On May 9th, 2017, the Lunar Nodes shift from Virgo into Leo. This is a big deal for several reasons. Let’s unpack!

The Lunar Nodes: “Nodes” are points of intersection between any orbiting body and the Sun’s apparent path, the ecliptic. The ascending node is the “north node”, while the descending node is the “south node.” Every planet has nodes, but astrologers are most concerned with the lunar nodes because the Sun and Moon represent our primal symbols of yin and yang. When the Sun and Moon conjoin with either node, we witness a Solar Eclipse, while the Full Moon culminating with the nodes gives us a Lunar eclipse. Eclipses are harbingers of revelation and seemingly fated events which help us to release what’s old and outworn and align us closer to our destiny. Yes, we always have free will, but eclipses deliver our karmic interest, which is the very result of free will.

Wherever the nodes are placed in the natal chart speak volumes about your soul’s purpose and what gifts you brought over from previous lives. The North Node is the beacon of the chart; it’s what we are striving toward. Similarly, where the nodes are currently transiting serve as a collective spotlight, illuminating the area of collective evolution, release and transformation. Transiting North Node generates power, while the South Node releases.

Lastly, it’s important to mention that the lunar nodes take 18.6 years to traverse the zodiac, moving backward through the signs at a rate of about 18 months per sign.

Leaving the Sign of Virgo:

For the last year and a half, we’ve been doing the thankless work of Virgo. Jupiter was there too, which doubly emphasized health, routine, development of skills and service. It’s what we do in our day-to-day routines that define our existence: what we eat, when we wake up and where we invest our time and energy. When it comes to learning or mastering a skill, it often requires putting the time in on a very regular basis. Maybe we implemented better habits and kicked old ones. Not to mention that craft fairs and minimalism made a comeback too!

North Node in Virgo also helped us to develop a critical eye. It’s all about the details, right? While the South Node in Pisces conjured idealism and deceit, it was the analytics of Virgo which helped us to call “BS” on fake news. A major vein in the Virgo/Pisces axis is “question what you believe;” we’ve learned that a simple fact-check goes a long way!

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The Glory of Leo: honor your light

Now that we have done the Virgo work of finetuning ourselves, it’s time to show it off. You’ve earned the spotlight, now go forth and shine in your authentic radiance! We’ve been too serious and now it’s time to play! Leo rules the heart; activate the heart space by pursuing joy, bliss, creativity and passion. The heart wants what the heart wants; it’s your truth. It’s time to be honest about what we feel and not hold back. Passion is what makes us thrive.

In order to live fully in our heart, we will face our collective shadow in Aquarius. While Aquarius has many lovely attributes, it’s also where we might stifle emotions in order to serve the “greater good.” The hive-minded Aquarius has the ability to be impersonal and thereby detach from personal feelings and opinions. The Age of Aquarius is the eon of technology where the danger is becoming consumed in robotic automaton futurism. So put that phone away and look people in the eyes! The North Node in Leo instead encourages passion─ even drama! Become the telenovela star of your own life because it’s all about the feeling.

It’s not a time to emotionally shut down for fear of causing an upset. Remember how honest children are? Leo represents the playful inner child. Authenticity and truth reign. Our culture places a Virgo-like emphasis on productivity, but now we recall that life is too short. It’s time to focus on being authentic rather than perfect. Create for the sake of creation.

Essentially, it’s time to lighten up.

When you shine in your light, it becomes contagious. Every human living their true heart space is what I envision when I hear the Fifth Dimension's famous Aquarian Age song. It’s true that we are headed to the Age of Aquarius, but we are still in the cusp period and there is work to do. How can we have a utopian-mystic-crystalline-human-brother/sisterhood without love?

We are all unique; we are all special and we all have our individual purpose. The North Node in Leo invites us to be proud of who we are, and to confidently stand in our divine radiance. To honor the Aquarian South Node, we recognize that the group is comprised of individuals; we are a team! Leo is a sign of pride and generosity, so shine that spotlight on those we appreciate too. Heartfelt graciousness makes the world a better place. Let’s honor one other!

