There are two sets of Planetary Nodes — the Heliocentric North and South Nodes, which are always exactly opposite and the Geocentric Planetary Nodes, which apart from the Lunar Nodes, are rarely in exact opposition. The North and South Geocentric Nodes of Jupiter can vary by as much as two signs from opposition. The North and South Nodes of Mercury and Venus can be conjunct - which means that interpretations based on nodal polarity for the Geocentric Planetary Nodes are difficult.
The HELIOCENTRIC Planetary Nodes are the points where two planetary orbits intersect, as considered from the viewpoint of the sun. The GEOCENTRIC Planetary Nodes are points where a planet’s orbit intersects the ecliptic, from the viewpoint of the earth. This article covers the Heliocentric Planetary Nodes only.
Both the Heliocentric Mean Nodes and the variable positions of the ascending and descending Geocentric Planetary Nodes can be found on ‘Solar Fire’ astrological software.
The Heliocentric Mean Nodes move very slowly — at approximately one degree per century, which may account for the fact that they are often overlooked. Their positions as listed in the Larousse ‘Encyclopedia of Astrology’ for January 1, 1980 are as follows:-
HELIOCENTRIC NORTH AND SOUTH NODES - JANUARY 1, 1980
MERCURY 17.59 Taurus (North Nodes) and 17.59 Scorpio (South Nodes)
MARS 19.24 Taurus (North Nodes) and 19.24 Scorpio (South Nodes)
URANUS 14.01 Gemini (North Nodes) and 14.01 Sagittarius (South Nodes)
VENUS 16.30 Gemini (North Nodes) and 16.30 Sagittarius (South Nodes)
JUPITER 10.14 Cancer (North Nodes) and 10.15 Capricorn (South Nodes)
PLUTO 19.54 Cancer (North Nodes) and 19.54 Capricorn (South Nodes)
SATURN 23.30 Cancer (North Nodes) and 23.30 Capricorn (South Nodes)
NEPTUNE 11.33 Leo (North Nodes) and ll.33 Aquarius (South Nodes)
Plus ..
CHIRON 29.09 Libra (North Nodes) and 29.09 Aries (South Nodes)
MIXING AND MATCHING
Comparison of the Heliocentric Planetary Nodes with the Geocentric Natal chart is very effective. The concept of comparing Heliocentric planet positions with the geocentric chart is not new. In “Revolutionizing Astrology with Heliocentric”, T.Patrick Davis outlines some fascinating research in this area.
It is likely that Heliocentric Planetary Node contacts in your natal chart pinpoint areas where you relate to the ‘world at large’. In particular, conjunctions and major aspects to the natal Ascendant and Midheaven reinforce and add new dimensions of understanding as to what is perceived as your life path.
Natal planets aspecting a Planetary Node or Nodes will be coloured by the energy of that Planetary Node, providing answers to questions not previously explained by planetary aspects alone. One of my students commented that the “Planetary Nodes fill out the horoscope and reveal ways that the otherwise unrepresented parts weave in with the dominant configurations.” — Good observation
PLANETARY NODES — ORBS
Obviously the closer the orb the more powerful the influence. Because the Mercury/Mars and Venus/Uranus Nodes are close pairs, tight orbs are essential. The Saturn and Pluto nodes, three and a half degrees apart, are also close. A 2 degree orb between a natal planet and a Planetary Node position is considered reasonable.
Whilst say a 4 degree orb between an accurately descriptive Planetary Node to a natal Ascendant and Midheaven may be acceptable for some, it also gives scope for slight rectification of a given birth time.
PLANETARY NODES — INTERPRETATION
Traditionally the North Node of any body represents ‘intake’ whilst the South Node represents ‘release’. Because release can be more painful than intake, the South Node does not flow as smoothly as the North Node. As in all successful interpretation, the secret of working with the Planetary Nodes is the same as all our other astrological interpretations, that is to understand the message provided and ‘move with the correct flow’.
MERCURY NODES provide further insight into mental faculties and communication skills.
VENUS NODES highlight relationships, extravagance and artistic talents.
MARS NODES indicate assertive, aggressive behaviour, sporting prowess, accidents and operations.
JUPITER NODES highlight philosophy, education, travel and the concept of expansion and protection.
SATURN NODES indicate security, sometimes over-emphasised, ambition and hardships.
URANUS NODES show clever, inventive and freedom-loving traits and determined self-will.
NEPTUNE NODES indicate artistic and theatrical talents, plus areas of sensitivity and emotional confusion.
PLUTO NODES highlight determination, domination and exploration.
CHIRON NODES express care for the wounded soul, lessons learnt or taught.
If for example the Mercury North Nodes is conjunction the Ascendant, it would enhance the communicative skills and mobility, whereas the Mercury South Nodes suggest that there may be slightly more difficulty in that area.
If for example the Mars North or South Nodes is conjunct or in hard aspect to the natal Mars, competitiveness would be increased, but the tendency towards argumentativeness and accidents may also be noticed. This phenomenom comes under the category of ‘maximum effectiveness’.
MAXIMUM EFFECTIVENESS occurs when a transiting Geocentric planet forms a conjunction or hard aspect to the Heliocentric Nodes of that same planet. In the case of natal astrology, if the Heliocentric Nodes of a planet is conjunct that particular planet in the geocentric natal chart and the planet in question happens to be the chart ruler, or significantly placed in the natal chart, the effect of that planet increases dramatically — see World Events and examples listed below.
