July 7th, 2023
The metaphysical reality of manifestation
Manifesting is the process by which an individual addresses their concern that they are not embodying their potential. To go beyond the reaches of one’s own conception requires the person to address what they imagine they are lacking. This is a fallacy, as our very nature requires us to be complete in order to reflect on what we think we know and what may lie ahead of us.
To know oneself gives the mind the faculty to move through the world and the awareness of its own understanding of the experiences it encounters. We often get trapped in the cycle of blindly following our own impulses, which prevents us from achieving this self-actualization.
Manifestation involves living in the end result. This is difficult for many to overcome since we are focused on our current perceivable, material realities. It requires us to align our thoughts, beliefs, and emotions with the outcome we wish to manifest, even if it hasn't materialized in our physical reality yet. Our mind is powerful and has a significant impact on our ability to manifest our desired outcomes. Our thoughts, beliefs, and emotions create energetic vibrations that attract similar experiences and circumstances into our lives.
We are fully half divine and half terrestrial beings. Our physical bodies provide us with the vessel through which we experience life on this material plane. Nurturing and caring for our physical bodies is essential for our overall well-being and the ability to live a fulfilling life. This can make it difficult to adopt the mindset and energy of already having achieved our desired outcome. However, it's important to acknowledge that the physical body is not the sole determinant of our manifestation success. While our physical well-being contributes to our overall energy and vitality, manifestation goes beyond the physical realm. It involves aligning our thoughts, beliefs, and emotions with the desired outcome, transcending the limitations of the material plane.
Manifesting is not about thinking positively. It is fundamentally changing the way you feel and perceive your own existence. Maintaining positivity while not effectively altering your limiting beliefs will keep you stuck in your current cycle. Living in the end result is not always effective since it can take us away from existing in the current moment as ourselves. While it is important to set intentions and envision our desired outcomes, it is equally essential to embrace the journey and experience the present. In order to effectively manifest, it is key to hone your sense of intuition by maintaining awareness of the present moment as often as possible. When we solely focus on the end result, we may become too fixated on future outcomes, neglecting the lessons and growth opportunities that the present moment offers. It can create a sense of detachment from our current reality and hinder our ability to fully engage with the experiences and relationships that are unfolding within the current moment. In astrology, the north and south nodes indicate what is in front of us (south node) and our aspirations (north node). By studying these placements we can become aware of the areas of life we overlook when we are striving for something better.
I think it is important to address that there are structural barriers that prevent a lot of people from meeting their basic needs, making it exponentially more difficult for them to prioritize their dreams and aspirations. Capitalism has engineered a society that keeps people desperate and fearful in order to ensure that citizens make good workers. This can result in income disparities, limited access to essential resources and services, and precarious living conditions for a significant portion of the population. As a consequence, many individuals find themselves in situations where they are constantly struggling to meet their basic needs, which can make it exceedingly challenging to manifest their desires. The capitalist system thrives on maintaining a workforce that is compliant and easily exploitable. By perpetuating a culture of fear, scarcity, and constant competition, capitalism can create a sense of desperation and insecurity among individuals, which can divert their attention and energy away from pursuing their dreams. The need to secure stable employment, fulfill financial obligations, and simply survive often takes precedence over personal fulfillment and self-actualization. Manifestation is about aligning yourself with your truest life’s purpose, but there are unfortunately many barriers that prevent most people from even understanding themselves. I do believe that recognizing your self worth and manifesting a better future can help us to collectively shift these cultural baselines.
Understanding the nodes & their symbolism
The lunar nodes, also known as the north node (Rahu) and south node (Ketu), represent the vortex in which we get trapped. They were equally important to the planetary placements in Hellenistic astrology and Jyotish. They have been overlooked with the re-introduction of this study through Sun sign astrology. The modern interpretation of these two points is that they represent our past lives and our karma. However, it is important to note that this understanding is a modern development and not a part of the traditional teachings of astrology. Many erroneously prescribe this specific interpretation of the nodes to the Vedic astrological tradition, but that is not necessarily correct. Karma and reincarnation are important concepts within the Indian tradition and philosophy, so more accurately the entire natal chart represents our entire development for this specific incarnation within Jyotish.
Symbolically, the nodes are represented by the Indian mythology of Rahu and Ketu. The demon Svarbhānu drank the cosmic nectar of immortality that was intended for only the Gods and was decapitated shortly after, leaving the immortal head, Rahu, disembodied from its tail, Ketu. As punishment, both halves were placed at opposite points in the sky. Rahu aspires and has an insatiable appetite, while Ketu is more primal and concerned with material and earthly matters.
According to legend, Rahu and Ketu are said to chase the Sun and the Moon across the sky to seek revenge for their decapitation. The two halves of the demon succeed in this, allowing them to deceive or trick us when they swallow up the Moon and the Sun each year during the eclipses. Eclipses are difficult periods since the luminaries’ lights are extinguished. The intensity of eclipses is shared with the nodes, making these placements intense and difficult to master.
