NEPTUNE EFFECT: The planet Neptune, named for the God of the Vast Oceans in Roman myth, is a dominant influence in our lives this week. Neptune will come to a standstill on Wednesday, December 6, completing its retrograde phase and preparing to move forward through the zodiac once again.

When an outer planet stations either direct or retrograde, we feel its impact more strongly for a week or two before and after the stationary date. Like a train coming into the station, a planet must slow its pace before coming to a halt. Standing on the train platform, we feel the vibration of the approaching train. That energy builds as the train gets closer, and is at its strongest when the train is at a standstill right in front of us. Then, as the train reverses direction and slowly leaves the station, the vibration also gradually recedes. 

LIGHT AND SHADOW: Like all planets (and signs), Neptune has both beneficial qualities and those that we might consider unfavorable. In its role as a transpersonal planet, high vibrational Neptune is the representative of Divine Love and thus opens our high heart chakras, increasing compassion, sympathy, and a sensitivity to the needs of others. We may have a more powerful sense of the Oneness of all life when Neptune's influence is strong. 

Shadow qualities tend to emerge when positive traits are taken to an extreme. For instance, we can misinterpret Neptune's call for us to embody unconditional love as a directive to sacrifice our own needs and take on the role of rescuer or martyr. This misunderstanding can occur if we do not realize that unconditional love includes loving oneself. Or, we might hear Neptune's call for nonviolence and believe it to mean that we should not have boundaries.

Neptune is also the planet of the imagination, visualization, and creativity. Under its heightened influence, we may find meditations to be especially uplifting or inspiring. An altered state may be easier to access, and intuition and other Clair Senses can be more active. For artists, the ability to tap into one's creative Muse may be strengthened.

At the same time, transcendent Neptune can be very ungrounding. A desire to rise above the harshness of physical reality can tempt us to avoid practical responsibilities. Some may drift into escapist activities, disappearing into a fantasy world or abusing substances that provide a temporary lift. 

Ultimately, benefic Neptune inspires us to approach our existence from the perspective of the Higher Self or Soul. When we do this, we view the world through enlightened eyes. This allows us to stay present in the moment but not be caught up in the drama.

TRANSITING NEPTUNE: There are always spiritual growth lessons involved when we are working with Neptune. The analogy I use to illustrate a Neptune transit is that of crossing a river in the fog.

There are six key learnings involved in this scenario: First, we must Surrender to the experience, because we cannot make the fog go away. Next, we must Release Attachment to knowing the outcome. Third, we must learn to have Faith — faith that there is a higher plan at work, even if we cannot see it at the moment.

Fourth, we must build Trust — trust that the fog will clear, trust that there is a shore on the other side, and trust that although we cannot see our progress, we are actually moving toward that shore through the fog. Fifth, we go into the cabin of the boat and watch the navigational dials, which represents Going Within and letting our intuition guide us. And sixth, we listen for the fog horn, which is equivalent to tuning in to Higher Guidance.

While all of us on the planet are feeling Neptune's enhanced effect right now, the six lessons just described are likely to be most pronounced for anyone who has natal planets or points between 22 and 27 degrees of a mutable sign (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, or Pisces). This is because Neptune is currently in challenging aspect (either conjunct, opposite, or square) to that planet or point in your birth chart.

DAILY ASPECTS: Here are my brief interpretations of this week's most important planetary aspects: 

Monday

Venus enters Scorpio: Venus, the Goddess of Love and Values, will be in passionate Scorpio from December 4 to 29. During this transit, there is a desire for greater honesty and intimacy in relationships. This need for depth also affects what we purchase and what we enjoy. There is a strong dislike of anything that is shallow or superficial.

Tuesday

Venus trine Saturn: An ability to connect deeply with a loved one increases our level of commitment and loyalty. This is also a helpful influence for stabilizing financial matters.

Sun semisquare Pluto: There is a tendency to try to control or manipulate a situation. This may be based on an unconscious fear that is running us from behind the scenes.

Wednesday

Mercury sesquiquadrate Uranus: This aspect is very electrical and indicates heightened nervous energy, with the mind easily distracted. However, due to Uranus being the representative of Higher Mind, intuitive insights are also enhanced.

Neptune stations direct: Neptune comes to a standstill today, but its mystical and mysterious influence is very strong throughout the month of December.

Thursday

Mars sesquiquadrate Eris: We may feel on edge today, becoming irritated more quickly than usual. This is an opportunity to observe how an internal tension directly affects our experience and interactions, rather than the other way around.

Sun trine Chiron: This aspect increases self-confidence and opens doors to healing and problem-solving.

Mercury trine Jupiter: Our thoughts are more optimistic and hopeful with this aspect. We may also feel very excited about a new idea or goal. Communications are enhanced and conversations could be lengthy.

Friday

No major aspects are exact today.

Saturday

Venus opposite Jupiter: The desire to deepen a bond with a loved one takes priority today, but we may not have great powers of discernment. There is also a hedonistic side to this opposition that could lead to overeating, or making a purchase without considering an item's long-term value.

Sunday

No major aspects are exact today.

IF YOUR BIRTHDAY IS THIS WEEK: The Sagittarian eagerness for adventure and desire to understand the meaning of life are strong this year. For some, this may lead to long distance journeys or experiencing world cultures on a physical level; others may be inspired to travel intellectually, exploring new beliefs and ideologies or even learning a foreign language. Your confidence will serve you well, but also be aware of being overly forceful or controlling. Circumstances may reveal unconscious fears that you will want to understand and dismantle, so that they no longer inhibit the fulfillment of your core desires. (Solar Return Sun conjunct Mars, trine Chiron, semisquare Pluto)

In peace, love, and gratitude,

Pam

Aspects of Note This Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.

• Monday: Venus enters Scorpio
• Tuesday: Venus trine Saturn, Sun semisquare Pluto
• Wednesday: Mercury sesquiquadrate Uranus, Neptune stations direct
• Thursday: Mars sesquiquadrate Eris, Sun trine Chiron, Mercury trine Jupiter
• Friday: No major aspects are exact today
• Saturday: Venus opposite Jupiter
• Sunday: No major aspects are exact today

DECEMBER'S SOLAR MONTH CLASS: My class covering the Month of Capricorn is scheduled for Wednesday, December 20! This is the first class of a new "season," so you'll have the option to purchase either a Single Class Ticket or a Season Pass that will give you access to the next three classes.
If you'd like to learn more about the class or want to register, please visit: https://events.humanitix.com/solar-month-class-capricorn-2023
SAVE THE DATE: My webinar covering the first four months of 2024 will go live on Wednesday, January 10, 2024! My working title is "Breakthroughs and Awakenings," and I'm excited to share with you the reasons I chose that title. Please watch for a registration link and full description in next week's Journal.
INSTAGRAM: I invite you to check out my daily astrological updates on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/pamyounghans/ 

Astrologer Pam Younghans writes the NorthPoint Astrology Journal based on planetary influences and insights received. Her hope is to bring astrology "down to earth" in a way that will help readers navigate current energies, while also utilizing these energies for spiritual and personal growth.
Feel free to share this NorthPoint Journal with others who may enjoy it! Please forward it in its entirety, including all contact and copyright information.
To learn more about Pam's work, please visit www.northpointastrology.com. 

NorthPoint Journal copyright 2023 Pam Younghans. All Rights Reserved.

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