North Node-Ascendant Synastry: Alignment of Purpose and Presence
As I was sitting here at my desk sipping my afternoon tea, it occurred to me that I hadn’t yet written any truly meaningful articles on the Ascendant (aka Rising sign or first house). In fact, I haven’t even yet posted my interpretations of all the Rising signs! I’ve been too busy speed reading the latest astrology books and interpreting more placings.
The North Node is one of two lunar nodes (the other is the South Node). It speaks of our true calling in this current lifetime. It represents the path we chose to walk prior to birth in Spirit. When it interacts with the Ascendant, it creates a rather muted but still meaningful connection between life purpose and outward expression (which the Asc is mostly about). These aspects in synastry can show us how two people guide and inspire one another through life and in terms of personal growth.
So, here is my interpretation of the North Node in aspect with the Asc. Most of the major and minor aspects are included.
North Node Conjunct Ascendant Synastry: Destined Encounters
Please see my lengthy North Node Conjunct Asc in synastry article. I wrote it before I decided to group my synastry articles together (meaning I cover most major and minor aspects relating to a pair of planets or points in one article). It took me a good while to realize that interpreting every single synastry aspect eg Moon Trine Moon would literally take me over a decade to do! Once I did the math, I understood that writing 500-600 words per aspect is much better than nothing at all.
North Node Trine Ascendant Synastry: A Harmonious Path Forward
Overall, this is not only an easy aspect but a very mutually supportive one as well. When they first met, there was probably a sense that it was “about time” and it feels right and just. I love it when connections feel like this.
Fairly recently, I drew up a synastry chart for a friend and her (very) new boyfriend and I spotted this aspect in the chart. When they first met, they felt like they clicked pretty much off the bat and were almost inseparable. I think it’ll go the distance. Here is my take on this overall positive synastry aspect:
Benefits
Wonderful rapport: So, as I mentioned earlier, these two do well straight away. It feels like they just “get” each other easily and don’t have to guess what the other is thinking or feeling. Their rapport is great and there’s a sense of ease. I suppose, ultimately, they feel like it was “meant to be”, and I think it very likely was. The Node person in particular feels understood and properly heard while their Asc partner responds warmly and feels as if the connection is just what they need.
Mutual support and encouragement: The Asc lover is especially supportive and encouraging towards their partner but not always so directly and consciously. It may be the case that the majority of the time, their mere presence feels supportive. This may be because the Node person feels more supported in a union (virtually any union, that is), or because their partner understands them intuitively and is physically present most of the time.
Support with life purpose: We all want to follow the path that was destined for us in life. Sometimes, this is much easier with a good partner and this is how the Node person feels. They feel emotionally supported and encouraged by their Asc lover to follow their dreams rather than stick to a job they don’t genuinely enjoy just for the sake of paying their bills and keeping a roof over their head. If their Asc partner can afford to support them financially, they will also probably do so. Both do wish to also grow spiritually and support each other in doing so.
Potential challenges
Risk of being over-reliant: Sadly, the Node person may find themselves, consciously or unconsciously, relying too much on their significant other for support and/or guidance in life. They may need ongoing reassurance of how capable, smart, confident etc they are, which the Asc might find a bit too much at times. This can strain the connection quite a bit if it isn’t ironed out.
Comfort zone preventing growth: Although both partners find the connection easy, their personal growth is at risk of decreasing somewhat. This is because when we feel right at home with someone, we may slack off in terms of inner work and/or healing. It’s likely that there will be other synastry aspects in the chart that facilitate it, though. If this is the case, then they may be pushed to look inward and do some shadow work and grow as a result.
Risk of superficiality: The Node person may enjoy how easy the connection is and may not wish to disrupt it in any way. The Asc individual, on the other hand, could focus too much on outward peace and even appearances, and leave more challenging matters relating to the relationship by the wayside. This doesn’t help longterm stability as it’s better for both parties to hash things out. Working through stuff as a couple can help their bond to strengthen.
