True or Mean Nodes

The Question of True or Mean Nodes is another hotly debated issue. No doubt Parashara states that the Nodes always travel in reverse (retrograde motion), and certainly there's no question that this is their normal (Mean) motion. Likewise, when averaged out (Mean motion), the physical planets always travel in direct motion.

However, the simple fact is that all planets have a mean or average motion and a true or actual daily motion...this applies equally to the Nodes!

What we find, when calculating the True Node is that, due to the oscillation according to the Moon's "wobble" (caused by the gravitational effects of the Earth/Moon interaction), there are in fact periods of direct motion. We also find periods, immediately prior to turning direct, when the Nodes are virtually stationary. This is referred to as being "Stationary Direct".

To quote a well-known author:

"When analysing a horoscope it should be noted whether the nodes are stationary direct or travelling in forward motion, as this is a time when they may be considered highly positive and energizing forces giving similar results to that of their exaltation position."

The following graph, courtesy of Brian Conrad, shows the difference between True and Mean positions of Rahu - 2003

For those who doubt this scientific evidence, I include here Sri Yukteswar's response to Yogananda's confessed disbelief in astrology.

"It is never a question of belief; the only scientific attitude one can take on any subject is whether it is true. The cosmos would be fairly chaotic if its laws could not operate without the sanction of human belief."

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K.S. Krishnamurti, the inventor of KP system of astrology, had Rahu stationary direct in the sign of Gemini (ruled by Mercury). Certainly his intellectual capacity, signified by Mercury, was extraordinary.