Webster's Dictionary defines escapism as "habitual diversion of the mind to purely imaginative activity or entertainment to escape from reality or routine".

Escapism provides each individual with a means of extricating him/herself from the boring, the uncomfortable, or the unbearable.  Parts of our lives that we are unable or unwilling to deal with at any given moment encourage us to look for an escape route — even if only in (or through) our minds. 

On one end of the extremes of polarity (there's that favorite word of mine again) is daydreaming or fantasizing.  While daydreaming often gets a bad rep, it really allows the subconscious to "spread it's wings" and allowing us to explore many avenues and pursuits that we probably wouldn't actually want to do.  We're able to let our imagination run wild — getting a taste of experiences that may elude us in real life.  We're free to pursue ideas, concepts, and innovative thoughts without the  associated risks that might be encountered in the real world.  If we're pleased with how these exercises play out in our imagination, we may choose to actually give them a try for real.

On the other end of the spectrum, escapism can also provide a way to break away from a real-life scenario that is virtually inescapable.  We've all heard stories of prisoners of war who survived because they were able to  — if only in their minds — break free of their physical bondage.

Another positive possibility is personal enlightenment.  Being able to connect to the elusive or intangible can have it's rewards.

Astrologically speaking, there is one key component to look for when assessing the presence of and the likely manifestation of the  need to escape.

When the Sun and Neptune are in stressful aspects to one another (Conjunction, Square, Opposition, Quincunx, Sesquiquadrate, Semisquare, or Quindecile) the desire to escape is often emphasized.  Even with the Trine or Sextile it may be tantalizingly attractive and easy to escape.

One manifestation of escapism is the ability to take on another's role.  If you're an actor, this could be a major plus.  On the downside, it could be an indicator of personal identity issues, even schizophrenia.

It is beyond the scope of this article, but to gain more insight one must look at the positions of the Sun and Neptune by House and Sign.  It is also important to look at House rulerships of the Sun and Neptune, i.e. the Houses with Leo and Pisces on the cusps for further refining the anticipated effect.

When I meet with a client with aspects between Neptune and the Sun, I will say something like, "There is a suggestion here of a frequent need to escape.  This can be as innocuous and harmless as daydreaming, reading a lot of fiction, or sleeping a lot.  In extreme cases though, it can represent more destructive means of escape such as with alcohol or drugs."  I feel that it is important to mention the less positive possibilities, but not in any way in an accusatory manner.  How each person manages the strengths and challenges of their own chart is largely up to them.  But by being aware of potential pitfalls and hazards, it may be possible to avoid them.

Without further comment, I want to list (in no particular order) some high-profile individuals and the type of aspect connecting their Sun and Neptune.  As you read through the list, try and see how their tendency toward escapism influenced their character — for better or worse.

Sun Conjunct Neptune - Thomas Edison, Dino de Laurentis, John Dillinger, Charles Kuralt, Erik Menendez, and Richard Rogers.

Sun Square Neptune - Joan Crawford, Rock Hudson, River Phoenix, Gary Busey, and Billy Graham.

Sun Opposition Neptune - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Oral Roberts, Richard Nixon, Johnny Cash, Eric Clapton, John Wayne Gacy, Howard Hughes, Elton John, Sirhan Sirhan, Prince William, Elizabeth Taylor, and Marlene Dietrich.

Sun Quincunx Neptune - Merle Haggard, Jerry Lewis, Jimmy Hoffa, and Pete Rose.

Sun Semisquare Neptune - Truman Capote, Martha Stewart, Linda Tripp, Dean Martin, Salvatore Dali, Albert Einstein, Steve Martin, and Mickey Rooney.

Sun Sesquiquadrate Neptune - Boy George, Jack Nicholson, John Hinkley, and "Prince"

Sun Quindecile Neptune - James Dean, Liza Minnelli, and Grandma Moses.

Sun Sextile Neptune - Terry Gilliam, Michael Jackson, Art Buchwald, Dalai Lama XIV, and Sigmund Freud.