My personal thoughts
Of course, it should go without saying that not all relationships last as long as we would like them to. It’s completely up to us as autonomous individuals how long they go on for (unless, of course, the dynamic is complicated because it involves abuse or some such). So, while this is an overall very positive aspect and dynamic, there will be other factors at play like other aspects, free will choice, and the pre-birth plan. I think this is an aspect to be thoroughly enjoyed while it lasts. And who knows, that may be for a lifetime!
North Node Sextile Ascendant Synastry: Aligning Purpose with Presence
The sextile is similar to the trine aspect but its energy is somewhat diluted. Coupled with the fact that aspects involving the North Node are already pretty subtle, this synastric alignment indicates a pleasant, easy going connection where both parties feel equally supported (most of the time) by one another. It also feels to me like a gentle invite towards personal growth.
Benefits
Natural encouragement: The Asc person feels sees the positives in their lover very clearly. They also see their skills and talents and they encourage them to make the most out of them. They do this by using gentle encouragement rather than being overbearing or intense about it. The Node individual is likely to take their encouragement and step onto a path that is more enjoyable and fitting for them. This may indicate a major life change which puts them on a really positive and enjoyable trajectory, which they perhaps wouldn’t have experienced if it wasn’t for their partner’s nudging.
A karmic meeting: Most of our significant relationships are karmic. They are meant to be because we chose them prior to incarnation with the hope that our Souls would learn something from them. But this aspect (and other aspects) feels fated. Both parties sense that an external, powerful force had a hand in their meeting one another. It could also feel like they’ve known one another before, and if they believe in past lives, then they may put it down to that. The objective of the reunion, if that is what it is, is to work through karma and learn and grow together.
Happy cooperation: The Node person finds it easy to just go with the flow of their Asc partner; to follow their lead. Mainly because their ideas seems good and in alignment with what they normally want and like etc. Of course, they have their own ideas and their partner is happy to hear them but for the most part, they are happy to be lead. The Asc lover naturally offers support that the Node person can easily accept.
Potential challenges
Low-intensity: While both of them might feel their connection is helpful and practical, they may not utterly mad for each other. Perhaps, at times, their union feels more like a very good friendship, two-way mentorship, or business partnership. This may be remedied by injecting more romance in the connection.
Conscious effort and engagement: The Node person should be willing to look at the opportunities their partner will invariably present over time. Some of them might be very big and others not so much but it may benefit the connection a great deal if they just take them on board and examine them at least. Sometimes, the Asc person may have some absolutely stellar suggestions that can improve their lives as a couple, increase the level of romance, and/or encourage or trigger spiritual or personal growth.
Inconsistent support: Since both parties are so comfortable with each other and the flow of the relationship feels quite effortless, there may not be that much opportunity for growth. Also, the Asc person may not offer consistent support and this can lead to confusion and misunderstanding.
My Personal Thoughts
While not a particularly strong aspect, it’s still very relevant, especially if it results in the Node person being inspired and encouraged to step clear out of the comfort zone and try something new that they’ve long been passionate about. Sometimes, it’s also quite nice to hand over the reigns to your partner and let them lead a fair bit! If both are happy to occupy such roles, I say, why not go for it?
North Node Opposite Ascendant Synastry: Intense, Fated Attraction
When the North lunar Node is sitting opposite the Ascendant in a synastry chart, there’s an almost electrically charged attraction between the parties. They may even become besotted with each other. The downside, however, is that this isn’t a lighthearted or happy go lucky kind of connection. It comes loaded with karmic energy and there are potentially numerous lessons to be learned. The Node person may wish to move forward and find their true calling in life if they haven’t already done so. The Asc individual may embody qualities that encourage growth through positive or even not so positive means. The ultimate divine purpose of this union is significant mutual Soul growth.
Benefits
Irresistible attraction: The Node individual is absolutely fascinated by the Asc person. They think they’re never met someone quite like them. They find their personality and physical appearance utterly enchanting and original. Both feel inexplicably drawn together like two strong magnets hovering at a short distance from one another. The Asc partner senses that the Node person is going to play a very significant role in their life. Indeed, they may very well do so.
