In the Sky: Mars-Neptune
Dive into the Mars-Neptune alignment this week and explore the cosmological weather through the teachings of Aikido founder Morihei Ueshiba, the groundbreaking film The Matrix, and the versatile wrap dresses of Diane von Fürstenberg.
Mars, the planetary archetype of war, bravery, and competition is in a square (90º) to Neptune, the archetype of spirituality, imagination, and illusion. The cosmological weather for the unfolding week may have flavors of flowing, intuitive action and/or weakness in taking action.
Transit
Mars-Neptune is the aspect of the spiritual warrior. With the square (90º), an integrative tension between energized activity and sensitive passivity may be experienced.
Iconic Figure
Morihei Ueshiba, founder of Japanese martial art Aikido, was born on December 14, 1883 under a Mars-Neptune square alignment. Ueshiba transformed the raw martial energy of Mars into a harmonious and flowing art form infused with Neptunian qualities of compassion and universal love. Aikido emphasizes blending with and redirecting an attacker's energy rather than meeting force with force.
The philosophical principles of Aikido, which teaches that true victory is victory over oneself, reflects the profound spiritual quest of the Mars-Neptune combination. In this way, Ueshiba's Mars-Neptune square found a positive outlet through the creation of a martial art that unifies the physical and the spiritual.
Embrace the Mars-Neptune alignment this week by diving into the life of Morihei Ueshiba and the evolution of his unique martial art. Or you could also consider joining an Aikido class, where you can embody the integration of physical discipline (Mars) and spiritual insight (Neptune).
Film to Watch
The sci-fi action film The Matrix, was released on March 31, 1999 under a Mars-Neptune square. The film follows Neo, a hacker who discovers that his reality is a simulated world controlled by sentient machines, and his journey to awaken to the truth and fight against the system. Mars represents Neo's drive to take action and rebel, while Neptune symbolizes the veil of illusion he must pierce to see the reality of his existence. Themes of reality versus illusion, and the struggle to awaken to a higher truth, perfectly mirror the Mars-Neptune dynamic, blending intense action with profound philosophical questions.
Furthermore, iconic moments, from Neo's choice between the red and blue pills to the mind-bending fight sequences, reflect the Mars-Neptune tension—where the pursuit of truth requires not only courage and action but also the ability to see beyond the illusions that obscure it. This alignment gives The Matrix its powerful blend of visceral action and deep metaphysical inquiry, making it a profound exploration of the nature of reality and the fight for freedom. Feel into the unifying struggle of the profound archetypal complex that is Mars-Neptune:
Style to Explore
Belgian designer, Diane von Fürstenberg was born on December 31, 1946 under a Mars-Neptune square alignment. Her iconic wrap dress is a perfect expression of the Mars-Neptune combination, blending assertiveness with a touch of ethereal allure. Mars infuses the design with a sense of empowerment, offering women a garment that is both practical and bold, while Neptune softens it with fluid lines and a sense of effortless elegance. The wrap dress, with its easy-to-wear, adaptable style, embodies the Mars-Neptune synergy, allowing the wearer to feel both powerful and graceful, athletic and dreamy.
Von Fürstenberg’s creations, from the wrap dresses to her more adventurous styles, balance empowerment with a sense of effortless grace, allowing the wearer to navigate the world with both confidence and a touch of mystique. Her designs perfectly capture the Mars-Neptune alignment in their capacity to help women assert (Mars) their presence with ease (Neptune). As the Mars-Neptune square unfolds, explore a style that merges the bold sharpness of Mars with the soft fluidity of Neptune.
