The North Node (Rahu) in Aquarius, the South Node (Ketu) in Leo: Dare to Be True to You (07-08/2026-03/2028)

Alexandra
1 hour ago
18 min read

Summer of 2026, the axis of destiny changes into the sign that shows our unique gifts, our capacity for change, and who we truly are. This is a time of being different, coming home to ourselves, and innovating our whole lives.

Shortcuts: What are the Nodes?, Dates, Interpretation, In-the-Sign Predictions, Dates for Eclipses. What you might also look for: North Node in Pisces, South Node in Virgo (2025-2026)

So… what are the Nodes?

The Nodes of the Moon, also called the North Node and South Node, or rarely called Rahu and Ketu, are two points in the sky that are always opposite each other. They’re the astronomical points where the Sun, Moon, and Planet Earth can line up in such a way that the Sun is hidden by a new moon (Solar eclipse) and the Full Moon hidden by the Earth’s shadow (Lunar Eclipse). Each of these points carries a specific meaning.

One, the North Node (or Rahu), defines what we’re growing toward and where our next chapter of destiny lies. This often feels like a stretch and a breakthrough at the same time. The North Node also brings something actively into our lives, so we might find ourselves having more opportunities here.

The South Node, also called Ketu, shows where we’ve been so far. This point and energy show us our gifts and the life lessons we’ve already earned and can now build on – which is the positive of the South Node. The shadow side of this placement shows us where life really isn’t working. When the South Node falls into a specific sign, the negative aspects of the sign are revealed in our lives, and we’re guided to release excess or even leave people, tasks, mindsets, or places behind that were signified by the sign’s energy. The South Node also signifies endings and the past repeating itself/coming to a final release.

Dates:

The Nodes are mathematical points in the sky that are derived from the orbits of the Earth around the Sun, and the Moon around the Earth. But because they’re mathematical only, there are 2 different calculations that you can work with: both put the Nodes very close together (0-2° apart at any given time), but this means that there are always two sets of dates for nodal sign changes. Don’t worry about this, though! Skip here to read why, or here if you don’t care and just want ONE answer rather than two (which I respect, trust me).

Calculation #1 of the Nodes (“True nodes”)

July 27th, 2026 – March 26th, 2028.

The nodes were last in these signs from January 7th, 2008 – July 27th, 2009, and won’t be in Aquarius and Leo again until April 18th, 2045.

Calculation #2 of the Nodes (“Mean nodes”)

August 18th, 2026 – March 7th, 2028.

They were last in these signs from December 15th, 2007 – August 21st, 2009, and won’t return to Aquarius and Leo until March 30th, 2045.

What do those two calculations mean?

I’ll spare you the theory and leave you with the practical application. Between July 27th and August 18th of 2026, we’ll be in a brief period of time when we’ll experience both the themes of the North Node in Aquarius/South Node in Leo (discussed here) and the North Node in Pisces/South Node in Virgo. After that, we’ll only focus on the North and South nodes in Aquarius in Leo until they change signs – and then we have a brief 2-theme-journey in March of 2028 as one and then the other enter Capricorn and Cancer. By the way, the Nodes journey backwards through the zodiac, so

So, TL;DR:

The Nodes are in Aquarius (North Node) and Leo (South Node) from

July/August 2026 – March 2028.

Let’s get into what this means astrologically speaking!

The Nodes in Aquarius and Leo: Uniqueness, Self, and Change

The Nodes in Aquarius (North Node) and Leo (South Node) carry a frequency of releasing the parts of ourselves where we sought attention for attention’s sake, where we contorted ourselves to look a certain way to other people, and where we streamlined our own expression to be better liked by others. This is, instead, a time when we come home to who we truly are: by embracing our uniqueness and the ways that make us different (even controversial) in the eyes of others.

This is also a time of heightened and very rapid changes within the collective and our personal lives. Themes around community and working together as groups are highlighted… especially once the North Node joins Pluto in 2027-28.

Shortcuts: South Node in Leo, North Node in Aquarius, In-the-Sign Predictions.

The South Node in Leo

Let’s start here. The South Node reveals our gifts and what we’ve learned already. In this sign, it reveals where we have something to give to others, some place in which we can shine. This is a time to build on what we already know about ourselves and the ways we’ve already become authentic.