Astronomically, the lunar nodes represent the intersection points of the Moon's orbit with the ecliptic, which is the apparent path of the Sun around the Earth. They are not physical celestial bodies but rather massless, mathematical points that carry important meaning. In astrology, the North Node represents our deep hunger and yearning in this lifetime, while the South Node reflects our past experiences and familiar patterns in which we get stuck.
Since the nodes represent the points at which the occurrence of eclipses is possible, they also signify an innate blindness within our conscious awareness. During eclipses, the light of the Sun is obscured, making visibility difficult. This natural inability to perceive the material world illustrates the metaphorical lack of awareness that veils parts of our psyche. The vortex created by the diametric tension between the natal north and south node placements can shroud our better judgment.
Learning how to manifest by harnessing the natal nodal placements
When understanding our own lived experiences through delineating our natal chart, we can find the areas of life in which we get continually absorbed and with which we become preoccupied by locating the north and south nodes. They always exist on an axis, moving backwards, 180° apart from each other.
There is a disconnect between Rahu and its former body, Ketu, that we must actively bridge to not get overwhelmed by their intense energy. Ketu provides balance and security to Rahu if we actively create a foundation for ourselves using the tools our natal south node placement provides us. Creating this synergy between these two compelling energies will allow us to manifest our desires with more ease.
Since we are absorbed in the areas of life associated with the houses and signs in which our natal north and south nodes are placed, we can find it especially difficult to manifest things under their significations. We are blinded by our insatiable yearning for our north node placement, given there is nothing to ground or stabilize Rahu, making it easy to get lost in aspiring to this area of life. This yearning can sometimes overshadow our ability to manifest things related to our south node placement, as we may be more focused on pursuing the growth and expansion associated with our North Node.
The key to harmonizing the nodes is to appreciate the aspects of the natal Ketu placement, despite it seeming inconsequential. The energies of the South Node are familiar, and represent the comfort zone, habits, and patterns that we have developed over the course of our life. While they may not hold the same allure or sense of novelty as the North Node energies, they play an essential role in our overall growth and manifestation process. Many people lose track of their south node and are unable to harness it to better achieve their goals that align with their natal north node placement.
The south node can be harnessed once it is understood as a bottom-up processing tool. We are able to analyze data related to what we want with the south node and discard anything unrelated to our goals. The body of the dragon is able to digest and eliminate whatever it deem as unnecessary for us. This can get complicated when we do not focus on what is currently happening and available to us as we strive for whatever our north node seems to promise us. It is easier for us to destroy or discard what does not seem necessary in this moment while attempting to advance to the future of our north node.
To solve the problems brought upon us by the lunar nodes, it is important to solve them holistically. We naturally disregard the gifts and talents brought to us in the form of our south node, but if we assimilate the south node into our lives with purpose, we unlock its untapped potential. Integrating the south node not only involves acknowledging its influence but also utilizing its inherent strengths to address challenges in a comprehensive manner. We can escape the vortex created by the confusion the nodes inflict if we mindfully utilize the south node’s power. By appreciating the aspects of our natal Ketu placement, we can tap into the inherent strengths and wisdom that it offers. These qualities and experiences have been accumulated over time and can serve as valuable resources in our journey of manifestation. Sometimes, it is in the simplicity and familiarity of the south node energies that we find stability, grounding, and a solid foundation from which to build upon.
It is natural for us to overlook this area of life, but by being able to bring it to our awareness, we can learn to harness its potential in order to live in the moment. Incorporating the energies of the south node into our manifestation practices allows us to find balance and harmony between the pursuit of our aspirations and the appreciation of what we already possess. Although many astrologers attribute the south node to represent lessons we have already mastered, more often than not it shows the things we need to actively appreciate before we lose sight of them and by which we get consumed in our pursuit for the north node seems to offer.
Rahu symbolizes our cravings, obsessions, and desires for forward momentum; it represents the new experiences and challenges we are here to embrace in this lifetime. The north node’s energy can be intense, driving us to pursue our desires with great enthusiasm and ambition. We are drawn to these pursuits much like a moth to a flame and without limitations and barriers we can become lost in our own desires for success.
Being able to balance both of these powerful energies allows us to manifest more freely. Once we are able to recognize that the energies of the nodes are mutually supportive, we are freed from their vortex. It is very easy to overlook the gifts and talents our south node presents us in favor of striving towards the success our north node that always seems just out of reach. If the tools we are given from our natal Ketu placement are not utilized properly, we will never truly achieve the success and reap the rewards of Rahu. Remember that manifestation is not solely about reaching for external goals; it's also about inner growth and self-realization.
