Lunar nods in astronomy
Astronomically the lunar nodes are the points of intersection between the lunar orbit and the plane of the terrestrial ecliptic (in the earth-sun relationship the ecliptic plane gives the direction of the terrestrial orbit). The north node and the south node are thus permanently in opposition. They do not have a concrete physical reality as a planet does, they are fictitious points.
Eclipses correspond to conjunctions with lunar nodes, for example :
- lunar eclipse, conjunction north node with Sun, Opposition Moon
- solar eclipse, conjunction south node with new moon (sun and moon in Conjunction)
See : Lunar nodes on Wikipedia
Lunar nodes in astrology
Thus, astronomically, the lunar nodes are directly consequential of the Soli-Lunar relationship (Sun/Moon).
Astrologically, lunar nodes form in a way the synthesis of Sun (the goal to achieve) and Moon (the hereditary memory), this meaning encompassing the 2 luminaries allows a spontaneous lighting angle on the chart studied before any further analysis.
The very definition of the word “node” is interesting : “an entangling complication” (Tight interlacing of a flexible object).
One can immediately visualize the “boating knots” or the famous inextricable Gordian knot that can only be cut and never untied…
By extension, when “something is getting tied up” links can be established and interweaving thickens… but the node is also a creation source such as the heart “sinusal node” and buds may emerge from each node on a stem…
In my opinion, in order to fully understand and thus interpret the lunar nodes, manicheism must be avoided and one has to resist the temptation to classify either one as “negative” or “positive”, it is necessary to analyze them as a “neutral axis” (but giving direction), a duality both opposite and complementary, but of alternating polarity, i.e. changing over the years and according to Aspects, being able to amplify the effects by “magnifying glass effect”.
Western astrology relates the lunar nodes to the karmic aspect (past lives and reincarnation), the south lunar node (rather “negative”) representing the past -in the sense of past lives- from which it is necessary to come off in order to tend towards the north lunar node (rather “positive”) representing the fundamental goal of this incarnation, an ideal to be achieved.
The axis of the lunar nodes is directly correlated to the Black Moon and to the full realization of the Sun through the expression of its sign, we must never omit this fundamental data.
This is a rather good summary of the lunar nodes interpretation although too simplistic.
In the study of lunar nodes, it is interesting to address the Hindu or Vedic astrology which gives them a great importance but partly opposite to traditional western astrology :
- Rahu, the north lunar node known as “Dragon’s head”, is regarded as rather “malefic”.
- Ketu, the south lunar node known as “Dragon’s tail”, is regarded as rather “benefic”.
What may seem at first sight contradictory between Western and Vedic astrology lies in the profundity of the philosophy of both civilizations.
The “karmic debt” of the
As mentioned above, what must be kept in mind concerning the lunar nodes is that we analyse an axis giving a direction and not 1 out of the 2 nodes (which makes no sense).
In terms of humanistic modern astrology, we owe it to ourselves to make the best use of the materials we are given at birth (the south lunar node) to develop ourselves on the path of our personal and spiritual evolution (the northern lunar node).
In this regard there is neither benefic nor malefic :
- the south node or “descending node”, represents our nature (our physical, psychological and spiritual heredity), its profound meaning asks us to consolidate these innate bases and use them as support or refuge (in the first part of life), and at the same time this node invites us to break away from them, without ignoring them, but sublimating them, passing to a higher octave of their expression , transcending them to go towards the meaning of the north node , this often requiring to take risks in unknown and little mastered territory.
As such, it symbolizes destruction, stagnation, illusion, sterility, dissolution…
The Black Moon draws on these innate bases to weave the fulfillment of Individuation by activating or neutralizing them suiting to the Transits.
