The Astrological Neptune and the Quest for Redemption

by Liz Greene

Liz Greene explores Neptune themes in literature, myth, politics, religion, fashion, and art to show how its energy is manifested. Deception, illusion, addiction, renunciation, karmic obligation, creativity, love, relationships--all are explored. The Mythoology of Neptune, The Psychology of Neptune, Neptune and the Collective, and the Neptune Cookbook exhaustively treat the subject for both astrologers and students of symbolism. Astrologers will love the charts and the discussion of Neptune in the houses, by aspect, in synastry, and in the composite chart. Students of symbolism will love having a chance to listen to Greene expound on how the creative energy of Neptune touches our lives.

Genres: Astrology, Nonfiction, Psychology, Philosophy, Occult, Spirituality, Reference

528 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

Liz Greene is held in high esteem by astrologers all over the world, professional and non-professional alike. She is a prolific author of books and various publications and has been instrumental in shaping modern psychological astrology.

She holds doctorate degrees in psychology and (as of 2010) in history and is a qualified Jungian analyst. She also holds a diploma in counselling from the Centre for Transpersonal Psychology in London, and a diploma from the Faculty of Astrological Studies, of which she is a lifetime Patron.

Reviews

[Kasandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely essential reading for astrologers. But written so that non-astrologers can benefit equally well from its observations. I learned a great deal, which will add to chart interpretations. If your chart is Neptune-dominated, as mine is, you will find that large sections of this book are creepily accurate about your psychological longings, defense mechanisms, and intuitive strengths. Amazing book, that covers both personal and societal effects of Neptune through the ages. Highly recommended. It also has the "Cookbook" section of Neptune by house, in aspect, and in composite, but the real meat of the book has to do with investigating the archetype/s that Neptune encompasses.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to really like it, honest, but the problem is Lizzy meanders, dawdles and runs off at the mouth and somehow never gives us anything firm to hang onto. So I'm betwixt and between giving it a 3.5 or a 2.5. She spends too much time on Neptune the myth and her ideas of Chiron are just off the board, but somewhere in there, are a lot of good ideas; they just don't come easy.

[DeanJean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liz Greene has an admirable knack for sewing everything together (mythology, psychology and factual information) into a beautifully coherent tapestry for hapless Neptunians like me. It delves into several mythologies that help the reader to gain a helpful ancient cultural context AND links this to our current cultural Neptunian tendencies (our obsession with movie stars and musicians, who in turn also get themselves into tragic situations or drugs)

It's one of the few astrology books that handles a planetary archetype very well, because it actually defines what Neptune "feels" like to the reader, instead of pelting the poor reader with vague descriptions of suffering, incarceration, addiction and insanity that incites this equally vague anxiety for the heavily Neptunian (read: highly sympathetic but also very emotional door mat). Though I did see "self-immolation" bandied about more than a few times.

Screw it. Everyone should read this book - not just for those into astrology. Maybe read an astrology intro first, then dive into this. It's for anyone who wants to understand why these seemingly helpless people behave as they do. Sure, we Neptunians can't help ourselves, but we can do some hella magic with smoke and mirrors...

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the BEST books Ive ever read.
It explains MYTH- Art & creative self expression along with synastry & composite and natal interpetations for Neptune in any chart

[Yitzchok · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently (March 2018) watched a two and half hour webinar that Liz Greene gave on Neptune. While this book was written in 1996, her webinar pretty much reiterated material from the book. In other words, even 22 years later, this book is up to date. The book takes a comprehensive look at Neptune and really does a thorough job of fleshing out all the complexities of this confusing planet. The following excerpt is from the introduction, which by itself is worth the price of this book.

“The longing for redemption is an ancient, strange and many headed daimon [spirit], which dwells within even the most earthbound and prosaic of souls. Sometimes eloquent and sometimes mute, this daimon aspires toward some dimly sensed union with an all-seeing, all-loving, ineffable Other, in whose encircling embrace may be found ultimate solace for the harsh limits of morality and the frightening isolation of individuality which lie embedded somewhere, albeit unconscious, in every life. Even if we do not call the Other by any divine name, but instead direct our devotion and our yearning toward unrecognized surrogates such as humanity en masse, family, nature, art, love, or the State, nevertheless this quest is unmistakable and not to be confused with other, more individualized feelings such as desire, passion, love, or admiration for a particular person or thing. The hallmarks of the longing for redemption are, first, that it is a longing; second, that it is compulsive and absolute, and often collides violently with individual values; and third, that its goal is not relationship, but rather, dissolution.” – First chapter of introduction.

…What, then, is this poignant yearning which justifies any sacrifice, this eternal cry from the wasteland of incarnation? It is truly the clear voice of the soul making itself heard through the prison walls of earthly substance? Or is it the desperate defence-mechanism of the fragile personality, bruised and rendered stubbornly infantile by incompetent parenting and its own regressiveness, and unwilling or unable to make the difficult foray into the jungle of everyday life and death? How can we tell the difference, in our relentless search for messiahs and gurus who can help us to enter the embrace of the ineffable, between a Christ and a Hitler? Both, in their rather different ways, arose in response to the cry of the despairing people seeking redemption.

