The Lunar Nodes in Astrology Pt. 2 - How Do The North and South Nodes Work In the Signs and Houses in our Charts?

by Robert Wilkinson

Following up on yesterday's article on what the North and South Node of the Moon really are, and how they manifest, today we examine ways to apply their energies in our charts. While not listing all possible combinations, by applying the examples offered here you can change the keywords for the signs and houses appropriate to your chart and come to a whole new approach to these very important significators of growth, change, and release in our chart.

As I noted yesterday, the sign of the North Node shows the quality of your line of greatest evolutionary development; the sign of the South Node shows the quality of your line of least resistance. North Node efforts are often difficult, whereas the South Node patterns are familiar, and therefore usually easy. One is in-take, one is out-flow, and we are told that both assist the mechanics of our personal line of greatest evolutionary development.

In a birth chart, the signs of the Nodes show the quality of the polarity you’re learning how to balance between absorption and release, effort and “cruise-control.” You build through the sign of the NN, let go through the sign of the SN. For example, if you have NN in Pisces/SN in Virgo, you’re learning to be compassionate this life, letting go of criticism and worry. It’s harder to be intuitive, but will yield great dividends to the degree you develop it; it’s easy to get focused on minute details, rationalizations, and there is a natural pull to be of service to others in practical ways.

Another example: If you have a North Node in Scorpio/South Node in Taurus, it’s easy to go for what’s comfortable, more difficult to develop the ability to go deeply into things. With this position, development is found through seeing losses as opportunities to learn recycling, regeneration, probing and detecting unknown things. It’s also good for exploring things hidden below the surface, whether of the Earth or the personality. A simple way to view it is if Taurus is gain and Scorpio is loss, then with NN in Scorpio and SN in Taurus you learn more from your losses than your gains. It’s easier to accumulate, whether ideas, things, or whatever; harder, but better for your development to learn to let go of whatever voluntarily.

The house of the North Node shows the life activities where you will grow in the way of the sign. The house of the South Node shows life affairs where you will probably find yourself doing what you already know but may not feel like you're making much progress. It could also be where you demonstrate what you have grown into, or where you're bogged down by too much repetitive familiarity.

For example, if you have NN in the 4th house and SN in the 10th, it’s easier to be public, more challenging to be obscure, easier to focus on profession, less so to focus on family. And of course, growth and development this life will be found in learning about family, home, land, early home life, all 4th house affairs. Easy to take responsibility, but better to learn about caring for self and others. Reversing this, I have found people with SN in the 4th are often bogged down by family affairs, issues, and concerns that prevent them from growing and developing, which would be found in professional responsibilities and taking charge in worldly affairs if NN is in the 10th.

If the NN is in the 8th house, and SN in the 2nd, it works much like having the NN in Scorpio and SN in Taurus. However, if NN is in the 2nd and SN is in the 8th, then it’s more like NN in Taurus and SN in Scorpio, except that the signs are the qualities with which we approach the affairs of the houses in question. The signs are our biases; the houses are the arenas of life where we do our sign expression.

So someone with NN in Scorpio in the 2nd/SN in Taurus in the 8th would learn by seeing the ever-transforming nature of accumulations while letting go of inert forms. This position would benefit through shared values and resources and seeing changing social values as a magnetic dance of attraction-repulsion, while being easy and pleasant when called upon to let go of old forms, things, money, etc. NN in the 2nd definitely shows growth through attracting what is needed to self; in Scorpio, through focus and concentration and releasing old forms while holding on to the essence. Someone with this position would make a great “dowser,” finding water, oil, or gold within the Earth. And yes, there would be losses, but only of that which is no longer true or needed. Let go of comfort, and embrace the mystery.

In another example, where the Nodal axis is transiting in the chart, it works like it would natally, except it moves backwards through the houses of your chart. Therefore, it exerts a direct house influence for approximately 18 months as well as for some time after, since we get many eclipses in that span of time. I believe it reveals its mystery every time the transiting Moon makes aspects to the transiting Nodes, as well as when the transiting Nodal axis makes aspects to our natal or progressed Moon. Wherever the axis is transiting in our charts is where we are growing and releasing, being pulled to demonstrate that growth pattern across time.

The Nodes may not be planets, but they provide a means to embrace a line of growth that ultimately will prove profitable to you, while seeing what is natural and easy for you to show your world of what you have developed. The North Node is what you’re here to take in; the South Node what you’re here to demonstrate and release. Let your imagination show you how you're developing by sign, in whichever life arena (house) is emphasized.