Crossing the Royal Star’s gate:

Just before the North Node changes signs, it aligns with Royal Star Regulus at 0⁰ Virgo. Also known as Cor Leonis (the lion’s heart), Regulus is concerned with power, honor, leadership and success. From the end of April until May 9th, the spotlight aims directly at those who hold power in the world, either anointing or scandalizing. Much to the people’s dismay, Regulus is also notorious for military involvement. With tensions rising between nations, we have reason to be nervous. The North Node of destiny sits at this potent degree from the end of April until changing signs on May 9th.

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​What this means for the United States and Donald Trump:

Donald Trump was born with Regulus rising, which makes sense as to why he’s led a life of notoriety, battles and wealth. His rising degree is 29⁰55 of Leo, which the North Node will conjoin on May 10th. Often when the North Node conjoins with one’s ascendant, that person becomes especially noticed. In most cases, this can be very positive for the person. People seem to gravitate toward them and get on board with their ideas. Such was the case with Jim Carrey’s rise to success; the north node conjoined his ascendant at the time “Dumb and Dumber” premiered. Similarly, Barrack Obama was elected President just after the North Node crossed his Ascendant; not only was this a personal accomplishment for Obama, but a milestone in the collective. However, with Trump’s ratings continuing to plunge, we will have to wait and see what happens.

Some astrologers view this as a potential turning point for Trump. When the North Node crosses the ascendant, it can be a rebirth of sorts. The question is how does Trump change?  

Moving forward, the North Node conjoins Trump’s natal Mars in June. Mars is the action principle and we all know how fiery and volatile he is─ a loose cannon! North Node contacts with Mars can yield periods of immense courage and action, but also recklessness and issues with authority. Let’s not forget that Mars is the God of War. Combined with Regulus’ military association, the worst-case scenarios would be Trump’s playing a strong role in military advancement or war tactics.

Hopefully this isn’t the case. Best case scenario is that his motives change. During the election, it was all about the victory. Now, 100 days into office, he finds himself missing his old life. Instead of admiration, he is criticized (which his 11th house Venus/Saturn conjunction hates). Trump has stated that this new job is much more difficult than he had imagined. While Trump is being royally humbled, but the question remains how receptive he will be to the public.

The “Great American Eclipse” occurs on August 21st, 2017, stretching from sea to shining sea. The path of the eclipse is important for astrologers as it clues us into which nations may play major roles in the events surrounding the eclipse. Not only this, but it’s been a long time since Americans have enjoyed the chance to see a solar eclipse in many years, much less a TOTAL eclipse blackening the day time sky. This is HUGE.

The eclipse occurs at 28⁰52 Leo, smack-dab in the middle of Trump’s natal ascendant and Mars. Oh, and it also opposes the Moon in the United States natal Sibley chart. Did I mention that this is HUGE?!

Mars rules Trump’s natal 4th house of home and family, as well as his 9th house of international affairs. This could go a myriad of ways. Trump has been criticized for his children’s close involvement with the White House affairs, while the media speculates over Melania’s distancing from her husband. Or what about Trump’s frequent trips to Mar-a- Lago and the millions of tax dollars spent on security for Melania and Baron’s residence in NYC? One thing for certain is that these conversations are not over. The eclipse will illuminate Trump’s personal and familial life.

The 9th house deals with foreign relations, but also the judicial system. The last time the North Node entered Leo was in 1998, just as impeachment proceedings began against Bill Clinton. Could it be possible that the law confronts Trump as well? We are not finished investigating the Trump administration’s relations with Russia. But that’s not all. Trump has already flown several missiles into the Middle East, enjoyed chocolate cake with Chinese President Xi Jinping, and awkwardly met with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. While the travel ban failed and the famous Mexican Wall is on hold (thankfully), perhaps the most pressing issue of global importance is climate change.

Saturn conjoined Trump’s natal Sagittarius Moon at the time of his Presidential victory. Saturn brings responsibility, maturity and discipline, but often a sense of limitation accompanies. Trump has since expressed that he misses his old life, when he was more free. He misses driving and being able to travel on a whim─ literally describing the desires of his Sag Moon. For Trump, these whims are especially vital, ruled by a stationary Jupiter in his natal chart. The Moon additionally represents the women in his life: look at the contrasting effects the Presidency has cast upon Ivanka and Melania. One has gained authority while the other appears trapped, even melancholy.