WORLD EVENTS AND FAMOUS PEOPLE
If the theory holds water we can expect, when glancing down the list of dates when the Geocentric Sun is conjunct the individual Heliocentric Planetary Nodes, that the dates are close to pivotal world events. Also the birthdays of famous and infamous people, who made or continue to make, an impact on the group consciousness of society. The type of impact made is described by the interpretation of the particular Planetary Node. Some interesting world events are ARMISTICE DAY November 11, 1918, the news that World War I had finished, coincides with the Sun conjunct Mercury South Nodes. The D-DAY INVASION OF EUROPE LANDINGS on June 6, 1944, coincides with the Sun conjunct Uranus North Nodes.
TITANIC HITS ICEBERG AND SINKS - April 14, 1912 - Sun and Mercury square Saturn Nodes, Midheaven conjunct Chiron North Nodes, Geocentric Moon Nodes are square the Pluto Nodes, Jupiter conjunct the Venus and Uranus South Nodes.
TERRORISTS ATTACK TRADE TOWERS NEW YORK - September 11, 2001 - Saturn conjunct Venus and Uranus North Nodes, Uranux quincunx Saturn North Nodes, Pluto conjunct Uranus South Nodes, Venus square Mercury and Mars North Nodes, Jupiter conjunct Jupiter North Nodes.
BALI TERRORIST BOMBING - October 12, 2002 - Sun square Pluto North and South Nodes, Jupiter conjunct Neptune North Nodes, Pluto conjunct Venus and Uranus South Nodes, Uranus quincunx Saturn North Nodes, Venus quincunx Venus North Nodes.
**MAJOR EARTHQUAKE AND TSUNAMI - December 26, 2004 - Ascendant and Chiron conjunct Saturn South Nodes, Saturn conjunct Saturn North Nodes, Neptune conjunct Neptune South Nodes, Midheaven conjunct Chiron North Nodes. NOTE: This natural disaster reinforces my theory of maximum effectiveness regarding the incidence of transiting planets conjunct or in hard aspect to their Heliocentric Planetary Nodes.
FAMOUS PEOPLE
People born with Heliocentric Planetary Nodes conjunct their natal geocentric Sun position are PRINCESS DIANA of England with Sun conjunct the Jupiter North Nodes (=the golden child). Diana’s Ascendant is conjunct the Venus and Uranus South Nodes (=abrupt relationship conflicts, endings, release). The planets Venus and Uranus are also square in Diana’s natal chart. At the time of the accident that led to her death, Diana’s natal Ascendant/Descendant axis and consequently the Venus/Uranus Nodes axis, was activated.
PRINCE CHARLES and PRINCESS GRACE OF MONACO have their natal Sun conjunct the Mercury and Mars South Nodes.
CHRISTINA ONASSIS, the wealthy but tragic heiress daughter of Greek shipping leader Aristotle Onassis, has her natal Sun conjunct the Venus South Nodes.
Computer whiz BILL GATES has the Jupiter Nodes axis square his natal Moon in Aries in the 10th house, opposition Mars in 4th (=birth of new ventures, good fortune through the masses, comfortable home environment, legal and financial issues). His Ascendant is conjunct the Saturn North Node (=discipline, perseverance, the Father figure, success through acting and working alone).
The Great Australian swimmer IAN THORPE has Saturn as the ruler of his natal chart. His natal Saturn is square the Saturn Nodes axis, natal Sun square the Pluto Nodes axis. In his natal chart Saturn is conjunct Pluto. His natal Mars is conjunct the Venus South Nodes and natal Ascendant trine the Mars North Nodes. Ian’s chart is an excellent example of positive reinforcement of powerful natal configurations, suggesting enormous strength and determination to work hard and succeed.
Australian Prime Minister JOHN HOWARD has natal Venus conjunct the Saturn North Node (=love of order and structure), Uranus conjunct the Mars North Node (=determination, inflammatory or aggressive action, success through positive exercise regime) and Ascendant conjunct the Uranus North Node (=unexpected developments, initiating changes, personal inner change, variable environment).
COSMOBIOLOGISTS considering the planetary structure patterns of the Heliocentric Planetary Nodes, as they relate to world trends, will notice that the Venus and Uranus Nodes are conjunct the Midpoint of the Mars/Jupiter Nodes (=good fortune, successful technology and breakthroughs, artistic success). Venus Nodes is semi-square the midpoint of Neptune/Pluto Nodes (=financial transformation and speculation). The degrees of these midpoints are well worth watching in natal and mundane charts for potential activation of these areas.
The close proximity of the Saturn and Pluto Nodes means that the Saturn/Neptune Node midpoint (2.31 Leo/Aquarius) is close to conjunct the Pluto/Neptune Node midpoint (0.43 Leo/Aquarius). These early degrees of the fixed signs become vulnerable points for transits. For those feeling the pinch, the Saturn/Chiron oppositions were prevalent at these degrees in July 2005. Even the Saturn/Chiron oppositions in these signs in the first half of 2006, although wide, could be felt by many. There is so much more information and research to share with the reader, but this will be included in a later article.
As we know, the effects of Solar Eclipses can manifest for years. The August 11, 1999 Solar Eclipse at 18.21 Leo was square to the Mercury and Mars Nodes, reinforcing the emphasis on world-wide communication tests. One manifestation was the exaggeration of aggressive disputes and confrontations, which has been evident over the globe. However, the more inspiring interpretation of joint enterprises and advancement through team spirit and international co-operation, has also been part of the world scene in recent years.
learnaboutastrology.tumblr.com/post/4500.../the-planetary-nodes