Emotions running deeply: It’s not hard to imagine that such an intense aspect can bring with it a lot of very deep emotion. Both feel very strongly about each other, even from the outset. Deep feelings really do need to be managed well if the relationship is to last and feel uplifting, mutually supportive, healthy and so on. This can be easily achieved if both parties are willing to open up to each other without fear and have sympathy and empathy for what the other is feeling.
Mutual spiritual evolution: Quite a lot of friction is generated by this aspect. There’s also a good helping of triggering. Mutual triggering. As a result, a lot of emotional baggage gets put out onto the table to be dealt with. There may be a lot of reflection and inner work happening and as a direct result of it, a good deal of personal growth may be achieved.
Potential Challenges
Intensity and overwhelming feelings: These two bond with great enthusiasm but there’s an underlying intensity which cannot be ignored and this isn’t always positive intensity. Sometimes, because the attract is so very strong and they can clash and trigger each other quite a bit, the connection can feel overwhelming at times. When this happens, as it does in most relationships, it’s good to step away and take some time apart, even if just in different parts of the same home. Or perhaps one or both parties can step outside and go for a walk, visit a friend, take the dog on a long walk, etc. Leaving things to cool off for as long as needed is a good idea so feelings can be more calmly talked about.
Issues relating to projection: The Node person, if they aren’t where they’d like to be in life, may feel discontented and this could be projected onto their Asc partner, especially if they regard them as more successful or secure than them. The Asc lover may project their deepest relationship desires, if unfulfilled, as well as their most poignant fears, onto their other half. The key to tackling this is, as with most matters, good communication and mutual respect and care.
Karmic tension: Since this aspect carries karmic weight, especially from past lives spent together (in perhaps numerous different capacities, including platonic), it should come as no surprise that this relationship has its fair share of tension, triggering, and ups and downs. Probably some very big ups and downs. But, if the karmic lessons can be learned, that may clear the way for a lighter, and even stronger and more resilient union that is likely to last the test of time.
My Personal Thoughts
This is an intense aspect. Oppositions normally are no matter what sort of planets or mathematical points are involved. In this type of aspect, the two people involved challenge each other in different ways and nearly always with friction. But this is normally all meant to be. It was orchestrated by the Soul upon agreement in Spirit for the lessons and potential growth that may (hopefully) come about as a result.
North Node Square Ascendant Synastry: Productive Tension and Friction
The North Node lover might at times feel like the Asc person is dimming their view of the future and of their rightful, destined path. For example, they might want to change careers but their partner might not agree to it, especially if they feel it will alter the way they appear as a couple. In this instance, both parties need to sit down and have a heart to heart. On the other hand, the Asc individual may feel as if they are trading their originality and/or personal image or true self for their partner’s expectations.
Benefits
A mutually transformative union: The dynamic here is a major catalyst for growth for both partners. There is tension and both parties really trigger one another at times. Such times allow for both parties to examine what might require some inner work. If a good deal of inner work / shadow work is actually carried out as a result of the triggering, they may learn and grow a great deal. Their relationship may improve by leaps and bounds. The Asc persona may also develop a better mode of self-expression and may improve their sense of self. Physical improvements may even be made, such as picking more suitable clothing to wear or styling their hair better etc.Deep attraction: The attraction is intense and at times, perhaps even a little overwhelming. Both parties feel it deeply and despite the tension that is sometimes present, its strength stays in tact. This is by design because if the attraction between them wasn’t so very strong, they may not be as inclined to do any inner work they think is necessary in order to keep their connection going or to improve it.
Motivating conversations: The Asc person ignites a fiery energy under the life purpose of their significant other. They actively encourage them to pursue their dreams, although there may be a bit of a clash if they don’t agree with, or especially like, the path their partner would like to follow. Or they may push them too far out of their comfort zone. Whether this is good or not, only time can tell!
