Neptune
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Astronomy
Neptune, along with Uranus and Pluto, is one of the Trans-Saturnian planets, i.e. those planets discovered since the invention of the modern telescope. It was discovered on 23rd September 1846 by Gottfried Galle, after Joseph Le Verrier who had already predicted its presence based on gravitational disturbances it caused to the orbit of Uranus. Neptune has an estimated diameter of 49530 km which makes it almost four times as large as the Earth. It has an average distance to the Sun of 4519 million km. It needs almost 164 years to make one sidereal orbit of the Sun. It has a maximal [[Diurnal Movement|diurnal movement]] of 2.04 minutes of arc, although its average diurnal movement is 22 seconds of arc.
Neptune has a ring system similar to Saturn's. Its striking deep blue colour was first discovered by "Voyager 2" in 1989 - long after it was named after the Roman god of the oceans.
Mythology
Poseidon (Latin Neptune) ruled the oceans. He and his brothers Zeus (Jupiter), god of the sky, and Hades (Pluto), god of the underworld, had divided the universe between them after they had overthrown their father Kronos (Saturn). Neptune lived with his wife Amphitrite in an underground palace. In many ways he was similar to his brother Zeus. He had many affairs and was not averse to using force or cunning when the desire he felt for women was not reciprocated. He was also highly emotional and tempestuous. He raced through the oceans at great speed in his chariot, and his appearance was often accompanied by sea- or earthquakes. If he felt that humans were not paying him enough respect he sent floods to punish them.
His emotional personality meant that he could never come to terms with the fact that his brother Zeus had been granted the rulership over the heavens and he repeatedly sought the aid of others - including Zeus' wife Hera - to overthrow the king of the gods, something he was never able to do.
However, Poseidon also had another side. He could be very compassionate and willing to help others. When the people of Greece needed new lands, he transformed a large area of sea into the region that is known as Thessaly and he saved many sailors from drowning. He also made the twins Castor and Polydeuces the patron saints of shipping. With his help they were able to calm storms. And finally, the people turned to him for protection from earthquakes.
Physical Body
Neptune is associated with the pituitary gland which is thought to be the seat of the so-called third eye. It opens the door to dimensions which are beyond the realm of ordinary senses. The pituitary gland is also thought to be the location of the sixth chakra Anja which is considered to be one of the body's most spiritual energy centres. One of the things Anja symbolises is universal love. It is also interesting to note that the pituitary gland in fish and chameleons produces a hormone which enables them to change their skin colour to blend into their environment.
Interpretation
Neptune, together with Uranus and Pluto, belongs to the triumvirate of spiritual planets which point to dimensions beyond the boundaries of the material world symbolised by Saturn. Neptune's elusive qualities make them difficult to put into words. Whereas Uranus allows the entry into another dimension by breaking through the boundaries set by Saturn, Neptune dissolves these boundaries in an almost imperceptible but no less powerful way - similar to water dissolving rocks. It stands for the human longing to merge with a more encompassing whole, for transcendance and spirituality. It is a symbol of inspiration.
Because Neptune has a long orbital period it spends on average fourteen years in one sign of the zodiac so that its sign position is a generational factor. For this reason, Neptune's position by sign in an individual's horoscope is considered to be less important than its house position. The latter shows where an individual has access to higher less tangible dimensions of being and where he/she can trust the voice of intuition and develop a deeper trust in the flow of life. However, the house position also indicates where the individual concerned may become the victim of delusion or suffer disappointments. It can also show where he/she may have addictive tendencies or view things in a naive way.
An axis or other horoscope factor which is aspected by Neptune becomes "sensitised" and might possibly be more prone to illusions and disillusions.
Transiting Neptune dissolves existing structures that have become obsolete.
Neptune is the ruler of the sign of Pisces and is in detriment in Virgo. It is exalted in Cancer and in fall in Capricorn.
