The nodes of the moon aren’t planets, but are mathematical points on a chart that fall in two opposite signs of the zodiac. The nodes move backwards through the zodiac wheel and spend about a year and half in each sign. The mythology around these points is connected to the head and tail of the dragon. Rahu represents the head of the dragon, and Ketu is the tail. 

This month we have a shift in the nodes from Fire/Air to Water/Earth. An 18-month changing-of-the-guard officially begins when the North Node moves into Cancer on November 6 at 1:09pm. This tuning of the energy wheel moves us away from Leo/Aquarius and toward Cancer/Capricorn. This major shift of global energy will be active until May 6, 2020.

This past year and a half, was about the lion chasing the flame and coloring outside the lines. For the next year and half, we will be challenged to tap into the sensitive cardinal energy of Cancer, and encouraged to be more sensitive, nurturing and healing to others and ourselves.

With the North Node (Rahu/Head of the Dragon) in a watery, sensitive sign like Cancer, we are challenged to face each fork in the road like the ultimate caretaker. Which path is safest? We should use our inner guide—our highest point of light—to reason through things. This energy will encourage us to open our minds to more nurturing habits.

The South Node (Ketu/Tail of the Dragon) asks us to release things that may have become too structured or conventional for our current state of mind. Consider existing patterns and let go of the things that may have become outdated or ineffective. When the nodes are in this position, the focus is on prioritizing loved ones and choosing home life over work life.

When the nodes of the moon shift zodiac signs, it is worth paying attention. Other key astrological dates this month include:

• New Moon in Scorpio on November 7

• Venus goes direct on November 16

• Mercury goes retrograde November 16 through December 6

• Sun enters Sagittarius on November 22 

• Full Moon in Gemini on November 23 

Michele Leigh is an astrologer, author and yoga teacher. A practitioner of ancient techniques, she is an active member of OPA, the Organization for Professional Astrology. Connect at [email protected].