Productive attraction: Relationships oftentimes are formed because of Soul agreements. There is normally something significant to learn by being together. In this instance, the Asc individual was drawn to their other half because they intuitively (or subconsciously) sensed that there was something powerful they could learn from them. Something that perhaps, they have waited several lifetimes to learn. The Asc person feels pulled toward their partner’s strength of character and sexual intensity, even if the connection sometimes feels very challenging and tense indeed! Though, perhaps that’s all part and parcel of what makes up good chemistry…
Potential Challenges
Serious tension, friction and triggering: Squares, as I’ve said time and time again, are tricky aspects to navigate. They are the toughest of them all. They are known for creating tension. Of course, as I’ve also mentioned before in this article and the vast majority of my other synastry articles is that they serve a very important purpose; the tension etc that they bring often acts as a powerful catalyst for powerful personal transformation. Difficult times encourage us to look inward and self-evaluate. They often also push us toward carrying out spiritual healing. And often, when we clear away our trigger points and a lot of other mental debris that us humans so often carry with us, our relationships, and lives overall, improve a great deal.
Comprise: Since the energy can be rather challenging in this connection, a fair amount of compromise (perhaps ongoing) may be necessary. I can’t think of a single relationship I have ever known that hasn’t required compromise in order to work well, though. It’s something we all need to do when we’re coupled up. It’s just that this relationship may require more of it and new situations etc may arise a bit more often that need it. Over time, however, both partners acclimatise to each other’s preferences, norms, values, standards, etc and things just seem to naturally work out.
Misunderstood intentions: We can all do a lot to bring out the very best in our partner but in this union, the Asc person might misunderstand their partner’s push as control or judgement. But really, they simply spot things that may be made better or changed and point them out. The Asc person, likewise, can be misunderstood by their partner but in a different way. The Node person may misread their lover’s reactions as personal rejection, which couldn’t be further from the truth.
My Personal Thoughts
All square aspects can be sticky and difficult. At times, this aspect may feel like wading through treacle. Personal growth may be slow to arrive but it can hugely improve this connection once it does. The Asc person doesn’t have to surrender any part of themselves to fit into the union better and the Node person should be free to follow the path in life they think is most suitable for them. It just takes a bit of compromise, love and understanding.
North Node Quincunx (Inconjunct) Ascendant Synastry: Adjusting to Destiny
The inconjunct is an odd type of aspect. It took me a while to get to proper grips with it. It brings a feeling of a strange misalignment. As if you can’t quite put your finger on what’s off about the connection. Something just doesn’t feel quite right. Sometimes, this fades over time as both parties get to know each other better, and sometimes it doesn’t. I think a lot of how it plays out is to do with free will choice, as with most other things in life!
Here, the Node individual intuitively senses that the Asc individual may be helping them to learn an important Soul lesson but something about the relationship feels slightly off. Something about the Asc person; their personality, outlook, habits, or even their style or physical build may unnerve them. This aspect therefore encourages adjustment, acceptance, and learning to meet one another half way on various different things.
Benefits
Growth via compassion: The Node person may very well learn the art of compromise through this union. They must love their partner and enjoy their company to some degree (otherwise they wouldn’t be with them) but the things that they don’t like or that feel off, they are learning to understand and accept. This acceptance may also be applied to other avenues of life and/or people so there may be an important Soul lesson here for them.
Unique attraction: The Node person feels intrigued by their lover’s individuality. It may be the case that they are very different in appearance or remarkable in some way. For example, maybe their style is unique or they’re very tall or especially good looking. Maybe it’s their personality or outlook that’s very different to anything they’ve encountered before and they’re completely taken by it. The Asc person may find their partner’s life path really original and interesting and they’re intrigued and perhaps even inspired by it.
Creative solutions in play: It may be the case that both parties learn to get along via some creative solutions. This might be a bit too abstract to understand easily so I’ll give you an example. If one partner snores a lot (my pet hate in a relationship), they might find that it’s best to have their own bedrooms, or perhaps not share a bed every single night. A friend of mine has a similar aspect in her synastry chart with her husband. In the summer, he’s happy to sleep in their summer house (a large, shed-like structure) at the end of their beautiful garden. It works well for them and she can get some much needed, prosper rest!
