Penninsula Woman May/June 2002 Neptune & Alcohol “One Planet at a Time

Recently I was asked by Joann Vallo, the publisher and editor of Peninsula Woman, to write an article on the topic of Alcohol. I was very excited about this. There are many concepts in Astrology that can help us understand why we continue to battle alcohol in our society.

I have found the planet Neptune strongly associated with alcohol in my client’s charts. Let’s be clear, planets do not make us behave a certain way, but they certainly come to teach us. Neptune as a teacher helps us to see where we are in deluded or seeking escape.

The Planet Neptune
Neptune’s symbol is the trident of Poseidon, the Ruler of the Seas. Dreams, illusions, abstract thoughts and spirituality are all associated with Neptune. On the positive side, Neptune hopes that we will use a meditative state to gain insights and heightened awareness. Poetry, music, dance and movies are among the trance-like activities which this Planet favors.

Neptune has a shadowy nature as well. Neptune’s showier side rules movies, television, theater, fashion and all forms of glamour. In essence, Neptune creates an illusion—of what is enchanting on the outside and captivating within. Neptune has a mystique which doesn’t reveal itself easily. It can be a poser dabbling in flattery and subversion. When the lights are finally turned out at night, this Planet plays in a netherworld of drugs, alcohol, trances and hypnosis. Neptunian energy can reek of escapism. It can be a sea of delusion, hypochondria and abnormality. Excessive sleeping, dreams and nightmares are also associated with this planet. At the end of the day, Neptune keeps coming at you—how will you receive it and deal with its energy?

What is the Issue?
Alcohol is a response to the deeper needs of Neptune. These needs are about having a place to escape. There are MANY forms of escape both positive and negative. Many people use alcohol to find an escape from their busy and harried lives. Let’s face it, it is hard to be responsible and realistic EVERY SINGLE day of the year!! WE NEED A PLACE TO CHECK OUT. Escape IS the balance to reality. What I believe we are really battling here is the need to find a positive escape in our lives. Alcohol represents a negative form of escape, a temporary answer to problems and confusion. What we need is to find positive forms of escape.

What is the answer?
Neptune in an Astrological chart shows us where we want and need to find escape and transcendence. It balances the exhausting demands of everyday life. How we harness Neptune for our personal growth is the key to understanding ourselves and this planet. Positive forms of escape include: Movies, dance classes, sleep, walks on the ocean, hypnosis, meditation classes, yoga, tai chi, church, temple and any other spiritual avenues. Drop your burdens and escape from the madness of life on some kind of regular basis. This is absolutely essential in a balanced life.

What can I do?
When Neptune is auspiciously placed in a natal chart either by transit or progression it can have quite an effect on your life. If you are going through a strong Neptune transit you are being asked to understand where you potentially have chaos and confusion and where more spiritual clarity can be found. Have your chart looked at by a competent astrologer. They can help you navigate the natal and transit placement of Neptune in your chart. If you are experiencing chaos and confusion, knowing where Neptune is located in your chart can help you navigate.

There is a saying in Alcoholics Anonymous _ “One day at a Time.” This saying is a response to the chaos that over thinking and dreaming can lead to. Take today and get through the day! Find a positive and healthy way of expressing your deeper need to escape reality. It isn’t your responsibility to heal the world, but it is your responsibility to heal yourself.

“What lies behind you and what lies before you pales insignificant to what lies within you.”

-Ralph Waldo Emerson