Inspired action.
Here’s what to do and not do when you have a Mars sextile Neptune transit. Below that are some interesting things about this transit.
Avoid During This Transit
- Don’t ignore your boundaries or let people take advantage of your kindness.
- Avoid starting projects that need a lot of attention to detail- you might be more dreamy than focused now.
- Don’t make promises you can’t keep; inspiration is high, but follow-through might not be.
- Try not to trust everything you hear; illusions or misunderstandings are more likely.
- Skip making big financial investments or purchases, especially if they seem too good to be true.
- Avoid confrontations- your energy is better for creative things, not arguments.
- Don’t overdo partying or escapist habits; moderation is key so you don’t lose your grounding.
- Try not to run away from responsibilities just because fantasy feels more appealing.
- Avoid making major life decisions based on gut feelings alone- get some facts first.
- Don’t take risks with your health, like experimenting with substances or neglecting self-care.
Do During This Transit
- Follow your inspiration – If you feel an urge to create, paint, write music, or dance, go for it. Your imagination is strong right now.
- Try meditation or yoga – Physical movement mixed with mindfulness feels extra powerful now. It’s a great moment to connect body and soul.
- Work on creative projects – Anything artistic or inventive gets a boost. Start that screenplay, work on crafts, or invent something new.
- Help others – You’ll feel more compassionate than usual. Volunteer your time, listen to a friend, or do a small act of kindness.
- Set intentions or visualize your goals – Mars gives you energy, while Neptune enhances your vision. It’s easier to believe in your dreams and take steps toward them.
- Pay attention to your dreams – Insights might come through your subconscious or even while you sleep. Keep a dream journal handy.
- Explore spiritual stuff – Tarot, astrology, or just long walks where you ponder big ideas. Your intuition is strong, so trust your gut.
- Relax and recharge – It’s a smoother, more gentle energy, so enjoy some downtime at the beach, in the bath, or listening to music.
- Go with the flow – Don’t push too hard or plan every detail. Let life be a little magical and see where things take you.
What’s Interesting About This Transit
- A boost for creative visualization: According to Evangeline Adams in Astrology: Your Place Among the Stars (1930), Mars in harmonious aspect to Neptune “lends the spirit a rare power to picture outcomes and bring them to pass by focusing the will upon imaginative ideals.” This transit was said to help people turn fantasy into a plan of action, especially in the arts or spiritual pursuits.
- Aiding covert operations or subtle persuasion: Sepharial, in his 1901 text Transits and Planetary Periods, described Mars-Neptune sexiles as a time when a person could “work behind the scenes with greater effectiveness, manipulating things to their own ends almost invisibly.” It was thought to benefit those needing to persuade quietly or act as a ‘hidden hand’.
- Physical response to music or rhythm: C.E.O. Carter, in The Astrological Aspects (1930), suggested that Mars-Neptune’s soft aspects could “awaken the urge to move in harmony with melodies, and heighten the body’s rhythmical response to artistic stimuli.” He said dancers and musicians might find inspiration coming almost physically.
- Transcending petty conflicts: Ivy M. Goldstein-Jacobson wrote in Here and There in Astrology (1961) that this transit “softens combative tendencies and helps one rise above everyday rivalries, replacing competitiveness with a spirit of inspiration or brotherhood.”
- Ability to carry out charitable actions with energy: Charles Carter, in The Principles of Astrology (1925), mentions that Mars sextile Neptune encourages “energetic participation in charities, crusades and movements for those who suffer, giving physical stamina to ideals of service.”
- Protection from ‘spiritual harm’ during risk-taking: Vivian Robson’s The Influence of the Astrological Aspects (1936) says Mars-Neptune harmony “brings a kind of unseen safeguarding power when pursuing unusual or esoteric interests, as long as motives are pure.”
- Dream-inspired feats or discoveries: Sepharial also wrote in The Science of Foreknowledge (1918) that someone might “undertake novel experiments or physical feats after receiving guidance in dreams or trances,” seeing this transit as a time for mystical motivation to become practical action.
