Literally Everything You Need to Know About Understanding Nodes in Your Birth Chart
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The lunar nodes (aka the Nodes of Destiny or the Nodes of Fate) are the points in the sky where the Moon and Sun cross paths. This happens a few times a year, during which we experience the astrological phenomenon known as eclipses. The nodes denote the spiritual paths that we should move toward and let go of as well as the type of energy we are working with. Over the course of a year and a half, the nodes transit through each axis (the nodes are always in two opposite signs—for example, if the North Node is in Leo, we will be dealing with the South Node in Aquarius at the same time).
In astrology, the lunar nodes of the Moon are divided into two: the North Node and the South Node. Both tell a story of fate and destiny, in this life (the North Node) and your past lives (the South Node). Every year and a half, the lunar nodes change signs. In our charts, the different placements and signs show us our past and current destiny. (The past dictates the future—if we embrace our karmic lessons. Goose bumps!)
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The nodes are also how we know what will happen to us during the eclipses, based on both our personal birth charts’ nodes and the transiting nodes that affect the collective as a whole.
In Vedic astrology, the North Node is called Ratu (Dragon’s Head) and the South Node is called Ketu (Dragon’s Tail). To make a long mythological story short, a demon wanted immortality and tricked the gods into getting it—which angered them because he was not in line to receive such powers. Their punishment was to grant him immortality with both parts of the past (Ketu) and future (Rahu) always being a part of him. Basically, he couldn’t escape himself or anything he’d done.
The North Node
The North Node of Destiny dictates what we are moving into—which may be scary since it’s a place that we have never been before. Think of this like the first day of college. You’re attending an unfamiliar place, and you have to start fresh. It’s a moment in which you can reinvent yourself and be the person you want. The same theory applies to the North Node of Destiny. You can use this energy to create and transform your world. Now, the way that you use it is up to you. That’s why it’s important to manifest these powers for good and to know the best way to conquer the vibes—which is what we are assisting you with in this article. So you’re one step ahead of the game already. Yay.
The South Node
The South Node of Destiny depicts the place, energy, emotions, and relationships that we have been a part of in our past lives. It’s the karmic energy that we are trying to move out of, release, and leave behind in this lifetime. It gives us a sense of déjà vu, as we have been there, done that, and are trying to move out of that way of thinking. This shows the patterns and ways of thinking or feeling that we are bringing into our current life path—which may not be even happening IRL at the moment but that we are holding on to. Therefore, it’s important to move out of these sentiments. And that’s not easy because slipping back into old habits is super simple if we aren’t consciously aware of what we are doing.
Currently, the North Node of Destiny is in Taurus and the South Node of Destiny is in Scorpio. This began on January 18, 2022, and will continue for 18 months until July 19, 2023.
You can find your destiny by looking at your birth chart and circling your True Node, or North Node. The South Node will always be the opposite sign and degree of the True Node. Circle both of them in your chart and use the interpretations below.
Wanna graduate to the advanced class? Take it one step further to find out how the nodes will affect you directly. Put your natal nodes and the transiting nodes together, and presto, you have found out your eclipse story. You can do this trick to interpret your chart with all the other eclipses too!
The North and South Node Through the Signs:
North Node in Aries/South Node in Libra: There’s a need to be more self-reliant here, as there is a tendency to focus on relationships. You need to learn not to let your partnerships define you, and moving on from toxic situations and relationships will require a lot of work on your part. But it’s totally doable over time.
North Node in Taurus/South Node in Scorpio: You tend to be too giving *and* hedonistic. It is suggested you are in charge of the finances, rather than your partner. Being consistent in the flow of emotions and keeping promises is essential, as you tend to be too focused on personal evolution. Don’t put up too many walls to ensure you can let others in.
North Node in Gemini/South Node in Sagittarius: You’re an independent thinker with great communication skills. Probs fluent in a few languages. Saying what you mean and relying on facts is essential.
