Demystifying the Lunar Nodes: True Node vs. Mean Node
The lunar nodes, also known as the nodes of fate, play a vital role in astrology by guiding us through growth and transformation. These points—the North Node and South Node—always sit opposite each other, creating a dynamic axis of evolution and completion. But what’s the difference between the True Node and the Mean Node?
Let’s dive into how they are calculated, what they signify, and how they influence your astrological journey.
What Are the Lunar Nodes?
The lunar nodes are not physical bodies but calculated points that track the intersection of the Moon’s orbit with the Earth’s ecliptic plane. They move in a retrograde motion through the zodiac, beginning at 29 degrees of a sign and moving backward to 0 degrees. The North Node represents growth, new beginnings, and opportunities, while the South Node signifies completions, comfort zones, and past patterns.
True Node vs. Mean Node: What’s the Difference?
Both the True Node and Mean Node are accurate ways to calculate the position of the lunar nodes, but they differ in methodology:
1. True Node:
Tracks the nodes’ actual motion, including fluctuations caused by gravitational influences.
Moves in a stop-start fashion, occasionally switching between direct and retrograde motion.
Reflects irregular and dynamic energy shifts.
Think of the True Node as a driver who alternates between sudden stops and quick accelerations. Its motion can feel unpredictable but offers profound moments of focus when it lingers on a specific degree.
2. Mean Node:
Represents the smoothed average motion of the nodes.
Moves consistently in retrograde motion without the fluctuations seen in the True Node.
Offers a steady and predictable rhythm.
The Mean Node acts like a reliable clock, progressing at a consistent pace and providing a clear, even-tempered energy flow.
Why Both Calculations Matter
The True Node highlights the raw, real-time energy of the nodes, making it valuable for understanding periods of intense focus or sudden shifts. The Mean Node’s consistency helps track the nodes’ overall trajectory, providing a broader perspective on their influence. Both are valid tools in astrology, and their relevance depends on your personal resonance and how they align with your chart.
Learn more about the lunar nodes in this tutorial video, and I’ll also show you how to read an ephemeris. Come on over!