War and Peace: How 2023 Lunar Nodes Astrology Will Shape Our Relationships

Competition gets friendlier on July 17, when the lunar nodes switch from Taurus-Scorpio to Aries-Libra. But is it too late to play nice again?

The lunar nodes hold the keys to our destiny and ultimate life lessons. In astrology, life purpose is encoded in the North Node and South Node of the moon. In 2023, the nodes switch zodiac signs. The following explains 2023 lunar nodes astrology plus the nodes cycle horoscopes for your zodiac sign.

What are the Lunar Nodes?

The lunar nodes in astrology, correspond with eclipses, and they reveal our collective karmic path .

The South Node reveals the shadow work that society must deal with together in order to evolve.

The North Node shows the new direction we need to head in together. It represents humanity’s lessons that we are here to learn. It’s like a new language we are learning to speak.

The nodes are always in opposite signs and houses.

You can use our North Node and South Node Calculator to see where the nodes land in your personal birth chart. And then learn about how placement of the nodes in your chart might be the keys to your life purpose.

How often do the nodes change signs?

The lunar nodes change signs every 18 months, backing up through the zodiac signs.

Their full cycle through all 12 zodiac signs takes about 18.5 years, which means similar lessons may repeat every two decades.

2023 Lunar nodes astrology cycles

In 2023, the lunar nodes split their time between two pairs of signs:

Taurus-Scorpio

The year begins with the destiny-driven North Node in Taurus and the soul-searching South Node in Scorpio, putting the emphasis on the labor market, the economy and reproductive rights. This is the final third of a cycle that began on January 18, 2022.

Aries-Libra

On July 17, the North Node slips back into autonomous Aries while the South Node calls partnership-powered Libra its home. Relationships plunge into a new evolutionary cycle as we work to balance our desire for autonomy with the necessity of interdependence.

Learn more about the Lunar nodes cycles in The AstroTwins’ 2023 Horoscope book

Where are the nodes right now?

What to expect from the Taurus-Scorpio node cycle

Terrestrial Taurus traffics in the physical world while mystical Scorpio lives in the metaphysical realm. One might argue that our collective grasp on the truth is more slippery than ever. And yet our material-world matters like public health, money and natural resources (food, water, shelter) are in dire need of attention.

The North Node is like a beacon, pointing us toward the next collective evolution. Its tour through rooted Taurus has been nothing short of unmooring. In many ways, it pulled the rug out from under our feet and placed it on an upper level that we are still climbing to reach. Will we ascend to this higher ground before the cycle ends this July 17?

Much of that depends upon how we grapple with the karmic South Node. In Scorpio, the sign of money, power, sex, reproduction and death, it’s going to be a heavy lift. As autocrats tighten their iron grips and idealogues force their religious beliefs into broad-based legislation (often through Scorpionic private donor funds), it can feel like “too much to handle” some days.

Yet we are of the belief that everything happens for a reason—even the dark nights of the collective soul. In fact, these passages are often the ones that bring about the most spiritually seismic shift. Buckle up. We have our work cut out for us while this transit continues until July 17.

Find out how the lunar nodes in Scorpio and Taurus affect your zodiac sign in our 2023 Horoscope guide!

What will the Aries North Node-Libra South Node cycle be like?

When the lunar North Node positions itself in Aries this July 17, we can expect lots of groundbreaking and trailblazing innovations to arrive. Aries is the first sign of the zodiac and originality ranks high as a “must-have” quality under the Ram’s watch. 

Historically, this nodal cycle has dovetailed with major discoveries, including the dwarf planet Eris—which was actually transiting through Aries when discovered on January 5, 2005. Originally considered a tenth planet, Eris was named after the goddess of discourse and strife, fitting for anything that falls under the reign of in-your-face Aries.  

