By Stella Woods

Neptune into Pisces – In Search of Paradise

On the 4th February idealistic Neptune resumes her 14 year journey through spiritual water sign Pisces. Neptune is considered by astrologers to be the ruler of Pisces, meaning she is 'at home' in that zodiac sign and can perform to her full potential.

Neptune's transit of a sign gives us some indication of what ideas and values will be fashionable during that 14 year period. Here's a very brief summary of the past 100 years.

Neptune in Leo (1914-1929) Glamour, style, individuality, movies

Neptune in Virgo (1928-1943) Virginity, hard work, duty, sacrifice, hygiene

Neptune in Libra (1942-1956) Marriage, diplomacy, keep it nice, aesthetics, romance

Neptune in Scorpio (1955-1970) Passion, exploring the dark side, intensity, sex

Neptune in Sagittarius (1970-1984) Freedom, adventure, knowledge, breaking rules

Neptune in Capricorn (1984-1998) Business, wealth, achievement, hard work, status

Neptune in Aquarius (1998-2011) Technology, androgyny, community, progress

Just as Neptune's transit of Capricorn made business and real estate sexy, and Neptune's transit of Aquarius (1998-2011) made technology fashionable, we can expect that Neptune's transit through Pisces will bring Piscean themes into the mainstream.

• The quest for redemption, salvation and paradise

• Escapism through drugs, alcohol and altered states of consciousness

• Escapism through film, fashion, beauty, glamour, music and the arts

• Withdrawal from society to meditate, contemplate, muse and reflect

• Divine love, unconditional love and unrequited love

• Desire to connect with divine, spiritual and supernatural forces

• Desire to rescue, save or suffer (the martyr, victim, saviour complex)

• Compassion, kindness, selflessness, sharing and humility

• Yearning for a more natural, peaceful and contemplative existence

• Desire to renounce one's own individual nature or desire to merge with the collective or divine nature

Pisces is a quintessentially female energy and after 28 years of Neptune travelling through the serious and rather detached Saturn-ruled signs (Capricorn and Aquarius) I believe we will see a massive increase in feminine consciousness over the coming decade. This is clearly good news for artists, musicians and those working in spiritual and humanitarian fields. Movies such as 'Avatar' and 'Twilight' have opened the doors of perception and are paving the way forward. Sound healing, colour healing, dreamwork, meditation, yoga, spirituality, altered states of consciousness and the sacred feminine will all become more and more important.

The table below shows the difference between masculine and feminine consciousness. In a balanced world, both are equally important.

Featured Sign – Aquarius

From the 21st January to the 19th February the Sun travels through fixed air sign Aquarius, noted for its egalitarian nature, progressive ideas and humanitarian bent. Aquarius is the eleventh sign of the zodiac with keywords "I am different" and "I am detached". Aquarians are both radical and immovable at the same time. They will often espouse a social or religious movement such as feminism, Buddhism or environmentalism and then remain committed to it for the rest of their lives. Those born under the sign of the Water Bearer often look to the future and have fine minds and a higher vision for society. Many Aquarians excel in the areas of science, technology and politics. At best they use their cool headed idealism to serve humanity. Negatively, Aquarians can be detached and aloof with a rebellious or fanatical streak. In medical astrology, Aquarius rules the calves, ankles and general circulation. When Aquarians are out of balance they can suffer from varicose veins, sprained ankles, irregularities of the heart action and fluid build-up. The Aquarian colours are turquoise, aqua and silver. Aquarius's greatest lesson is to learn to care for individuals rather than groups.

Moon Placements – February

Launch projects at the New Moon, bring them to completion in the period from just before the Full Moon to the Third Quarter phase and wind them down and reflect on developments in the week before the next New Moon. Important events such as parties, conferences and weddings are best held close to the Full Moon or when the Moon is in the same sign as your sun (star) sign.

Stella Woods is an astrology consultant and teacher based in St Kilda, Melbourne. Contact Stella for 2012 course details and private readings on 03 9534 5021 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit www.stellastarwoman.com to sign up for Stella's free AstroUpdate or read your Monthly Stars.