THE ECLIPSE AND SYNCHRONCITIES

Every once in a while, I come across some parts of astrology that appear to be regurgitating the same talking points. When speaking on Rahu and Ketu -or North Node and South Node- there is often the notion that one should abandon their past. The past lies in Ketu and should stay in Ketu with the usual:

"Don't look back, you're not going that way!"

Western Astrologers often try to tell us that Ketu is not worth looking at unless it's to atone for the mistakes in one's "past life," but the snake must operate with both ends of its body. When we consider their meanings, one simply cannot exist without the other. Like most things in astrology, they cannot be simply defined without considering every working piece of it. An example of this: If we're speaking about astrology in any aspect, we cannot delineate, make inferences, make predictions, or, in some cases, divinate without having an understanding of astronomy. Just as astrology cannot exist without astronomy, Rahu cannot exist without Ketu. Both are defined through relationships.

Astronomy is the base of astrology, that is, the body. It holds all the knowledge, all the patterns, and points in time that were used for making life-changing and historical decisions. The stars were used as a form of guidance in agriculture. From this came almanacs used to predict astronomical changes, the rising and setting of the sun, the phases of the moon, which helps us understand the rise and falls of the tides, and even the weather. Much to the chagrin of the astronomers who look down on astrology, it will always exist as long as astronomy is around.

It's not even about whether both groups disagree or agree; it is just a fact. The subjectiveness of it is irrelevant. With this in mind, this is quite similar to how the nodes work together. The scientific knowledge and astrological nuance of it all are relevant.

Lunar Node

A lunar node is one of two points where the Moon's orbit intersects the Earth's orbital plane around the Sun. An orbital node is the point at which the Moon's orbital path crosses the Earth's own orbital path around the Sun. In astronomy, it's an invisible mathematical point. It helps in determining the orbital parameters as well. When the nodes align with the moon or the sun, an eclipse is formed. In astrology, its meaning does not alter, and is known as a hypothetical point and/or object. The only difference is that these invisible points are used as an interpretation of one’s destiny and past incarnation.

The Head and Tail of the Dragon

These nodes are referred to as the North Node and South Node or Rahu and Ketu (respectively). Rahu and Ketu are known as the head and the tail of the dragon. In Arabic, it's known as Gochihr (الجوزهر). In medieval times, it was used to describe the point at which the Moon crossed the orbital path of the Sun, creating a Solar Eclipse. In Hindu astrology, the nodes were known as a part of the Navagraha. Navagraha are the nine celestial bodies that influence the human experience in Jyotish.

Synchronicities

Throughout history, the skies above have always shown us patterns and signs we should take into consideration before making the next move. Sometimes on a scale that is life-altering, or sometimes it is on a scale more minuscule, hardly making a dent in our day.

The same can be said for hypothetical points. Although the points themselves cannot be viewed with the naked eye, the interaction of these two mathematical points synthesizes into something that can be viewed, that is, the eclipse.

The nodes are always opposite one another, yet their opposition is what gives them meaning and what creates the feeling that our lives are falling into place. If an eclipse is created through the alignment of these otherwise opposing points, it can also be understood symbolically as a moment when the head and the tail come to an agreement. When past experience and future direction briefly point toward the same destination. Even within their opposing paths, equilibrium emerges.

When life seems to be falling into place, it may be worth looking at when the last eclipse occurred, or when the next one will. Consider how those nodes may have pointed you toward the right place at the right time, or even the wrong place at the right time. After all, eclipses are only there for a moment. This is why I place such emphasis on Ketu remaining connected to the head.

While witnessing an eclipse is a sight to see, it's no coincidence that such a natural occurrence in the world -that's happened for billions of years- can manage to garner so much attention, whether it be scientific or esoteric.

What good is the tail if the head cannot perceive? What good is the head if there is no body to receive nourishment?

Enduring the suffering of past mistakes is difficult, but what is the human experience if we don't suffer a bit? We come back mentally stronger, emotionally well, and nourished from living and learning. To not move forward with this knowledge, though, would be all for naught.

While relying on what was used in the past is not beneficial to hold on to, it can help us see that we can coexist as one whole person with the Past and Future. The dark needs the light, and light needs the dark. As above, So below.

In times when we need the head and the tail, it seems to happen days leading up to, after, and/or on the day of the Eclipse. It is during this time that the synchronicities we are feeling are aligned with our natal Lunar Nodes. Perhaps the purpose of the nodes was never to choose between the head and the tail, but to understand that neither can find its way without the other.