composite eros on north node/descendant

[tom]

hi all,
this is my composite with my girlfriend. i'm curious about the eros story here, as it's on the north node/descendant.
any thoughts appreciated.

notes: i see my own issues with expressing eros, & i've been showing more passion. but to have the composite eros on the north node seems worth some exploration. and also, maybe worth noting that we each have eros natally in aquarius, me in the 5th and she in the 8th.
thanks,
tom

[Kim Falconer]

Hi Tom,

Thanks for posting your composite chart. I think, as far as Eros is concerned, the inconjunct to Venus and the square to Chiron are significant as well...and I think Eros pulls in the Moon and Uranus from Scorpio too.

Here is an excerpt from my Eros Reports on Comp Eros/Nodes:

Composite Eros and the Composite Lunar Nodes

Twice or thrice had I loved thee,
Before I knew thy face or name;
So in a voice, so in a shapeless flame,
Angels affect us oft, and worshipp'd be. -- John Donne

The Nodes can associate with a certain rightness or ok-ness to anything that touches them. Whether in a natal, synastry or composite chart, they represent something intrinsic about our journey, path and purpose. How well this meshes with the rest of the chart can vary greatly, but the Nodes themselves frequently represent a point of truth, or what appears to be true.

The Lunar Nodes in a composite chart can indicate, not unlike the composite Sun and the composite Moon, the outward push toward creative goals and objectives, and the inward pull toward tangible comfort and emotional security. The North Node, like the Sun, is a beacon that draws us out to new and important experiences in life. The South Node, like the Moon, is a drawing power that offers familiar comforts, past awareness and a place to retreat from life’s challenges.

The Nodes are an axis between the past and the future, the familiar and the unexplored, the well known and the un-revealed. They also seem to coincide with people or relationships that draw us back into a past pattern or push us out into a new challenge. In the composite chart, they can represent this kind of polarity between the couple involved or between them and the outer world. When Eros is linked by aspect, the nodes become significantly personal.

Regardless of the degree of aspect, both North and South Nodes will be implicated. Eros will conjunct one and oppose the other, trine one and sextile the other, form a T-square between them both or inconjunct them both. Once activated, the dynamic between the Nodes is highlighted in the union. The desire for the couple to retreat into an insular, South Node, comfort will always be balanced, or disturbed, by the North Node’s push toward the new and unfamiliar.

When examining the composite chart for Nodal aspects with Eros, it is important to consider the overall position of the Nodes. Are they also linked to Venus or Jupiter, or do they aspect Mars and Pluto? What houses do they occupy? This will effect the Eros contacts to the Nodes. Eros will indicate a pull or push towards erotic intimacy, though what the couple experience when they go there is not guaranteed.

Eros conjunct or opposite the Nodes in the composite chart suggest a relationship that places a great deal of importance on the experience of deep emotional intimacy, erotic exchange and transformation. These relationships, if they endure, often have a powerful commonality that keeps them vital. The couple may have a goal, objective, or a determination to explore new potentials with each other and with other relationships they encounter. They may also experience a familiarity together that makes it easy to fall into a comfortable way of relating. There can be a balance between solace in each other’s presence and the stimulation of new adventures.

Keeping this dynamic in equilibrium will allow the couple to experience the attributes of both North and South Nodes. If preference is given to the South Node through familiar routine and security, or conversely, to the North Node through uncharted exploration, the balance is lost and the relationship can suffer. One person may then compensate by expressing the abandoned Node and recreating a balance, although possibly at the expense of the union. In the composite chart, the aspects need to be experienced as a couple. If the couple polarize excessively by taking different sides of the various aspects, the relationship can become an ever-widening ravine between both of them.

The sextile and trine aspect between Eros and the Nodes seems to be lighter and easier to integrate. The desire for the erotic is present although the need to balance the familiar with the unknown is less urgent. There can be a feeling, when they meet, of familiar yet tantalizing desire. Often a common friend or third party introduces the couple. Sometimes they have been linked up for a specific purpose through work or a creative project. However they meet, frequently there is a shared sense of direction.

The inconjunct aspects between composite Eros and the composite Nodes also has a feeling of mutual direction. Again, it is not uncommon for couples to meet through a friend or structured circumstances. The relationship can have a fated quality about it and usually leaves a lasting impression, for better or worse. This aspect can symbolize a certain struggle in being together as if outside factors beyond their control get in the way.

The composite Nodes in a square aspect to composite Eros seems to occur the least frequently although when it does, it denotes a potent relationship. Often the couple remains linked through mutual associations, common children or common property long after the romantic or creative vitality has dissipated. Even if they want to get away from each other, they often can not do so easily. Once established, Eros square to the Nodes can coincide with an enduring sense of obligation or connection in the couple.

Both the square and inconjuncts can represent challenges in presenting a united front to the public. There can be unconscious rifts in the couple’s approach to the creative process, intimacy and erotic pleasure. At first these divisions may go unnoticed, although if the relationship persists, the splits will eventually become apparent.
With any aspect between composite Eros and the composite Nodes, the couple will need to establish channels of communication and practice a great deal of emotional honesty with each other and those they deal with as a unit. The link binds them in a significant way and often with the feeling that it is for a special purpose. Sometimes the purpose can become more important than the basic love and unique individual needs of the couple. With this aspect, they may have to guard against placing too much importance on the aim of the relationship and not enough on each other.

