North node transits are interesting times in life, indicating major internal shifts. When the transiting north node is conjunct your south node, this period is also called nodal reversal.
The nodal reversal happens every 18 years. We experience the north node conjunct south node transit around the ages of 9, 27.5 years, 54, 72 years. This is one of those transits that happen at the same age for everyone.
At the age of 27, the north node conjunct south node transit is particularly challenging. It happens almost simultaneously with two other very important astrological events: your Saturn return and progressed Moon conjunct your natal Moon. You experience three destiny-laced conjunctions in a timeframe of 1-2 years. This period tends to be particularly turbulent, with lots of structures changing in your life, needing a lot of emotional flexibility to handle it. It is a key period of maturation in life.
During the north node conjunct south node transit, you are asked to reflect on your past habits and tendencies and let go of what is not working anymore so that you can leap forward. These transits are particularly karmic. Events happening during your north node conjunct south node transit feel strangely fated (other transits going on reveal more information about the nature of the events). The choices you make now lay the foundation for the years to come.
The North Node and South Node in Astrology
The lunar nodes are mathematical points: they are where the Moon’s orbit meets the Ecliptic. So they are not existing celestial bodies, they are calculated points.
However, the nodes are important in astrology regardless (they are particularly key in Vedic astrology). They combine the energy of the Sun and the Moon, and they reveal your soul’s purpose for this lifetime. They speak about your soul’s karmic journey, where you come from and where you want to go. In karmic astrology, the nodes are essential.
North Node
The north node, also called Rahu, is the dragon’s head. It is a point of growth and chaos. The north node represents an area where you are charting unknown territory, making mistakes and encountering frustration, but where you learn a lot and grow into the person you are meant to be. Its sign and house show where you can evolve, what qualities you have to integrate to progress on your soul’s journey. It brings a sense of fulfillment once you embrace it.
Read more: the north node in houses | the north node in signs
South Node
The south node, also referred to as Ketu, is the dragon’s tail. This is the point of your past. In the birth chart, it marks what you are really good at. You have a lot of experience here, you have already mastered its energy and life areas. So much that there is no room for growth here anymore. So after a certain age (usually after 30-35), you instinctively shift your focus to the north node, an area where you can learn new things.
The north node and the south node are always directly opposite each other. So if you have your north node at 21 degrees Libra, your north south node will be at 21 degrees Aries. The nodes are always retrograde. It takes approximately 18.5 years for them to make a full circle through the Zodiac. They stay in one zodiac sign for about 18 months.
The lunar nodes in transit are like crossroads. You are faced with multiple choices, and the path you decide to take determines the course of things for some time.
North Node Conjunct South Node Transit
This is a powerful transit, indicating a time when the past and the future become entangled. It supports you to make the most out of your south node, by tapping into your innate strengths and early experiences. Then, use its lessons as foundation you can build your north node on on, so that you can evolve. This time is a preparation for mastering the life lessons that are to come.
North node conjunct south node transit is a time for cleansing your life. Things that hold you back are easier to let go of now. Your priorities often change too. Things you were not interested in before might suddenly come to the forefront. You intuitively start gravitating towards your life purpose.
Mistakes in the past are very haunting during this period. This time often aligns with endings and losses, especially if you have been stuck in stagnation. But remember, it’s meant to help you grow, not to make you suffer. Be open to guidance and course-correct if necessary. If you are stuck in your comfort zone, it suddenly becomes very frustrating and you want to reach for something more.
During this time, you often feel nostalgic. You analyze your past a lot to see what you have done right and what was perhaps not the wisest choice. It’s also a great time for cleansing your energy and sorting out any unfinished business from the past.
However, you often feel confused and unsure about what step to take next. Because of this, there is a strong pull to the familiar. You often want to return to things that make you feel safe and comfortable, be it a person, place, activity.
How the nodal reversal or the north node conjunct south node transit plays out in your life depends on your chart. You want to see the natal position of the nodes (sign & house) and their aspects. But it often manifests as extreme forms of the negative side of your south node, an experience that impacts you very strongly and makes you realize what pattern you must leave behind. We come out more mature and balanced on the other side of the north node conjunct south node transit.
For example, if your south node is in Pisces, it can manifest as ending up in a situation where someone heavily takes advantage of your unconditional kindness, and you realize that you have to be more realisic and set boundaries (shifting into the energy of your Virgo north node). Or it can play out as getting fed up of chaos, passivity and going with the flow, wanting to get your life in order, making plans, setting a schedule and working hard every day (Virgo energy).
The energy of the signs where your nodes are located become very important. As they are always in opposite signs, together they make a whole and you want to find balance between them. For example, if your south node is in Pisces and your north node is in Virgo, you are moving towards a methodical, detail-oriented energy. You are learning to be very organized and practical. However, you still have access to the energy of Pisces through your south node.
This is a very good time for emotional cleansing. The universe supports you to let go of old pain and work on healing your wounds. For many people, your unconscious sorts out things and you effortlessly integrate painful memories, accepting what cannot be changed and distilling the lesson. The north node conjunct south node transit supports your emotional maturity. Even if the outer world is in chaos and all kinds of turbulences are happening around you, you are at peace inside. This is especially true if your north node conjunct south node transit aligns with the progressed Moon conjunct your natal Moon.
North node conjunct south node transit helps you extract the wisdom from your south node. The south node represents your comfort zone, things you already do well. However, it pushes you to use your north node’s traits as well, so that together they support your growth.
North node conjunct south node transit is particularly insightful if you have experienced more of them. Reflecting on what happened the last time you went through this transit is very helpful. North node patterns help you clarify your purpose and how to align yourself with it.
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