Why is the North Node the Most Important Point in the Whole Chart? Why do you need to know it? 

 

The North Node is the “prescription” you need for the challenges in your birth chart; it’s the soul remedy for the karmic challenges you came into this life with as shown by your South Node, the “diagnosis.” In effect, the Nodes summarize the whole chart into “here is the problem; the South Node, and here is the solution; the North Node.” 

 

The Nodes are based on the idea of reincarnation, and that your Soul chose the time and place to be born into so that you would grow and experience certain things in this lifetime. The South Node is what you came into this life with, and it’s read from the viewpoint of what you didn’t get right in the last life and what you suffered from. You know how to do the South Node because it’s your default pattern in this life still, as an old habit. But it doesn’t serve you anymore. It takes courage and a willingness to try something new—to do the North Node remedy. 

 

People make astrology seem more complicated than it needs to be. Sure, one needs to learn the basic language of the planets, signs and aspects, and the underlying principles, but it isn’t as complicated to understand if you are simply looking for what you need to do to make your life better and more in alignment with your Soul Purpose. It’s in that nugget of information in your North Node. 

 

Doesn’t your Sun sign say everything? Not at all. It describes your personality. And you probably know that already. What about the Moon? It describes your emotional life, and the Rising Sign describes the persona-mask you show the world and your style of doing things. But none of these are as important for you to know as your North Node.

 

How does it work? Well, look at your chart and find the sign your North Node is in, and read about what the highest expression of that sign is about. That is your personal true North; your compass. Then look at the planet that rules that sign and see what it’s doing in your chart, for a little more information. Then find the area of your life where your karmic North Node work is most relevant; that’s the house it’s in. Read about all the expressions of that house. Now you know what and where—look next to see if there are planets conjuncting either the North or South Node and read about what those planets mean—throw them into the alchemical stew we are making. 

 

This is where you may need help from an astrologer to more fully understand what those added planets mean to your story, and also if there are squares to the Nodes creating a “skipped step.” There are nuances and permutations which are fascinating to learn, but if you simply want the basics it’s as simple as knowing the sign and house. 

 

You are creating an alchemical stew here and it requires a quality of intuition to bring the nodal story together…to take the intuitive leap that brings signs, houses, planets and aspects together. I guess that’s what keeps us astrologers in business! It does get nuanced and it’s not easy to read the story for yourself; but it is what evolutionary astrologers such as Steven Forrest and many of us do. We can look at your Nodes and see where there is “gold” or goodness in the South Node past life story, and we can adjust the interpretation of your Nodal story so you can see it in light of your whole chart. However, the basic information is there in your chart, in the Nodes, to see for free. It’s the gold in your chart and it’s worth having a compass in this life--it’s worth having a prescription for healing. It can change your life.

 

~Elizabeth Spring         From Podcast: North Node Astrology

Hello Readers! Well, so many of you like to listen as well as to read, so don't forget to go to your Apple or Spotify Podcasts for all the archived Podcasts. Some of them are also on page 2 here: https://NorthNodeAstrology.com   

The Astrology of Mid-Life and Menopause from Podcast: "North Node Astrology" by Elizabeth Spring

New North Node Astrology Podcast

Here's my new podcast on the Nodes which is available on Apple and most podcast Apps. Here's a sample: the first one on North Node Aries.

Astrology Readings

Yes, I'm doing astrology readings! Check out: www.elizabethspring.com to see how to quickly set up an appointment by phone. Even though I'm not an active blogger these days, I am a busy astrologer and would be happy to get your email request for a reading: elizabethspring@aol.com Because of my books and articles which have spread around the world I tend to get many long distance requests--which is not a problem, as I use a phone recording service that makes it very simple. (Sometimes the hardest part is just getting the time zone correct.) My readings include the birth, transit and progressed charts so that our session can be relevant to what is happening with you now; as well as looking at the Nodes. I request an email letter beforehand so we can focus in on your questions and concerns. This blog had it's birth so many years ago (!) and I hope you find information here that will be helpful to you. ~Elizabeth