Finishing retrograde motion, Saturn stations in exact conjunction with Trump’s natal Moon at 21⁰11 Sagittarius, just 4 days after the Great American Eclipse. (HUGE!!!!!!!!!) The planet of structure, discipline and order glares sternly at the President. Saturn transits are most difficult for people like Trump, whose natal chart carries strong freedom-loving signatures. Trump is a renegade, a maverick, a child at heart. This is going to be a tough time for him, bringing much clarity. He will either see that he has no choice but to get it together, commit and mature, OR he will admit that he didn’t realize how much responsibility this gig entailed and maybe the 4th house emphasis will call him home to NYC. I don’t necessarily view Trump as a quitter with stakes so high, but the voice of his wild spirit may be louder than his ego.

May through August, Mars triggers all of Trump’s Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Libra and Sagittarius planets. It’s going to be an extremely potent period which likely defines his presidency.

Let’s see what happens. But whatever happens MAY be our collective karma.

The United States is in a process of redefining itself. Many major cycles are coming to a close which previously defined our “world police” reputation (particularly our very first Pluto return). The old order is dying as we grasp at what’s left.  The Trump presidency reflects the balsamic cycle of closure and the big question, “who and what are we now that the times have changed?”

Leo: The Dynastic Reign

Often with the lunar nodal transit through Leo/Aquarius, the world bears witness to dynastic changes in power, leadership and rule. I will disclaim that I haven’t extensively researched, but I've discovered a few examples of dynasties and reigns formed at the time the of the North Node’s shift from Leo into Virgo which are still relevant today:

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• Queen Elizabeth II crowned Queen of England: Feb 6th, 1952 with the South Node at 0⁰ Virgo*

• Hugo Chavez elected President of Venezuela: Dec 6th, 1998; North Node at 24⁰ Leo; currently, major political protests and upset in regards to current President Maduro

• Google registered its domain name: Sep 4, 1998 (North Node at 1⁰ Virgo)

• Exxon-Mobil merger: Dec 1, 1998 at 24⁰ Leo (already seeing their name everywhere)

• Vladimir Putin becomes "permanent member of the Security Council of the Russian Federation:" Oct 1, 1998 (North Node 0⁰ Virgo)

• JFK becomes president: Jan 20 1961. Although the North Node was still at 6⁰ Virgo, the majority of his presidency was in the era of Leo North Node. The Kennedy presidency combined politics and entertainment for the first time. This was in part due to his apparent regal looks, but also because he was the first president elected from a televised election. This changes politics forever while the Kennedy dynasty becomes known to the public.

• Fidel Castro rises to power, 1961; his brother continues to reign

• The Euro was born (1998) and is now endangered

​Other:

• First human in space: Yuri Gagarin, April 12, 1961

• Rubik’s cube born: 1980

• 1998: Cartoons like Family Guy, Futurama and Spongebob Squarepants are born, reflecting the entertainment of Leo. We might expect this year to launch a new wave of iconic entertainment.

• Carter announces US won’t participate in Moscow Olympics: 1980

• First Six Flags theme park, 1961

• 1943: WWII is at its peak (a mini age of the dictator, the Manhattan Project, DDT, the Holocaust) The Leo theme was unbridled in its lower form of oppressive rule.

• 1961: Bob Dylan's record debut; the Rolling Stones' first performance

• 1980: John Lennon, icon, murdered in front of his apartment, just hours after photo-shoot with Yoko Ono

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**It won’t happen this year, but it looks like Prince Charles *could* get the throne in 2018. His chances are looking good as the nodes activate the Queen’s Leo and Aquarius stelliums, while the North Node simultaneously moves through Prince Charles’ first house, activating his natal Pluto followed by his Ascendant. Additionally, Uranus shifts into Taurus, conjoining the Prince’s Moon and Midheaven. Uranus also conjoins the Queen’s Sun, which represents dramatic and sudden shifts in how she shines in the world, but it also represents her children! Who knows if the Queen would be ready to relinquish the throne at this time, but if there was ever a time, this looks like an opportune window. She is quite an icon, which would be a very literal manifestation of the Leo North Node.

Lots of growth, evolution and opportunity for Leo, Aquarius, Taurus and Scorpio! Yes, even if your Moon or Ascendant is in those signs too! When the eclipses arrive, pay attention... 

​Aho Mitakyue Oyasin. May Mother Earth and all her inhabitants be awakened to our unity, and the highest LOVE of the Universe.

​Love, peace and unity to ALL....

-Catherine