What are Lunar Nodes and Eclipses?

Sep 5, 2025
3 min read

With all of the talk about eclipses, let's get to the bottom of what they are both scientifically and astrologically! For a visual overview, check out the video below, and otherwise, keep on reading for the breakdown. To learn more about the current Pisces and Virgo eclipse series, listen to the Synergy to Synastry Season 2 Premiere, and check out my September 2025 Astrology blog post.

Covered in this Video:

00:13 – What are the lunar nodes?
02:13 – Where are the lunar nodes in my chart?
03:48 – What are eclipses?
05:16 – What are the eclipse types? (Lunar Eclipse & Solar Eclipse)
08:13 – What’s the connection between eclipses and intuition?
11:15 – North Node in Pisces & South Node in Virgo Eclipse Series Overview
18:21 – Upcoming Classes to Meditate and Journal during the North Node in Pisces & South Node in Virgo Eclipse Portals.

Lunar Nodes

The nodes of the Moon aren't something we can actually see with the naked eye nor a telescope. They're the result of a calculation. The lunar nodes are two points where Moon’s orbit intersects with the ecliptic of the Sun. In other words, the nodes ask us to look at the relationship between Sun and Moon beyond the New Moon, Full Moon, and all of the phases in between. They’re linked to the pairs of eclipses that occur twice per year in place of regular lunations.

As previously mentioned, there are two nodes: the North Node and South Node. In astrology, The former is related to purpose and direction in life, while the latter reflects past life karma and natural tendencies. Ultimately, there's a baked in dichotomy where through the South Node we are called to release in order to move towards the calling of our North Node. When it comes to transiting lunar nodes (versus our natal placements), we are tending to this dynamic for around 1.5 years. These points always exist in exact opposition in sister signs and move around the zodiac in reverse.

Eclipses

The most basic definition of an eclipse is an astronomical event where either the Moon is in the shadow of the earth or the earth is in the shadow of the Moon. The duration of an eclipse varies due to the exact alignment described above (e.g., solar measured in minutes vs lunar in hours). Lunar Eclipses occur when the earth is between the luminaries and, as a result, the Moon is in shadow of the earth. This alignment causes the Full Moon to be darkened moon or even change in color (esp. red) due to how the light of the Sun refracts around earth. For Solar Eclipses, the Moon is between Sun and earth, and the light of the Sun is blocked. These events cast a very small shadow onto earth, which is why it matters where you are in relation to be able to see it (i.e., path of totality where there's a full blackout). The reason for total versus partial eclipse has to do with the distance of these celestial bodies! Total obstruction happens when the Moon is at the closest possible distance to earth at the time of a Solar eclipse.

Lunar Nodes & Eclipses Through Your Natal Chart

Check your Birth Chart to see where the Lunar Nodes were at the time of your birth. If you'd like me to interpret your chart, including your natal nodes and the transiting nodes, book my Natal Chart Overview reading! For eclipses, we can chat about those in any astrology reading. It's always fun to see how they activate our natal placements, aspects, relationships, and so much more! You'll leave our astrology session(s) with a personalized understanding of your Natal Chart, as well as how these transits present during this month and beyond!