However, the South Node reveals (and guides us to release) toxicity. Themes around the South Node in Leo are toxicity in regard to selfishness, narcissism, seeking attention for the wrong reasons, self-contortion to be loved, jealousy and envy, addiction to luxury/appearances, and low self-esteem. In the following sections, we’re therefore predominantly focusing on the negative, but there’s hope and positivity coming through as well – and the section on the North Node will be much lighter, too.

Let’s jump in.

“But what about ME?”

The South Node in Leo’s biggest theme is to reveal to ourselves where we are too focused on ourselves in a negative way – or even in a self-destructive way.

Focusing – and building lives – only for ourselves makes us very lonely in the long run. While the social zeitgeist is very focused on self-realization and shining as bright as you can, no matter the consequences/way you gain the limelight or success, the South Node here reveals the price you pay for that sort of focus. When we lose sight of others, we inevitably alienate those we deeply love (and who were rooting for us). We hurt them – often by accident – or become unable to see their perspective and learn from them, which harms our relationships.

When we lose sight of the fact that we aren’t the only thing in our lives that matters, we’re hit harder by times of strife because we don’t have a goal or vision that’s more important than ourselves… so it’s harder to get out of our own slump when things aren’t going well. When we don’t have anything meaningful in our lives outside of our own person, we don’t have the chance to lean into all the gifts we truly have… because some gifts can only come out when there are people who truly benefit from them.

Chasing happiness for its own sake only rarely leads to long-lasting joy. The South Node in Leo shows us where we need to combine our desire for being happy with something greater – making some sort of a difference, even if it’s just in the lives of your family or friends – so you can truly shine in a healthy way. Again, this doesn’t have to be in a career sense. If you’re a professional video game tester or you found something you do for a living that brings you joy, that’s amazing. This is about your life as a whole: choose joy, but don’t lose sight of other priorities that are just as important.

And mind you: all I wrote thus far doesn’t mean that we have to – or should – go into the polar opposite of deleting all our own needs or awareness of who we are or what we want. As toxic as selfishness can be, it’s also just as toxic to throw yourself under the bus all the time. It’s okay to shine. It’s okay to choose joy – but keep it in a healthy dosage and pay attention to where you’re guided to open your mind to a new perspective.

A Quest(ion) for Fame

The difference between fame and infamy in the German language is that there is none. It’s the same word, the same principle, the same result… and this lack of nuance (that I’m not a fan of usually) does speak to a larger wisdom that we need to talk about when the South Node ends up in Leo: All attention is not all good attention… and even the best sort of attention comes with some bad results a price.

Let’s say you did something amazing and received the credits and attention you deserve for it. And let’s say you’re a genuinely good person who deserves nothing but kindness, politeness, and respect. There are still people who will plot your downfall as a result – for no other reason than that they feel bad about someone else shining. These can be people who are jealous that they aren’t receiving the special credits you have earned, or people who feel like you’re their competition, or people who feel unworthy in the face of excellence, luck, or success. Some go so far as to pick everything you do apart, from the amazing feats you made to the way your belly button is shaped or the fact that you happen to breathe (I know right, how dare you. I suggest you do better, learn osmosis, and become a house plant). This doesn’t even include the scrutiny you face for every mistake you’ve made, and any future endeavor you’ll do. It can also, at times, make the real you invisible to others. That’s the negative side of attention.

The positives are, of course, many-fold and a beautiful and powerful tool in the right hands. But the South Node reveals negativity and teaches us how to deal with that.

This is a time to learn how to deal with attention, especially its shadow sides. This is a time to learn how to deal with your own envy as well as the envy and jealousy of others. Some of the toxicity regarding attention is also removed from our lives… and some “cults” that started around people who frankly lack substance are, with time, going to dissipate.

The South Node in Leo also shows us where we, internally, chase fame and notoriety for the wrong reasons (and by wrong, I mean they lead to harm – to yourself or to others). It shows us where we might give too much away just to have that sort of goal. What does it matter if everyone on earth knows your name – or even if everyone on earth knows your name 6 years from now? Unless something you’ve done or brought to the world matters on its own – without your name attached to it – you’ll be forgotten again. Attention is also not love, it’s not appreciation, it doesn’t fill the hole inside you that you want it to.

Hiding No Longer

The South Node in Leo also reveals the parts of your life where you’re trying to avoid attention for the wrong reasons. You were put into this world a different human being than all other human beings around you – and while you think that you’re not that special, you can be the solution to a problem no one else knows how to tackle (or that no one else is around to tackle, even). You were meant to be yourself and give your gifts to the world in ways that no one else can do.