North Node Table

Find Your North Node Using this Table You can use this table to find the sign of your North Node, remembering too that the South Node is always the sign that is exactly opposite it; of 180 degrees away. So for example, if you were born Oct 1 1947 your North Node sign would be Taurus. If you were born March 24 1979 your North Node would be in Virgo. After you find your North Node sign, scroll down the side bar to find the link to the description of your Nodes. If you were born between these dates, your North Node is the sign following the dates. Jan 1/40 – May 24/41 it is Libra, Dec 24/62 -Aug 25/64 it is Cancer, and so on through all these dates: May 25/41 -Nov 21/42 Virgo, Aug 26/64 -Feb 19/66 Gemini, Nov 22/42 – May 11/44 Leo, Feb 20/66 -Aug 19/67 Taurus, May 12/44 – Dec 3/45 Cancer, Aug 20/67 -Apr 19/69 Aries, Dec 4/45 – Aug 2/47 Gemini, Apr 20/69 – Nov 2/70 Pisces, Aug 3/47 – Jan 26/49 Taurus, Nov 3/70 – Apr 27/72 Aquarius, Jan 27/49 – Jul 26/50 Aries, Apr 28/72 – Oct 27/73 Capricorn, Jul 27/50 – Mar 28/52 Pisces, Oct 28/73 – Jul 9/75 Sagittarius, Mar 29/52 – Oct 9/53 Aquarius, Jul 10/75 – Jan 7/77 Scorpio, Oct 10/53 – Apr 2/55 Capricorn, Jan 8/77 – Jul 5/78 Libra, Apr 3/55 – Oct 4/56 Sagittarius, Jul 6/78 – Jan 5/80 Virgo, Oct 5/56 – Jun 16/58 Scorpio, Jan 6/80 – Sep 24/81 Leo, Jun 17/58 – Dec 15/59 Libra, Sep 25/81 – Mar 16/83 Canc, Dec 16/59 – Jun 10/61 Virgo, Mar 17/83 – Sep 11/84 Gem, Jun 11/61 – Dec 23/62 Leo, Sep 12/84 – Apr 6/86 Taur, Date Sign Apr 7/86 – Dec 2/87 Aries, Dec 3/87 – May 22/89 Pisces, May 23/89 – Nov 18/90 Aquarius, Nov 19/90 – Aug 1/92 Capricorn, Aug 2/92 – Feb 1/94 Sagittarius, Feb 2/94 – Jul 31/95 Scorpio, Aug 1/95 – Jan 25/97 Libra, Jan 26/97 – Oct 20/98 Virgo, Oct 21/98 – Apr 9/00 Leo, Apr 10/00 – Oct 13/01 Cancer, Oct 14/01 – Apr 14/03 Gemini, Apr 15/03 – Dec 26/04 Taurus, Dec 27/04 – Jun 22/06 Aries, Jun 23/06 – Dec 18/07 Pisces, Dec 19/07 – Aug 21/09 Aquarius.

Astrology for the Third Act of Life with Elizabeth Spring

I am doing Readings again!

I am doing readings again, and all the info for setting up a reading is here: http//:www.elizabethspring.com Readings are in my home or mostly by phone and they are recorded. We use the free conference call number on my website and I do readings from all over the world with no recording cost; the link to the recording is sent to you after our session. Readings are usually just over an hour long and include your birth, transit and progressed charts with special attention to the North and South Nodes. These relate to life direction and Soul purpose; and you can find my book: North Node Astrology on amazon.com I ask you to send me an email letter with your concerns and questions before so that as I prepare I'll know if you are simply feeling stuck or have a specific relationship, career, or health issue. So to set up a reading: first email me with some days and times you might be available. I can often do a reading within a few days. I will email you back right away, and once we've set up our appointment time, then you go back to the website and secure it with payment on the site. Then email me your letter with your birth info (including time and place) and a little about you and your concerns now. I'll let you know I received it, and we will be all set. Readings are $150 unless you are returning within a year: $100. I've been a full time astrologer since 1992 and have apprenticed with Steven Forrest, Alice Howell, and studied with many others. My Master's degree is in psychology with an emphasis in the work of Carl Jung.

What does It mean to have a planet conjunct, opposite or square the Nodes?