2023 Lunar nodes astrology themes for Aries-Libra

  • Got a need for speed? Everything accelerates when speed-demon Aries takes the wheel of the North Node.
  • Everyone’s a star when the North Node is in Aries—so if you thought the TikTok rage would bottom out soon, guess again. (This same cycle brought us Twitter, launched in March 2006 under the outspoken Aries North Node!)
  • The murky South Node slipping back through partnership-oriented Libra serves challenges to committed couples. (If history repeats itself, we have good reason to remain hopeful about the future of marriage equality, though. The first legal, same-sex marriage ceremony in the U.S. occurred on February 12, 2004, another year the South Node was moving through Scorpio and Libra!)
  • Prior Aries-Libra nodal transits have coincided with actual wars as well as anti-war revolts and uprisings. Before this nodal passage has even begun, global powers are breaking and forming alliances in deeply fracturing ways.
  • The scales of Justice can swing wildly while the South Node transits through Libra.

Aries is the sign of war while Libra rules peace. Can we fight the good fight without destroying each other in the process? This 18-month cycle is sure to bring some collective awakenings around personal power—and the power of love.

Learn more about the lunar nodes in Aries-Libra

Your 2023 lunar nodes astrology horoscopes

Learn what the lunar nodes mean for your zodiac sign as they complete their transit through Taurus-Scorpio and change into Aries-Libra.

Taurus-Scorpio lunar nodes cycle dates: January 18, 2022, until July 17, 2023

Aries-Libra lunar nodes cycle dates: July 17, 2023 to January 11, 2025

Aries 2023 lunar nodes astrology and horoscopes

Taurus-Scorpio cycle

Until July 17, 2023, the destiny-driven North Node will lumber through security-minded Taurus and your second house of fiscal foundations. Simultaneously, the karmic South Node will stir the pot in strategic Scorpio and your eighth house of merged resources and longterm wealth.

Steady work is solid work while the North Node is in Taurus. The grounded North Node in Taurus gives you a taste of stability that you possibly haven’t had for a while.

Now for the other side of the equation—the lunar South Node is in subterranean Scorpio. While you’re busy clocking hours, deep dive into your money narratives. What stories have you inherited from your family, culture and community that shape your outlook on finances? Unpacking these is the real key to wealth while the karmic South Node is submerged in Scorpio.

Aries-Libra cycle

On July 17, the fateful lunar North Node returns to your sign for the first time since June 2006. During this 18-month cycle, the world thrums at your vibrational frequency. It’s a “call to action” to step into your authority and pursue your next epic passion.

On the other side of your chart, the lunar South Node shifts into Libra and your relationship realm. Your closest connections are ready for their own revolution between until January 11, 2025.

Even the healthiest relationships could fluctuate during this 18-month nodal cycle. As you step in a new direction, your “dance partners” have to adjust along with you. Libra is the sign of balance and with the South Node here, do your level best to keep everyone calm.

Taurus 2023 lunar nodes astrology and horoscopes

Taurus-Scorpio cycle

When the lunar North Node returned to your sign, it charged your life with momentum that you haven’t experienced since April 2003. This special point in the sky is associated with your higher calling and spiritual evolution. During this fateful and fortunate cycle, which lasts until July 17, 2023, you might feel like the world is humming at YOUR vibrational frequency.

On the other side of your chart, the lunar South Node shifted into Scorpio and your relationship realm. All your close connections are under the microscope now. The South Node is associated with karma, past lives and comfort zones that are perhaps a bit too cozy. If you’ve lost your identity in a relationship, it could come roaring back!

Aries-Libra cycle

Your focus shifts on July 17 as the North Node leaves your sign and moves on to Aries, weaving a soulful pathway through your twelfth house of dreams, spirituality and subconscious healing, until January 11, 2025. While you won’t host the lunar North Node again for nearly two more decades, you’ll be ready to say goodbye.

Change is exhilarating—but it can also be exhausting to do that much self- development all at once. Midsummer, you can switch off and enjoy a celestial sabbatical lounging in the proverbial pasture like a serene steer. This can be a profound cycle of transformation if you’re willing to do the work.