North Node in Cancer/South Node in Capricorn: You can be too ambitious and harsh. Sorry, but you know it’s true. Learning to be emotionally sensitive to the needs of others can take your relationships to a new level. Also, give yourself some TLC.
North Node in Leo/South Node in Aquarius: Artistic and creative endeavors are favorable for you. You have a tendency to be a dreamer. Being a leader is hard for you, as you’re a team player. Learning to take the reins will elevate you to great heights.
North Node in Virgo/South Node in Pisces: You need to be more critical and assertive. Also, you have a tendency to disappear into the ~spiritual world~, which means you’re often lost in your feels. And you ghost others frequently. Be more communicative.
North Node in Libra/South Node in Aries: Think before you speak! You have a tendency to act or say things impulsively. Learning to work cooperatively and love others freely will be challenging, as you’re used to putting your needs first. Now, you have to focus on others.
North Node in Scorpio/South Node in Taurus: Ooh! You gain through inheritance or spouses, although your personality can be a bit obsessive/addictive. This is a great aspect for managing the affairs of others though! Be patient and use your intuition to navigate you in all your endeavors.
North Node in Sagittarius/South Node in Gemini: Okay, you are *very* talkative and lack focus. But! You’re hella generous. A natural teacher and philosopher too. Don’t just talk about it, do it! Put your words in action.
North Node in Capricorn/South Node in Cancer: You love personal histories. Sentimentality and feels are hard to let go of—there’s a need for some emotional discipline here. Be open to sharing and reflecting with others.
North Node in Aquarius/South Node in Leo: Motivations/goals solely for personal fulfillment, never for fame. You’re an idealist and humanitarian. However, you can be a tad selfish and needy at times.
North Node in Pisces/South Node in Virgo: You lack boundaries and you’re a perfectionist. But hey, you have healing abilities, so not so bad. Use your powers to help those in need.
AND NOW, THE NODES IN THE HOUSES:
If you look at your birth chart, you will find a glyph (an astrological symbol) that looks like a horseshoe. That is the symbol for the North Node. The glyph for the South Node is an upside-down horseshoe. Once you find those symbols in your chart, then you can circle them. They will always appear in opposite houses, opposite signs, and at the same degrees. Now that you’ve found the houses they reside in, you’ll be able to understand the karma and energy you’re working with. The houses depict the overall vibe and story, while the signs show the flavor.
North Node in the 1st house/South Node in the 7th house: You’ll make up for any karmic debts in marriage/partnership, so good luck with that! Your confidence is popping, which can make you feel larger than life. The caveat is that you may not be giving relationships the attention that they deserve.
North Node in the 2nd house/South Node in the 8th house: Sex can be your undoing. Just sayin’. Be cognizant of the amount of time that you’re giving to others to avoid feeling taken for granted and burnt out. Put yourself first at all times.
North Node in the 3rd house/South Node in the 9th house: You’ve got so much love for your crew, not so much for spiritual stuff. You have the ability to self-educate and communicate well. Consider working with others to help them become mindful of the ways they communicate — maybe teach or take an online writing class for fun or work.
North Node in the 4th house/South Node in the 10th house: You focus a ton on your “image” and reputation as well as your career. Spend more time in spiritual practices and the home. Balance is key here. Don’t give too much time to work that you forget about your home life and familial responsibilities.
North Node in the 5th house/South Node in the 11th house: Your karmic debts are paid through humanitarian efforts—find a volunteer sign-up sheet and put your name down. You should also be careful in how you work with your peers. Make sure that you are the one who is taking charge in the group situation and managing the time effectively.
North Node in the 6th house/South Node in the 12th house: You’re the effin’ best at working together with people at the office. Bonus: You’ve got strong health too. Allow yourself to believe in things that cannot be explained by practical measures. Give yourself a chance to connect with your spirituality and to tap in with that part of yourself.
