Apr 17, 202319 min read

The North Node (Rahu) in Aries (07/2023-01/2025): Light a Fire in Your Life

Updated: Jul 14, 2023

The North Node is about to switch from Taurus into Aries, as the South Node switches from Scorpio into Libra – what does that mean? How will it affect you personally? This is what we’re here to discuss in this article and its twin, The South Node (Ketu) in Libra (07/2023-01/2025): Destiny Wants Your Heart Back.

Before we jump in, this introduction (up until here) is the same as it is in the article about the South Node in Libra. In this article, we focus on the North Node. Both are important – they are two sides of the same coin. If you’ve read the South Node already, feel free to skip until here. If not, please be my guest and enjoy the ride.

But before that, real quick: if you'd like to support my work with a small donation here, that would go a long way to help me continue to do this work. Thank you for considering it!

So – what even are the Lunar Nodes?

The Nodes in a Nutshell

Do you know what an eclipse is? When the Sun, Earth, and Moon align in such a way that one of the heavenly bodies is blocked from view (from Earth’s vantage point), it’s called a Solar (Sun’s gone) or Lunar Eclipse (Full Moon’s hidden). There are only two points in Space where those three heavenly bodies can align in such a way that this effect happens: and they are called the Lunar Nodes, also known as North Node (Rahu) and South Node (Ketu). The terms Rahu and Ketu come from Vedic astrology and are synonymous with the North and South Node. If a New Moon or Full Moon happens close to these points, we have an eclipse… but the points always exist.

The Lunar Nodes are mathematical points in the sky – they show where the ecliptic intersects with the Moon’s orbit (which then can lead to a perfect line up), but even if they aren’t involved in a lunation, this intersection of orbits doesn’t go away. Therefore, the Nodes always exist and cause some mayhem in our lives depending on which sign and house they fall in, and which aspects they form.

Astrologically, the Lunar Nodes talk about two things: evolutionary growth and destiny. I would like to leave the spiritual/religious questions here up to you (on whether destiny exists and how much it predetermines) but here’s an effect that’s undeniable. When the Lunar Nodes are triggered, events happen that feel fated in some way. Whether you believe in fate/destiny or not – it’s up to you, but you can certainly feel that this was fated, regardless of your belief.

This can mean that “coincidences” happen that create huge ripples in your life and maybe even change your whole trajectory. Whatever is inevitable speeds up, and information that was previously hidden comes to light. Sometimes, life-changing events happen out of the blue, like realizing you’re pregnant.

There are two things that are important to note here. One, the Lunar Nodes always travel backward – so, while the Sun would travel steadily from 0° to 30° Aries and then enter 0° Taurus, The Lunar Nodes do the opposite: they started at 30° Taurus, go to 0° of the sign and then cross over into Aries at 30° on July 17th, 2023.

Second, the Lunar Nodes may (and do) exist on their own, but they’re also heavily involved with the eclipses that happen two sets per year. These Eclipses (total, partial, Lunar, Solar – you name them) trigger the themes of the Nodes in an intense way and weave a story of change that impacts your life for the next 1 ½ years.

So, let’s break down the Nodes one by one.

Rahu – The North Node

The North Node (or Rahu) is the “destiny”-point you’re supposed to lean towards. Essentially, where the North Node falls is a significator for lack of growth, attention, focus, resources… or, alternatively, a sign that something has to be heavily redone in this area. A common mistake people make is that they believe that you have to ONLY look towards the North Node and only care about its principle, at the expense of the South Node… but that’s actually not the case. The South Node is as important, and going only towards the North Node leads to massive instability and an unsustainable life.

But the North Node in transit (= in the sky) basically says: “Hey, you haven’t paid attention to this area of your life enough – let’s change that.” And, as the astrological event progresses, you get to lean more into that area of life and change stuff up. Though: you choose whether you use this time for good or for bad. You can use the “elevated focus” to focus very much on screwing up and harming others if that’s what you want to do – so, “being 100% in the North Node” isn’t a sign that you’re acting like a good person OR fulfilling your own destiny. Hopefully, you are – but you do have some leverage through your own decision-making.

