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Astro*Dictionary by Michael Erlewine

 

 

 

 

5 articles for "Node"

Node [Astro*Index]

One of the two intersections of the orbital plane of a body with a plane of reference (usually the Ecliptic). Also, one of the two points on the Celestial Sphere formed by its intersection with the line of nodes, which is the intersection of the orbital plane with the plane of reference. One of the points is designated as the north (or ascending) node; the other is called the south (or descending) node. The north node is identified by the position of the body when passing from the southern to the northern hemisphere, referring such hemispheres to the north and south poles of the plane of reference.

See also:
♦ Nodal Line ♦ Mean Node ♦ Moon's Nodes ♦ True Node ♦ Interface Nodes ♦ Lunar Node ♦ Orbital ♦ Ecliptic ♦ Celestial Sphere
Node [Prima]

The axis (often defined as two points) where the orbital plane of a planet intersects the plane of the ecliptic. The two above-mentioned points are opposite one another and define the nodal axis. Astrologers are most familiar with the Moon's nodes, although other planetary nodes are used in chart interpretation as well (as in heliocentric astrology).

The point where the planet crosses the ecliptic from south to north is called the ascending node (also called the north node). The opposite point is known as the descending node (or south node).

In his book "The Sun at the Center", Phillip Sedgewick describes planetary south nodes as per- taining to experiences (according to the nature of the planet involved) that involve the consequences of actions done or completed, while north nodes pertain to experiences (again, planet-related) in progress that are best enacted with an awareness of the possible future consequences that can arise from them. The former are related to the past, while the latter are related to the future.

See also: Moon's Nodes / Interface Nodes.

See also:
♦ Nodal Line ♦ Mean Node ♦ Moon's Nodes ♦ True Node ♦ Interface Nodes ♦ Lunar Node ♦ Orbital ♦ Ecliptic ♦ Celestial Sphere
Node [Munkasey M.]

(1) The North Node.

(2) The intersection of the path ororbit of a body through space and the path or orbit of the Earth or Sun. There is an "Ascending" and also 2 "Descending" Node. There are nodes for each of the planets as well as well as for the Moon. The Ascending Node is referred to as the "North" Node, while the Descending Node is the "South" Node. The nodal pairs are opposite to each other in zodiacal longitude.

(3) The Longitude of the Ascending Node.

(4) A point of intersection where a harmonic meets itself in beginning a new cycle. The point where a harmonic begins to repeat itself in its cyclical pattern.

See also:
♦ Nodal Line ♦ Mean Node ♦ Moon's Nodes ♦ True Node ♦ Interface Nodes ♦ Lunar Node ♦ Orbital ♦ Ecliptic ♦ Celestial Sphere
Nodes of the Planets [DeVore]

The points at which the orbits of the planets intersect the ecliptic, because of the inclination of their planes to the plane of the Earth's orbit. One authority states that a lunation or eclipse on the South Node of a planet tends to release a destructive force of the nature of the planet involved. For example, conditions centering around Saturn's South Node may indicate a drought following an unusually hard winter.

See also:
♦ Nodal Line ♦ Mean Node ♦ Moon's Nodes ♦ True Node ♦ Interface Nodes ♦ Lunar Node ♦ Orbital ♦ Ecliptic ♦ Celestial Sphere
Nodes, Moon's [DeVore]

Variously called the Ascending and Descending Nodes, the North and South Nodes, Caput Draconis or the Dragon's Head, Cauda Draconis, the Katababazon, or the Dragon's Tail. The Nodes regress about 3° of arc per diem. There is much argument as to whether any intrinsic influences repose in the Nodes comparable to the radiation emitted by reflection of a planet. In all probability the ancients read more from a Celestial Figure by virtue of a greater comprehension of the astronomical mechanics it represents, than do most moderns. The position of the Node can show whether there was an eclipse condition shortly before or after birth, whether a planet near the Node would shortly be accented by the Moon's transit, or that of the Sun, and similar and sundry factors which the modern astrologer can trace from the ephemeris but often does not. The Nodes of themselves merely point to places where something may happen at such and such a time -- which of itself is no small matter. Things happen because of the time, the place and the planet, and the Node is often the middle factor in that formula (v. Moon.)

In 18 years and 10 or 11 days the Node regresses 349 degrees, hence in that period at a point 11 degrees in advance, an eclipse or a series of eclipses recurs under similar conditions. Astronomers calculate eclipses by means of the Saros Cycle rather than by the use of the ephemeris.

Placement of the Ascending Node oriental of the Line of Advantage is deemed preferable, as stimulating, among other things, increased stature. The Line of advantage joins the third decans of the Third and Ninth Houses.

The position of the Sun on the North Node in the Nativity of H. P. Blavatsky is supposed to have profoundly influenced her life. It might well be for it indicates a prenatal solar eclipse at that point only a matter of days before her birth. The ancients held that the Moon's North Node partook of the nature of Venus and Jupiter, while the South Node partook of the nature of Mars and Saturn. Probably more helpful would be the observation that a planet in close conjunction to the North Node at birth would bring honors or riches; at the South Node, poverty and afflictions and a cruel or usurious nature-according to the character of the planet so placed, as modified by the Houses thus tenanted. It is doubtless also of significance in connection with transit and progressions, particularly those of the Moon, only this would appear to involve the regressed position of the Node at the date for which the transit or progression is computed.

See also:
♦ Moon's Nodes ♦ Lunar Node ♦ Dragon's Head ♦ Caput Draconis ♦ Cauda Draconis

 

Astro*Index Copyright © 1997 Michael Erlewine

 

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