(This is the fifth chapter in a series intended as an introduction to basic astrology. As we continue on a path through the cosmos, this visit explores the watery world and mythological development of the planet Neptune.)
Image displayed with same as articleCommanding his chariot pulled through the waters by a team of wild seahorses, Neptune possesses the strength and fury of oceanic storms, as well as the mesmerizing quality of days adrift in the doldrums. Never forget the erosive quality of water when considering Neptune. How can we feel and find these secret places? Surely, it is as simple as holding water in one’s hand.
Neptune is best described by images. Greek mythology provides one explanation as to how the cosmos came into being and gave birth to archetype deities. Earth Goddess Gaia was the first to emerge out of the original state of Chaos. Gaia soon coupled with her son Ouranos (Uranus), ruler of the sky. Their descendants, Zeus (Jupiter), Hades, (Pluto), and Poseidon (Neptune) emerge as three of the twelve Gods of Heaven who resided on Mt. Olympus. Jupiter assumed administration and rulership of the cosmos and delegated authority to his two siblings. Pluto was sanctioned to maintain an iron grip on the underworld. The oceans of the earth, as well as the element of water were Neptune’s assignments.
The oceans remain commanding and mysterious today, but consider how forbidding they appeared to the Ancients. Long sea voyages brought opportunity for adventure and wealth, or loss of life; depending on favors of the mysterious Sea god, Poseidon. Riches found under the water as well as above are another quality of Neptune. Buried treasures awaiting discovery; bountiful harvests of fish and plant life, all there for the taking. A wealth of wonder is available to the seeker of truth who visits Neptune with an open heart.
Neptune also rules the waves that relentlessly wash upon the shore and carves away sandcastles. Dissolution is another quality to be explored as we meet this ancient archetype. Just as sugar dissolves in a cup of tea, Neptune calls for self interest to be blended into a new quest for Universal Love. As we all know, love has many forms. And love, whether it is spiritual devotion or even sexual ecstasy asks that we relinquish ego control and surrender to a union.
Accessing higher consciousness assumes a positive response to Neptune’s influences. However, there is another side to the Poseidon/Neptune archetype. Dionysus, mythical offspring of Persephone, (Queen of the Underworld) is another representative of the ecstatic state. The archetype of Dionysus may be one of the oldest gods. Credited with introducing wine to humanity, he was noted for his travels far and wide spreading intoxication and dancing with maidens. Dionysus forged the earthly “Wild Man” persona until he fell in love and married princess Ariadne. Marriage, or the capacity for love and commitment that come with maturity served him well, as shortly thereafter he was admitted to the company of Olympic gods.
Neptune’s palette broadens as we introduce the Dionysusian qualities of music and drugs. Add theatre and acting, combined with a touch of idealism, and we begin to dine at his table. Shamanism is another expression of Neptunian vistas. In trance state, the shaman assumes the personality or other qualities of an outside entity. He or she must relinquish personal control of ego and allow embodiment of another (preferably sacred image) for a limited time. The shamans’ tools of dance, ritual, music or rhythmic drumming, masks, and altered states of consciousness lead the tribe to a unified state of spiritual ecstasy. Once again the common theme is surrender.
Neptune leads us to Divinity. The temples and shrines. Holy water. Sacred Mother. Mt. Kailas. Healing circle in your back yard. A quite moment of meditation when we access the Divine. But, alas, we do not dwell in her beauty infinitely. As mortals, we only visit. The shaman leaves her trance, and we all return to our daily lives; changed. She is so intense; we can only glimpse her immortality, not stay indefinitely.
If Posiedon and Dionysus represent the male aspect of Neptune, then surely the Divine Goddess and her temples embody the feminine. The Sumerian goddess Nammu is the earliest recorded source of a primal sea mother who gave birth to heaven and earth (1800 B.C.E.). Traveling through time, the Babylonian Culture absorbed the creation myth of Nammu with the story of Tiamat and Aspu, female and male water deities. Throughout the centuries, cultures continually retell the story of humans walking out of the primal sea, and then longing to return to her bliss.
Subtle yet powerful is the logo on Neptune’s calling card. One more image, this one modern serves to illustrate her strength. The Butterfly Effect is defined as – “sensitive dependence on initial conditions”. Further explained, it is about how slight changes (vibrations) can expand into huge differences (wave forms). Think of how a slight shift in the earth’s crust in the middle of the ocean can trigger a huge tidal wave on shore. Isn’t it exciting to think a single act of kindness or love can move through the vastness of time and space to clear karma! Now, there’s an act of surrender.
