Mean Node vs True Node

The nodes of the Moon play a pivotal role in evolutionary astrology. We couldn’t do the magic we do without them. But should you use the Mean node or the True one? In practical terms, that might not seem like an important question since the difference between them is generally small – their maximum possible separation is only 1 degree 45 minutes and it’s usually a lot less. On top of that, the need to choose only looms every year and half or so – that’s during the brief period when the True node is in one sign and the Mean one in another. Then everything rides on making the right choice.

 

Among astrologers, strong opinions about these two versions of the lunar nodes are a lot more abundant than technical understanding of them. What’s the actual difference? Answering that requires some understanding of orbital mechanics – knowledge that should be more widespread in the astrological community than it often is. At the risk of making light of an important question, I often think people decide which nodes they prefer on the basis of the subliminal impact of the words themselves. I mean, hey, would you rather be mean or true? 

Let’s do better than that, starting with some basic astronomy.