True Nodes vs Mean Nodes

 

Exploring the Differences Between True Nodes and Mean Nodes in Astrology

The nodes of the Moon are important points in astrology that reveal insights into your soul's purpose and destiny. But you may have heard astrologers reference both True Nodes and Mean Nodes - what is the difference and which should you pay attention to? Read on to learn about it.

Defining the Nodes

First, a quick astronomy refresher. The Moon's nodes are the points where the Moon's orbital plane around the Earth crosses the ecliptic plane, which is the plane of the Earth's orbit around the Sun. There are two nodes of Moon -  Rahu (North Node) and Ketu (South Node).

In astrology, the North Node represents your soul's direction and learning in this life. It's associated with the future and destiny. The South Node represents the past, skills mastered in previous lives, and where you find comfort.

The Difference Between True and Mean

Astronomically, the nodes move in a retrograde direction, so they are always in flux. The True Nodes are the exact astronomical position of the Moon's nodes at any given time.

The Mean Nodes are an average position of the Moon's nodes along the ecliptic. They move at a steady pace along the ecliptic, whereas the True Nodes oscillate around the Mean Node positions.

Speed Comparison

For the purpose of comparing the speed between True nodes and Means nodes, we extracted the data for True and Mean nodes for 184 days starting July 1, 2023 till December 31, 2023 using Saptarishis Astrologer's Desk. 

Here we can see, the speed of Rahu & Ketu as per Mean node definition is constant at -0.052992 degrees per day. Which means Rahu & Ketu based on Mean nodes calculation will move at the rate of -0.052992 degrees in a day. Since they move in Retrograde motion, their speed is negative. During same period, the speed of Rahu & Ketu as per True node definition varies from 0.0298649 to -0.2324175. As we can see the Speed of Rahu / Ketu with True node definition will become positive for few days (between 4-6 September 2023) which is contrary to general belief that Rahu / Ketu always moves in retrograde direction. Around mid of October they are almost stationary. 

 

Changing Signs

As per Mean node definition, Rahu / Ketu will change sign from Pisces to Aries on 31-Oct-2023 whereas per True node definition they will change sign on 29-Nov-2023. This is based on Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.

Switching Between True & Mean Nodes

Using Preferences within Astrologer's Desk app, you can always choose your Node Definition. True node is default as it is preferred by many top-most astrologers in the world today. 

 

 

True Nodes vs Mean Nodes - The Debate

Some astrologers only use the True Nodes, arguing they represent the most accurate position at any given time. Others favor the Mean Nodes because the nodal cycle relates to patterns of social change that correspond with the steady movement of the Mean Nodes.

Those who use Mean Nodes argue the oscillation of the True Nodes is just background astronomical noise. The Mean Nodes filter out the oscillations and represent more significant cycles.

Others say both Nodes offer value - the True Nodes in revealing your soul's exact purpose in its current incarnation. The Mean Nodes reflect broader karmic patterns. Some astrologers use True Nodes for individual charts and Mean Nodes when analyzing larger cultural shifts.

 

Key Takeaways

In summary, the True Nodes offer the precise positions while the Mean Nodes provide stability. There are arguments on both sides for which to prioritize in chart readings. At the minimum, having awareness of both the True and Mean positions provides wider context and a fuller picture of the Nodes' influence.

When creating chart using different apps or softwares make sure you are aware of Node definitions. Most professional apps gives you options to choose between True and Mean nodes. With knowledge of how both True and Mean Nodes operate, you can tune into the nuances of your soul's journey in this lifetime and across eternity.