Working through Lunar Nodes in the Natal Chart

The analysis of the Lunar Nodes, also known as Rahu and Ketu, is a primary task for an astrologer. The Lunar Nodes symbolize a person’s evolution and karmic purpose. The South Node (Ketu) represents the past life, encompassing all the skills and talents the native has accumulated over many incarnations. At the same time, it also indicates modes of interacting with the world that have already been exhausted and are no longer relevant in this incarnation.

The North Node (Rahu) is the current vector of development, but this is a path where the native has no experience. Personal growth must be achieved by relying on the best qualities of the sign and House of Ketu. This is why the Nodes must be considered as a pair, taking into account their direction, elements, Houses, and any planets in conjunction with them.

Tasks of the North and South Nodes

The Lunar Nodes are not physical bodies, but rather calculated points. They are always directly opposite each other, within the same cross, and answer two fundamental questions:

• What experience has been gained in the past;
• Where to move forward in the current incarnation.

Essentially, they are symbols of psychological and life scenarios. Once mastery of one Node is achieved, it is necessary to progress to the next level; otherwise, instead of growth and success, the native may regress, thereby compounding past mistakes.

A common misconception among beginner astrologers is to advise completely avoiding the sphere of activity related to Ketu and focusing only on Rahu. As a result, the person becomes afraid to express their talents and intuitive understanding of that area, even though integrating them with the sphere of the North Node would be far more beneficial.

Working through the Nodes means taking the best from Ketu while persistently moving forward in the direction of Rahu.

For example, if the South Node is in Aries and the North Node is in Libra, the person’s task is to reconcile disputes, make fair decisions for the good of all parties, engage in charity, and become a high-level diplomat. However, this cannot be accomplished without the courage, bravery, and leadership qualities of Aries developed in the past. If the native instead lives according to the South Node, they risk becoming the source of conflict and suffering for others.

The Houses where Rahu and Ketu are placed show where these tasks are to be applied. For instance, if they are in the First and Seventh Houses, the sphere of development is partnership and relationships; in the Second and Eighth Houses, it involves finances and the transformation of consciousness.

Peculiarities of Direct and Retrograde Lunar Nodes

Most often, the normal state of Rahu and Ketu is retrograde. They move backward so that the native can gently work through the main issues. However, direct motion of the Nodes is similar to the influence of a retrograde planet and carries a special karmic load. To harmonize this, the native must, on the contrary, revisit the aims and tasks of the South Node (Ketu) and reconsider them. This means that there is not yet a solid foundation to rely on—either the native did not have enough time to gain sufficient experience and development in this area in the past, or there were errors in their beliefs.

At the same time, it is still necessary to diligently pursue the theme of Rahu, which complicates the task, but mitigates karmic retribution from higher powers if the person pays due attention to the affairs of Ketu. For instance, if a person with retrograde South Node in Virgo and North Node in Pisces is supposed to let go of calculations, schedules, and analysis in favor of creativity, generosity, and compassion, then the person with the direct Nodes uses Virgo’s qualities as a resource: they plan creative endeavors precisely, monetize their talents, and invest or donate a tithe to good causes.

Peculiarities of Working Through the Lunar Nodes

Rahu and Ketu are not directly related to a person’s profession or daily life in terms of “good or bad.” Experience related to the North Node can be unpleasant and painful, but ultimately brings new perspectives and rewards. For example, if the native is born with Rahu in Capricorn and needs to develop willpower and build a career, they might find themselves in a family with a strict military father or a demanding mother. Excessive emotionality and complaints may result in betrayal and shame—only to realize the necessity of being strong, self-reliant, and independent.

The test of fidelity to the North Node’s path occurs every 18 years and intensifies as the person matures. If the native ignores the signs of fate and chooses the easy route of Ketu, all their achievements and pleasures in that realm may simply be annulled or devalued.

Three Rules for Working Through the Lunar Nodes

Rahu and Ketu should never be considered apart from the entire chart. Most importantly: first harmonize the Moon, which symbolizes the core needs of the soul and body for comfort and peace, then address the Sun as the indicator of personal willpower and self-realization, and only then turn to the Nodes.

If the Moon is afflicted and the Sun is not shining at full strength, the person simply cannot cope with the mission of the North Node. There are three main rules when working with karmic tasks:

1. Examine the position of the Nodes by House and sign, and most importantly, determine the position of their rulers. If Rahu is in Aries and Mars is afflicted by negative aspects, work must be done with this planet, considering what can be taken from Ketu’s experience for its harmonization.

2. Study the interrelation between the rulers of the signs where the Nodes are placed and the tasks of the Houses they occupy. Fulfilling these will allow the native to approach the mission of Rahu prepared and energetically empowered.

3. Look at which planets are near the North Node and the nature of their aspects—whether they are in exaltation or in fall. Any conscious development of these planets will also lead the native toward fulfilling the mission of the current incarnation.

The most dangerous periods for testing the Lunar Nodes are ages 37–38, when a major crisis may strike but it’s still possible to correct everything, and 56–57, when rejecting the tasks of the North Node may threaten the continuation of life itself. If the person lives in accordance with their higher purpose as symbolized by Ketu and Rahu, their life will be filled with interesting events and achievements, and they will develop spiritually and physically, atoning for past mistakes and ascending to a higher karmic level.   ✓