The Lunar Nodes are the points where the Moon’s path crosses the ecliptic, the Sun’s path in the sky. Karmic points in astrology, the Nodes are also called the Dragon’s Head and Tail.
In your birth chart, the nodes help reveal your soul purpose, your destiny in this lifetime.
This week on May 5, 2020, the Lunar Nodes move into new zodiac signs. The North Node moves into Gemini and the South Node moves into Sagittarius where they will remain for the next 18 months, until January 19, 2022.
The Nodal Cycle takes approximately 18-19 years. The last two times the Lunar Nodes were in Gemini/Sagittarius in the same combination were October 13, 2001 to April 14, 2003 and March 17, 1983 to September 12, 1984. How do events back then mirror what’s happening in your life now?
Whichever sign and house you find the North Node in, the South Node is always in the opposite sign and house. The placing of the North Node is what you’re striving or aiming for in this lifetime. It’s your life lesson, your destiny and your major area of learning.
The South Node is where you retreat to, your comfort zone, your habitual place. In traditional astrology, it can indicate your downfall and what’s not good for you. If you believe in past lives, it’s thought that you’re stuck in your South Node destiny until you break free, stop repeating the same patterns and move on.
The Lunar Nodes & Eclipses
The Lunar Nodes are an integral part of the eclipse cycle and their meaning for you may start to kick in more once the Gemini/Sagittarius eclipse cycle begins in June 2020.
However, if you have key planets/angles at 29 degrees of the mutable signs, Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces, you may already feel that this is a pivotal turning point in your life. Like the eclipse cycles, the nodes move backwards through the zodiac so this is where they start the new cycle.
Eclipses are not by their nature good nor bad. Yes, they can sweep in to move things forward in life, sometimes at a fast rate and they tend to bring what’s hidden to light.
It can be hard to plan for them other than recognise that they often coincide with life’s highs and lows. They symbolise a time when the pendulum of fate swings dramatically and that can be both exhilarating and scary.
Sometimes, change happens close to the eclipse date or seeds are sown and events build towards a major turning point. Ideally, you’re wise not to plan big events for eclipse dates. Instead, wait a few days and see what’s revealed as the light returns and a new landscape is revealed.
Here are the dates of the upcoming Gemini/Sagittarius eclipse cycle:
- Lunar Eclipse [15 Sagittarius 34] – June 5 2020
- Lunar Eclipse [8 Gemini 38] – November 30 2020
- Solar Eclipse [23 Sagittarius 08] – December 14 2020
- Lunar Eclipse [5 Sagittarius 26] – May 26 2021
- Solar Eclipse [19 Gemini 47] – June 10 2021
- Solar Eclipse [12 Sagittarius 22] – December 4 2021
The New Nodal Axis – Gemini/Sagittarius
With the current shift in the nodal axis, it’s important to think about the signs involved and what they represent. The nodes are leaving the star signs Cancer and Capricorn, where they’ve been since November 7, 2018.
Cancer and Capricorn are the star signs that represent your foundations, home (Cancer) and work (Capricorn). They represent country & clan (Cancer), government & big business (Capricorn).
On a global level, we can see how major this cycle has been. The last set of eclipses in Cancer & Capricorn took place on December 26, 2019 – a Solar Eclipse in Capricorn and January 10, 2020 – a Lunar Eclipse in Cancer. The latter eclipse coincided with the Saturn/Pluto conjunction in Capricorn on January 12, 2020, a symbol of endings. The emergence of Covid-19 has brought total change to the foundations of our lives.
We already know some of what the nodes moving into Gemini/Sagittarius will bring. For example, this highlights significant change with regard to air travel, tourism, commuting, road travel, transport, education, our school systems, our beliefs, religion, faith, our philosophy on life – Gemini/Sagittarius themes.
We currently have cleaner skies, quieter roads and are finding new ways to do business without leaping on a plane or getting in the car. I hope that during the new Gemini/Sagittarius nodal cycle we will find ways to stay connected across our world and keep the lines of communication open at the same time as caring for our precious earth. It will no doubt be a big ask, especially if you have a gypsy spirit and love your freedom.
What does the new Lunar Node cycle mean for your star sign?
Here’s a quick guide to the Lunar Nodes in Gemini & Sagittarius in relation to your Sun sign. Read your Ascendant sign too, if you know it.
