Unlocking the soul’s journey and karmic evolution.
What Are the Lunar Nodes?
The Lunar Nodes – also known as the lunar axis or dragon’s axis – are not physical celestial bodies, but mathematical points where the orbits of the Sun and the Moon around the Earth intersect.
There are two types of nodes:
- North Node (ascending node or dragon’s head)
- South Node (descending node or dragon’s tail)
In the natal chart, the nodes are always directly opposite each other, forming a symbolic axis that offers profound insights into your life purpose, karmic imprints, and spiritual development.
How Are the Lunar Nodes Calculated?
Astronomically, the lunar nodes are created at the intersection points of the ecliptic (the Sun’s apparent path) and the Moon’s orbit around Earth.
They move retrograde through the zodiac and complete a full cycle in approximately 18.6 years.
There are two methods of calculation:
- True Node: takes into account the actual oscillations of the nodal motion
- Mean Node: uses an averaged, consistent motion (commonly used in astrology)
Both approaches are valid, with minimal differences in most cases.
Astrological Meaning of the Lunar Nodes
South Node – The Karmic Baggage
Represents:
- Behavioural patterns and talents developed in previous lives
- Comfort zones and familiar territories
- Aspects from which we must detach to evolve
The South Node indicates what we carry from the past, but also what may limit us if we remain overly attached to it.
North Node – The Soul’s Mission
Symbolises:
- The direction for growth and fulfilment in this lifetime
- Life lessons, soul development, and maturation
- Challenges that push us beyond our comfort zones
The lunar nodes’ axis serves as a guide for personal spiritual evolution – from the known towards the unexplored potential.
Interpreting the Lunar Nodes by Zodiac Sign
The zodiac signs where the nodes are placed show the qualities that must be released (South Node) and those that should be developed (North Node).
Aries / Libra
- South Node in Libra: excessive need for harmony and conflict avoidance
- North Node in Aries: courage, independence, leadership
Taurus / Scorpio
- South Node in Scorpio: emotional dependency and control issues
- North Node in Taurus: stability, self-worth, simplicity
Gemini / Sagittarius
- South Node in Sagittarius: dogmatism and rigid thinking
- North Node in Gemini: openness, curiosity, adaptability
Cancer / Capricorn
- South Node in Capricorn: need for control and societal pressures
- North Node in Cancer: emotional sensitivity, nurturing, emotional intelligence
Leo / Aquarius
- South Node in Aquarius: overidentification with group identity
- North Node in Leo: personal creativity, authenticity, heart-centred living
Virgo / Pisces
- South Node in Pisces: escapism and victim mentality
- North Node in Virgo: organisation, clarity, personal responsibility
Libra / Aries
- South Node in Aries: impulsiveness and self-centredness
- North Node in Libra: relationship skills, diplomacy, balance
Scorpio / Taurus
- South Node in Taurus: resistance to change, attachment to possessions
- North Node in Scorpio: emotional depth, transformation
Sagittarius / Gemini
- South Node in Gemini: superficiality and restlessness
- North Node in Sagittarius: pursuit of meaning, wisdom, and truth
Capricorn / Cancer
- South Node in Cancer: emotional dependency and attachment to the past
- North Node in Capricorn: responsibility, professional achievement
Aquarius / Leo
- South Node in Leo: excessive need for recognition and validation
- North Node in Aquarius: community spirit, progressive vision, altruism
Pisces / Virgo
- South Node in Virgo: perfectionism and overcontrol
- North Node in Pisces: surrender, trust, spiritual connection
Conclusion
The Lunar Nodes are essential elements in evolutionary astrology.
They reveal the soul’s origins and the path towards spiritual growth.
While the South Node reflects familiar patterns and mastered lessons, the North Node points towards a new, often challenging but highly rewarding direction for personal and spiritual evolution.
Consciously working with the Lunar Nodes helps you live more authentically, more consciously, and more aligned with your soul’s true mission.
Famous Personalities and Their Lunar Node Themes
Princess Diana
- North Node in Cancer / South Node in Capricorn
Life Theme: From public duty and royal decorum towards emotional openness, compassion, and closeness to family.
Life Experience: Although she was a symbol of royalty, her true mission was fulfilled through her humanitarian work and emotional vulnerability.
Albert Einstein
- North Node in Virgo / South Node in Pisces
Life Theme: From intuitive, dreamlike perception to precise, methodical analysis.
Life Experience: Deeply spiritual at heart, Einstein’s structured, revolutionary scientific theories reflected the perfect integration of intuition and logic.
Marilyn Monroe
- North Node in Leo / South Node in Aquarius
Life Theme: From emotional detachment to embracing personal radiance and creativity.
Life Experience: She became a global cultural icon, embodying both personal brilliance and inner vulnerability.
Eckhart Tolle
- North Node in Taurus / South Node in Scorpio
Life Theme: From profound internal crises to groundedness, inner peace, and presence.
Life Experience: Known for his teachings on inner stillness, Tolle turned personal transformation into a global message of peace and spiritual simplicity.
Final Thoughts on the Examples
These examples vividly demonstrate how the Lunar Nodes influence destinies, even under intense public pressure.
The path to the North Node is rarely easy; it often involves inner struggles, difficult choices, and letting go of outdated patterns.
Yet every conscious step towards it brings greater clarity, fulfilment, and authenticity.