The north node is always beckoning to us because we can never truly achieve what it represents. Rahu’s constant presence in our awareness reminds us that there is always room for growth and evolution. It encourages us to embrace the journey itself, rather than fixating solely on the destination. Embracing the inherent uncertainty of life and releasing attachment to specific outcomes allows us to be open to the infinite possibilities that lie before us. It invites us to trust the wisdom of the universe and have faith in the unfolding of our unique life path.
Understanding the context of the nodes within your personal natal chart
There are a number of factors that affect the context in which the nodes are activated within an individual's natal chart. The sister signs and opposing houses provide the most immediate understanding of how these energies will affect us. It is also important to consider the planetary lord of each of the nodes and the houses in which they are placed.
The sister signs in which the nodes are located in the natal chart provide further context and information on manifestation for each of us. The presence of these opposing signs in relation to the nodes adds depth and nuance to our understanding of how we manifest and navigate our path in life. While the nodes themselves provide information about our karmic lessons and evolutionary trajectory, the sister signs offer complementary energies and perspectives that can support our manifestation process. For example, if your North Node is in Aries and your South Node is in Libra. This indicates that the qualities, traits, and approaches associated with the south node in Libra can assist you in fulfilling your north node aspirations. Libra's emphasis on harmony, balance, and diplomacy can provide valuable insights and strategies for manifesting your desires in alignment with your North Node path. It is important to not be excessively giving or self-sacrificing, which Libra can have difficulty managing.
Each dichotomy of signs offers a reciprocity between the energies of the north node and the south node, providing the source to what is needed for a balanced, integrated, and intentional approach to manifestation. By exploring and embodying the qualities of the sister signs, we can tap into a broader range of energies, perspectives, and strategies for manifesting our desires. It allows us to draw upon the strengths and wisdom of both nodes, leveraging the unique gifts of each sign to support our manifestation process. By understanding the interplay between the nodal placements and the houses, you can gain deeper insights into how these energies manifest in different aspects of your life. This knowledge empowers you to consciously work with the energies of the nodes and the corresponding areas of life to manifest your desires and live in alignment with your soul's unique purpose.
The houses are equally important to understanding the ways in which we are affected by our natal nodal placements. They provide the context for which areas of life the nodes will have the greatest influence. Each house represents a different aspect of our lives, such as career, relationships, home, spirituality, and so on. The placement of the nodes within these houses can shed light on the specific areas where we will experience these challenges as well as the potential for growth and balance. To illustrate, if your north node is in your tenth house you will aspire to have a prominent and successful career. With such a strong emphasis on career, there is a tendency to prioritize your professional goals above establishing a stable and nurturing home environment. By delving into the complexities of your natal chart, considering the interactions between the nodes and the houses, and integrating this knowledge with self-reflection and conscious action, you can navigate the path of manifestation with greater clarity, intention, and alignment.
The planetary ruler of the nodes’ placements further shape our ability to manifest and in what areas of life on which we rely to achieve our goals. The lord of the north node and the house in which it is sitting can provide valuable insights into the specific qualities and resources that can support our manifestation efforts. Similarly, understanding the ruler of the south node and its placement can shed light on the patterns and tendencies that we may need to release or transform in order to manifest our desired outcomes. Specifically, if the ruler of your north node is Venus and it is placed in the second house of finances and self-worth, you may find that cultivating a sense of self-value and creating financial stability are key factors in manifesting your goals. On the other hand, if the ruler of your south node is Mars and it is placed in the eighth house of transformation and shared resources, you may need to release tendencies towards power struggles or controlling behaviors in order to manifest your desires. By understanding the influence of these planetary rulers, we can gain deeper insights into the specific areas of our lives that require attention and focus in order to manifest our goals.
Any direct conjunctions to the nodes can indicate which other areas of life are directly affected by our desires. Since the planets rule over other houses, they can draw other aspects of our existence and our experiences into this vortex. Locating any conjunctions to the north or south node can provide further insight into the areas of life that are directly affected and influenced by our desires and aspirations, as well as the potential for growth and transformation in those areas.
The nodes placed along the pairs of houses
The Lunar Nodes Along the 1st & 7th House Axis:
The nodes being placed within the first pair of angular houses is powerful and has the potential to transform the way the native understands themselves and others. The first house represents the self, personal identity, and how we project ourselves to the world. It symbolizes our sense of self-awareness and individuality. The seventh house signifies our relationships to others; specifically close, one-on-one relationships. Having the nodes in these houses indicates that the individual's self-concept and their approach to relationships are key areas of growth and transformation in their life.
The nodes within these houses challenge their natives to strike a balance between self-assertion and consideration for others, to understand their own needs and desires while respecting the needs and boundaries of their partners. Individuals with these nodal placements can find themselves getting lost in trying to understand themselves and other people. This placement can lead its natives to being caught in a balancing act between their own self-exploration and their desire to connect with others. Those who have successfully balanced the nodes within their first-seventh house axis are able to navigate relationships more authentically and truly understand themselves and others on a deeper level.