Gemini:
The North Node falls in your 1st house ruling your physical body, your image & profile, your personal goals and ambitions. This is about learning to put yourself and your own needs first, enjoying a relationship without losing your own identity within it. Your default mode may be to rely on a partner to make decisions, either in your personal or professional life. Yet, your destiny lies in focusing on what you want in life and developing a strong sense of personal identity.
Cancer:
The North Node falls in your 12th house ruling retreat, solitude and inner quiet. When life gets too busy and too noisy, you can’t hear the call of the universe and you lose your way and your natural intuition. This is about finding a balance between work & service to others and enjoying and appreciating time alone. Your default mode is to take on too many obligations but your destiny lies in developing your spiritual path and leading a slower pace of life. This is less about the world of the go and more about spiritual surrender.
Leo:
The North Node falls in your 11th house ruling friendship and your involvement within groups, clubs or society in general. You benefit from networking and teamwork. When you forge new alliances you can make more of a difference in what you do. Your default mode is to have fun, be creative and enjoy a playful approach to life. Yet, your destiny lies in developing a strong sense of group consciousness and putting your creative talents to good use in a community setting or a social or political organisation.
Virgo:
The North Node falls in your 10th house ruling your career and vocation and where you’re heading in life. This is a powerful placing for you and it’s about finding your personal mountain to climb, creating ambitions and goals that help you make progress and move forwards. Your default mode is to stay at home and keep safe within the comfort of your family. Yet, your destiny lies in fulfilling your ambitions, taking on new status and achieving your long-term goals. Also, it’s about supporting the ones you love by working hard and fulfilling your potential.
Libra:
The North Node falls in your 9th house ruling travel, higher education and your personal philosophy on life. This is about expanding your horions and widening your vision for what you want in life rather than getting too caught up on the ideas without also embracing the experience. Your default mode is to talk about what you want to do or read books endlessly. Yet, your destiny lies in finding your role within the world, moving abroad, studying for new qualifications or taking your learning to the next level.
Scorpio:
The North Node falls in your 8th house ruling joint finances, the hidden mysteries of the world and taboo topics, such as sex, money, death & rebirth. You may be interested in exploring unknown realms and looking at what lies beyond the ordinary and everyday. Your default mode is to hold on tight to what you have. Yet, your destiny lies in realising that money is energy and more than just a commodity. Work alongside other people to raise money or boost one another’s prospects. Become a powerful force and help transform your own and other peoples’ lives.
Sagittarius:
The North Node falls in your 7th house of relationships. This means the big area of learning is in your 1-to-1 relationship. You may experience lessons around giving and receiving or how to function effectively as one half of a couple. Your default mode is to retreat into yourself when things go wrong. Yet, your destiny lies in creating a powerful union either in love or professionally. If you find yourself feeling lonely or cut off, reach out and create new connections in your life.
Capricorn:
The North Node falls in your 6th house ruling your work, service and health. This is about dealing with the practical aspects of life. The more efficient your routine and the more you factor in exercise and diet to create a healthy lifestyle, the smoother your life flows. Your default mode is to lose yourself in spiritual pondering. Yet, your destiny lies in finding a way to serve others and recognising that your everyday skills can make a difference in the world. Be wary of an over-active imagination or dreaming your life away. Take practical steps to find meaning and purpose.
Aquarius:
The North Node falls in your 5th house ruling your creativity, children, entertainment and love affairs. It’s your turn to have fun and to find ways to express yourself and show off your unique skills and talents. You’re at your best when you’re creative for your own sake rather than helping others discover their creativity. Your default mode is to disappear into the crowd or feel like an outsider. Yet, your destiny lies in declaring your heart and following your passion. For some of you, this will include having a baby or a passionate love affair.
Pisces:
The North Node falls in your 4th house ruling your home, family and where you come from. It’s the people closest to you who matter the most. You may be starting a family or taking a break from work to be at home. Your default mode is to be outwardly ambitious. Yet, your destiny lies in creating a safe place you can call home and caring for the people you love. You may also feel inclined to do this at work, to bring people together in order to create a close bond.
Aries:
The North Node falls in your 3rd house ruling communication, transport, siblings, neighbours and your local community. You’re the messenger and gathering knowledge and passing on ideas becomes more urgent. You discover your voice and how to use your words to make a difference. Your default mode is to retreat into your ivory tower and develop your ideas on your own. Yet, your destiny lies in connecting with others locally and online to share ideas and make the wheels of your chosen industry run smoother.
Taurus:
The North Node falls in your 2nd house ruling your personal money, your possessions and what you value. You can learn many lessons about money now, what it means to you, how to attract money into your life and how to make your money go further. Your default mode may be to rely on others for your financial well-being. Yet, your destiny lies in learning about your own money mindset and realising that, when it comes to cash and being rich or poor, it’s your responsibility.
