Someone recently asked me about the difference between the Mean Node and True Node, and they also brought up Lilith, so I figured I’d explain it here for everyone. It’s one of those topics that confuses people, especially when they start looking at their birth chart on different astrology websites and see different placements.
If you’ve ever checked your chart in two places and noticed your North Node (or Black Moon Lilith) slightly shifts, this is why.
First, What Are the Lunar Nodes?
The Lunar Nodes, also called the North Node and South Node, or Rahu and Ketu, aren’t physical objects like planets. They’re mathematical points where the Moon’s orbit crosses the Sun’s path (the ecliptic).
The North Node shows your soul’s direction, what you’re here to grow into, learn, and embody in this lifetime. For example, if your North Node is in Scorpio, your path includes transformation, emotional honesty, depth, intimacy, and shadow work.
The South Node, always directly opposite the North Node, reflects what you already know, past life themes or comfort zones. With a Scorpio North Node, your South Node is in Taurus, tied to stability, material comfort, and security. These traits aren’t “bad”, but if you cling to them, you might resist the growth your soul is asking for.
Taurus is familiar. Scorpio is where you’re meant to evolve.
The Nodes are a major part of karmic and evolutionary astrology, so getting their placement right matters. Personally, I’m very sensitive to Node transits, especially now in July 2025 as the North Node is exactly on my Pisces Rising, and I feel it.
Mean Node vs. True Node
Here’s the core difference:
- Mean Node is the averaged position of the lunar nodes. It smooths out all the natural wobbles in the Moon’s orbit.
- True Node shows the exact, real-time position, including all those tiny fluctuations, and even the occasional moment when the Node goes direct instead of retrograde.
The difference between the Mean and True Node is that the Mean Node is a smoothed calculation, while the True Node shows the real-time position, wobbles included. They can differ by up to about 1.5 degrees, which may seem small, but it’s enough to shift the Node into a different house or even a different zodiac sign.
Which One Should You Use?
Astrologers are split.
Some prefer the True Node because it reflects the actual position at your first breath. Others use the Mean Node for its consistency and reliability in forecasting.
My perspective? Both are valid, just slightly different in tone.
- True Node = the precise karmic imprint of the moment you were born
- Mean Node = your lifelong karmic trajectory in a smoother, less chaotic arc
If you’re just starting, check both and see which one feels more accurate. Many websites default to Mean Node unless you change the settings, so always double-check.
What About Lilith? Mean vs. True Again
Lilith works the same way. Black Moon Lilith is not a planet, it’s the point where the Moon is farthest from Earth (its apogee). It represents themes like repressed power, sexuality, shadow work, and the untamed feminine.
There are two main versions:
Mean Lilith – the averaged-out position
True Lilith – the real-time position including the Moon’s erratic movement
Lilith wobbles even more than the Nodes, so the difference between Mean and True Lilith can be over 10 degrees. That’s a whole new sign or house.
Neither is “better.”
- Mean Lilith shows the consistent archetype of your shadow and power.
- True Lilith shows raw, emotional, moment-to-moment intensity.
A lot of astrologers actually use both in readings for a full picture.
Which One Should You Trust?
Whichever resonates.
Astrology isn’t just about math. It’s symbolism, intuition, and personal truth. Sometimes the Mean placement is the one that makes everything click. Other times, the True Node or True Lilith will strike you like lightning because it feels so accurate.
Personally, if I had to choose just one, I’d go with the True Node. In my experience, after reading hundreds of charts and observing transits in my own life, the True Node aligns with timing far more accurately.
For example, when my first sibling was born, the True Node was exactly conjunct my Ascendant. When I moved abroad, it was crossing my Midheaven. Those moments were significant shifts in identity and direction, perfectly captured by the True Node’s placement.
