Lunar Nodes

Another symbol shown on the Astrodienst charts is that of the north lunar node. This symbol looks like a horseshoe. The only difference in the symbol is that the horseshoe is open on the bottom for the north node and open on the top for the south node.

Points marking the intersection of the Moon's orbit

The lunar nodes, north and south, are not planets. Lunar nodes are points that mark the intersection of the Moon's orbit around the Earth with the ecliptic. The ecliptic is the illusory path of the Sun as it revolves around the Earth during a year. Actually, it is the Earth's circle around the Sun in the annual orb. Thus, the nodes are merely the interception of these two orbit lines. One when the Moon is passing south to north, and the other when Moon is passing north to south.

 

The North Lunar Node is called by a couple of other names sometimes. Since it is the point at which the interception is made while the Moon is ascending from the south to the north, it is also called the Ascending Node. From Hindu astrology, the term Dragon's Head (caput draconis) is used for the North Node. The South Lunar Node is also known as the Descending Node or the Dragon's Tail (cauda draconis). These two nodes are always exactly opposite one another. The North Node is only one that appears on many computer generated horoscope charts and the position of the south node is derived from this.

 

When the Sun and Moon are in conjunction, and either lunar node is also in conjunction with both, a solar eclipse occurs. When the Sun and Moon are in opposition, and each is in conjunction with one of the lunar nodes, a lunar eclipse occurs.

 

Delineation techniques of the lunar nodes vary widely. Frankly, this astrologer has had little success using them at all. In general, however, the north nodes is viewed a point of opportunity for growth and development, while the south is thought to represent karmic repression or tendencies that restrict growth. The north carries the positive tone of Jupiter, while the south expresses the restrictions of Saturn. Another thought on this is that the north node represents positive objectives and the south node denotes the easy way out with little opportunity for growth.

 

The lunar nodes travel backwards at the rate of about 3 minutes a day. It takes 18 1/2 years for a lunar node return to occur.

 

© Michael McClain 1996-2012.  Permission is granted for unlimited noncommercial use.  All other rights reserved.