Potential Challenges
Weird, tense feeling: There’s an undeniable awkwardness here and neither one of them can quite put their finger on what’s causing it. It’s feels unnerving at times but the more they get to know one another, the more this feeling should fade away. If the Arc person sometimes comes across as unpredictable, that can be worked on and smoothed out for the benefit of the union. If the Node person feels unsupported at times by their other half, or they feel like their partner doesn’t understand their life path, again, this can be discussed and perhaps a good resolution can be found.
Unclear purpose: It may be the case that neither party is entirely clear on the purpose of this union. On the surface of it, it may appear as if things aren’t quite right or that their paths aren’t quite aligned, or that something else just feels “off”. Again, as I mentioned earlier, good, open, honest communication can help to work things out. Not in every single case, of course, but possibly in many.
Gaps in communication: Yes, I know I just said that good communication is key here; it is, of course, the key to smooth relations in all relationships, but sometimes, the Node individual may struggle to articulate their thoughts and feelings. And their preferences, standards, boundaries, and where they’re going in life. The Asc lover might interpret their partner’s intentions incorrectly as a result because, chances are, their partner really does want things to work out.
My Personal Thoughts
I think there are some important lessons in play in this union. These two came together for one or more very good reasons. Oftentimes, our relationships with others, whether romantic or platonic, teach us various things and ultimately, this helps our Souls learn and grow. What the lessons are here specifically depends on what the Souls involved wished to experience and learn before incarnation but, suffice it to say, learning to accept someone you love, quirks and warts and all, is very likely one of the most important lessons.
North Node Sesquiqadrate Ascendant Synastry: Tension as a Teacher
This aspect has a strange and hard to pronounce name, but it can be quite straight-forward to understand. It essentially creates a subtle uncomfortable tension that lingers and its job is to promote personal growth in both parties. It nudges them both out of their comfort zones in odd, unexpected and sometimes, sudden ways.
The Node person’s life path probably clashes with their partner’s self-expression and even personality. As a result, it can be tricky to see eye to eye on things. But, when their differences are examined through a mature, reasonable lens, things may be worked through and the connection can be improved and made more solid as a result.
Benefits
Gentle nudging towards inner growth: If both partners really love one another, which they may very well do here, logic dictates that they will do virtually anything to remain together. This means working through their differences, whatever they may be. Here, one of their biggest differences could center around not sharing the same ultimate life path, but this can still be worked out. For instance, if one of them is a doctor and the other wishes to become a travel blogger, they may be able to blend their career paths by travelling together in their spare time. Or perhaps if one partner wants children but the other isn’t able to have them, adoption may be an option. In both cases, Soul searching is very likely on the table.
Comfort zone removal: This aspect hints at one or both partners being pushed out of their comfort zone at least once. Probably many times, realistically. While this can feel hideously uncomfortable, especially in the beginning, it can serve as a powerful tool for learning and growth. For example, if the Node person doesn’t like the way their Asc partner’s opinions, they may be invited to debate them in a group setting with a mix of people on both sides, just to hear what the other side thinks and feels to try and understand their perspective better.
Karmic lessons chosen in Spirit: If this union feels uncomfortable at times it may very well be because it was meant to. The attraction cannot be denied but we typically learn and grow as Souls by encountering, and dealing with, challenges in the physical world. If this connection sparks some challenges and difficulties, learning how to navigate them may help the two people involved to raise their awareness and increase their spirituality. This is ultimately a very positive thing. And in the meantime, a god relationship, and all that comes with it, may be enjoyed!
Potential Challenges
Frequent friction: The Node person could at times feel annoyed, even vaguely, by their partner. They may feel like they just don’t “get them”, and vice versa. The Asc person may feel constrained or challenged by the Node person’s intentions and even their preferred path in life.
Very different life paths: If their life paths are very different, it can be tricky to work a path out together as a couple. One partner may wish to live in another home, town, etc, and the other may wish to stay put. In such cases, a lot of compromise and Soul searching is in order.