What does it mean to have a planet conjunct, opposing or square to the Nodes of the Moon? If a planet is conjunct the South Node that planet describes something of what the person was like earlier in this life and in a past life. It blends it's nature with the South Node sign.Remember that the South Node speaks of our reincarnation past as well as our default patterns in this life, and the North Node speaks to the direct our Soul longs to go towards in this life. We can discern our life lessons by understanding the Nodes. (Read: "North Node Astrology; Re-discovering Your Life Direction and Soul Purpose" on amazon.) If a planet is opposite the South Node or conjunct the North Node that planet describes what the person was up against in a former life, and earlier in this one, and may represent something that was blocked or repressed in the past, and thus the higher octave of the planet is longed for in this life. For example, if that planet was Uranus, freedom may have been an issue in the past and is something still longed for. If a planet is square to the Nodes, it is called a skipped step, which means the qualities of that planet must be faced again in this life and resolved in order for evolutionary progress to continue. It's an issue left unresolved from the past, which needs attention in this life. For example, if Mars in Aries is square the Nodes then the person might need to harness their courage and ability to act effectively and assertively in this life. They might have been blocked in a former life by a person who acted like "Mars in Aries." Elizabeth Spring. www.elizabethspring.com

What if the Nodes are reversed?

In trying to understand my North Node, what if the nodes and houses are reversed? As in a Pisces North Node in the 6th house? You need to find the integration of those opposing functions and blend their energies. For example in this case with a North Node Pisces (Pisces normally ruling the 12th house but now in the 6th house) you'd want to emphasize Piscean qualities in the arena of 6th house activities--so you'd want to bring the heartfelt, imaginative and intuitive qualities of Pisces into your daily work life (6th house). With the Nodal reversal it's always the challenge of integrating what the sign and house mean, even if it feels awkward at first. With a South Node in Virgo in the 12th you might realize that your default pattern and your reincarnation story has to do with not being able to make order and sense out of your deep psyche--the unconscious. In this case, paying attention to dreams, synchronicities and having psychoanalysis might be the wise thing to do. The Pisces/Virgo axis is also about blending the energies of the heart with the head. The North Node is the evolutionary cutting edge of the Soul, so always look to it by sign and house to be your guiding North Star even if it feels unfamiliar. Elizabeth. www.elizabethspring.com

Lifting the Veil; Becoming Your Own Best Astrologer: Lifting the Veil; Becoming Your Own Best Astrologe...

Lifting the Veil; Becoming Your Own Best Astrologer: Lifting the Veil; Becoming Your Own Best Astrologer: This book will help you learn the Soul Language of astrology. It's not as difficult as you may think! This book simplifies and prioritizes what you need to know and what you don't need to know; lifting the veil on old ideas and confusions. It explains signs, houses, planets, aspects and the Nodes in a way that will help you be able to understand your chart in a way you never did before. It will help you see your life journey and direction in a way you've never understood before.

Understanding the North and South Nodes

Many astrologers believe the Nodes are the single most important point in the chart. I am certainly one of them. They are unique to each person and describe what your Soul wants to learn and experience in this life. The Nodes are Soul Messengers, describing the evolutionary needs of your Soul. They show the arc, or journey of our lives and summarize the direction of the whole chart.   When we act out the qualities of the North Node we heal and nurture ourselves. It tells us in what area of life we need to bring emphasis, and some of the ways to do it.  The North Node has a sign, a house position, and aspects, and is an excellent suggestion---similar to the idea of a personal guiding North Star.The North Node is the direction we are called to move towards in this life. It holds hints of what qualities we need to bring into our life more.

By contrast, the South Node describes the qualities brought over from our previous life, and describes how we lived when we were young. Our deeply habitual ways of being and thinking are shown here, and as we mature we tend to act out the qualities of our South Node less. It shows both the unhelpful and negative qualities that our Soul wishes to move away from, as well as containing what Carl Jung talked about as the “gold in the shadow”. This gold is the unconscious unrecognized talents and abilities that we bring over from a former life or that are simply latent or repressed qualities. It is wise to uncover and use the gold in the South Node, while leaving the negative old patterns behind, and to move in the direction of the North Node.

Most astrologers would agree that the South Node reflects karmic qualities of our previous life, describing the unfinished business and things that we didn't 'get quite right.' Although there are gifts and talents shown there, it is the North Node that points to the qualities our Soul wants to use and acquire in this life. So when you have a chart reading, take a long look at what your North Node tells you, even if it feels a little unfamiliar and challenging. It offers a potent suggestion.                            

