Confused motivation.
Here’s what to do and not do when you have a Mars opposite Neptune transit. Below that are some interesting things about this transit.
Avoid During This Transit
- Don’t make big decisions based on vibes or wishful thinking- double-check your facts.
- Avoid getting involved in shady schemes or anything that feels “off.”
- Try not to act on impulse, especially if you feel confused or emotional.
- Steer clear of arguments or conflicts; misunderstandings are likely during this time.
- Don’t overdo alcohol, drugs, or anything else that could cloud your mind.
- Avoid making promises you can’t keep- you might be overly optimistic or unclear about what’s possible.
- Be careful with new relationships or hookups; attraction can be based on fantasy, not reality.
- Don’t ignore your gut feelings if something seems too good to be true.
- Try not to take on too much or overcommit; energy levels can be weird right now.
- Avoid escapist habits, like binge-watching, excessive gaming, or procrastinating important stuff.
Do During This Transit
- Channel your energy into creative projects like music, painting, or writing- let your imagination run wild.
- Spend some time meditating, doing yoga, or things that help ground you and connect you to your inner self.
- Keep a dream journal- your dreams might be extra vivid or meaningful right now.
- Work on understanding your boundaries, especially with others’ expectations or emotions.
- Help others- doing acts of kindness or volunteering can be really rewarding now.
- Explore spiritual interests, like tarot, meditation, or reading up on mystical topics.
- Pace yourself with physical activities; try mindful movement like swimming, dancing, or tai chi.
- Double-check any new plans or commitments; make sure you’re not acting on confusion or wishful thinking.
- Watch a few movies or get lost in a good book for healthy escapism.
- Listen to your intuition, especially if something feels “off”- trust your gut feelings.
What’s Interesting About This Transit
- Muddled Vitality and Psychic Fatigue: In The Principles of Astrology (1942), Charles E.O. Carter writes that Mars opposite Neptune can give “disturbed physical magnetism, apt to bring odd symptoms of nervousness and even psychic exhaustion. The will and energy are blurred, sometimes producing a curious sensation of being adrift or not quite in one’s body.”
- Compulsive Secretiveness: Raphael, in Raphael’s Mundane Astrology (1898), claims this transit can provoke “hidden actions, secret hostilities, or clandestine efforts that appear well-intentioned but may be self-defeating or ill-judged.” This is especially noted in connection with affairs of diplomacy and secret societies.
- Heightened Susceptibility to Infection: Sophia Mason’s Astrological Delineation of Fixed Stars (1960) notes Mars opposite Neptune is a period “when the vitality is rendered vulnerable; odd, exotic illnesses- especially those connected with fevers, infections, or subtle environmental poisons- may flare up in unexpected ways.”
- Illusion of Heroism: Grant Lewi in Astrology for the Millions (1940) says that “the desire to act is large, but the power to discriminate true from false inspiration is weak. The native may play at being the hero, but end as the pawn of another’s dream.”
- Artistic Drive with Self-Deception: In The Combination of Stellar Influences (1940), Reinhold Ebertin attributes Mars opposite Neptune to “active imagination and creative inspiration, but a potential for dishonesty with oneself about motives- one may pursue an ideal only to discover it was a mirage all along.”
- Tendency to Unintentional Falsehoods: Vivian E. Robson in A Student’s Text-Book of Astrology (1922) mentions that “under Neptune’s misty rays, Martian assertion gets twisted- people may unintentionally mislead or exaggerate in the heat of the moment, especially regarding passions or ambitions.”
- Unusual Accidents by Water: Alan Leo in The Key to Your Own Nativity (1910) writes, “Physical action and movement near water or chemicals is particularly liable to result in accident or confusion; care is advised in all ventures involving liquids.”
- Peculiar Attraction to Lost Causes: Marc Edmund Jones, in Astrology: How and Why It Works (1941), points out that this transit sometimes leads one “to become embroiled in crusades or pursuits that are doomed or quixotic- there’s a pull toward making sacrifices for dubious ideals.”
