“Passions, as fire and water, are good servants, but bad masters, and subminister to the best and worst purposes.”— Roger L'Estrange
On June 22, 1969, a shocking event took place in Cleveland, Ohio, when the Cuyahoga River caught fire. This incident was not just a random fire; it was a symbolic representation of the severe pollution and neglect that our water bodies were facing at that time. The fact that water, which is supposed to be a life-giving and life-sustaining element, was actually burning was a wake-up call for the entire nation.
The Cuyahoga River fire was a result of years of industrial pollution, debris, and oil contaminating the water. The river had become so polluted that it had essentially turned into a flammable liquid, waiting for a spark to ignite it. The spark, in this case, was likely a flare from a passing train, highlighting the dangerous consequences of human activities on the environment.
Although the fire itself lasted only about 30 minutes, its impact was long-lasting. The images of a burning river captured the attention of the nation and triggered a wave of environmental consciousness. This event was a turning point that led to the passage of the Clean Water Act in 1972, a landmark piece of legislation that aimed to protect and restore the quality of our water resources.
The Cuyahoga River fire serves as a stark reminder of the importance of environmental stewardship and the consequences of neglecting our natural surroundings. It was a moment when fire and water came together not just to destroy, but to ignite a movement towards greater environmental awareness and responsibility.
So, given the effect that fire and water can have, both being extremely powerful forces individually, what can we expect when the watery energies of Neptune enter the fiery territory of Aries in 2025?
Ingress of Neptune into Aires
~Table set for Cleveland, Ohio
Let's start by exploring the significance of water in astrology. Water, in its elemental nature, is characterized as cold, wet, and moving slowly. In traditional astrology, it symbolizes a holistic view, often overlooking specifics, and is influenced more by emotions than by a comprehensive intellectual analysis. The ultimate expression of "water" lies in intuitively grasping what eludes others. On a lower level, "water" tends to perceive numerous interconnections, creating a labyrinthine effect. Contemporary astrology views water as the integrator of life experiences, embodying qualities of emotionality, depth, nurturing, sensitivity, connection to the subconscious, and profound spirituality. Water adapts to its surroundings.
Comparing it to fire, which is characterized by being hot, dry, and expansive, we can observe the difficulty that arises when these elements intersect. Fire does not conform to its surroundings; instead, it engulfs them. Fire moves swiftly! In traditional astrology, an individual with a predominant fire element in their energetic makeup tends to make rapid decisions, pass judgments, take action, and move on swiftly. This inclination is closely linked to feelings of anger, impatience, and a sense of urgency. Contemporary astrology describes fire as a force that embodies both creative and destructive characteristics.
On March 30, 2025 the planet Neptune will change zodiacal signs moving into Aries. The last time Neptune visited Aries was 1861 – 1874. For all the historians out there, yes, this was the US Civil War which divided the nation into north and south, fighting over state powers and the abolition of slavery. It ran from 1861-65 and featured Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address in 1863, which announced that all men are created equal. There were many other significant developments I will discuss; however, this is certainly the elephant in the room as we look for hints as to what the potentialities are that await us as these unlikely bedfellows are forced to bunk together again.
Neptune, the enigmatic modern ruler of the mystical sign of Pisces, holds a significant place in both Roman and Greek mythology. Revered as the god of freshwater and the sea in Roman mythology and known as Poseidon in Greek mythology, Neptune exerts influence over the domain of winds, storms, and the vast expanses of the ocean. It is this divine figure that lends its name to the eighth planet from the sun, Neptune.
Within the realm of astrology, Neptune symbolizes the intangible and the ethereal, representing abstract concepts, ambiguities, and the astral plane. Delving into the depths of Neptune's watery domain reveals a realm where dreams, divinity, and healing reside, offering a glimpse into the profound mysteries of the universe. The energy of Neptune has the power to evoke profound confusion and illusions, leading individuals through experiences of deep suffering with the ultimate purpose of guiding them towards transcendence to a higher spiritual plane of existence and unity.
Neptune's influence encourages individuals to confront their illusions and delusions, urging them to shed the veil of deception and see the world with clarity. This process of dissolution and awakening from the Neptunian fog ultimately aims to lead individuals towards spiritual enlightenment and a deeper connection with the divine, stripping away falsehoods and inviting them to embrace a more authentic and enlightened perspective on life.
Aries, the first sign of the zodiac, is often described as the arbiter of adrenalin, symbolizing a dynamic and energetic personality. This astrological sign derives its name from the Latin word "ram," reflecting its assertive and bold nature. In Greek mythology, Aries is linked to the legendary tale of the Golden Fleece and the epic adventures of Jason and the Argonauts, showcasing themes of heroism and quest for glory.
