The Uranus/Neptune pair of planets is referred to by Marc Jones as the Department of Significance. This pair has to do with the individual’s relationship to society and to their fellow human beings as a whole. Uranus signifies a person’s most unique and individualized traits, as well as where he or she in life needs freedom, needs to be independent so that his or her special gifts can be nurtured. Neptune on the other hand has to do with the connections between all of us, and our obligations to help and uplift each other. It is interesting that Uranus was discovered in 1781 – very near the time of the American and French Revolutions – a time when people were gaining more personal independence. Neptune was discovered in 1846, about the same time as the first spreading of Marxist ideals.
Uranus/Neptune conjunction: Note: because these planets move so slowly, their major aspects between each other will last for about 10 years. Uranus and Neptune were in conjunction from 1817 – 1827 and again from 1987 – 1998.
These people tend to get extremely immersed in whatever they are into and can even neglect personal needs in trying to fulfill ideals they think are going to help society at large. They see possibilities of social evolution with a fresh eye, unclouded by the doubts of the past, and so can give others new hope and desire to grow and evolve. They manifest a whole-hearted desire for social progress.
Uranus/Neptune sextile: This happened from 1850 – 1859 and again from 1962 – 1971. These people are very anxious to get people to work with each other, to share social responsibilities, and to have everyone use whatever talents they have for the purpose of social betterment.
They want to expand human connections for the purpose of world growth and the furthering of the security of everyone. There can be a tendency, though, with these people to think that whatever progress the world is making is enough, so long as there is at least some progress being made. They may adopt an unrealistically optimistic view of what is happening and thereby actually slow progress through avoiding the differences and conflicts between social groups.
Uranus/Neptune square: This happened from 1866 – 1875 and again from 1950 – 1959. These people really want to get big things done, or at least want to see grand and momentous things accomplished in the world by themselves and/or other people. They have big expectations when it comes to social evolution. They can be so into their own rights and privleges, though, that they become jealous of what others have.
They are often very hard-working, possibly excessively so, and expect others to be the same way. These people can be very adept at handling social conflicts, as long as they can keep their personal and selfish interests at bay. The square between Uranus and Neptune produces a crop of hard-core individualists.
Uranus/Neptune trine: This happened from 1879 – 1887 and again from 1934 – 1944. These people tend to be satisfied with their place in life, and want, primarily to enjoy whatever they can. They tend to feel that if things are going along in an OK direction that this is fine. They can lack a bigger, grander vision of the future. At worst they can become very elitist, and selfish as well, and from this vantage point just watch the world go by. They need to get out of these sorts of ruts and always be looking toward a fulfillment that goes beyond what they already have.
Uranus/Neptune opposition: This happened from 1902 – 1912. These people are aware (keyword for opposition) that things in the world need to change in a very fundamental and basic way. But they need to avoid rushing into difficulties in an attempt to remedy them without enough forethought, plan, or staying power (this is a manifestation of negative Neptune energy). On the other hand, they also need to avoid being destructively critical of people in power and of institutions (a manifestation of negative Uranus energy). There is a need with this aspect to integrate ones urge to help the world (Neptune) with one’s need to help oneself (Uranus).
Uranus/Neptune in no major aspect: This can signify a person who isn’t particularly interested in the flow of world events, human social evolution, and the stresses and strains of world history. At best, though, this freedom from these concerns can allow these individuals to pursue their spiritual evolution in their own free way and to make contributions to the world in many different ways, depending on the person. At worst it can signify a tendency to insulate themselves too much from the evolutionary currents of humanity as a whole.