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This is my first time digging really deep into astrology and reading more in depth of my signs.
I still find how it remarkable every time words resonates, gemini and libra for me! Your interview from Suzanne’s summit brought me here and it was so thoughtful and insightful, thank you! 🙂
Thank you, Kim. I’m so pleased you enjoyed the talk – I have to say I loved delivering it. Sun signs are full of wonderful information and so helpful to get to know yourself on a deeper level and deepen your relationships with others too. Enjoy your exploration.
Last time north node went through Gemini was Oct 2001-Apr-2003ish. Saturn was also transiting through there. Spot on with the 2H interpretation for my Taurus ascendant – I earned the most money in my life I ever have – although worked every day for it with no holidays. Be interesting to see if that repeats in the current economic climate!
I have Sagittarius South Node in the 3rd house. Are you able to give me a bit of insight into what this might mean for those with this placement?
your comfort zone is communication, community, your neighbourhood, passing on what you know. your greater learning is education, qualifications, teaching, finding a religion or spiritual path. The current eclipse cycle could be challenging what you believe or your intelligence in some way. Hope that helps.
My north node is in gemini 5th house can you tell me about the effects this return of nodal axis will have
It’s about friends/social life/the groups you inhabit – also children/lovers – 5th house passions. These are the areas where you may see a turning point.
My north node is in gemini and south node in sagg. I wanna utilize as much of this energy as I can this year since I am in alignment with the lunar nodes in this new eclipse… is there anything you recommend to take advantage of the energy. thank youuuuuu
Look back to the last eclipses in Gemini/Sagittarius – they have an 18-19 year cycle. Find out where they fall in your birth chart as they will tell you more when you know what areas of life are being triggered. The nodal returns often act as significant turning point years in your life.
Based upon my ascending sign of Libra my North Node is in my 9th House (Gemini) but based upon my Sun (and my Moon) it is in my 8th House (Taurus). Im getting confused at which I should be looking at.
However if it is in my 9th House and Gemini obviously the New Moon Solar Eclipse in Gemini 10th June will have more of a profound effect?
Thanks – Sue
It may be that it has an effect on both those houses. Travel/study decisions; money/taboo issues. But yes, I would think the 9th house placing is most powerful for you. Just writing about it today, article coming soon 🙂
Hello, this is so helpful. So Sagittarius stayed in the south node for this whole eclipse series? What would this mean for someone with their NN in Sag, SN in Gemini? How will the Taurus/Scorpio eclipse season start; north node in scorpio??? It’s amazing how this is aligning with the emergence of Uranus from retrograde in Taurus on Jan 18-19 2022. Peace and love thank you!
hi Bria, you have a reverse nodal cycle when the nodes are the other way around. It can trigger learnings around the nodes, where they fall in your birth chart, but not as important as the true nodal cycle every 18-19 years. That often plays out more powerfully. i.e. when the north node is in Sagittarius – approximately 8-9 years ago being the last one. The nodes change star sign on December 23rd and the north node will be in Taurus, the south node in Scorpio. So will be really interesting to see what happens when Uranus and the north node in Taurus align in 2022 – I think it’s August 1st.
You’re so sweet. Thank you for your time.
Reverse nodal cycle, got it!
What could a reverse nodal cycle mean for romantic relationships? For example, if two connect June 5,2020 when the south node is in Sagittarius during a lunar full moon eclipse. I know this generally indicates karma… and “karmic partners aren’t meant to end up together.”
But what could it mean if his NN is in Sag, and it conjuncts at 0degree orb to my Ascendent in Sagittarius?
Thus he’s going through a reverse nodal cycle with me who conjuncts his NN to my Ascendent.
Of course a whole synastry chart is needed to determine… but what’s interesting also is the next ecliptic cycle will be a reverse nodal cycle for me and our composite chart: SN in Taurus and NN in Scorpio.
How does uranus in retrograde affect those with sn in taurus …
Idk, I’m trying to tell the future and make sense of this connection, and why it’s so hard to let go or what the real lesson is lol. If you have anything to add to this would be so interesting and helpful! Thank you!
I think karmic partners are meant to be together – they always teach you the most. When you get the Sun & Moon conjunct the Ascendant/Descendant axis that’s a powerful attraction but also the nodes – you have to see what it’s teaching you. Not the easiest relationship but definitely one that’s worth engaging with.