North Node in the 7th house/South Node in the 1st house: You dominate partners and lack boundaries in relationships—hmm, maybe it’s because you have insecurities around self and relationships. Being in a healthy partnership can be scary, but it’s what you desperately crave and want. Give people the chance to prove their love before self-sabotaging the relationship.
North Node in the 8th house/South Node in the 2nd house: Watch out for overspending and using your sexuality to your advantage. Keeping a budget will help you be aware of your money and cash flow. Also, beware of FOMO.
North Node in the 9th house/South Node in the 3rd house: You feel a need for higher learning and travel. And you’re probs interested in publishing. If you’ve ever wanted to publish a book or take a trip around the world, this energy in your chart is giving you the confidence to do so. Be adventurous in order to attain your soul’s purpose.
North Node in the 10th house/South Node in the 4th house: You’ve got a strong need for a career—which makes sense, since you find more happiness at work than at home. But this doesn’t mean that you don’t long for a happy home and family life. Contrarily, you desperately desire that.
North Node in the 11th house/South Node in the 5th house: You’re supes generous (especially to kids and your boo). You find creativity and happiness in helping others. Try to be a part of the local community and dedicate your time to helping others attain greatness. Translation: Be less selfish and more selfless.
North Node in the 12th house/South Node in the 6th house: Your karmic debts are paid through your relationships with the people around you in the office, like your coworkers and employees. Oh, and be on the lookout for health issues/concerns. Give yourself a few moments in the day to decompress in order to avoid mental and emotional burnout.
You love all things astrology. So do we. Let’s ~follow the stars~ together.
HERE ARE PLANETS ON THE NORTH NODE…
It’s common to have planets align with the Nodes of Destiny in your birth chart. It’s also common not to—so if you don’t have any, then don’t stress it. In astrology, anything and everything is common! If your birth chart includes a personal planet within 5 degrees and in the same zodiac sign of either of the nodes, then we can say the energy is karmic. If the planet is a little further away, say between 5 and 15 degrees, then we can still apply the energy—it just won’t be quite as powerful.
Planets on the North Node dictate present life energy, and planets on the South Node depict past life energy; they also represent what we are bringing in (North Node) and what we are leaving behind (South Node). Let’s say your Sun is on the South Node—this means you’re working your way out of old insecurities in this lifetime. Conversely, having your Sun on the North Node means that you’re learning how to be more assertive in this lifetime. Got it?
Sun: We’re talking big ego. Popularity. Karmic lessons bring you into the spotlight.
Moon: It’s a mixed bag. It is a protective energy, but it also indicates mental troubles. Hey, it also signals popularity and success in marriage, with women, and with your mom.
Mercury: When Mercury makes an appearance on the North Node, it is a very delightful time: clear thinking. Great communication. Good travel luck.
Venus: So many goodies here: magnetism, wealth, beauty, self-confidence, sex appeal, musical talents….
Mars: Assertive nature with a bit of an insensitivity and selfishness toward others.
Jupiter: All signs point to success and career advancement. However, there’s a tendency to take success for granted.
Saturn: Hard work pays off for you, but you’re harsh with yourself and others.
Uranus: Fanaticism—eep! But also, creativity and sudden fame—yay!
Neptune: Some dramz here: Expect artistic, psychic tendencies and a sexy, glamorous life. But also, um, manipulation. Drug and alcohol issues are a possibility too.
Pluto: You’ve got the power to change or destroy the world or others—and the ability to heal. See also: Fame. Wealth. Obsession.
…AND ON THE SOUTH NODE:
Sun: Selflessness. Charitable. Lacks self-confidence.
Moon: Deep in your feels and pretty sensitive. Also, you’re spiritually and musically inclined.
Mercury: Great memory but totes irrational.
Venus: Poor bb: You are running low on self-esteem and have a tendency to find comfort through food, sex, drugs, or alcohol.
Mars: Two words: temper tantrums.