Much conscious effort needed: If they are to actually get along and create a life together that is comfortable, happy and can withstand the test of time, they must work together to overcome their various differences, whatever they may be. And, I suppose that ultimately, if you really want to be with someone, you will make it work, no matter what.
My Personal Thoughts
This can be a challenging relationship. And sometimes, especially in today’s world, people can think a tricky relationship means it should be abandoned. Sometimes, however, tricky connections (and yes, even longterm relationships and marriages) experience conflict because no two humans are entirely alike and conflict can help the partners involved to see things from different perspectives and grow as a result. Shadow work or energy healing may help with this.
North Node Quintile Ascendant Synastry: The Art of Destiny
One of my friends who is a qualified astrologer once told me that I really shouldn’t bother with quintiles when writing my synastry articles. She reminded me that not many people search for them and anyway, they aren’t that poignant. But I beg to differ. Yes, I understand that not many people search for them, and that many people who are interested in astrology may not know much (or anything) about them but for those who want a thorough assessment of their synastry chart, I believe that reading about them can be very helpful.
You see, the quintile, like the septile (which is arguably even less heard of), is a highly creative aspect. It’s also inspiring and somewhat uplifting, in a gentle, subtle way. It carries overall harmonious energy, although that can depend on the planets or points that are involved.
When the North lunar Node forms a quintile with another person’s ascendant, talents, skills and other hidden abilities may become unearthed and encouraged to blossom. It can be a very lovely aspect because of this.
Benefits
Inspired to follow creative path: The Node person is encouraged by their other half to seek out a creative pastime or career, or follow one they’re already interested in.these days, this is so much more possible that it was just ten years ago thanks to the Internet and social media. People can now set up creative businesses selling their work and make a decent living from it, too. So why not? Their Asc lover is right to encourage them if they are creatively inclined!
Gentle peace and harmony: As stated earlier, this is a subtle connection but it’s also certainly a positive one overall. And as such, the energy between these two lovers tends to flow harmoniously. Both can be supportive and caring towards each other and there isn’t much tension or friction here at all. Things just gently flow along as they agree on most matters, and if they don’t they’re naturally inclined to discuss things and iron them out.
Joyful learning and healing: Since the energy flowing between them is overall happy and healthy, they stand to learn in a peaceful and joyful way together. Whether that is literal learning, as in academic learning, or learning a new skill or just learning things informally via books or guided tours or learning tough spiritual lessons, both partners support each other. They don’t harshly criticise or judge each other for wanting to learn something new, and the lessons that may play out between them tend to be more gentle and subtle that people whose synastry charts have lots of squares in them (although squares present great opportunities for big Soul growth!).
Potential Challenges
Random impact: Encouragement for the Node partner from the asc person may come and go. They may be irregular in offering their encouragement and support, basically, leaving the Node person a bit confused sometimes. The Asc individual might not at times recognize and fully appreciate just how powerful and poignant their connection truly is and may take it for granted as a result.
Active engagement is needed: The Node person is likely to receive plenty of encouragement, support and inspiration from their partner while they are in the relationship, however, it’s vitally important that they recognize and remember that it’s also very much up to them to actually take action if they want to see results. For example, they might have a hidden talent for painting murals and their partner may convince them to paint them as a hobby or for an income but they must actually paint them and/or set up a business selling their work in order to see results!
Karma playing out gently: The Node person is probably more aware that there are some subtle karmic lessons playing out within their union. As such, they are patient with their partner and more accepting of the inevitable ups and downs of it. The Asc individual may need a bit more patience and understanding to really see the longterm impact of their relationship; its benefits and its challenges (hopefully resulting in learning and growth).
My Personal Thoughts
This is one of the more gentle North/True Node and first house/Ascendant synastry aspects. The North Node can be pretty intense in any synastry chart because of it being concerned with one’s ultimate destiny (which is arguably an intense topic!). I think both partners here are overall supportive of one another and things flow well and easily between then. I especially like that they support one another’s learning journeys.
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