- Opportunity for peaceful activism: Alan Leo’s Practical Astrology (1909) attributes Mars sextile Neptune with “the courage to champion causes through pacific means, mixing willpower with compassion for the greater good.”
Experiencing This Transit
When Mars in the sky forms a sextile to your natal Neptune, it’s like mixing energy with imagination. This transit doesn’t shout; it sort of whispers cool ideas and nudges you to act on your dreams or gut feelings. Inspiration is up, and so is the potential to make actions feel more meaningful or artistic. You might notice you’re more interested in creative stuff, or have a stronger attraction to spiritual or dreamy things than usual.
There’s a feeling of confidence to go after fuzzy goals- like, not the “win the race” type, but more “let’s try painting, or volunteering to help out, or listening to your favorite album and actually doing something with that inspiration.” Sometimes it’ll play out as a gentle motivation to help others without feeling drained.
Challenges during this transit
- You could get too caught up in daydreams and struggle to make real progress- like, chasing a fantasy without putting in the actual energy Mars wants you to use.
- There’s a risk of getting fooled or misled, either by others or by your own wishful thinking. It might feel easy to trust a bit too much right now.
- Old-school texts warned about confusion around motives: you might think you’re doing something for one reason, but deep down, it’s for another (sometimes less honest) reason.
- It’s easy to drift or procrastinate- Mars wants action, Neptune can bring fog, and together, you might keep thinking “I’ll tackle that later.”
- If you’re around people who aren’t straightforward, you’re a little more likely to believe their story now.
Opportunities during this transit
- This is amazing energy for any artistic or creative project: dancing, drawing, writing, making music, acting- making anything from a place of inspiration comes easier.
- You’ll notice your intuition is stronger. It’s a good time to pay attention to hunches or weird nudges- you might pick up on stuff under the surface, whether in people or in situations.
- Old habits that held you back before (especially bad routines) could feel easier to shake, especially if you add a little ritual or symbolic “cleansing” to the process.
- You could get a totally new spark for helping out others. Volunteering or doing something compassionate just feels natural- and doesn’t drain you like it might at other times.
- Spiritual interests or practices often get a boost. If you’ve been thinking about meditating, yoga, or exploring dreams, this is a good window for it.
- If you’re part of a creative or activist group, you could help make a big difference together, especially if you lean into inspiration and act on sudden, almost magical ideas.
How the Sign of Transiting Mars Modifies This Transit Sextile to Natal Neptune
Read the one for the current sign of transiting Mars.
-
Transiting Mars in Aries:
You’ll get a quick creative spark and feel brave enough to go after your dreams without overthinking things. -
Transiting Mars in Taurus:
You can patiently build on your imagination and turn artistic thoughts or spiritual vibes into something practical. -
Transiting Mars in Gemini:
You’ll talk about your dreams a lot, and you’ll have clever ideas or witty, poetic words that just flow. -
Transiting Mars in Cancer:
You act on gut feelings and may want to help or protect others in gentle, intuitive ways. -
Transiting Mars in Leo:
Your creativity takes center stage, and you’ll be bold about showing off your talents or expressing romantic feelings. -
Transiting Mars in Virgo:
You’ll want to organize your visions and turn your fantasies into everyday routines or healthy habits. -
Transiting Mars in Libra:
You get inspired through partnerships; teamwork on creative or musical projects is especially smooth. -
Transiting Mars in Scorpio:
Your intuition is sharp and you feel drawn to explore mysteries, secrets, or taboo topics in depth. -
Transiting Mars in Sagittarius:
You might chase faraway dreams, want to travel, or feel fired up to learn about spiritual beliefs or philosophies. -
Transiting Mars in Capricorn:
You get disciplined about making your dreams real, and you’ll focus on practical achievements or career goals. -
Transiting Mars in Aquarius:
You’ll want to try out new, unusual ideas and collaborate with groups or friends for a cause you believe in. -
Transiting Mars in Pisces:
You’ll act on compassion or spiritual urges, letting your imagination and empathy lead the way in whatever you do.