(This incorporates elements of an article originally published April 14, 2006)

© Copyright 2007 Robert Wilkinson

Comments

[Larissa Pond]

Robert, what can you briefly tell me about my NN in 12 house in Cancer, and SN in 6 house in Capricorn, it also has "06" & "03" in both houses. Does it have anything to do with prenatal astrology, when my mom was pregnant there were two eclipses; Lunar in Cancer and Solar in Carpricorn. Thank you.

[Robert]

Hi Larissa - Everyone has two eclipses occur when they are in the womb, so no worries there. NN in 12 in Cancer shows you need to learn how to take care of yourself by being sensitive to your karmic "movie," see how you're motivated to care for yourself and others, and release being hyper-responsible and needing always to work or at the least adjust yourself to others' rules and authority. Find that which nutures you and care about what motivates you, and let go of worrying about what's proper or not.

[Aditya]

Hi Robert, My NN is in Sagittarius 1st House and SN is in Gemini 7th House. I have seen that i already go after what I want. However my SN in 7th house makes my close family feel i am selfish and i find that whatever i do, I end up having to explain myself in full detail. I also feel that they secretly think that I don't know what I am doing and will fail. Though I know I am doing the right thing for my family. I just wish I didn't have to convince them and giving them every detail of my work. After reading your article i can see that this will change for the better after this solar eclipse.
Just one question for you. How do I bring the sagittarius qualities in going after what I want and projecting my personality. Many thanks and Namaskar

[Lori L]

Hi Robert....another awesome article and very informative. I'm just curious if you could just give me a little insight to my specific Nodes - My NN is Taurus 19 degrees in my 7th house and my SN is in Scorpio 16 degrees in my 1st house - in your article you explain these signs but exact opposite of mine. Thanks for any input and bless you for all your help.

[Robert]

Hi Aditya - With SN in Gemini in the 7th, DON'T get lost trying to explain yourself to others, except maybe to point out the bigger picture without getting lost in the 10,000 things. No one has to explain things past a certain point to those who cannot or will not come part way to understanding. I would think you can bring the Sag qualities into your life by cultivating the spiritual view, the abstract mind, getting advanced education (formally and informally) and above all, learn how to bring humor and breadth of vision to every interaction.

Hi Lori - First thing, the Nodes can never be at different degrees from each other. They are an axis. So either they are at 16 or 19 degrees, but not both. Your line of greatest development is in equal relationships, your line of least resistance is to let the pressure build within yourself. Go for enjoyable, straightforward, pleasant relationships with your equals, and find appropriate ways to discharge the internal pressures. Let go of internal power struggles, or ancient stuck feelings that only get you bogged down. Learn to simplify, enjoy, and relax more. See what brings contentment rather than dissatisfaction. Be gentle with others, and attract those who are gentle with you.

[Lori L]

Thanks Robert...you are right they are both 19 degrees - little typo ;o)

[Carson]

Robert,

Wonderfully insightful as always - always felt the challenges of tackling the highest evolutionary growth. Quick question: on the chart I have it lists Mean node (27Vir33) and True Node (26Vir43) - would those be referring to the South or the North node. All I can say is that I am a heavy Virgo and these eclipses and the coming Saturn return are and will be shifting some deep elements of Being. Much appreciated my friend.

All the best and peace until,

Carson

[Marcie]

My NN is in my 4th house and my SN in my 10th house, but they're both in retrograde on my natal chart.

What effect does that have? I can't find any information about Nodes in retrograde.

Thanks a bunch!

[ROBYN]

i have my n. node in libra, in the succedent 5th house, and the s. node in aries in the succedent 11th house. which according to you is the same as having nn in leo and sn in aquairius. but they are cardinal signs in fixed houses.

If i've done my homework that means i would take in aspects of steadiness and reliability regarding love affairs, procreation, children, creative expression, luck and speculation. and that i should demonstrate or release my steadiness and reliability with friends, clubs, organizations, associations, goals, hopes, and wishes.

which in a weird way is kinda the picture. still a bit foggy on translation though..

[Me]

Hi Robert,

would you consider the Mean Node or the True Node to be more important? I ask, because in my chart the Mean Node and the True Node are in two different signs.

[sunshine]

Hello Robert,

Always very interesting and insightful. I'm virgo, my NN is in aquarius in the 8th house, didn't find information on my SN. Things are going wild in my life at this moment, any information that can bring some light on the situation is most welcome.

Many thanks.

[michele]

hey robert,
should see u @ your talks coming up.
thanx for info on this.

what is your view of the nodes being Karmic/dharmic more actually in nature???

is the south node something we have already lived, experienced and learned, and north where we are headed this lifetime, so to speak/

also, are we to integrate the 2; or, do we just grow/go toward the north??

i am just wondering if there is a balance here-do we have to conscously balance? or, is the balance innate
b/c of past life experience.

thanx again... :))

peace and light

m

[Robert]

Hi Carson - The Nodes vary in speed, and are not "constant" so there's a Mean Node and True Node. Doesn't really much matter from one point of view. I've observed over the years that both of mine work simultaneously. You may be able to feel your way through things in the future that make your existence more efficient. Saturn will show the way to structure a long-term being satisfactory to who you are and what you've done. Your experience will be your power. Yew bet.

