collective fears may bubble up in friend groups or organizations, messing with trust or unity for a while.
- Secret Addictions or Obsessions: In The Principles of Astrology by Charles E.O. Carter (reprint, 1957), this transit is sometimes said to pull out secret compulsions- obsessions with mysteries, paranormal stuff, or even weird conspiracy theories become harder to resist.
Experiencing This Transit
When Neptune squares your natal Pluto, things feel pretty weird- honestly, it’s an internal tug-of-war. Neptune wants you to dissolve barriers, drift, and open yourself up to new dreams, but Pluto is all about power, control, and deep transformation. The square mixes these up in a stressful way, so they’re kind of fighting inside you. It might feel like you’re losing your grip on what’s true, or you suddenly need to face up to old obsessions, secrets, or even issues you thought you’d buried.
Challenges during this transit
- Confusion or Loss of Direction: Old goals or ambitions can fade out without warning. You might feel like you don’t know what you want anymore, and everything feels foggy or meaningless.
- Escapism: Some people turn to fantasy, games, substance use, or even spiritual bypassing- wanting to “float away” instead of facing things. It’s all too easy to lose yourself in distractions.
- Paranoia or Fear of Losing Control: Old fears or shadowy thoughts may bubble up. You might get worried about people manipulating you or just get obsessed with things you can’t prove or change.
- Unhealthy Obsessions: You might suddenly get sucked into intense crushes, weird research, or conspiracy theories (Pluto stuff), but you can’t really see what’s real and what’s not (Neptune fog).
- Trust Issues: Who can you trust? You may feel like people are hiding things, or the world itself is dishonest.
Opportunities during this transit
- Deep Spiritual Insights: This is prime time for uncovering hidden truths about yourself- think of it as finding treasure buried deep inside, stuff that only comes up when the regular rules don’t apply. Meditation or dreamwork can be way more powerful now.
- Letting Go of Old Power Struggles: Maybe you’ve always been locked in some kind of control fight (with yourself or someone else). This transit can help dissolve the need to “win” or dominate, letting things flow instead.
- Healing Addictions or Toxic Patterns: Since both planets deal with the subconscious, it’s a good time to confront addictions or bad habits, especially things you use to escape or cover up pain.
- Radical Compassion: There’s a chance to develop compassion for yourself- especially those parts you usually hide or judge. If you’re into therapy, art, or spiritual healing, you can make breakthroughs now.
- Creative Breakthroughs: Artists, writers, and musicians might feel chaotic and raw but also super inspired. You might produce stuff you’d never imagine if things were “normal.”
- Understanding the Hidden Side of Others: You might see behind people’s masks more easily- reading between the lines, sensing what’s unsaid. It can be disorienting, but also connects you to others on a deeper level.
How the Sign of Transiting Neptune Modifies This Transit Square to Natal Pluto
Read the one for the current sign of transiting Neptune.
- Transiting Neptune in Aries: Things get extra fiery and chaotic. You feel restless, with sudden bursts of weird inspiration or frustration. You want to break free, but it’s easy to lose your cool or act impulsively without thinking it through.
- Transiting Neptune in Taurus: Your security and comfort zones feel less steady. It’s like your senses are foggy and you don’t know what you can really trust. Money or possessions may seem less real or reliable, and you might struggle with letting go of old habits.
- Transiting Neptune in Gemini: Your thoughts get scattered and confusing. It’s harder to focus or communicate clearly. Watch for misinformation, and don’t believe every story you hear. You might also have strange dreams or gut feelings you can’t explain.
- Transiting Neptune in Cancer: Emotions run extra deep and sensitivity is high. Family stuff bubbles up, and home doesn’t always feel like a safe harbor. You might want to hide or escape, but it’s best to face the emotional waves head-on.
- Transiting Neptune in Leo: There’s a dramatic flair to everything, but what’s real and what’s just for show gets blurry. Your creativity could soar, but ego conflicts or feeling invisible are also possible. You might question what makes you special or worthy of attention.
- Transiting Neptune in Virgo: Everyday routines and health stuff can feel confusing or disorganized. It’s easy to get lost in worry or obsess over details that don’t matter. Trust in your work ethic might be shaken for a bit, so try to stay grounded.
- Transiting Neptune in Libra: Relationships feel like a mystery. You might idealize partners or feel let down if people don’t live up to your dreams. There’s a longing for harmony, but also a risk of ignoring problems or red flags just to keep the peace.
- Transiting Neptune in Scorpio: Intense secrets, obsessions, or power issues show up, but the truth is hard to pin down. Tempting mysteries or taboos might lure you in. It’s all about wrestling with your shadow side and not losing yourself in it.
- Transiting Neptune in Sagittarius: Your beliefs and worldview could get shaken or confused. You might want to escape into travel, spiritual searching, or wild ideas. It’s easy to get swept up in some big dream that isn’t grounded in reality.
- Transiting Neptune in Capricorn: Goals, authority, and structure feel uncertain or slippery. You might struggle with trusting institutions or your sense of direction. Long-range plans blur, so don’t let fear of failure push you into denial.
- Transiting Neptune in Aquarius: Friendships, groups, or causes might not be what they seem. There’s a pull toward utopian ideals, but reality gets lost in the mist. You could feel disconnected, even when surrounded by people, or get dazzled by big, unrealistic visions.
- Transiting Neptune in Pisces: Everything is super sensitive, intuitive, and dreamy, but also easy to lose touch with reality. Boundaries break down, old pain might resurface, and you could feel like you’re floating through life with no anchor. Use your imagination, but keep your feet on the ground.