^^^^It feels like it's been freakin years because (I think for you) it has.I am curious as to how life changed (if at all) when Neptune started in Pisces in 2011 April 04?
The 1st house represents the body and what we tangibly define as "I". Things that we point at which stand out glaringly as "me". It is the priority area and "first response" point. And can also point to a situation/issue that warrants our immediate attention and/or response.
Typically, the 1st house and planet there is also about the default lense we look through which informs expression.It is the unrehearsed, unfiltered, minute to minute spontaneous action NOW. The planet there and adjoining themes, is where a bulk of our attention will go to.
For instance, Mercury transiting house 1 will have the effect of us seeing the multifaceted aspect of a subject matter I.e. the details within it. And it then can inspire us to think on our feet or be very resourceful in coming up with "in the moment" responses to a situation.
Flexibility with Mercury is important. As is the ability to incorporate information as it comes OR improvise.
Notice this with Mercury angular transits i.e especially those that square, opp or conj your Asc degree point. This time will usually be a time where there is focus on Mercurial areas i.e. details, problem solving, improvising etc.
You may have a lot of problems to solve around the time of Mercury aspecting Asc. Clerical issues, admin issues, travel issues etc. So ingenuity (which the planet promotes) is needed to navigate such times.
Likewise then, Nep coming into house 1 brings with it a focus on Neptunian issues.
Neptune likes detachment from anything solid, rigid or fixed, blurrs boundaries, opens up the capacity for vulnerability and dissolves the ability to think chronologically or laterally, whilst expanding cross-sectional perceiving and "knowing". It does increase the imagination and with that, heightened emotional reactions that can border on mental impressionability or psychic sensitivity.
When Neptune transits Asc, "reality" starts to dissolve. One becomes aware of the open-ended nature of many things around them as well as those within.
Notice how you become less clear when talking and more "poetic" or cryptic to others? Maybe they'll ask you to repeat what you just said? Find it difficult to really understand what you mean with your message? This to a point where you get exhausted and end up saying "never mind"? You will be using the latter word a lot.
Also likely with this transit is isolation.
Either physical isolation because of being in a foreign place/country? In hospital because of an illness that is either physiological or mental? Or in prison? A rehabilitation centre? Or spiritual place where retreat from the hussle and bustle of society is necessary?
Or it could be an emotional isolation of loss. Loss of someone dear to you I.e. a friend, a parent, a lover/spouse? Maybe it's your career? Possession? Or even zest for life?
Whichever it is, as you face this isolation, Neptune will give you a sense of separation from others , as you find it increasingly difficult to find someone who understands you.
For many , it's a painful time indeed. But with this separation trauma, comes a deep realization and compassion for everyone. This as you realize that behind the many layered faces we all put on,many of us are lonely.
Neptune will give you the ability to look through others and realize their vulnerabilities. But paradoxically make others seem very complex too.
As you view others this way, they also view you in the same way(Neptune opp Dsc). So they either extend their arms to merge with you and share in the compassion. Or they see you as a "sucker" they can pull a wool over and take advantage of. Be careful of the latter.☝🏿 as they(in many instances) come dressed as meek sheep.
Anger/rage/fury/passion etc. Tend to dissolve to passivity and sometimes indifference. You may give much of what you own away as the value of it dissolves in your eyes. And also possible, is the romanization of death.
There could be increasing disenchantment or disengagement from life through depression or outright apathy. This is the first wave of Neptune energy. The 2nd is the realization that "nothing really matters. Love is all we need." Then the last is accepting ones humanhood and vulnerability as something beautiful and not to be hidden.