The Potential of the North Node and the Karma of the South Node (2024)

Often referred to as the ‘Lunar Nodes of the Moon,’ the North Node and South Node are not physical locations, nor are they objects that can be found in space. Instead, these are what astrologists call points, which are found by calculations using planetary orbits relative to planets and other physical locations within our solar system. Because they aren’t physical objects, however, doesn’t make them any less important. In fact, much of our chart is found using math, such as our rising sign, for example, which is one of the most important placements found in a natal chart. Astrological points can tell us a great deal about ourselves that we otherwise may not see.

Understanding the North Node and the South Node, aka lunar nodes, in astrology has long been used as a tool for gaining insight into our habits and motivations. These two points in our birth chart hold significant meaning and can provide valuable information about our karmic journey and life purpose. To fully understand the influence of the North Node and the South Node, we must consider their placement in both the astrological houses and the zodiac signs.

Let’s dive deeper into each of the nodes below.

The North Node represents our path of growth and evolution in this lifetime. It points to the qualities and experiences we need to develop and embrace to fulfill our highest potential, although this may feel slightly challenging, uncomfortable, or unnatural at first. Depending on which sign the North Node is placed in within the birth chart can indicate the qualities we need to cultivate to fulfill our life’s mission. The house the north node is in can show us where and how we can begin to implement the it.

The South Node indicates our past life experiences, talents, and tendencies that we may rely on too heavily or even need to release to embrace the North Node. To sum in up, the South Node can be viewed as what has already been mastered previously. Whichever sign the South Node is in is what we likely brought into this life from past lives, which often shows us what we have a tendency to do or what we may need to balance in order to move forward. The house the South Node is in can give us a clue as to where the South Node is showing up in our lives.

How to Find Your North and South Node

Although my example is messy, where I’ve written NN (North Node), you can see the symbol ☊ that is circled that represents it. This tells us that the North Node is in the 6th house in the sign of Capricorn.

If you happen to get a chart, like mine above, that does not show you your South Node, know that it uses the same exact symbol, ☋ but is upside down. Also, SN (South Node) will always be exactly opposite of your NN, with exactly six houses away and six signs away. So, this South Node is in the 12th house in the sign of Cancer.

If your North Node is in Aries in the 1st house, for example, your South Node will be in Libra in the 7th house or if you have NN in the 9th house in Scorpio, your SN will be in the 3rd house in Taurus.

North Node and South Node Through the Signs:

• Aries: North Node in Aries encourages self-assertion and independence, while the South Node in Aries advises against selfishness and impulsiveness.
• Taurus: North Node in Taurus promotes stability and patience, while the South Node in Taurus warns against stubbornness and materialism.
• Gemini: North Node in Gemini emphasizes communication and adaptability, while the South Node in Gemini cautions against superficiality and scattered thinking.
• Cancer: North Node in Cancer encourages emotional security and nurturing, while the South Node in Cancer warns against emotional dependency and clinging to the past.
• Leo: North Node in Leo promotes self-expression and creativity, while the South Node in Leo advises against excessive pride and attention-seeking.
• Virgo: North Node in Virgo emphasizes service and attention to detail, while the South Node in Virgo cautions against perfectionism and excessive criticism.
• Libra: North Node in Libra encourages cooperation and diplomacy, while the South Node in Libra warns against indecisiveness and people-pleasing.
• Scorpio: North Node in Scorpio promotes transformation and depth, while the South Node in Scorpio advises against power struggles and obsession.
• Sagittarius: North Node in Sagittarius emphasizes expansion and exploration, while the South Node in Sagittarius cautions against dogmatism and over-optimism.
• Capricorn: North Node in Capricorn encourages ambition and responsibility, while the South Node in Capricorn warns against being too rigid and cold.
• Aquarius: North Node in Aquarius promotes innovation and humanitarianism, while the South Node in Aquarius advises against detachment and rebellion for its own sake.
• Pisces: North Node in Pisces emphasizes spirituality and compassion, while the South Node in Pisces cautions against escapism and self-pity.