Across the wheel, the gentle Libra South Node is in in your process-driven sixth house. Lather, rinse, repeat? Suddenly that doesn’t sound like such a bad idea. Repetition is what makes the lessons stick, after all. By doing, reading or practicing the same thing over and over again, you’ll start discovering nuances within nuances. And that’s when the epiphanies arise!

Gemini 2023 lunar nodes astrology and horoscopes

Taurus-Scorpio cycle

Good chance you’ve gained mastery over your emotions since the North Node backed into Taurus and your twelfth house of subconscious healing and boundless spirituality. From agents to therapists to influencers who take a shine to you, it might feel like there’s an angel on your shoulder, helping you dive deep into your feelings until July 17.

The South Node in Scorpio and your systematic sixth house prizes repetition. So don’t get upset with yourself if you’re not learning everything at your usual lightning speed, okay? Your most profound awakenings will come while you’re in “flow state,” whether you’re meditating, going for a run on an outdoor trail or dancing to your favorite music.

Aries-Libra cycle

Cooperative Geminis know that the strength of a mission relies on its teamwork and its leadership—two areas of life that get an epic burst of momentum on July 17. As the lunar North Node heads into Aries until January 11, 2025, it charges up your collaborative, progressive eleventh house.

So where will you invest your precious time and energy? The company you keep can make or break you during this 18.5-month cycle. But brace yourself for the South Node in Libra, the sign of judgment. The South Node here can trigger your “what will other people think of me?” fears. Let’s be honest, Gemini: You like to be liked! Rather than spin yourself up with social anxiety, do things that fortify your inner strength and bolster your confidence.

Cancer 2023 lunar nodes astrology and horoscopes

Taurus-Scorpio cycle

The lunar North Node camped out in loyal, stable Taurus has activated your idealistic, experimental eleventh house, making it easier than ever to remake traditional rules so that they suit your unique situation.

The karmic South Node meanwhile is on its 18-month voyage through Scorpio and your fifth house of fame, self-expression and leadership. You just can’t fake it where the South Node is concerned. The Scorpio energy underscores the importance of an intimate life. There’s nothing light and fluffy about erotic encounters now!

Aries-Libra cycle

There’s a time to lead and a time to follow, and when the North Node shifts into Aries on July 17, it ascends to the top of your chart, illuminating your take-charge tenth house until January 11, 2025. Rise to the occasion and you’ll experience some of the most profoundly meaningful moments of your professional life!

Meanwhile, the karmic South Node will be flowing through gentle, harmonizing Libra and your domestic fourth house. Get ready to feel more anchored in home and family affairs than you have in a while!

Leo 2023 lunar nodes astrology and horoscopes

Taurus-Scorpio cycle

Opportunities to rise and shine started showing up everywhere when the destiny-driven North Node settled into sensible Taurus, powering up your tenth house of status, career and prestige. This could bring some of the most meaningful moments for your professional life, Leo. Are you on your path? If not, you are sure to find it before July 17!

The lunar South Node meanwhile occupies Scorpio and your sentimental fourth house. Lair care is increasingly essential to your serenity during this 18-month cycle. A key lesson: Learning to be supportive without sacrificing yourself. Yes, Leo, it is possible!

Aries-Libra cycle

When the lunar North Node points its compass into your ninth house of global expansion this July 17, the call of wanderlust could become too loud to ignore!

Across the zodiac wheel, the karmic South Node lands in Libra, heating up action on the local scene. No matter where you find yourself during this 18-month cycle, fun and adventure will follow!

Virgo 2023 lunar nodes astrology and horoscopes

Taurus-Scorpio cycle

On January 18, the lunar North Node shifted into Taurus, pointing its compass in your ninth house of global expansion until July 17, 2023. Anywhere but “the usual place” is where you’ll find the most enriching opportunities for growth.

