Another really good point to look at on your birth chart is the Moon’s nodes – these can tell you a lot about yourself, and other people. The nodes are actually used more in Eastern astrology than in the Western tradition, which is what we’re concerned with in this book; however, like many people, I find them fascinating and very useful for understanding the basic chart and also for predicting. As with the planets and signs, the Moon’s nodes are represented as glyphs: these are shown below; can you find them on your chart?
| Node | Glyph |
| North Node |  |
| South Node |  |
The nodes are where the Moon crosses the ecliptic: the apparent path of the Sun (from our point of view on Earth). The North Node is where the Moon crosses the ecliptic going north, and the South Node is where she crosses the ecliptic going south. The two points are always directly opposite each other, and they are nearly always retrograde.
The South Node shows what a person did in his or her past life; it shows what he or she came into the world able to do – the things in his or her life that feel easy or comfortable. So for example, if a person has the South Node in the 7th house, relationships are easy and comfortable to them.
On the exact opposite side of the chart is the North Node. This shows what someone needs to do, and where they need to go with their life in order to find satisfaction, fulfilment and happiness. You could say this node shows our life purpose. Another nice description is North Node = fame, South Node = infamy.
‘Doing’ the nodes on our chart can be scary. The idea with this is that we work on ourselves in order to move away from the South Node house and towards the North Node house. We achieve this by observing our own patterns of behaviour. Here’s an example of how that works:
Imagine that, on their birth chart, a person has the South Node in the 7th house, aka the house of love and relationships, and the North Node in the 1st house, aka the house of self. So, using the interpretations of the nodes given above, the South Node is where that person feels comfortable – in this case, since the 7th house is all about relationships, in relationships. However, the North Node is where we need to go, so here, the person needs to stand on his or her own two feet, since the 1st house is about the Self.
So does that mean this person should remain single during this lifetime? No, but it does mean they should learn to be independent rather than co-dependent. As much as they might like to lose themselves in the comfort and ease of relationships (South Node, 7th house), happiness and fulfilment will be found in doing their own thing (North Node, 1st house).
Take a look now at which house the Moon’s nodes are in on your chart, and then read on to find out what this means for you. Note that the following descriptions have been reproduced from my book Moonology (Hay House), which I humbly recommend if you’re drawn to learning more about the effects of the Moon and its phases on your life.
So, when you have…
You may be obsessed with the idea of having a relationship, but in fact, standing on your own two feet will make you happier.
All sorts of deep and dark subjects and taboo activities might be tempting you, but getting real and sorting out your finances will make you happier!
You may enjoy the sound of your own voice and waffling, but you’ll find happiness through real communication with others.
Your career may be seducing you and making you feel it’s the most important thing in the world, but home and family is what will bring you happiness.
You may be obsessed with your friends, and the idea of freedom, but what will make you happy is truly expressing yourself creatively.
The thought of running away from your life might be an enjoyable daydream, but knuckling down and doing what you have to do is actually what will fulfil you.
You stand to gain a lot from being in a relationship. Yes, your buttons might get pushed but think of the opportunities for character growth!
While you may feel compelled to worry about your finances, like a proper grown-up, good old-fashioned hot sex is what you need right now!
Lots of light-hearted chatter and meaningless small talk might feel like an easy option but it’s the truth that will set you free.
Family first is a wonderful motto to live by, except for now, when you have cosmic encouragement to throw yourself into your career if you want fulfilment.
You know that person you’re so obsessed with and want to make your lover? He or she would more than likely be better off as your friend.
Trying to keep your life working like clockwork may seem vital but what really matters is inner peace.