The Moon's Nodes

Because the Moon’s Nodes are directly attributed to our karma and destiny, on their own they can provide a brief overall view of what life has in store for us. Many astrologers believe that the Nodes answer the ultimate question of “why am I here?” in a birth chart. They represent the pull and comfort of the past versus the uncertainty of the future, and are always situated exactly opposite each other in a birth chart. The South Node indicates lessons and talents that you have already mastered, be that in a previous life or whatever form of karma. For this reason, we tend to stick with what they represent - it is easier, more comfortable, but we do not gain anything by doing so. It is the path represented by the North Node that we ought to be taking, albeit whilst not forgetting the relevant factors represented by the South Node. The ways of the North Node represent our future, our greatest opportunities for personal growth, and tend to relate to events that have that ‘fated’ quality about them: where they fall in your chart tends to relate to your destiny.

The Nodes are not physical bodies like the planets. They are mathematical points that connect the Moon and Sun via the ecliptic (the apparent orbit of the Sun around the Earth). For this reason they cannot make aspects to planets, but do receive them. Astrologers tend to agree that only the major aspects - conjunction, opposition, trine, and square are relevant in this context.

Like the outer planets, the Nodes stay in one sign for a considerable time, thereby representing more of a collective perception than a personal one. Their house positions in your chart are however, just as important as those of the other planets, as are the aspects to them made by the planets.

This planet/comet was first discovered in 1977. It crosses between the orbits of Saturn and Uranus, and although by now many astrolgers have began to use Chiron in their studies, I feel that as yet there are not enough definite conclusions about its astrological influence for it to be included in a very basic introduction as this one is. Suffice to say that it is assocatied with the healing of our wounds from past lives and is likely to be finally assocaited with Virgo, although some astrologers argue that Aqaurius should be the associated sign.