Watch for the placement of Neptune in the birth chart and also Pisces, 12th House, Cancer, Moon, 8th House, Scorpio… - the north node or “ascending node”, would rather represent our achievements (to be acquired during our existence), that is to say especially the goal to be aimed at, concluding different learning processes, it brings us the necessary experiences in view of our evolution but asks us not to get too attached to it, to find the middle path, one has to explore this new way pointed at by the nodal axis (from South => to North), like a tightrope walker, at the same time without fear of the unknown, or forcing resistance, and without being locked in it, without desiring more than necessary and, if possible without falling into burning passion.
It represents the ultimate gathering of Sun and Moon, of creation and intuitiveness, the achievement of the fundamental germ of incarnation which is the Black Moon, the Individuation.
Jupiter (expansion, completion) and Pluto (metamorphosis) may give clues as to what might be the evolution of the north node.
Further information about lunar nodes
The Nodal axis in the birth chart indicates therefore the ultimate goal one has to aim at during lifetime, their Signs specify the archetypes of consciousness approaching the problem and their Houses enlighten us on the sectors of activity concerned.
The lunar nodes cycles take quite a long time to set up (more than 18 years and a half), understanding and integration of the north node requires in the best of the cases the whole span of life, not without multiple twists and turns… so no need to hurry !
Note that Black Moon cycle represents half the cycle of Lunar nodes, a little less than 9 years (8 years and 10 months) which means that the lunar nodes are opposite [to their natal placement] when the Black Moon returns.
The lunar nodes in Transits show us which parts of the natal chart are enhanced to achieve the completion of the natal lunar nodes. We must strive to positivate the Nodal axis, in particular by using the optimization of the North Node to compensate for the possible delinquency, disturbances and straying of the South Node.
- south node in transit is a vector of fate, it’s what happens to us accidentally , inadvertently, spontaneously, as if to “trap us” often, some would say it’s destiny…
- north node in transits represents the events to be aimed at, to be wished for, they are the source of our evolution and our future stability, they require reflection and progressive awareness, it is our good global understanding of these events that will determine the choices that will condition our experiences and the values that we will derive from them…
Uranus as the first transcendental planet can play the role of detonator between the north node and the south node.
Once nodes are well integrated, the south node must be dominated and no longer be too much of a problem, while the north node is similar to the needle of a compass, invariably indicating to us a good evolutionary path, it is up to us to take this into account.
The lunar nodes are often present in important Transits, manifesting both fatality, the call of the desires of the senses and the creation of new attachments (most often concrete effects of either paralysis or excitement).
One should not forget that the lunar nodes move reversely of the zodiac, that is to say clockwise, so they travel back the signs and houses, which is per se significant. They propose you to experience the zodiacal energies and the sectors of human life backwards, we realize that far from losing their meaning, another logic applies to them.
All aspects to lunar nodes must be kept a close eye on, both in natal chart and transits.
The nodal axis is also analyzed in correlation with the intercepted and linked houses.
Conclusion on lunar nodes
Far from being just a gadget, the study of the nodal axis of the Moon allows a sharp, fast and coherent analysis, like a brief summary of the foundations of a natal chart. The additional information they provide is rewarding whether in natal chart, in Transits or as a complement to Progressions, however they should not be analyzed taken separately.
Their karmic and deep psychic nature (See Karma in astrology) makes their interpretation delicate and mysterious (concepts of fatality, karma reduction, reincarnation…).
The lunar nodes are often elusive for the native since so many of their mechanisms come from the unconscious (especially concerning the north node) but they deserve a thorough study of their Rulerships to cultivate a relevant evolutionary development axis, because while one might know roughly where one comes from (south node), one doesn’t always know where one is going (north node)…
One must intelligently manage one’s lunar nodes ! That is to say, not necessarily tend at all costs towards the north node whatever the conditions, but study the cycles, especially the Black Moon.
Astrology teaches us that there is a time for everything, a natal chart will favour such node, while such transit will highlight the other node, there is no point in “forcing”, we must live and integrate what is proposed to us, at the moment when it is proposed to us…
It is only on these conditions that one can free oneself from past karma and avoid creating new one, one has the span of life to fulfil this splendid plan which will be one’s lifetime achievement.