We are currently experiencing a unique period in astrology. This year, every planet will enter a new sign. Given the lengthy orbits of Pluto (249 years), Neptune (165 years), Uranus (84 years), Saturn (29 years) and Jupiter (12 years), it is remarkably rare for them all to transition into new signs within such a brief period of time. Pluto entered Aquarius on November 19, 2024, and the world is completely different than it was before. Here is my Pluto in Aquarius article for a refresher. https://www.susiecox.com/blog/pluto-enters-aquarius.
Neptune, with its 165-year orbit, stays in each zodiac sign for about 14 years. It moved into Aries on March 30, 2025, will briefly retrograde back into Pisces on October 21, 2025, and finally, will ingress into Aries on January 26, 2026, where it will remain until March 23, 2039.
An interesting note is that Saturn has been forming a conjunction with Neptune and will be entering Aries right after Neptune on February 14, 2026. That’s another article to come.
Neptune has been transiting through its own sign of Pisces since May 2011. Somehow, the pandemic fits this combination well. Neptune is the healer of the Zodiac and is involved with altered states of consciousness, such as meditation, intuition and psychic hunches. Neptune is the protector of the most vulnerable and is the planet of dreams, spirituality, illusions and the mystical. The positive side of Neptune is wisdom.
All planets and signs also have a more challenging side. The shadow side of Neptune is fear, doubt, insecurity and confusion. There ls an underlying worry over being lost or abandoned. Addictions are also part of Neptune.
Pisces was a comfortable sign for Neptune for all those years, since they are associated with each other. They are both very watery and emotional. Everything will be different when Neptune enters the sign of fiery Aries.
The Aries point, or the first degree of the sign of Aries, is an important starting point for both astrology and astronomy. It marks the intersection of the Celestial Equator and the Ecliptic, which is where the Sun passes on the Spring and Fall Equinoxes. This is a crucial reference point for astronomical and navigational calculations. Yes, it is the first day of Spring and basically the beginning of everything.
Aries is a fire sign and is associated with the planet Mars, the warrior. The positive side of Aries is highly energetic, pioneering, self-confident and assertive. The challenge side of Aries is impatient, abrupt, harsh and angry. Yes, both Mars and Aries have a temper. Typical Aries occupations include a race car driver, barber, butcher, welder, investigator and soldier.
Let’s look at the last time Neptune was in Aries, which was 165 years ago. Neptune transited through Aries from 1861 until 1875. With stunning timing, the Civil War started on April 12, 1861, and Neptune entered Aries on April 13, 1861! Neptune transited through Aries from 1861 – 1875, while the Civil War lasted from 1861 – 1866.
Another historical note is that the Spiritualist movement, which is quintessentially Neptune, was the rage at that time. Seances, mediumship and spirits were almost mainstream.
What can we expect from Neptune’s stay in Aries? Huge changes in the collective consciousness! Humanity will be breaking free from old, controlling dogma and belief systems. People will instead demand that the individual be heard. The Aries effect will create a push for personal empowerment, justice, social equality and autonomy. It is not a surprise that there are peaceful protests currently happening all over the world against oppression. People are willing to fight for their freedom. Bravery is an Aries keyword. This is just the beginning, folks. We are experiencing unprecedented times.
It looks like Pluto in Aquarius opened the door to revolution and rebirth.
This is an era of spiritual independence, not vastly different from the Spiritualist movement, which defied organized religion. People will be less willing to blindly follow established structures and will want to forge their own paths. Neptune in Aries will produce a surge in innovative spiritual movements.
This will be the era of activism when Neptune will boldly protect the most vulnerable in society. Philanthropy will blossom. Remember that philanthropy isn’t just giving money, but also involves action and volunteering. People will stand up and take care of each other.
The era will also bring needed visionary leaders with innovative goals in government, business, healthcare and social change. Aries will create dynamic energy in the arts, music and films. This might be time for an avant-garde era with bold and rebellious ideas. Films will likely focus on rebellion and heroism, as well as spiritual awakening. Neptune, the healer, is taking off his robe and donning a more practical costume suitable for movement and action.
The Aries phase will welcome a huge move forward in digital technologies. Artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to become our best friend. The images I’m using now for my newsletter are designed by me and created using AI, as my Gemini loves being on the leading edge.
It's important to remember that this is not just happening in society and the world out there somewhere. All these changes are also occurring inside each one of us. We are going to change individually as much as the world will change. Being open to new beginnings will be crucial. Hanging on to the past is futile. Change is inevitable. (Might as well relax and enjoy it.)
In summary, Neptune in Aries will encourage us to reinvent ourselves and our beliefs and to change internally, as well as externally. It is a time of spiritual awareness through action. We will fight for our dreams, which will lead to a phase of radical reinvention. Trust your intuition and follow your hunches with bold and inspired action.