Hi Marcie - The Nodes are almost always retrograde, due to geophysical mechanics. Even when the ephemeris shows them as forward, it's not much. I suspect it's the fluctuations in the field, which could mean a temporary re-tracing of ground already covered, which is what the phenomena of RX-Direct motion really is. Either we've moving into unknown territory, or taking a new look with a different pace of cognition what we've already been through.

Hi ROBYN - It's not exactly the same; it's about energy symbols taking forms significant to you. The signs are qualities, while the houses are life areas. Your development is in a balanced approach to creativity, children, self-expression, things that bring out your spontaneity. Be more the artist! Express your Libra through your 5th house affairs. As for the SN, you're letting go of being blunt and impulsive in friendships and running toward goals and ambitions without sufficient staying power. Eventually you'll attract pioneering, direct, and self-sufficient Electric people who will help you express your 11th house Libra tendencies.

Hi Me - That's a very rare occurrence. Develop both qualities. Then you'll observe either the best of both, or know which one is the dominant influence.

Hi sunshine - Well, Saturn is in your Solar 12th, always a time of endings, and harvesting wisdom from long term experience. Expect more when Saturn moves into Virgo this Autumn, which will bring you results of what you've worked for and deserve. There will be endings but you'll move into being the Captain of your Ship of Fate. And your South Node is in Leo in the 2nd. You'll grow through impersonality and genuine friendliness, and have more to learn from your losses than your gains. Neptune is spiritualizing your evolutionary magnet; express it through your loving, creative, playful, and heartfelt self. And stop taking anything personally.

Hi Michele - Figured I'd tack this on. Interesting take on Karma/Dharma and Nodal association. I'll have to ponder that one. Yes, the SN is "something we have already lived, experienced and learned, and north where we are headed this lifetime, so to speak." Even though it may take a strange shape or two! No, we have to get our SN functioning as the perfect expression of our NN growth pattern, releasing or demonstrating as needed, just not devoting energy to SN stuff for its own sake. Not balancing, so much as inbreathing, outbreathing, intake, outflow.

[michele]

WOW..WOW....

this just hit me!!! had to read & re-read a couple of times....
you state "have to sn functioning as the perfect expression of our nn growth pattern..."
this expresses a missing link for me, and clears some stuff up...with the nn in libra and sn in aries...
i can see why the pioneering, starting up, expressing and moving out......i thought that this was just internal, innate, or integrated within. this is an ah ha moment for me :)
there has to be functioning of this as a perfect expression of nn growth pattern--got to contemplate this a bit. this has air of expansion and re-direction of how one operates to this....

ok. you have a think on the karma/dharma.... :))

i am going to feel this out for awhile. i feel i have not been conscious this. this point of view brings in a different consciousness

a ho

[DianatheHuntress]

Hi Michele... thanks for getting 'my drift' re: The Dragon..... that's why the ancients considered it 'the path of fortune'...... it's all good....... :-} ------

[jayla]

hey,

wondering...what's the significance of the transiting nodes being exactly opposite to where they were at birth? i'm a virgo NN-pisces SN (with a bunch of planets in virgo, and sun-venus-NN conjunction forchrissakes) so that's what i'm experiencing now. streeessss. more than that, a feeling of being at the mercy of random forces outside myself to a larger extent than usual. does that make sense?

[michele]

hey diana
knew about the nn being the dragon head, and sn the tail....
however, i just GOT it..got the powerful implications of this. like you stated "the path of fortune" --i am just now seeing & feeling how they are really together, really one, actually. so, with this new perspective it is a path of fortune. some reason i thought of them as "separate" or, to be integrated. but i like robert's descript of 'full function/expression....want to read up on this more, actually. so, if you know of any material/info.
thanx for a bit of a piece of the puzzle so to speak. :)

[kiwa]

hi Robert

how would you interpret Venus in Virgo conjunct south node in the 5th house? this has always been a conundrum to me...
how could that manifest in the most positive sense, especially in relationships?
thank you so much....