Across your chart, the equally karmic South Node beams into Scorpio and your communication and local activity HQ. Virgos could become quite a fixture on the neighborhood scene during this 18-month cycle. With transformational Scorpio energy guiding your moves, get involved in initiatives to make your neck of the woods a happier, safer and hipper place to be.

Aries-Libra cycle

The North Node shifts gears mid-summer and heads into Aries and your eighth house of intense bonding until January 11, 2025. You’ll definitely enjoy the irresistible mojo this newfound nodal energy brings (the Aries North Node gets you deeply in tune with your sensual powers!)

Simultaneously, a stabilizing influence is happening across the zodiac wheel, as the karmic South Node positions itself in Libra and your sensible (yet sensual!) second house on July 17. The experimentation you’re in store for can make even the most confident Virgo feel vulnerable. Fortunately, you’ll find that solid ground to stand on when feelings are shaken and stirred.

Libra 2023 lunar nodes astrology and horoscopes

Taurus-Scorpio cycle

While the destiny-driven lunar North Node is in Taurus and your erotic, esoteric eighth house, it’s a potent period. Until July 17, you’ll dish up some karmically-tinged interactions and serious spiritual pursuits.

Simultaneously, the karmic South Node stokes the fires of Scorpio, building a slow-burning heat in your stabilizing second house. The kind of bonding you crave requires vulnerability, especially in the case of sexual relationships, or ones that involve a merging of finances. Trust is key.

Aries-Libra cycle

Karma is calling, Libra, don’t ignore those texts! On July 17, the lunar South Node settles into your sign, spinning you into a deep inquiry around identity, personal passions and self-expression.

The lunar North Node will concurrently travel through the opposite pole of the zodiac in Aries and your seventh house of partnerships. For this cycle, you’ll have repeated opportunities to find, develop or improve on a special dynamic duo.

Scorpio 2023 lunar nodes astrology and horoscopes

Taurus-Scorpio cycle

Karma is calling, Scorpio, and there’s no way to send it to voicemail. The lunar South Node settled into your sign in January 2022, charging up your first house of identity. This cycle, which lasts until July 17, 2023, helps you “true up” with your spiritual gifts, the ones you’ve had for as long as you can remember. (And probably before then, too!)

The lunar North Node is concurrently traveling through the opposite pole of the zodiac in Taurus and your seventh house of partnerships until July 17. You’ll have repeated opportunities to find, develop or improve on a special dynamic duo.

Aries-Libra cycle

When the moon’s karmic South Node moves into Libra on July 17, you’ll be ready for a celestial sabbatical. Take it! After 18 months of hosting this lunar point in your sign, you may feel a bit depleted. But it’s also been a beautiful process of “true-ing up” to your genuine self.

Dialing down stress will be an especially important mission for Scorpios in the second half of the year. If you’ve been making too many sacrifices, you could hit a burnout moment. The remedy? Simplify your life, then systematize your workflow.

Sagittarius 2023 lunar nodes astrology and horoscopes

Taurus-Scorpio cycle

Until July 17, 2023, the South Node simmers in Scorpio and the cauldron of your spiritual twelfth house.

Meanwhile, the North Node in Taurus and your sixth house of work and wellness has you pumped about systematizing your life. Turns out, you don’t have to sacrifice self-care in the name of success. Connect body and soul, Sagittarius! This cycle helps you simplify areas that have gotten overly complex or out of control.

Aries-Libra cycle

On July 17, your official uniform could change from athleisure to athluxury—or full-tilt glam! For this, you can thank the destiny-driving North Node, which returns to Aries and your fifth house of fame, romance and creative expression.

Across the zodiac wheel, the lunar South Node finds a brand-new balance point in Libra—the opposite sign of Aries—activating your eleventh house of teamwork and technology for this full 18-month time span. You’ll get a master class in project management and team systems. Seek that out for yourself! Life doesn’t have to be such a struggle.