That being said, not everything with the North Node is under your control, a LOT comes from the rest of the world – be it other people, a Higher Power, or the universe.

Ketu – The South Node

The South Node (or Ketu) is the opposite of the other point – which is why many Western astrologers completely forget it exists and other people demonize it to a T. We’ll do neither here today.

The South Node shows us what we need to let go of, clean up, and learn how to do differently in order to fully step into the North Node in a healthy way. Essentially, the South Node shows where we have too much of a good thing – so it stops being a good thing (up the dosage of medicinal potions and they become poison). In that vein, there’s always a necessity for “cleaning up and down-sizing” within the symbolism of the South Node. For instance, being very aware of other people’s perspectives on a certain topic is a good thing: it allows you to learn, grow, and form a very nuanced view of the topic. However, if the awareness becomes too much, it can lead to extreme confusion, changing your mind every couple of seconds, and opinion-centered people-pleasing. That’s too much of a good thing: so, there needs to be a decrease of the good thing and a cleaning up of belief systems and patterns that may push you too far into the awareness.

The South Node also shows where what you have so far isn’t working, healthy, or sufficient, which leads to the necessity for change (usually through a shedding process or through disentangling old structures). For instance, you may have a relationship that’s unequal in a way that affects you guys’ overall happiness and relationship health. And for shits and giggles, let’s say you’re the one who isn’t pulling their weight. What you have so far isn’t working, healthy, or sufficient – and change is necessary. Sometimes, there are reasons you aren’t pulling your weight (past wounds that keep you from being an active participant in a relationship, for instance) and those need to be addressed. Sometimes, a situation needs to be dismantled before you can show up (f.e., you’re so involved in another situation you don’t have more energy to give), and so on. But essentially, the South Node shows where the issue lies so that you can address it – and from that point on, you’re naturally drawn into the North Node again, as you now have a working foundation to stand on.

This means that the themes of the South Node don’t require you to completely stop focusing on that area of your life. Rather, you focus here so you can focus on the North Node next – and often, working with the South Node naturally draws you into the North Node, without your active participation.

This is why worldly events often reflect the South Node’s placement early in the transit (= astrological event) before they show the North Node’s influence.

Rahu/North Node in Aries

On July 12th, 2023, the North Node enters Aries for the first time since November 30th of 2004. It’ll stay in that sign until January 29th, 2025, when it’ll enter Pisces. So, the transit (= astrological event) is from 07/17/2023-01/29/2025.

The North Node shows an interesting lack of focus that needs to be compensated – and that happens now in the area of: identity, independence, self-actualization, assertiveness, boundaries, willpower, desire, passion, spontaneity, masculinity, conflict, fights, and trail-blazing. Aries is Avant-garde, it’s the first sign of the zodiac and it’s all about “I’m doing this, period.” The biggest breakthroughs in history have been achieved through people/times of Aries energy.

Essentially, the North Node in Aries shows us where we have let others treat us like a doormat. Where we haven’t been clear with ourselves about what we really want, or where we haven’t stood up for what we wanted and claimed our space (and our desires). Sometimes, we give our power away to other people in ways we shouldn’t, or in situations where we really need to stand for ourselves. This does injustice to both our personal growth and that of another person. Under this astrological event, it’s time to reclaim our power, reclaim our right to choose, and call back our own agency.

Also, there are times when we have to stand up and accept adversity when it comes to our belief systems. The North Node in Aries shows us where we need to do that – and what happens when we refuse to pick up our proverbial swords and just pretend that everything is fine.

