Astrology

Lunar Nodes

Definition

The two points where the Moon's orbit crosses the ecliptic — the North Node, read as the direction of growth and what you're moving toward, and the South Node, read as the familiar, past-oriented patterns you're moving beyond.

The lunar nodes are two opposite points where the Moon’s orbit crosses the sun’s apparent path (the ecliptic). They aren’t planets or bodies — they’re mathematical points — but astrology reads them as a meaningful axis in a birth chart.

The North Node is read as the direction of growth: the qualities, experiences, and area of life you’re being drawn toward, often the ones that feel unfamiliar or effortful. The South Node, directly opposite, represents the familiar and well-worn — gifts you already have and patterns you may lean on too heavily. Together they’re often described as a chart’s axis of purpose: where you’ve been, and where you’re being invited to go. Their sign and house placements give the theme its specifics.