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Writer's pictureMichelle Del Valle

Cosmic Compass: navigating with the nodes

As we move through eclipse season – hopefully with ample rest and hydration! – marked by Monday's Lunar South Node eclipse in Libra, I was compelled to dive into the wisdom of the North and South Nodes. Eclipses often bring intense energies and opportunities for transformation. Understanding the significance of the South Node eclipse in Libra invites us to explore themes of balance, relationships, and personal growth. By shedding light on the relationship between the North and South Nodes in our own natal charts, we gain the ability to navigate eclipses (and life itself) with greater awareness and clarity, thoughtfully unpacking the unfolding series of narratives in our lives.



"As above, so below” captures a core belief in astrology, that what happens in the sky reflects what happens on Earth, painting a direct link between celestial transits and patterns within our own human experiences. This connection can help us understand how the cosmos impact both the collective and our personal lives. 


As the Moon travels around Earth, it crosses a significant path called the ecliptic, forming two points known as the North and South Nodes within the zodiac. These incredibly important points signify pivotal moments of karmic growth and destiny. While the South Node reflects our past, the North Node points to our future potential. Each point serves as a practical guide, urging us to align with the cosmos and discover ourselves more deeply. 


The nodes act as our compass, guiding us towards a greater understanding of our life's journey and purpose. The South Node is often associated with past experiences, habits, and innate talents inherited from previous lifetimes, while the North Node represents our future growth, challenges, and insatiable areas of expansion in this lifetime.

Understanding North and South Nodes

The North and South Nodes hold rich symbolism, depicted metaphorically by astrologers, as the head and tail of the dragon. At the head of the dragon, lies the North Node representing our future direction, symbolizing our aspirations and the lessons we're here to learn. It embodies the path we are meant to walk, an insatiable point that propels us towards growth and evolution throughout our lives. On the opposite end, the tail of the dragon, the South Node reflects our past experiences, sometimes associated with past lives. While offering familiarity and insight, it can at times hinder our progress if we become too attached to old patterns, and too reliant on the comforts of the known. 


Understanding these points provides valuable understanding as we progress, highlighting the delicate balance between our past and future directions. This awareness helps us to navigate our path with more clarity and intention, nurturing personal growth, fulfillment and self-realization.


Draco by Johan Bayer

Destined Direction: Navigating Your North Node

Diving into the North Node's influence reveals its role in steering us towards our life's purpose and destiny. Each zodiac sign and house placement of the North Node carries distinct qualities that shape our path. The North and South Nodes change signs every 18.6 months. If you're born during that time, you'll share the same North and South Node signs with others, but where they fall in your birth chart's houses is unique to you. As a reminder, while the signs influence the style and characteristics associated with the nodal placements, the house represents the specific area of life where these themes manifest. In essence, the signs describe the 'what'—the qualities and energies—while the houses specify the 'where'—the domains or aspects of life affected by these qualities and energies.


Find your north node below and consider how the characteristics of that sign might influence how you view your north node placement. For the most accurate true north node, consult your natal chart.



Let's take a quick look at each zodiac sign's traits:



Releasing Old Patterns and Attachments: South Node Wisdom

Exploring the significance of your South Node placement reveals its power to illuminate past behaviors and patterns that may get in the way of our growth in this lifetime. However, it's also important to recognize that the South Node holds valuable wisdom and innate talents that we bring with us and can serve as powerful gifts and tools available to you at all times.


By understanding the lessons and experiences associated with the South Node, we can harness its wisdom as a tool for personal growth and development. Reflecting on the strengths and abilities we've honed in past lives empowers us to navigate present challenges with insight and confidence.

Releasing attachments associated with the South Node is crucial for our evolutionary journey, and leveraging its wisdom allows us to integrate those past lessons and talents into our present lives, empowering us to make conscious choices, paving the way for deeper satisfaction and fulfillment. Through practical tips and holistic approaches, we can facilitate the process of letting go and accepting change. By acknowledging and transcending our outdated patterns, we create space for fresh opportunities and experiences that align with our true essence and highest potential.


 

Locating Your North & South Node in Your Natal Chart


  1. Generate your birth chart: Input your birth date, time, and place on astrology websites or apps to obtain your chart. Here's one I use.

  2. Locate North and South Node symbols: Find "NN" or "☊" for the North Node and "SN" or "☋" for the South Node on your chart.

  3. Identify zodiac sign and house: Note the sign and house placements of the Nodes for insights into your life's themes and challenges.

  4. Interpret meanings: Reflect on the significance of your Node placements to better understand your life's direction and patterns.

  5. Reflect and integrate: Consider how Node energies align with your experiences and use this insight for personal growth.


 




Self-Reflection


Embracing North and South Nodes:

  • Think about the qualities associated with your North Node zodiac sign and house placement. How do these qualities resonate with your life's purpose and aspirations?

  • Reflect on the wisdom and talents associated with your South Node. How can you leverage these strengths to overcome challenges and embrace growth?


Letting Go and Accepting Change:

  • Identify any attachments or patterns associated with your South Node that may be getting in the way of your growth. How can you release these attachments with self-compassion and acceptance?

  • Explore practical, holistic approaches to facilitate the process of letting go. Which techniques resonate with you, and how can you incorporate them into your daily life?


Navigating Personal Growth:

  • Consider the balance between your past and future directions highlighted by your North and South Node placements. How can you navigate this balance with more clarity and intention?


As our dive into the North and South Nodes comes to an end, I encourage you to keep uncovering the potent insights of self-exploration and your evolutionary path. For personalized guidance and support on your holistic journey, I'm here to help.



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