One of the main themes here is being straightforward. A bunch of people in this world take an indirect route when it comes to fighting for what they want. Like the woman who wants her colleagues to change the seating order, but instead of requesting that herself, she makes other people request it for her, and then tells her boss she’s “fine sitting anywhere.” Meanwhile, of course, she’s increasing social pressure on at least one of her more outspoken colleagues so that they’ll continue to risk their neck by speaking on her behalf, so she’ll get the seating she wanted. That’s indirect. Or, the person who has a major grievance with their intimate partner and, instead of talking about it, does the “I’m fiiiine (insert annoyed sigh)” or silent treatment until the confused partner successfully reads their mind or has a nervous breakdown while trying.

These strategies of problem-solving are not going to serve you when the North Node’s in Aries. (Also, they’re really shitty behavior in general, please don’t do that). Aries is direct. Straight. No beating around the bush, nor manipulative nonsense, no subtlety involved. And that actually solves and prevents problems. If you don’t believe me, go hang out with a group of 13-year-old girls for a month, they’re a petri-dish for what happens when people ONLY use indirect tools to solve issues. Making others do what you want while pretending to be Ms. Nice & Easy Going, slash holding others hostage with passive-aggressive hints at your anger that you never follow up with constructive information – it ALWAYS leads to more conflict in the long run. And it often keeps you from getting what you want, too. Under the North Node in Aries, you’ll bump into the natural limits of the aforementioned strategies of problem-solving. You’ll also run into situations where simply asking for what you want directly is going to work out for you.

The North Node in Aries is also about trailblazing. Aries usually signifies doing something we’ve never done before, something that maybe no one ever did. Or, at the very least, no one who’s close enough to us that they could help us. To give an example, someone I know with Aries in the ninth house was the first woman in her family to go to high school. Then, she was the first in her lineage to go to university. She also was one of the first people EVER to enroll in a bilingual education that included travel and study in another country’s elite university. (The ninth house is about education, foreign countries, and travel). Not everyone has such a picture-perfect (and admittedly extremely special) CV where they are the first to do something worldwide. But you often end up doing things that the people around you haven’t done before and that YOU have never done. We’ll discuss specific personalization later on.

But this leads us to another topic, the shadow side of too much Aries: anger and aggression. As human beings, we came into this world equipped with the mental and physiological capacity to fight – it’s a necessity for survival. The price for that capacity is that it requires a healthy outlet when survivalist fights aren’t necessary for our day-to-day life – and that outlet depends on the individual. In my culture, people go watch a sports event and yell all their frustrations at the players on the field. While I don’t agree with that, it’s a very socially acceptable way to let off some steam here (and less problematic than some other stuff people could do). Other healthy tools for letting go of anger is physical exercise, having a competitive job, making art, and so on. The question is, what works for you? Do more of that under this astrological event so that you can tap into your anger healthily (rather than suppressing it) without being owned by your anger, either.

Healthy Masculinity is another aspect of this transit’s theme. As a society, we’ve become very aware of the shadow sides to so-called masculine energy, as well as the perspectives on “what men do and always did wrong.” It’s important to have that knowledge – AND we’ve also lost sight a little of what men do right. Mars and Aries are significators for men (as in groups of men in your life), and Venus for instance is the significator for women (as in: women in your life. It is yet unclear whether Mars and Venus also signify trans people or people with other gender identifications). The North Node in Aries will likely show us as a society, but also as human beings, where men and masculine energy are vital – and healthy, rather than toxic.

However, because of the nature of the North Node, we can’t fully understand it without seeing the South Node – so, I encourage you to check out the article on the South Node (Ketu) in Libra as well as read below about how the North Node (Rahu) affects your personal life and chart.

In Your Personal Chart

The following information is for your Sun and Rising Sign. However, it’s still a generalization – I don’t know all of your chart, so I can’t write about it. Therefore, some information may have to be modified in your specific circumstances, and some may be missed. Please book a reading if you’d like to get a full picture.

Shortcuts: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces.

