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Writer's pictureLaurie Alfano

Shadow Work 102: Confronting Inner Shadows with Neptune Opposite Lilith


Neptune Opposite Lilith

Welcome back to the second installment of our deep dive into shadow work, astrology, and the powerful transits influencing our inner worlds. If you found our exploration of Black Moon Lilith and Pluto transformative, you're in for an even more profound journey. This time, we delve into the intense energies brought by the transit of Anaretic Neptune in Pisces opposite Lilith in Virgo, peaking on June 28, 2024 and leading into the Saturn-Neptune grand station.


The Anaretic Degree: A Critical Point

In astrology, the anaretic degree, or the 29th degree, represents a critical point of culmination and urgency. When a planet transits this degree, it marks a time of heightened tension and potential for significant change. Neptune, the planet of dreams, illusions, and the subconscious, reaches this pivotal degree in its own sign of Pisces. This positioning intensifies Neptune's energy, urging us to dive deep into the ocean of our unconscious.



Significance of Neptune in Pisces

Neptune rules Pisces, making its transit through this sign especially potent. Pisces is associated with spirituality, intuition, and the dissolution of boundaries. When Neptune reaches the anaretic degree in Pisces, these themes are intensified to their peak. We are called to confront the illusions and deceptions within ourselves and the world around us. It’s a time to dissolve old patterns and embrace a higher level of spiritual awareness.


Historical Context: Neptune's Last Transit at the Anaretic Degree

To understand the profound impact of Neptune at the anaretic degree, it's helpful to look back at the last time this occurred. Neptune previously transited the 29th degree of Pisces in 1861, a period marked by significant upheaval and transformation. This was the year the American Civil War began, a time of immense conflict and profound change that reshaped the United States' social and political landscape. The collective unconscious was stirred deeply, bringing underlying tensions and suppressed issues to the forefront.


Lilith’s Position During Neptune’s Last Anaretic Transit

During Neptune's last anaretic transit in 1861, Black Moon Lilith was moving through the sign of Sagittarius. This positioning emphasized themes of truth, belief systems, and the pursuit of freedom, which were pivotal issues during the Civil War era. The collective shadow surrounding these themes was brought into sharp focus, mirroring the personal work we are called to do during similar transits today.



Lilith in Virgo: Facing Our Shadow

In our current context, Lilith in Virgo opposes Neptune in Pisces, adding another layer of complexity. Opposite Neptune, Lilith in Virgo demands that we confront the parts of ourselves we typically reject or suppress. Virgo's meticulous and analytical nature contrasts sharply with Neptune's dreamy and nebulous qualities, creating a dynamic tension that brings our hidden fears and repressed emotions to the surface.


The Grand Station: Saturn and Neptune

As Neptune sits at the lunar perigee, we are not only dealing with its anaretic influence but also the grand station involving Saturn and Neptune. On June 29, Saturn goes retrograde, followed by Neptune on July 2. This alignment marks the first of three joint stations into conjunction, creating a powerful call to reevaluate our boundaries, responsibilities, and spiritual beliefs.


Saturn and Neptune: A Complex Relationship

Saturn and Neptune represent contrasting energies in astrology. Saturn is the planet of structure, discipline, and boundaries. It governs the material world, time, and our responsibilities. Neptune, on the other hand, embodies dreams, illusions, spirituality, and the dissolution of boundaries. It rules the intangible, the mystical, and the subconscious.


When these two planets interact, especially during a grand station, we are called to reconcile these opposing forces within our lives. This alignment can bring about a deep inner tension but also offers an opportunity for profound growth and redefinition of our personal and collective realities.



The Deep Dive: From June 25, 2024 to July 2, 2024

The period from June 25 to July 2 is particularly potent. With Neptune and Saturn both entering retrograde and Neptune sitting at the anaretic degree of Pisces, we are experiencing a heightened state that urges us to look inward. This is a rare and powerful time when the veil between the conscious and unconscious is thinner, making it easier to access and process deep-seated emotions and hidden aspects of our psyche. During this week, we are encouraged to take a step back from our usual routines and engage in introspective practices. This might mean going on vacation, booking time in a retreat, or even spending time alone in nature. The energies are ripe for deep inner work, providing a unique opportunity to connect with our true selves and release old patterns.


The Grand Station of Neptune and Saturn: Key Dates and Significance


  • June 28: Neptune reaches the anaretic degree (29th degree) of Pisces, intensifying its mystical and subconscious energies. This degree signifies a critical point of culmination and urgency.

  • June 29: Saturn stations retrograde in Pisces. Saturn’s retrograde motion urges us to review and reassess our structures, responsibilities, and the foundations we have built in our lives.

  • July 2: Neptune stations retrograde in Pisces. Neptune’s retrograde motion encourages deep introspection, urging us to peel back the layers of illusion and connect with our spiritual truths.


Tips for Shadow Work- Neptune Opposite Lilith

As we return our focus to the powerful alignment of Neptune opposite Lilith, it is crucial to harness the energy of this transit for practical shadow work. Here are some key practices to guide you through this period:


  1. Self-Reflection and Journaling: Dedicate time each day to write about your thoughts, dreams, and feelings. Explore the hidden parts of yourself that surface during this period.

  2. Meditation and Mindfulness: Practice meditation to quiet your mind and tune into your inner world. Mindfulness can help you stay present and aware of the emotions and thoughts that arise.

  3. Therapeutic Practices: Consider seeking professional help, such as therapy or counseling, to gain deeper insights into your subconscious mind and work through repressed emotions.

  4. Creative Expression: Use art, music, writing, or other creative outlets to express and process your inner experiences. Creativity can be a powerful way to release pent-up emotions.

  5. Spiritual Practices: Engage in spiritual activities like prayer, yoga, or spending time in nature to connect with your higher self and the universe.

  6. Physical Activity: Stay grounded by incorporating physical activities such as yoga, walking, or dancing into your routine. Physical movement can help you process and release emotional energy.

  7. Retreat and Solitude: Take advantage of this period by retreating from your usual environment. Whether it’s a vacation, a retreat, or simply spending time alone in nature, solitude can provide the space needed for deep introspection and healing.



The Path to Authenticity

The transit of Anaretic Neptune opposite Lilith is a call to welcome our shadow and reclaim our authenticity. By facing our deepest fears and repressed emotions, we can break free from old patterns and step into a more genuine and fulfilling way of being. As we navigate this powerful alignment, let's remember that the journey to self-discovery and healing is not a destination but a continuous process. Yes, challenges and transformations may come your way (Lillith), but trust that you are being guided towards a more authentic and empowered self (Neptune).


Stay tuned for more insights and guidance as we continue to explore the profound world of astrology and shadow work. If you haven't yet, be sure to check out our previous post, "Shadow Work 101: The Transit of Black Moon Lilith and Pluto," for a deeper understanding of these transformative energies.


xo- Laurie

Astrologer

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