Mercury Conjunct Neptune—This Transit Is for Dreamers

By now we’re all realizing (if not through research than through direct experience) that this particular Mercury retrograde cycle is a bit rougher than others for those of the empathic or psychic bent. The abundant emphasis on Pisces energy, with the sun, Mercury, and Neptune all there (not to mention that supercharged Pisces new moon) has likely had the effect of amplifying psychic bandwidth, but perhaps lowering our tolerance levels—both for intoxicants and toxic situations.

Sensitives around the world, unite!

We’ve also been getting stress headaches left and right (thanks, Chiron in Aries) and experiencing sudden disruptions to how we relate to the material and physical world (Uranus in Taurus). It should not be surprising if psychic awareness, dreams, and visions have been especially potent or plentiful, perhaps even arriving unbidden. Well, the ride isn’t over yet—so better buckle up, babies.

Starting on the full moon, March 20, which is also the first day of spring and the beginning of the zodiac year (when the sun ingresses into Aries), Mercury shambles backward into a tight orb with Neptune, who has been playing a home game in Pisces and is full of radiant and luminous power at 16 degrees. Mercury will slowly back into complete conjunction with Neptune, and they will be conjunct between March 25­–29, when Neptune will shift to 17 degrees.

Mercury holds position until April 2, when its direct motion prompts it to move to 17 degrees as well—conjuncting Neptune once again! The effects of the transit are not fully alleviated until about April 10, when Mercury, in full forward motion, moves safely out of orb.

What do the stars have in store for you this year?

What will happen when the retrograde messenger meets the dreamer? That is up to you! You already know that Mercury retrograde can be put to positive use if we harness this dreamy, eerie energy in the right way. This transit can definitely be wasted with excessive partying or drug use, unproductive nostalgia, or lying to yourself and/or others—after all, Mercury handles communication, retrograde doesn’t always bode well for clarity, and Neptune handles illusions and deception. But this planetary coalition can also be used for spiritual transcendence, inspired art, and truly visionary thinking.

The Sabian Symbol for 16 degrees Pisces is, “In the quiet of his study, a creative individual experiences a flow of inspiration.” With these two heavenly bodies spending five whole days conjunct on this degree, it’s wise to take a look at its meaning. Dane Rudhyar described this degree as indicating “reliance upon one’s inner source of inspiration or guidance.” One of the best ways we can maximize this transit is by spending enough downtime exploring our creative ideas. This is one of the best weeks of the year for artistic and spiritual influence and inspiration, so don’t be afraid to get dreamy.

Art by Marela. Find her online and on Instagram @ma.re.la