| The lunar nodes are the degrees where the plane of the Moon's orbit intersects or crosses the ecliptic (Earth's orbit around the sun). The nodes are important in the interpretation of the chart, but astrologers differ about what they mean. Astrologer Robert Hand believes that nodes "relate to connections with other people; that is, they are an axis of relationship. In this context, the North Node has a joining quality, while the South has a separating quality". In Hindu astrology, both nodes are considered to be malefic. In Western astrology, the North Node, called the Dragon's Head, is considered an easier aspect, the equivalent of Jupiter, and the South Node or Dragon's Tail is considered the equivalent of Saturn. Another theory ties the nodes in with reincarnation. In this theory, the South Node represents our karma, deeply embedded patterns of behavior and thought we acquired in previous lives. We tend to overcome these patterns through the North Node, which represents the area of our most profound growth in this life. In The Inner Sky, astrologer Steven Forrest writes: " ... the South Node of the Moon symbolizes our karma ... it shows a kind of behavior that is instinctive and automatic ... it speaks of mindset and a pattern of motivations that arise spontaneously ... ". The North Node, according to Forrest, " ... represents the point that puts the most unrelenting tension on the past. As we allow ourselves to experience it, we open up to an utterly alien and exotic reality. We are stretched to the breaking point ... ". The North Node sign and house placement indicate the area of our lives we need to expand so we can evolve toward our fulfillment as spiritual beings in this life. Sometimes, the nodes seem to work in a symbiotic relationship with Saturn. As we encounter restrictions in the area where Saturn sits in our chart, we are seemingly forced to rid ourselves of South Node prejudices by working through our North Node energies. The North Node also represents the types of people we gravitate toward and the South Node represents the types of people we avoid. The Moon's Nodes are always in opposite signs, thus directly opposed to each other in a chart. The North Node symbolizes the future we hope to move toward, the route to our greatest spiritual fulfillment. The South Node represents the prejudices we need to overcome, the areas in our lives that hold what we need to release, so that we can grow. |
| North Node in Aries, South Node in Libra With assertiveness and initiative, you overcome indecisiveness and reliance on others. North Node in Taurus, South Node in Scorpio A relentless practicality and drive allow you to release deeply embedded prejudices concerning power and sexuality. North Node in Gemini, South Node in Sagittarius By learning to appreciate other people's viewpoints and communicating what you have learned, you realize that truth begins within. This realization allows you to finally commit to people and issues in an intimate, personal sense. North Node in Cancer, South Node in Capricorn You grow spiritually through an emotional sensitivity to others, thus conquering a tendency to react with emotional coolness and selfishness. North Node in Leo, South Node in Aquarius By developing the strength of your will and emotional warmth toward others, you overcome eccentric and impersonal attitudes that hold you back. North Node in Virgo, South Node in Pisces You need to build inner confidence and to crystallize your goals so that you overcome a tendency for escapism through your compassion for others. North Node in Libra, South Node in Aries By learning to cooperate with others and to balance all issues, you overcome the selfishness tendencies of your "me first" attitude. You learn you are not always right. North Node in Scorpio, South Node in Taurus Through the regenerative powers of Scorpio, you learn to release your need for security. North Node in Sagittarius, South Node in Gemini Through integrity and ethical actions, you overcome a tendency for deceit and cunning. You learn to remain undivided in your search for the truth. North Node in Capricorn, South Node in Cancer Through discipline and hard work, by creating a structure for what you do, you release your dependency on your family. You learn to rely on yourself first. North Node in Aquarius, South Node in Leo Through humanitarian ideals and pursuits and a spiritual understanding for the suffering of others, you master your egotism. North Node in Pisces, South Node in Virgo Through compassion for others and delving into your own mystical nature, you conquer your criticisms of others. |