Lunar Node - Names and Symbols

Names and Symbols

The nodes are called by different names in different areas of the world.

Since the ascending node is the point of intersection between the ecliptic and the plane of the lunar orbit where the Moon is ascending from the South to the North, it is sometimes called the North node. In ancient European texts, it is referred to as the dragon's head (Caput Draconis, or Anabibazon). The symbol of the ascending node is, the astronomical and astrological symbol for the Dragon's head. Similarly the descending node is the point where the Moon is descending from North to South, and is sometimes referred to as South node. It is also known as the dragon's tail (Cauda Draconis, or Catabibazon), and its symbol is the inversion of that of the ascending node: . Note that the so-called North node may in fact lie South of the South node in the course of the nodal cycle.

In Hindu astronomy, the ascending node ☊ is called Rahu and the descending node ☋ is called Ketu. In Tibetan Astrology (partially based on the Kalachakra Tantra) the southern node is named Kalagni.