yaka
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Western Astrology's approach to the nodes. Revising and posting the above article was inspired in part by a question from one of my astrology clients, "Why is the North Node seen as all good in Western astrology when Vedic astrology sees it as a powerful malefic?" Western astrologers started using the nodes in their birth chart delineations primarily after Isabel Hickey's seminal work: Astrology: A Cosmic Science introduced the modern Western interpretation of them in the 1970's (in other words, only for the past 30+ years). Vedic astrologers have used the nodes as two of the nine planets, in other words as a major part of their delineations, for at least 3,000 years; and have come to much deeper understandings about them. Rahu and Ketu -- like the other planets -- are treated as Beings in Vedic astrology, with their own myths, rulerships, colors, dignities, attributes, planetary periods (dasas), lunar mansions (Nakshatras), aphorisms (yogas), mantras, and extensive significations. The wealth of information about the nodes in classical Jyotish works is huge. Many Western astrologers today glorify the North Node (Rahu) and relegate the themes of the South Node (Ketu) to the past. How did this fundamental misunderstanding come into being? Very simply, by making the same mistake in the approach to the nodes that modern Western astrologers made with respect to their understanding of retrogradation: They applied Horary principles to Natal Astrology. Horary astrology is an excellent tool and works well in answering questions, finding objects, etc. but it is a self-contained system whose rules and approaches should never be transferred indiscriminately into natal astrological work. Since both the South Node and retrograde planets as significators of a question in a Horary chart mean that the outcome will not occur (you will not get that job or marry that spouse), they developed a negative connotation in Horary. This is fine, and works. But to apply these meanings to Western natal analysis is poorly done. The fact is that, like a Full Moon, retrograde planets are "full", closest to the Earth (and therefore at their largest in appearance), and brightest*. In other words, retrograde planets are incredibly strong influences in the chart, and appear that way in the sky! *Mercury and Venus can be combust and retrograde at the same time. When they are combust, they are not visible. In some ways, it is no wonder that Rahu (the North Node) is glorified in today's world because Rahu represents the drive to success (the Doing, instead of the Being of Ketu). This drive can be selfish, compulsive, out-of-balance, and materialistic or committed, dedicated, persevering, and incredibly productive. Ketu (the South Node) is one of life's most incredible teachers, since the houses and planets it influences teach lessons concerning loss, relinquishment and surrender, and lead to
transcendence and enlightenment. Ketu leads us, however willing or unwilling we are, to learn to value the Eternal over the transitory.
Hank Friedman
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