Neptune in Libra
This is the "hippy" generation placement of the elusive, mystical planet Neptune. Hippyism is still around today in one way or another, probably due to its strong spiritual message, which touched on enlightenment and genuine spirituality.

Neptune thinks that it's pretty groovy in Libra, and enjoys it very much. Venus rules Libra, which means that Libra has Venusian qualities, Neptune and Venus work well together, and have similar qualities. Combined, they can lead to a universal/cosmic love, the kind that many Eastern religions pursue.

Some people are too mundane/negative to be open to these energies, not everyone's an angel. People's souls are at different stages of development. Those who are sufficiently advanced will get in touch with the deeper, more positive side of old Nep. In its positive manifestation Neptune and Venus together gives a gentle, loving emotional nature (!), which is kind and sweet at its most extreme. Each planet brings out the best side of the other.

Both like art, beauty, peace, and love, and the people who come under its spell can have glamorous, romantic ideals about such things, and a high form of artistic expression. Some people call it escapism (especially if used in a negative way), but it is only this if compared to mundane, material existence, which the masses delight in. Escapism is a true reality! The same forces can lead to the use of drugs, and overindulgence in the other pleasures of life.

Neptune in Libra (or a similar influence) people had the fashion sense to modernise clothing and to make it look pretty groovy and attractive. Venus likes beautiful people... beautiful things and pleasant people/surroundings. The music got beautiful, too. Think of Woodstock, the ultimate Neptune/Venus trip (man)!

As Neptune and Venus dislike violence and war (combined, the disdain grows, as spiritual refinement steps in), so there were many peaceful demonstrations against war and the energies that caused and supported it. This was the first generation in a lot of countries that didn't have the shadow of the military hanging over them, the "war will make a man of you" mentality.

National Service was finished in Britain (great, no, it pays to be meek these days), and there was no world war to fight. Those who did get called up for service had the energy of their generation behind them, which gave some of them the confidence to reject the clutches of authority. Those who went mostly regretted it.

The days of giving your service to Big Brother without thinking for yourself were eroding. People no longer would follow like sheep. The old way of seeing service in a war as the be all and end all of life was disappearing. People saw a deeper spiritual nature in themselves, and that war was just a mundane way to solve problems. Neptune and Libra can lead to a universal love, and the knowledge that all people are alike, no matter if they're black or white.

This groovy awareness of all things bright and beautiful is above all war, politics, etc., for it is devoid of selfishness. In the words of Magic Macca "Only Love Remains"!

The aforementioned is Neptune and Venus working at its strongest, most deepest level. The hippies expressed it very well. I think hippyism is something like a religion, and it has its gurus, disciples, and followers of its truths and ideals.

A strange sense of justice and law also freaks them out. They would like such things not to make an individual restricted in thought or action in any way. Hence the idea of liberation of society from law, allowing people to discuss things openly without the fear of the controlling hand. It helps people to think for themselves and to find different ways to live in society. The cosmic idealism of Neptune erodes the barriers of law, enabling the mind to work at deeper, more spiritual levels.

(Originally published in Peace & Freedom Magazine, No. 5, Vol. 4, Autumn/Winter 1988)