…What is difficult is that nasty old paradox: When is it a transpersonal longing which needs to be honored as precisely that, and when is it an infantile regression which needs to be confronted with compassionate realism? And when is it both? Perhaps this is the true nature of Neptunian deception.”

[Professor Saturnian · Rating 1 out of 5]

she really does not like neptunian placements and it is very apparent in her descriptions of it. there is a part in it where she calls neptune “childish” because people who are overweight want accommodations. she uses the term “political correctness” which reminds me of when right wingers nowadays use it when they want to be rude or be racist or say a tactless take on a group of people. she definitely hates the left because of the neptunian influence constantly calling them children to be taken care of by the state. her opinion over observation is apparent.
as a heavy neptune placement person, she was just wrong in lots of her takes about neptune.
she reminds me of the freud of astrology, especially her interpretations of neptune-sun, which was not accurate about fathers at all imo, i believe we can move past her now. she is outdated with men are like this while women are like this. she also does a random opinion and broad overstatement about severely autistic people too while about mercury-neptune people then talks about extinction?! like what point are you trying to make? she showed her worst version of her “academic” self in this book.

she has interesting insights and connections of multidisciplinary at times in this book, but her opinion seemed more important to her than accurate observation of this planet and its influence and affect on people.

[Leslie Portu]

To be revisited

[Eleni Kostika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extremely insightful book.

[Santiago M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Compelling exploration about the nature of Neptune in astrology, tracing its connections with ancient myths of creation through the birth of psychoanalysis and the origins of Nazi Germany. Ultimately, Neptune is the abyss, chaos, darkness, the all-encompassing mother from which everything arose. Through its influence we long for a time before differentiation and seek to be redeemed by whatever captures our imagination/idealization, letting ourselves by deceived (often by ourselves) into pouring our individuality and return to the water of infinity. The challenge then becomes in identifying what is it we are idolizing and taking (painful) steps to recognize ourselves and our limits as human beings.

I was impressed by the depth of the research carried out by Liz Greene and would recommend this book for anyone who is interested in astrology and a closer look into the titular planet.

[Ruud · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best astrologie books. A combination on origin stories (how the world came to be), mental illnesses (such as hysteria), romanticisim, the discovery of the unconscious mind (Mesmer), art and more. Liz Greene paints a very thourough picture of the atmosphere of Neptune/Piscis.
Regarding Liz Greene, sofar this is my favorite book of her (Saturnus was also good): some books of her are good, but are transcrips of presentations. This book (like the Satrunus book) is not and well put together. Would recommend any astrologer to read.

[Christopher Timmerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A readable and insightful book on Neptune in mythology, psychology, general history, and finally, astrology itself. Provides a "cookbook" at the end for Neptunian interpretations of its aspects, being in the houses, synastry, and more.

Highly recommended for those who seek dissolution or fusion, a redeemer or victim, eternal romance or suicide, or other literary and real dualities that lean into the ethereal.

[Sal Mikro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is dated and her personal opinions are horse manure. But I still give it four, because if you're in to this kind of thing, I think it's a nice read.

Her section on Princess Diana deserves a proper tongue lashing, and she says out of the blue that Karl Marx is not Neptunian at all! How laughable. I don't want to spend time going in to details but her opinions color her interpretations and for the trained (ear?), they are nails on a chalkboard.

Still... the archetype of Neptune is enjoyable to read about here.

[Colleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

If I don't make conscious my not-so "secret identity/fantasy" with the watery depths of creation/destruction powers, I'll look like an idiot chasing my invisible tail.

I do want to "grow up" by the time I reach 42, which is, after all the answer to the universal question - what does all this mean? lol

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book can be read by the non astrologer, it's that good. Greene takes you on a magical mystery tour through the murky Neptunian depths. Must reading if your mainly Neptunian, which I am, and brilliant for the historical importance of Neptune through the ages, as manifested in art, politics, film, fashion, and music.

[Bekki Shining Bearheart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been reading Liz' books for decades. Everything she writes is top of the line in this field. This book is one of my favorites- with Neptune rising, and surrounded all my life by Neptunian/Piscean relatives and friends, this book was invaluable for understanding myself better, and all of them as well. I would have given it 10 stars if I could.

[Jose Luis Belmonte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well research and a deep understanding of the meaning of planter. In terms of the research, the author takes a book and develops several pages based on that book. I think it would be useful to take on more opinions or sources when developing the ideas.

[rae diamond · Rating 4 out of 5]

i used to think i was spaced out. now that i've read this book, i think i'm adrift in uncharted waters. either way, liz greene's explanations and research were thorough and concise as usual.

[Jenny Yates · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fascinating book for any astrologer or astrology student. Greene is an exhaustive researcher, a clear and lucid writer, and a perceptive observer.