Jupiter: A very fortunate aspect! Informed. Smart. Generous. Just watch out for losses in stock market.
Saturn: You’ve got an understanding and appreciation for the ups and downs in life.
Uranus: You help inspire others.
Neptune: Beware of alcohol and drugs. You’ve got a heightened imagination and trouble concentrating. Inclination toward the arts and spirituality.
Pluto: Transformative nature. Prepare to rise to fame—for better or for worse.
Mark these events on your cal
Throughout your life, there are times when the current nodes make a special connection to the nodes in your birth chart. You know how your Saturn Return happens when Saturn returns to where it was when you were born? Yeah, it’s the same idea. Here are some events to be aware of:
Nodal Return
Your Nodal Return occurs when the Nodes of Destiny return to the degree and signs they were in when you were born birth. This happens every 18 years. During this time, major changes and occurrences can happen that will rock your world for the better. Pay attention to what transcends and begins.
Nodal Square
This event happens every four and a half years, when the nodes form an angle called a square with the nodes in your birth chart. The nodal square is a release of the past, and it keeps you in check with your soul’s purpose. Think of this as a check-in point from the cosmos in order to make sure you’re living your best life and on the righteous path.
Nodal Opposition
Your Nodal Opposition occurs every nine years. Basically, it occurs when your natal North Node (aka the North Node in your birth chart) aligns with the transiting South Node (aka where the South Node is now), and vice versa—for example, if your natal North Node is in Scorpio and your natal South Node is in Taurus, the transiting North Node will be in Taurus and the transiting South Node will be in Scorpio. This is a magical time in which you are compensating for the past and the present, which is allowing you to fulfill your destiny. A lot of the times when this happens, we are pushed into our destiny with ease.
The North and South Nodes in 2023
Currently, the North Node is in Taurus and the South Node is in Scorpio. The Nodes of Destiny have been orbiting those signs since January 18, 2022 and will move backwards in these polarities until July 12, 2023. This transit will test our patience and work ethic.
North Node in Taurus
The North North Node in Taurus speaks to our desire to have financial stability and security within our relationships. Loyalty and devotion are key themes with this placement, and the need to care for others is extremely high. There is a strong creative urge to create art and to be the authority on a subject. The North Node in Taurus indicates a seducer, one who uses their sexuality to their advantage and pushes the envelope whenever they can. Not one to stand by the sidelines, they’ll work hard to ensure that money and relationships work out on their behalf—no matter how much or little energy they put into it.
South Node in Scorpio
With the South Node in Scorpio, people tend to weaponize sex as a form of manipulation. Money and power are key themes, as we want to reign control of others and the situations that we are wanting to create. Intense connections can unite people together, but dissipate just as fast due to the impulsive nature of the relationship. The lesson here is to get to know others on a deeper level before rushing into anything serious to ensure you actually like them as a person.
On July 17, 2023, the North Node of Destiny will enter Aries and the South Node of Destiny moves into Libra. This transit will last until January 11, 2025 and will test our relationships.
North Node in Aries
The North Node in Aries represents our most carnal desires. Aries is the first sign of the zodiac, and it is known to have tantrums and emotional outbursts. This is due to the fact that it represents our most humanistic passions. Competition is fierce and strong with this placement, and the native with the North Node in Aries fights to be number one at all costs and at all times. There can be selfishness and aggression here that can lead to tempestuous behavior and situations. Learning to coexist with others and to give us a lifelong journey—as well as the need to pay one’s dues and to not act impulsively.
South Node in Libra
The South Node in Libra is coming out of a cycle in which they put others first. Therefore, this energy is often met with self motivation which can consume the native who has this placement or people who are going through this transit. Patience and understanding is a lesson here. Also, not using emotional manipulation to get what we want. As long as we can be honest and say facts with our motives, then relationships can thrive and survive. However, tactics that are shady bring us the temporary wins that we want and aren’t sustainable as we are moving out of a diplomatic position.
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