The Moon Nodes

These nodes are two significant points in an astrogram. The nodes of the moon (or of a planet) represent the intersection between the ecliptic cycle (the apparent  trajectory of the Sun through the zodiac) and the Moon”s (or of the respective planet”s) orbit.

When the Moon comes upon a node, passing from the South latitude to the North latitude, that particular node is called the North or ascendant node, the other being the South or descendant node.

Astrology uses lunar nodes for two reasons:

• They are intimately related to individual evolution, representing the evolutionary axis.


• The lunar node progresses through the whole zodiac every 18.6 years, hence 1 year  201.3 days for each sign.

The other planets” nodes have a very slight motion (less than one minute per year) and that is the reason why they have little influence and are not taken into account. The lunar nodes are symbolised by the dragon. In oriental mythology, the dragon is associated with wisdom, (as well as the snake). Ancient Chinese tradition states that the dragon is a divine being whose wisdom and virtue are unfathomable. It is considered fortunate, gifted and intelligent. Confucius said “The dragon feeds upon the pure water of wisdom and rests in the crystal-clear water of life”.

In Hindu astrology, the lunar nodes are called Rahu – the North Node and Ketu – the South Node and respectively represent the Dragon”s Head and Tail. The Hindu tradition that the lunar nodes are closely related to man”s evolution – with Karma (destiny) and Dharma (the mission) – is justified since the Moon”s force field links us to our past. The North Node indicates our mission, revealing our future; while the South Node reveals our past. The South Node answers the question: “Why am I here on Earth?” and the North Node the question “What is my goal?”

It is very important to bear in mind that:

• When the Sun conjuncts the Moon, this is the time of the New Moon (the exact 0 degree orb);


• When the Sun opposes the Moon, this is the Full Moon (the exact opposition is 180 degrees);


• Moreover, when the Sun conjuncts the North Node or the South Node, then the Sun or Moon eclipse takes place. This illustrates why the eclipse is advantageous if it is used consciously in order to understand our past and to know our destiny and future. The reason for this is that at this time certain astral energies are unblocked. Karmic astrology is aware of this fact and indicates that these special moments are very favourable to spiritually improve our destiny.


• The lunar nodes are opposite each other, that is they are 180° from each other, thus in the Ephemeris table only the sign of the Moon”s North Node position is listed.

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