If you shy away because you’re scared, you’re robbing the world of a gift. If you’re shying away because you’re too scared of being seen, you’re robbing other people of a gift as well. And if you’re trying to appear to be different than you are just to gain some sort of benefit (and I don’t mean in a personal-growth type of way, but in a play-acting type of way), you’re doing yourself and others a disservice.

Under the South Node in Leo, it’s time to face why you’re hiding (which all of us are to some extent at some point of our lives). It’s also time to stop and release your fears. Don’t worry; it’s still fully possible to keep living a private life, but being private doesn’t mean you have to disguise who you are or keep your gifts under lock and key, does it?

Other themes:

Removing the Wrong Type of People:

The shadow of Leo is people who are narcissistic and/or people who keep you from shining – if need be, by stealing your hard-earned work to get the accolades. The South Node in Leo doesn’t just make you look at yourself and your own desires in a specific way, it also reveals people’s true colors and removes those types of people from your lives.

Who are you becoming?

The South Node in Leo shows you a mirror to who you truly are… and who you’re choosing to become. Is what you see something you like? If not, the South Node here promotes change. Aided by Jupiter in Leo (link coming soon) from June 2026-July 2027, it also (re-)builds your confidence and promotes personal growth and wisdom.

Words of Hope:

Leo is about being brave, becoming your true self, and listening to your heart: if you draw on all three of these qualities, you will navigate this time with ease and positive results. Also, the North Node in Aquarius will greatly aid you in removing the toxic iterations of this energy and move towards the beautiful positive parts you can build on.

The North Node in Aquarius

The North Node is the remedy to the South Node – and it’s also what we’re drawing in, where fate is leading us, where we want to go next, and where we naturally grow into. The North Node in Aquarius makes us a lot more resilient when it comes to dealing with someone else’s opinion of us (especially when we deem the opinion to be stupid or wrong). The North Node also helps us find like-minded friends, healthy community, and power in/appreciation for being different. It connects us to a greater vision and ideals that are bigger than we are, and it allows us to logically and analytically view the world. Aquarius is also the sign that deals with humanity as a whole and our place within it. It helps us to be innovative and rebel against outdated structures and ideals and set us free – especially from other people’s expectations and things that aren’t working. Let’s discuss.

“You don’t like me? I don’t care.”

Aquarius is the most beautiful zodiac sign when you’re stuck in the shadow of the South Node in Leo – a.k.a., caring too much about other people’s opinions of you. This astrological event allows you to learn how to distance yourself and remain less- to unaffected by the opinions of the masses or even people who talk to you (but aren’t close, such as friends, family, and partners). It also reveals where you’re genuinely different from others and how your community as a whole can benefit from that… even if it takes some creativity to transform uniqueness into a valuable gift.

Community and Divergence

The North Node in Aquarius aligns us all more with a community of like-minded people who are different at heart. This event reminds us of the power of groups and the beauty (and idiosyncrasies) of humanity as a whole. The cultural and social zeitgeist, plus the way we relate, will change drastically.

This will be a powerful time for the people who are divergent in some way: the people who think differently from the mainstream (be it from having different opinions or neurological differences), people who don’t fit in, people who walk to the beat of their own drum. Neurodivergence and marginalized people also play a big role.

Innovation and a New Vision

Aquarius is, first and foremost, a sign for innovation and a new vision. Here, we connect our lives at present to things from the ancient past that would actually work really well in today’s world and would help humanity to move forward (for instance, an ancient solution to environmental issues or what have you). We also come up with – or are confronted by – innovations that were dreamt up by people without any sort of past- or present-inspiration: we’re ushering in a new future.

The vision that may come to light may be a dream for humanity, a vision of what our personal life could be, or a glimpse of the future and where we’re headed. With Pluto in Aquarius as well, we have the opportunity to change that and transform… or to go full-throttle if we want that for our individual futures.

New Mindsets and Information

With the North Node in Aquarius, we’re being drawn to new mindsets (or to double down on pre-existing ones that have been proven right). New information emerges, some from truths unearthed and revealed as the eclipses dance with Pluto, planet of secrets. Cultural conversations change – and we change cultural discourse on a personal level. Information may spread like wildfire, and learning will be paramount.