Aries:

The North Node falls in your house of identity, lifepath, beginnings, image, and physical body. Essentially, it’s important for you to develop a healthy identity that isn’t wrapped up in other people or expectations of other people, but rather in who you truly are, deep down, and what you want. On eclipses, you may feel like your life is turning upside down: every single eclipse from April 20th, 2023, to 2025, is going to affect you more than all other signs combined. Some people will experience cataclysmic changes and new beginnings that last for anything from years to a lifetime, while others will see their sense of self transform in massive ways. You may also change physically (though that doesn’t apply to anyone), in style, health, or the way others perceive you. Book a reading with me to learn more and Click here to read about the other side of the coin – the South Node in Libra in your house of relationships.

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Taurus:

The North Node is in your house of releasing things, endings, rest, karmic/spiritual topics, charities, and isolated places. With every eclipse, you’re going to need more alone time and time to rest and digest than other people. You may rehash your own life or just take some quiet time – it doesn’t quite matter. Fact is, it’s important to prioritize some time alone at the times of the upcoming eclipses, they’ll show you how you need to grow. Some things have also overstayed their welcome in your life: it's time to let them go. Whatever happens during the eclipses (especially if something falls away from your life): it’s meant to happen that way. Don’t hold on to what can’t or won’t stay with you – it’ll only cause you pain. Your spiritual life may require more attention from you. Similarly, you may be more focused on other people, charitable endeavors, your life purpose, and your soul than usual.

Click here to read about the other side of the coin – the South Node in Libra in your house of health and work.

Gemini:

The North Node is in your house of community, friends, hopes, dreams, and planning for the future – slash, your future (literally). You are being bread-crumbed on every eclipse so you can set your entire life up for success. This doesn’t mean that you have to get everything right (or risk your future). But it does mean that you’ll likely find yourself in situations or doing tasks that will pay off later on – WAY later on. Also, your community and friend circle may be up for a change. Plan strategically for the future and pay attention to social media – the eclipses may create interesting changes or experiences there for you, too.

Click here to read about the other side of the coin – the South Node in Libra in your house of pleasure, romance, and children (if applicable).

Cancer:

The North Node is in your house of career, work, authority, and public life. Whatever happens for you at this time, it’ll likely impact the way other people view you, specifically in terms of reputation and work. For some people, the eclipses here may bring changes in your career path or your status (in career and otherwise). For some people, a mission outside of a career that you’re really proud of (like parenting) can be up for a change. And some people become or experience interesting things with authority figures in their life. All in all, work and status will be impacted – book a reading here for more specific information on this.

Click here to read about the other side of the coin – the South Node in Libra in your house of home, family, and private life.

Leo:

The North Node works your area of belief systems, broadening your horizons, education, and where we meet what’s foreign to us (people from different walks of life, other cultures, etc.) This time of your life (specifically the eclipses) may bring lots of travel for you, or other interesting experiences that may change the way you see the world, or what you believe the world, other people, and yourself to be. You may have interesting changes or other experiences in the religious realm or in education (as a student or teacher). Some people may become teachers of some sort. Lastly, your in-laws, step-family, or grandparents (whatever applies) may be cause of/subject to great changes in your life… that impact you.

Click here to read about the other side of the coin – the South Node in Libra in your house of communication, mental things, siblings, and local life.

Virgo:

The North Node is in your house of shared resources, intimacy (including but not limited to sex), power, truth, and experiences that change your life. The upcoming eclipses are going to impact you MASSIVELY (you are the 3rd most impacted sign). Without getting too specific, which we could only get in a personal reading, it’s time for you to lift the curtain of your life and see what was hidden from you. Prioritize truth and step into your power ALWAYS. Also, expect the unexpected and keep an eye on your money, especially finances that impact/are directly impacted by other people.

Click here to read about the other side of the coin – the South Node in Libra in your house of finances, resources, values, and self-esteem.

Libra:

The North Node falls in your house of relationships – specifically, one-on-one relationships with a contractual element OR an intention for the long term. This includes but isn’t limited to marriage, business partners, girlfriend/boyfriend of 2+ years, and long-term clients. Eclipses here for Libra Risings/Sun see massive changes in your relationships including massive transformations, changes in commitment, and saying goodbye/hello to someone in your life. The upcoming eclipses are intense for you (you are the 2nd most affected sign). If you’d like a reading to prepare, click here. They are also intense because the second side of the coin, the South Node in Libra, directly impacts your house of self, identity, lifepath, and body. Click here to read about that.