Capricorn 2023 lunar nodes astrology and horoscopes

Taurus-Scorpio cycle

The lunar North Node in Taurus sparks up your fifth house of passion, creativity and romance until July 17, 2023. During this show-stopping cycle, even the most reserved Capricorns will get a thrill out of turning heads. Agency is fully yours. But if you don’t promote your gifts, people could literally miss out on what you have to offer.

Your fifth house also rules fertility. Those with bambinos on the brain might get some pregnancy news before July 17!

Across the zodiac wheel, the lunar South Node simmers in Scorpio, your eleventh house of teamwork and technology. This is sure to serve a masterclass-level reminder that teamwork makes the dream work…if you lean into Scorpio’s razor-sharp discernment.

Aries-Libra cycle

Ambitious Capricorns are forever climbing higher, but how are things going down at base camp? Starting July 17, the destiny-driving lunar North Node anchors in Aries and your fourth house of home, family and roots. Until January 11, 2025, you have the rare opportunity to (re)invent domestic bliss according to your specs.

Across the zodiac wheel, the lunar South Node is shifting into Libra and your career corner for the same time span. Slumbering gifts wake up when the South Node activates this ambitious part of your life. Charged up by charming, social Libra, your work could involve a lot more networking in the second half of 2023.

Aquarius 2023 lunar nodes astrology and horoscopes

Taurus-Scorpio cycle

The kismet-kissed lunar North Node in your fourth house of roots put home and family into focus this cycle. Until July 17, 2023, Water Bearers have the rare opportunity to (re)invent what family looks like.

On the other side of your chart, the lunar South Node shifted into Scorpio and your career corner. Charged up by alchemical Scorpio, your work could take a turn for the “woo.” How you get paid could also shift. With the South Node here, seek new avenues for financial stability.

Aries-Libra cycle

Your silver-tongued charm is back in rare form beginning July 17, when for the first time in nearly 20 years, the fate-fueling lunar North Node returns to Aries. Until January 11, 2025, it sprinkles cosmic fairy dust into your loquacious third house and boosts your popularity to the sky.

The other side of the coin is the South Node, which will simultaneously circuit through Libra and your global ninth house. Have you cast a wide enough net? While the Aries North Node will definitely shower you with opportunities from your locally grown third house, make sure your passport is up to date! Can’t get away—or don’t actually want to? The Libra South Node could bring out the seeker and student in you. Try a class, a workshop or put pen to paper.

Pisces 2023 lunar nodes astrology and horoscopes

Taurus-Scorpio cycle

The destiny-driven North Node is in Taurus and your articulate third house until July 17, 2023. This 18-month cycle can do wonders for how you think and express yourself.

The other side of the coin is the South Node, which is touring Scorpio and your global ninth house. This can spark karmic connections with people around the world, so cast the widest net possible. Is your ancestral homeland calling—or the childhood zip code you paddled far away from after high school? A far-flung fanbase could crop up in these familiar spaces, especially if the people and vibe there still resonate with you.

Aries-Libra cycle

Money matters are top of mind for Pisces starting July 17, as the lunar Nodes begin a journey across your financial axis that lasts until January 11, 2025.

“Going with the flow” might be your preferred state but as the destiny-driven North Node parks in Aries and your fiscally responsible second house, that ephemeral ethos will be, er, bankrupt. Steady, solid work becomes essential, and you may need to downsize in the “luxury” category.

Across the zodiac wheel, the karmic South Node brings a new sense of balance from your eighth house of joint finances and long-term wealth. Sharing resources (with the right people) can bring everyone greater security. Check your mindset! Money is not the root of all evil nor is it a holy grail to pursue. But it is a necessary resource to operate in today’s world.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

The AstroTwins

Identical twin sisters Ophira and Tali Edut, known as The AstroTwins, are the founders of Astrostyle.com and the authors of multiple bestselling astrology books. Their horoscopes reach millions here and through their resident astrologer column at ELLE Magazine.