[DianatheHuntress]

Michele... really appreciate your vision... there are so many rich and diverse ways to interpret the stars, and I have always viewed the natal chart as a 'karmic blueprint'... some really wonderful inspirations for me have been Dane Rudhyar, Barbara Hand Clow, Tibetan Shamanic Qigong (Qi Dao), The Tao, The Medicine Wheel (our Native wisdom), and of course,our illustrious mentor and kind friend, Robert! One COOL cat..... *:-)

The chart works as whole mandala, and gives us an awesome spiritual tool for knowing ourselves in the truest light..... I feel so blessed to have been given the 'moon and the stars'!... (and the knowledge of The Dragon, however painful it may be to step over those scales sometimes)!

Enjoy the Mystery... (a ho and viva Crazy Horse!)....
Diana :-} ----- *

[cloudland]

I have been trying to think how the nodes are working in my life. My North node is in the 4th house in Taurus. My family life has always been fraught- both when I was a child and now as a parent of children who have autism. It has certainly been challenging. My partner died some three years ago and I wonder whether this is part of the challenges of a 4th house Node as well. I definitely feel more comfortable with scorpionic qualities (and that has been detrimental to me at times I think) but not with 10th house issues. In fact launching some kind of career is a challenge I have not yet met successfully. Thank you for these articles they are making me think of things in a different way.

[Robert]

Hi Jayla - The transiting nodes oppose their natal positions every 18 years starting around 9. I'll probably do another post addressing that, since there's a lot of interest and it's a common question over the years. The sense of being at the mercy of random forces outside you may be you sensing the Uranus transit (or Pluto, depending!) relative to your natal planets. Also remember that 14-18 degrees of Virgo are affected by The Grand Irrationality. You can read more in the recent "Spiritual Astrology" article at the link.

Hi Kiwa - I would say be more compassionate in a larger view, learn from your friends' a)humanitarianism b)self-deceptions c)sense of victimizaton d)forgiveness practices (fill in more Pisces keywords at your leisure!) and then demonstrate it as affectionate practical service creatively expressed. With that position you probably worry too much, and have some rules that don't serve your spontaneity. Go for larger goals and ambitions, let a lot go by without being critical, worried, or stuck in a narrow self-expression - just let go in silence. And it does give you very discerning tastes and a precisely tuned aesthetic sense.

Hi cloudland - First, let me express my condolences at the early loss of your partner. Parenting is always tougher when there's only one there trying to do EVERYTHING for the little ones. Your loss may have associations with Saturn in Cancer. With your Nodes, you are growing into being a steady rock of stability at the foundation of your being. SN in 10th often suffers from strange timing issues professionally, and with Scorpio the sign expressed, you no doubt are seen as someone who has lost much and is very resilient. Probably energetically misunderstood when younger. Your family life is primarily governed by planets in the 4th, the ruler of the 4th (it may or may not be the sign of the IC), and aspects to the ruler of the 4th, as well as the Moon, of course. It may be that your home, family, or land have some connection to a possible career, though of course the ruler of the 10th and planets there are paramount. And since our careers are often determined by jobs we've trained for that lead to us launching our own thing, the 6th house can lead to a profession after we do something enough.

TO ALL ASTROLOGERS: The reasoning is that the 6th house is the 9th house of the 10th, thus indicating the future of that arena. Practical tasking and self-adjustments (6th house) are the future preparation for the public mastery of our flowering (10th). In this approach many things can be understood.

[ROBYN]

wow.
ha, i don't know how much more of an artist i can become (i'm a graphic designer with an art degree already)!
you are correct in your assessment, i'm trying to jump ship and move ~ find a new job but its hard. by what your telling me what i could be moving toward is something that can't/doesn't have the security that i am used to but that, eventually, i will meet people who will help me express my intentions.

thanks~

Robyn

bring on the electricity!

[Wendall]

My chart shows True Node at 1Sco29 in the 4th house. Is this my north node or south node? Thank you. Namaste.

[Callie]

Hi Robert,

I have my NN in Gemini in the 11th house, SN in Sag in the 5th (conjunct my moon) and was wondering where this means I should be heading (as I'm not that familiar with Gemini/11th house, most of my planets are 4th-9th houses) and how the moon comes into play? Also, I've read that the NN is exalted in Gemini/SN exalted in Sag, and was wondering how this plays out as an influence? And should we look at our transiting NN/SN? if so, mine is currently in Pisces/Virgo, the NN conjunct Chiron and Saturn with Uranus transiting through there as well and very close to the upcoming eclipse. If we do look at the transiting nodes, how does this relate to the idea of something we have already lived, experienced and learned, and where we are headed this lifetime, and should we look at it in relation to the nodes in our natal chart?

I love all your writings and feedback and greatly appreciate all the time you put into this.

[Don]

My South Node is in Pisces and my earnership house so does that mean that I'll be relatively poor my entire life unless I learn to be an accountant? Poor, suffering, exhausted, and holding on by a thread.

Don.