North Node conjunct Pluto in Aquarius

One of the most potent and important events of the nodal journey through Aquarius/Leo is that the North Node joins Pluto in Aquarius… which is the planet of all that is hidden, soul-led gifts and desires, and transformation.

When Pluto joins the North Node, it is an extremely potent time of change as we’re literally being deposited in whatever area of life/situation we need to be in to live our soul’s purpose. These are the rock bottom moments that change someone’s life and transform a seemingly unchangeable situation where all hope was once lost. These are the highest of highs where incredible opportunities find us that we never thought we’d have.

Pluto and the North Node start dancing together in the second half of 2027 and early 2028. Expect this to be an even more powerful time for change and truths revealed than the years we’ve had before then – personally, and socially.

Uranus’s Influence

The North Node is heavily influenced by Uranus, which happens to be in Gemini. This means that the North Node’s journey we just described is sped up – this is quick change happening, especially on the level of mindsets shifting and information coming to the surface. Themes such as learning journeys and new inventions impacting our lives are also exacerbated. Uranus in Gemini is its own event. Read the article here to learn more about this event.

In the Signs:

This section refers to people’s Sun and Rising Signs (ASC). Please make sure to keep in mind that your astrological blueprint is unique and more nuanced and may modify these interpretations. Book with me to get more individualized predictions.

Shortcuts: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces, Eclipses, Further Reading.

Aries:

The North Node draws you towards finding new community and deepening the relationships you have with your friends. This is a time to make progress on the goals you have for your long-term future and to wake up to a new dream. Social accountability may also be a theme right now. Check out Pluto in Aquarius for you for more information.

The South Node is drawing you away from habits, places, and people that feel good in the moment but have a detrimental effect long-term. This is also the time to leave stale relationships that lead nowhere behind. You may run into people from your past. Jupiter in Leo (link coming soon) amplifies this event.

Taurus:

The North Node draws you into your realm of career, purpose, authority, reputation, and legacy. It’s time to think of what it is you choose to do in this lifetime and how other people are affected by it. It’s also time to step into your power (and/or apply yourself more at work). Success might be a theme. Check Pluto in Aquarius here for further information.

The South Node draws you away from habits that haul you up at home or make a bit too private. Toxicity and past issues in your home life, family or origin, or family that you’ve made may come up for healing. Your foundations in life (including your home) may be up for an overhaul. Check Jupiter in Leo here (link coming soon).

Gemini:

The North Node is drawing you towards believing in yourself and doubling down on what you know is true. Truths are revealed that change your outlook on life and themes around luck, travel, and the universe as a whole are amplified for you. Check Pluto in Aquarius for you here for more information on how this plays out.

The South Node is pulling you away from perpetually questioning your own beliefs and doubting what you know. It’s time to teach rather than stay in the beginner’s mindset, and time to leave your local fish pond behind for a bigger sea and shoreline. Check Jupiter in Leo here (link coming soon) for more information.

Cancer:

The North Node is drawing you into the realm of your intuition, trust, truth, and transformation. This is a time to go deep in all areas of your life and to stop shying away from secrets. The North Node here is massively amplified by Pluto in Aquarius.

The South Node is pulling you out of the realm of (toxic) materialism, including lack mentality, and reworking your values for something more up-to-date. It’s also revealing your sense of self-worth and helping you transform that and become more confident. Jupiter in Leo (link coming soon) aids you here as well.

Leo:

The North Node is drawing you into the realm of relationship and partnership: this is an auspicious time for meeting people in general, but especially in love. This is also a time of learning people’s true colors and acting accordingly. Pluto in Aquarius is affecting you as well.

The South Node is pulling you away from an unhealthy expression of self, especially unhealthy relationships with yourself/beliefs about who you truly are (for instance, a debilitating lack of confidence, etc.). This event is amplified by Jupiter in Leo (link coming soon) and may lead to long-term life shifts.

Virgo:

The North Node is drawing you into the realm of well-being and showing you where and how to improve your mental and physical health long-term. However, not everyone will have a health story per se: your habits and routines as well as the work you do on the daily and the ways you’re of service are also updated during this event. Check out Pluto in Aquarius for you for further information.

The South Node is drawing you away from getting lost in your own head and the ways you might self-sabotage. It makes you more spiritual but also cleans up your life from false beliefs and past hurt. Check Jupiter in Leo for further information (link coming soon).