- Difficulty Defending Personal Boundaries: Evangeline Adams, in The Bowl of Heaven (1926), states that “Mars opposed by Neptune is a classic signature for letting others overstep, giving ground when one should stand firm, out of confusion or misplaced sympathy.”
Experiencing This Transit
When Mars in the sky is opposite your natal Neptune, you might feel like your drive or energy is on a foggy road- sometimes you hit the gas, sometimes you wonder why you’re even moving. Mars wants action! Neptune loves drifting and daydreaming. Put them together and you could feel pulled in two directions: you want to act, but you’re not sure what’s real or if it even matters.
Challenges during this transit
- Confusion & Mixed Signals: You try to get things done, but info is unclear, or people send mixed messages. Maybe you get fired up about a project, but then lose steam once it seems too complicated or vague.
- Saps in Motivation: You could wake up feeling hyped, then later feel totally drained for no obvious reason- your energy seems to leak away.
- Making Risky Choices: It’s easy to go on hunches instead of facts now. You might fall for dodgy deals, bad investments, or get swept up in someone else’s fantasy.
- Escapism: Instead of facing problems head on, you could want to escape. That might mean too much Netflix, sleeping in, zoning out, or even turning to old habits you thought you kicked.
- Misread Motivations: You might second-guess other people’s intentions, thinking there’s a hidden agenda or missing detail. Sometimes, yes, but a lot of the time you’re just overthinking it.
- Physical Sensitivity: You could feel clumsier, more tired, or accident-prone, especially if you ignore your usual limits or go out when you’re foggy-headed.
Opportunities during this transit
- Creative Inspiration: This is actually an amazing time to channel weird energy into art, writing, music, or dance- let your dreams (and even your confusion) become fuel for something creative.
- Spiritual Breakthroughs: If you’re into meditation, tarot, or any kind of spiritual practice, this transit can give you deep, otherworldly insights. Just don’t let fantasy run wild.
- Practice Compassion: You might find it easier to help others or put yourself in their shoes. This is a good time to volunteer or reach out to friends who need a listening ear.
- Dissolve Old Fears: Mars opposite Neptune brings up old worries or self-doubt. Instead of letting them mess with you, use this time to gently face them and let them go.
- Flow Instead of Push: If you stop trying to force things, you might find they go easier. Think: gentle persistence, not hard charging. Find flow, whether it’s in work, workouts, or relationships.
- Imagination as Power: Try visualizations or affirmations to see your goals more clearly. Your imagination is strong- just keep it grounded.
How the Sign of Transiting Mars Modifies This Transit Opposite to Natal Neptune
Read the one for the current sign of transiting Mars.
- Transiting Mars in Aries: You might feel extra restless, quick to act on confusing impulses, and more likely to chase impossible dreams.
- Transiting Mars in Taurus: It’s harder to motivate yourself, and physical energy feels sluggish- tempting you to escape through comfort or laziness.
- Transiting Mars in Gemini: You could get distracted more easily, speak without thinking, or say things you don’t completely mean.
- Transiting Mars in Cancer: Emotions blur intentions, so you might act out old hurts or take things personally without realizing why.
- Transiting Mars in Leo: Your ego wants attention, but you could chase recognition that isn’t genuine, or put on a show that drains you.
- Transiting Mars in Virgo: You might hyper-focus on fixing little things or stress about details, while missing the bigger picture.
- Transiting Mars in Libra: You’ll struggle to stand up for yourself, and might bend over backwards for others, losing track of what you actually want.
- Transiting Mars in Scorpio: Intense drives get mixed with secret motives or obsession- so it’s easy to get lost in fantasy, jealousy, or hidden fears.
- Transiting Mars in Sagittarius: You crave adventure or escape, but might chase wild ideas, run from reality, or make promises you can’t keep.
- Transiting Mars in Capricorn: You try to force solutions, but plans can fall apart. It’s easy to get frustrated when things aren’t clear or grounded.
- Transiting Mars in Aquarius: You might rebel just to rebel, or chase strange inspirations, but have trouble with follow-through or clear vision.
- Transiting Mars in Pisces: Actions feel fuzzy and drained; you might want to help others but end up feeling confused, tired, or lost in your own thoughts.