So how does this all work together in a chart? Let’s look at my chart as an example. My Sun is in Libra, North Node in Taurus in the 2nd house, and South Node in Scorpio in the 8th house. “Houses” are the areas of life where things get acted out, and the Nodes are each in different houses. In many ways I acted out my South Node till my Saturn Return at age 28. I have tended to learn things the hard way, to be ungrounded and to go to excesses when I was young. It has taken me a long time to live into my true profession as an astrologer.  I married late, and after 20 years of marriage was divorced for five years, and then I remarried my first husband. We've been married now since 2001, and continue to do the wonderful/horrible work that soul mates do with each other---we help each other grow. His independence and my desire 'to merge' are not comfortable together, yet I can see how he naturally pushes me to live out the independence and grounded values of my Taurus North Node. I encourage and stimulate the curiosity and expansiveness of his North Node in Gemini. There's grace and grit here; a true marriage.

My South Node in Scorpio suggests that my Soul purpose is, in part, to move away from hurtful melodramas and to ground myself in my own talents and resources.  It speaks of the desire for serenity and to move away from the dramatic reactivity and the excesses of my earlier years and former life. I’ve needed to take on the qualities of loyalty and persistence of the Taurus North Node and to find the sacred in the commonplace, which is a beautiful quality of that sign. The “gold” in my Scorpio shadow-South Node is my intuitive ability and emotional intensity. 

One could speculate that with my South Node in Scorpio (conjuncting Jupiter, the planet of expansion and privilege) I may have been the 'power behind the throne' to someone of importance, and was used to enjoying the largesse of another person and a more dramatic life. That is not the case in this life–I need to use my own resources and power based on that grounded Taurus in the 2nd house of personal values and resources. The Universe gives me strong hints whenever I move into territory that is not my own to claim anymore.

My Sun sign in Libra wants serenity, harmony and beauty. Yet it thinks in terms of opposing ideas, and about the paradoxical nature of life. I can get easily stressed, yet look poised. The North Node points to the necessity of creating calmness and living off my own values and resources.  It's also significant that I have no earth signs in my chart—except the North Node in Taurus, and yet I was unconsciously drawn to compensate for that (the pull of the North Node) as I make pottery as well as do astrology. For many years I lived in a stone house, and married an earth sign, Virgo. Jungian psychologists would call this the unconscious compensation of my inferior function; the sensate.  

An astrologer sees a chart like my mine and says this is an air and fire sign personality, whereas a Jungian therapist would say I was an intuitive-thinking type. This is labeling, and just the beginning of a deeper discussion, but it’s still useful.  

The movement towards the North Node is a continuous process, not just one decision you make. For me, I needed to get lost, and found, many times--- I divorced and remarried the same man.  I write and do astrological counseling, which is my true vocation, but I have ‘followed several gods home’. I continually need to recommit to ever deeper levels of grounding and persistence in my work and life. Serenity and home life is very important. I know I survived a difficult family karmic inheritance, yet I strive to act out the highest octave of the Libra Sun which pulls me towards tactfulness and deep thinking.  And that South Node in Scorpio still tries to seduce me in every way you can imagine. 

So, I come back to the chart and to the astrological work again and again as a spiritual practice. It helps me remember my commitment to the work of being a healer; an intuitive astrologer who is grounded and practical.  Astrology reflects the internal dialog between the different parts of oneself, but at least now I know who to listen to and why. I am grateful to have this divinatory tool that helps make conscious what is unconscious in the psyche, and I delight in sharing the gifts of this Soul Messenger to whoever asks.

Elizabeth Spring, MA, is a counseling astrologer and therapist who has studied astrology and the psychology of Carl Jung since 1969. She has studied and taught in England, Switzerland, and California, and has been a professional astrologer since 1992. She specializes in relationship, career, and soul direction and life purpose issues. Consultations are done by phone or at her office in Wickford, RI. Other articles can be read on www.elizabethspring.com  

You can contact Elizabeth Spring at ElizabethSpring@aol.com

All of these sign placements are on www.NorthNodeAstrologyBlogspot.com : ie North Node in Aries, South Node in Libra, North Node in Pisces, South Node in Aries, North Node in Gemini, South Node in Sagittarius, North Node in Virgo, South Node in Pisces, North Node in Cancer, South Node in Capricorn.etc.  The houses that the Nodes fall in are very important and you need your chart to see that. To truly understand how it all fits together I recommend a personal reading.  Email me: elizabethspring@aol.com