Libra:

The North Node is drawing you to become more unapologetically yourself and to express yourself truly – without holding back. This is also a creative boost where the things you enjoy in life are highlighted. This may be a fateful time for romance and themes around fertility and children. Check Pluto in Aquarius for you for further information here.

You’re also moving away from toxic friendships, suppressing communities, and goals and dreams that aren’t aligned with your values/new vision for the future anymore. Check Jupiter in Leo (link coming soon) for more information.

Scorpio:

The North Node draws you closer to your home and private life and brings you closer in touch with your roots. Here, it’s time to grow with/around subjects concerning family, fertility, and the safe spaces you need away from the world. This might be a highly psychological time for you. Check Pluto in Aquarius for you here.

The South Node draws you away from overly involving yourself in your career or realm of public life and shows you how to deprioritize/rework your reputation. You might make changes at work as well. Check Jupiter in Leo (link coming soon) for more information here.

Sagittarius:

The North Node draws you closer to the realm of learning new things and becoming the student (again). It’s time to use your proverbial voice and to engage more in your local life and/or travel. Your neighbors or siblings (if applicable) may have or bring you some interesting experiences. Pluto in Aquarius for you highlights a similar theme.

The South Node draws you away from the realm of thinking you know everything and from truths you held onto even though they were false. This is also the time for re-examining belief systems and your allegiance to them… and what’s behind belief systems to begin with. Jupiter in Leo (link coming soon) massively amplifies these themes for you.

Capricorn:

The North Node is drawing you towards matters of finances – including earning money – and also reworking your values and revealing what values you truly live. This energy is also affecting your self-confidence and self-worth as well, as well as helping you build skills and manage resources. Check Pluto in Aquarius for you here for further information.

The South Node is pulling you away from intensity and areas of life where there’s misuse of power, toxic secrets, or no foundation for real trust or reciprocity. This energy is highly transformational. Check Jupiter in Leo (link coming soon) for more information.

Aquarius:

The North Node is drawing you towards a new beginning and bringing you a more updated view of yourself. This is a massive time for personal growth and for realizing who you truly are. Life changes may happen under this influence – and Pluto is massively affecting you here as well.

The South Node is pulling you away from compromises with others that compromise you and relationships that are bad for you. It may also realign you with people from your past or ones you feel familiar with. Jupiter in Leo (link coming soon) affects your love life as well.

Pisces:

The North Node is drawing you towards rest, release of the past, and a more spiritual outlook on things. This is a time to become more intuitive and work with the energetic realm. It’s also time to clean out your proverbial and actual closet from all the ghosts of the past. Pluto in Aquarius is affecting you here as well.

The South Node is pulling you away from mindless busy-work that serves no purpose and toxic productivity, habits that harm your health in the long run, and ways in which you’re self-sacrificing or being used. Jupiter in Leo (link coming soon) is affecting you here as well.

Moving forward: Eclipses

The North and South Nodes are particularly important for eclipses as they determine the themes they rule. Therefore, each of the eclipses mentioned below will carry the themes we discussed… the list will become a link-tree as future articles will be published.

2026:

The year starts out with the Nodes in Pisces & Virgo.

(February 17th, 2026: Solar Eclipse in Aquarius – a preview of the Nodes in Aquarius and Leo, but still under the umbrella of the Nodes in Pisces & Virgo 2025-26)

July-August 2026, the Nodes enter Leo & Aquarius.

August 12th, 2026: Total Solar Eclipse in Leo

August 27-28th, 2026: Partial Lunar Eclipse in Pisces (tying up loose ends from the Nodes in Pisces & Virgo 2025-26)

2027:

February 6th, 2027: Solar Eclipse in Aquarius

February 20-21st, 2027: Lunar Eclipse in Virgo (tying up loose ends from the Nodes in Pisces & Virgo 2025-26)

July 18-19th, 2027: Lunar Eclipse in Capricorn (preview of the Nodes in Capricorn & Cancer 2028-29)

August 2nd, 2027: Total Solar Eclipse in Leo

August 16-17th, 2027: Lunar Eclipse in Aquarius

2028:

January 11-12th, 2028: Lunar Eclipse in Cancer (preview of the Nodes in Capricorn & Cancer 2028-29)

January 26th, 2028: Solar Eclipse in Aquarius

March 2028, the Nodes will move into Capricorn and Cancer (end of event discussed in this article).