North Node Through the Houses:

• First House: With the North Node in the first house, your life’s purpose revolves around self-discovery and personal identity. You are here to develop your individuality and assert your presence in the world.
• Second House: The North Node in the second house signifies a need to cultivate self-worth and financial stability. Your path involves learning how to value yourself and attract abundance.
• Third House: With the North Node in the third house, your purpose lies in communication and learning. You are meant to develop your intellectual abilities and share your knowledge with others.
• Fourth House: The North Node in the fourth house indicates a focus on family and emotional security. Your path involves creating a nurturing and stable home environment.
• Fifth House: With the North Node in the fifth house, your purpose revolves around self-expression and creativity. You are here to embrace your unique talents and find joy in artistic pursuits.
• Sixth House: The North Node in the sixth house signifies a need for service and self-improvement. Your path involves finding fulfillment through helping others and taking care of your physical well-being.
• Seventh House: With the North Node in the seventh house, your purpose lies in relationships and partnerships. You are meant to learn about cooperation, compromise, and finding balance in your interactions with others.
• Eighth House: The North Node in the eighth house indicates a focus on transformation and shared resources. Your path involves delving into the depths of your psyche and embracing change.
• Ninth House: With the North Node in the ninth house, your purpose revolves around expanding your horizons and seeking higher knowledge. You are here to explore different cultures, philosophies, and spiritual beliefs.
• Tenth House: The North Node in the tenth house signifies a need for career success and public recognition. Your path involves finding your vocation and making a meaningful impact in the world.
• Eleventh House: With the North Node in the eleventh house, your purpose lies in community and social connections. You are meant to contribute to group endeavors and work towards collective goals.
• Twelfth House: The North Node in the twelfth house indicates a focus on spirituality and self-transcendence. Your path involves letting go of the ego and connecting with a higher power.

South Node Through the Houses:

• First House: The South Node in the first house suggests a strong attachment to the past, making it challenging for individuals to embrace change and new beginnings. They may find it difficult to break free from old habits and patterns.
• Second House: With the South Node in the second house, individuals may have a tendency to hold onto material possessions and struggle with financial stability. They might find it hard to let go of outdated values and beliefs about money and possessions.
• Third House: The South Node in the third house indicates a reliance on old ways of thinking and communicating. Individuals may struggle with adapting to new technologies or resist expressing themselves in different ways.
• Fourth House: Individuals with the South Node in the fourth house often have strong attachments to their family and home. They may have difficulty breaking free from family traditions and establishing their own identity separate from their roots.
• Fifth House: The South Node in the fifth house suggests a resistance to change in matters of creativity, self-expression, and romance. Individuals may have a hard time letting go of past relationships or embracing new artistic endeavors.
• Sixth House: With the South Node in the sixth house, individuals may struggle with releasing old patterns related to work and health. They might find it challenging to break free from routines or let go of perfectionistic tendencies.
• Seventh House: Individuals with the South Node in the seventh house often have a strong attachment to past relationships and partnerships. They may find it difficult to let go of unhealthy dynamics or patterns that no longer serve them.
• Eighth House: The South Node in the eighth house suggests a deep attachment to past traumas and emotional baggage. Individuals may struggle with letting go of old wounds and embracing transformation and healing.
• Ninth House: Individuals with the South Node in the ninth house may have a strong attachment to their beliefs and philosophies. They may resist exploring new perspectives or be hesitant to step out of their comfort zones.
• Tenth House: The South Node in the tenth house indicates a strong attachment to societal expectations and traditional career paths. Individuals may struggle with breaking free from societal norms and embracing their true calling.
• Eleventh House: With the South Node in the eleventh house, individuals may have a hard time letting go of old friendships or group affiliations. They might resist embracing new social circles and innovative ideas.
• Twelfth House: The South Node in the twelfth house suggests a strong attachment to the past, particularly in matters of spirituality and self-undoing. Individuals may struggle with releasing old patterns of self-sabotage and embracing spiritual growth.

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