The energetic profile of Aries is characterized by traits such as determination, aggression, and independence. As the zodiac sign that heralds the beginning of spring, Aries symbolizes fertility, new beginnings, and the vibrant emergence of the creative life force. In its most positive expression, Aries energy is marked by drive and courage, propelling individuals towards their goals with unwavering determination.
However, the impulsive and sometimes reckless nature of Aries can also lead to destructive tendencies and hasty decision-making. It is essential for those under the influence of Aries to channel their energy in productive ways and temper their impulses with thoughtful consideration. By embracing the positive attributes of Aries while being mindful of its potential pitfalls, individuals can harness the power of this dynamic sign to achieve their aspirations and navigate life's challenges with resilience and vigor.
Historically, when Neptune has transited through the sign of Aries societies and countries have experienced tumult that has devolved into rebellions, uprisings, the unraveling of empires, and battles where people create ravenous conflicts with each other. As previously mentioned the most recent transit of Neptune in Aries took place from 1861 - 1874. This period also corresponded with Uranus in Gemini, you can read more about that here: https://www.theclevelandshaman.com/post/airing-it-out .
There have also been many positive developments during past Neptune transits in Aries. For instance, given Neptune's affinity with apothecaries and Aries fondness for pioneering actions, during the most recent transit we saw Louis Pasteur invent pasteurization, Joseph Lister create antiseptic dressings for surgery, and Dimitri Mendeleyev develop the periodic table of elements.
Turning to the Neptunian connection to fables, fantasies, and film we discover significant advancement occurred in these areas as well. The first color photo appeared in 1861 when Scottish physicist James Maxwell demonstrated the three color method. His theory which he proved was that all colors can be made from an appropriate mixture of red, green, and blue light. Then came the zoetrope. This was a pre-film animation device which made its entrance on the world stage in 1867 when William Lincoln patented the name (see picture below). Shortly after this, in 1868 came flip books, also known as the Kineograph.
A sampling of other developments from art, literature and science during the most recent visit of Neptune to Aries were:
Victor Hugo published Les Misérables in 1862
Lewis Carroll published Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland in 1865
Marx published Das Kapital in 1867
The Impressionists staged their first exhibition in Paris 1874
Elisha Graves Otis patents elevator safety brakes 1861
Richard Gatling patents his machine gun 1862
Robert Whitehead invents the torpedo 1866
Richard Mushet invents tungsten steel 1868
It is not surprising that the developments mentioned above resonate deeply with the combined energies of Neptune in Aries. Whether it's the link between an idealistic system like capitalism (Neptunian) being critiqued and opposed (Aries) by Karl Marx, who theorized its tendency towards self-destruction (Aries), or the visions (Neptune) of inventors Gatling and Whitehead, who created weapons like the machine gun and the torpedo (Aries), or Victor Hugo depicting a victim (Neptune) of early 19th-century French society enduring severe suffering (Neptune) and striving to overcome any challenges faced (Aries), the dominant themes of this powerful planetary and sign alignment are strikingly evident.
Returning to the beginning of this blog, where I revisited the story of the Cuyahoga River burning (I reside in Cleveland, Ohio), I now want to connect this to our present situation. It appears that the waters in which the world and its inhabitants are currently immersed have accumulated an excessive amount of unwanted debris and toxins, leading to a metaphorical fire among the populace. Concerns about unwanted chemicals in our food and drinks, unfair advantages for the elite or privileged, and corruption in government have all reached a peak of agitation, prompting an awakening among people who wish to purge the impurities and start anew.
The intriguing aspect of astrology is similar to the well-known Mark Twain quote, "history doesn't repeat itself but it often rhymes." It provides us with a framework to understand how planetary energies might manifest. Much like a modern drone, it offers an aerial view of areas where events are likely to happen, pausing as if to indicate "pay attention here." I have focused only on the period from 1861 to 1874, but there are numerous other instances of Neptune in Aries that could be examined, revealing recurring themes. Some of these include:
432 - 419 BCE
60 - 73 CE
388 - 401
879 -892
1206 -1219
1370 - 1383
1534 - 1547
1697 - 1711
As we prepare for Neptune's transition into Aries in 2025, it's crucial to reflect on both the past and the future. Soon, all the transpersonal planets—those beyond Saturn's orbit, such as Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto—will enter new signs. Historically, this indicates major shifts in collective consciousness. The combination of Neptune and Aries can take many paths. It would be naive and shortsighted to assume there couldn't be some kind of intense and fervent event with idealism that is full of ambiguities, blind spots, and unpredictability at its core. This could lead to unnecessary conflicts based on falsehoods, causing us to see the world through distorted lenses. My hope is that whatever unfolds will result in a more enlightened and improved populace, one driven to break free from the constraints we've imposed on ourselves. A populace whose understanding of our higher and divine purposes takes priority over trivial matters. It's time to actively envision a beautiful and blessed future. Ultimately, we are the ones who can make that happen.
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