The Lunar Nodes Along the 2nd & 8th House Axis:
The influence of Rahu and Ketu on the second and eighth houses in the natal chart highlights the importance of finding a balance between security and adaptability for the native. The second house represents our sense of self-worth, values, and material resources. It is associated with our personal finances, possessions, and the way we establish a sense of security in our lives. On the other hand, the eighth house represents transformation, change, and shared resources; it is associated with the ability to adapt to life's changes and challenges.
The challenge for these natives lies in finding a balance between these two influences. It is essential to recognize the importance of financial stability and security while also maintaining a sense of flexibility and adaptability to navigate life's changes. This requires understanding that true security comes from within and cannot be solely dependent on external possessions or circumstances.
The Lunar Nodes Along the 3rd & 9th House Axis:
The placement of the lunar nodes along the third and ninth house axis in the natal chart holds significant influence over the native’s ability to express its ideas and learn about the world. The third house represents our immediate environment, communication skills, intellectual pursuits, and relationships with siblings and neighbors. It governs our daily interactions, the way we express ourselves, and how we gather and process information. The ninth house is associated with higher education, philosophy, spirituality, travel, and personal beliefs. It represents our search for meaning, wisdom, and a broader perspective on life.
The interplay between the third and ninth house nodal placements creates a dynamic tension within the native's life. It indicates a need to balance the exploration of new ideas and perspectives (third house) with the integration of higher wisdom and a broader philosophical understanding (ninth house). The native may face challenges in finding their authentic voice and forming their own belief systems, as they navigate the influences of external knowledge and societal conditioning. To navigate this nodal axis effectively, the native is encouraged to embrace a lifelong journey of learning, exploration, and self-expression.
The Lunar Nodes Along the 4th & 10th House Axis:
The placement of the lunar nodes along the fourth and tenth house axis in the natal chart puts emphasis on the native's sense of security, emotional foundation, career, and public image. The fourth house rules over the native’s home, family, childhood, and emotional foundation. It governs our sense of security, innermost feelings, and the environment in which we feel most grounded. The tenth house is associated with career, social status, public image, and worldly achievements. It represents our ambitions, professional goals, and the impact we make on the world.
These natives may face challenges in finding a harmonious integration between their personal and professional lives, and in maintaining a sense of emotional well-being while pursuing their career goals. The lunar nodes along the fourth and tenth house axis offer opportunities for growth, balance, and the integration of personal and professional aspects of life. By embracing the nurturing aspects of the fourth house and aligning their career with their true calling, the native can navigate this nodal axis with authenticity, emotional fulfillment, and a sense of purpose in their public image and achievements.
The Lunar Nodes Along the 5th & 11th House Axis:
Having the lunar nodes along the fifth and eleventh house axis in the natal chart plays a dominant role in shaping the native's creativity, self-expression, social connections, and aspirations. The fifth house represents self-expression, creativity, joy, romance, and personal projects. It is associated with our unique talents, hobbies, and the activities that bring us pleasure. Additionally, it signifies anything the native creates, including their children. The eleventh house represents social connections, friendships, community, aspirations, and collective endeavors. It governs our involvement in groups, organizations, and our ability to network and collaborate with others.
The placement of the fifth and eleventh house nodes creates a dynamic tension within the native's life. It calls for a balance between expressing their unique creativity and individuality (fifth house) while also nurturing meaningful social connections and pursuing their aspirations (eleventh house). The native may face challenges in finding a harmonious integration between their personal self-expression and their role within social groups and communities. The lunar nodes along the fifth and eleventh house axis offer opportunities for personal growth, creative expression, and meaningful connections.
The Lunar Nodes Along the 6th & 12th House Axis:
The placement of the lunar nodes along the sixth and twelfth house axis in the natal chart highlights the native's journey in balancing their responsibilities to themselves (sixth house) with their responsibilities to others (twelfth house). This axis brings attention to the themes of service, self-care, sacrifice, and spiritual growth. The sixth house represents our day-to-day routines, work, health, and the practical responsibilities we have towards ourselves. It governs our approach to work, our habits, and our overall well-being. On the other hand, the twelfth house represents the realm of spirituality, subconscious mind, retreat, and selfless service to others. It is associated with our connection to the divine, our dreams, and the need for introspection and solitude.
Having the nodes within these houses offers opportunities for personal growth, self-care, and spiritual development. By striking a balance between their responsibilities to themselves and their responsibilities to others, the native can find fulfillment in their work, maintain their well-being, and contribute meaningfully to the world around them. It is a journey of self-discovery, introspection, and finding harmony between service to self and service to others.