Scorpio:

The North Node falls in your house of health, work environment, service, and daily tasks. Essentially, the daily life you have (rituals, work routines, health routines, your typical Monday Morning, processes, etc.) is up for some upheaval, changes, and transformations. You may experience more scheduling difficulties or normal processes at work/home not quite working out the way you planned around the eclipses. You may also experience changes in your work environment, home environment, with your colleagues/staff, your care providers, and/or aunts, uncles, mentors, and pets (if applicable). Lastly, this is not a time to skip preventative health checkups or eat unhealthily. What’s hidden may come to light. (Not everybody will experience so much as a cold during this astrological event though – health is just one theme out of many).

Click here to read about the other side of the coin – the South Node in Libra in your house of rest, endings, karmic/spiritual topics, and release.

Sagittarius:

This astrological event impacts your house of pleasure, children (if applicable), inner child, creativity, and romance. Some people with this combination may really experience changes in matters of the heart, be it falling in/out of love with someone, building a relationship, enjoying a honeymoon phase, or saying goodbye/meeting someone/changing up the commitment. You may also learn more about who you are in relationships or what you need in other people. This is also a very physically fertile time, so staying on top of protection if desired may make sense, specifically around the eclipses. (Fertility is a whole-chart issue, so please come in for a reading if you’re interested in that topic – be it prevention or planning). It’s also a time for you to be creative or experience breakthroughs in creativity, specifically creativity for pleasure rather than work. Lastly, physical children may play a huge role in your life for the next 1 ½ years, specifically when it comes to transformations in your life. This could be for you as a parent, at work, or through encounters with children in other situations that change your perspective on life.

Click here to read about the other side of the coin – the South Node in Libra in your house of community, friends, and the future.

Capricorn:

The North Node impacts your private life, home, family, and roots. This can look like physical houses requiring your attention or massive changes in your living situation (place, roommates, etc.). This can also look like you needing or wanting more privacy, or staying home more (because you work at home, are needed there, etc.) Some people become parents under a transit like this (not all by far), others find someone they want to found a family with (again, not all people), and others are involved in changes or interesting experiences with their family of origin. Lastly, your relationship to your roots, childhood, and culture/homeland of origin may drastically change. You are one of the more impacted signs for this astrological event, especially as Pluto cycles back into Capricorn until November 2024 – read here about what that means. Also, feel free to book a session for more specific information, and click here to read about the other side of the coin – the South Node in Libra in your house of work, career, and authority.

Aquarius:

The North Node travels through your house of learning, communication, thinking, and local life (siblings, neighbors, local travel, commute). In these upcoming 1 ½ years, you may feel called to learn more than you usually do, be it through reading or going back to school. You may also decide to become more involved in local life or have some interesting experiences with neighbors, travel, etc. Lastly, the way you think, perceive the world, and speak about it may be up for a change. Meanwhile, Pluto travels through your house of identity and lifepath on its journey through Aquarius. This may mean that the eclipses may be more intense for you than they “should” be.

Click here to read about the other side of the coin – the South Node in Libra in your house of belief, foreign life, and education.

Pisces:

The North Node travels through your house of finances, resources, self-worth, and values. Essentially, your values may transform over the next 1 ½ years, specifically around the eclipses, and so does your self-worth. Keep an eye on your finances: they may change (possibly by your choice) but it’s always important to remember that YOU have a hand in this. You may make choices to earn your money or step back from a job that makes a lot but kills your soul or self-esteem. Similarly, you may come into money or invest things. Lastly, the skills and resources you use to make money may be up for a change around the eclipses.

Click here to read about the other side of the coin – the South Node in Libra in your house of shared resources, metaphorical death, intimacy, and truth.