Anyone else have a similar configuration in a composite chart? Eros/Nodes?

Kim

[blueorchids]

Tom and Kim,

In my composite chart with D., we have Eros conjunct South node in Pisces 3.5 orbs. Virgo NN is in house 12 and SN in 6th. Eros is 19 degrees Pisces SN 24. In the same house is Mars 11 Pisces.

The nodes in our composite are interesting because on a typical synastry chart only one aspect shows up--a 0 degree semi-square between Neptune and NN. However allowing greater orbs the 16 degree Cancer Moon in the 10th trines the 23 degree Pisces South Node and the 19 Eros & 11 Mars.

We are not in a situation where I could say how it plays out sexually but I do believe that Eros conjunct the south node in a composite ESPECIALLY in the 6th house (health/daily routine/ work) echoes an odd familiar erotic charge in sort of very ordinary, seemingly banal exchanges. We are also in a situation where work is generally the conduit for emotional flirtatious communication.

Having a NN in 12th is ironic and its own unique thing--the spiritual growth, the hidden, the whole health hospitals healing.

in natal charts, overall, I find nodal contact in synastry (natally his sun and mercury sit on my south node and my venus trines his north node) can sometimes give a very warm protective patina to things. The south node contacts I also suspect allows indulgences the person might not otherwise allow.

[gemstar]

Hello Tom-

In the Composite with my love, our Eros is exactly on the DSC line and trines NNode in 2nd (cusp line to 3rd). It is part of a really lovely Grand Water trine including Neptune.

For us, there was an instant recognition when we first connected...the bond continues to grow deeper and deeper as time moves on. If you have the interest, Kim's Eros report is chock full of really interesting Eros information. It is one of my very favorite reports I own-well worth it!!

Personally, I like this aspect in a composite and especially on the DSC...I feel that it makes Eros stronger and more obvious to others when they are around us. Just magical! It is hard for me to pick out only this influence when there are others which contribute to the deep feelings of connection as well. Simply said....a journey to the depths of your Soul.


Hugs-
GemStar

[samina]

Kim, thanks for your piece on Eros on the Nodes.

I don't have an Eros/Node synastry or composite aspect that comes to mind, but Eros is currently conjunct my NN & Sun, with Venus conjunct my natal Eros at the same time, and I just attracted a very powerfully intimate/erotic/deeply familiar connection into my life, with that feeling of worlds instantly colliding & merging.

Interestingly, the man's Sun, Moon, Venus, and Mars all sit very tightly on the same nodal place in my chart where Eros is transiting: my MC/NN/Sun/Venus (and Merc) stellium, and his Mercury is in the same degree of Gemini as my own. The connectin is like, *POW!* Within an hour of meeting each other, he mentined how it felt like he'd know me "for a hundred years", and that there was an element of destiny about it. I absolutely agreed.

Your comment, Gem, about instant recognition and deep bonds rings so true. When we kissed, it was like a galaxy of intimacy opened up between us. Mind-blowing!

sami

[Kim Falconer]

Wow! Sami!

All I can say is, that's Eros/Node!

Yum!

Kim

Here is my rave on Transiting Eros over the Natal Node axis:

Eros to the Lunar Nodes

I remember. I remember.
--Thomas Hood

Eros to the Lunar Nodes tends to manifest people into the life as a specific event. The conjunction and opposition are the main angles to watch for although the square can be significant too. The lesser angles may only be notable when the transit or progression is prolonged.

Eros over the North Lunar Node can correspond to feelings of enthusiasm, adventure and new possibilities. At times someone enters the life that offers a new goal or direction or even a new relationship. The transit encourages us to move into previously unexplored territory and is accompanied by all the anticipation and hesitancy that goes with such an opportunity. Generally, encouraging North Node activities support our authentic goals. When Eros is involved, it may be irresistible.

When Eros passes over the South Lunar Node, someone from the past may reappear throwing plans for the future into turmoil and confusion. Old feelings are conjured, interpreted and reinterpreted, possibly while a current relationship stands by, arms crossed and toe tapping. Dilemmas are revealed and decisions must be made. This is a time to reflect on the past, and on the things that offer support and encouragement in life. If an old relationship is begging for a second chance, it may also be a good time to consider why it did not work the first time round.

....just tweaked that I have T. Eros crossing my South Node in a matter of weeks....

[tom]

thanks for the replies...after kim's i saw i needed to look at more of the eros configuration, but have been sidetracked.

re the square to chiron: something in here about our erotic transformation affecting/driving something in our public life. we've begun having experiences about healing sexual trauma with each other, and are finding ourselves individually and as a couple able to offer a kind of healing message just by being how we need to be with each other, how it's comfortable. one example is the level of honesty and lack of shame we have about sexuality, whether the topic in general or our own. we're not trumpeting about what we do behind closed doors, but sometimes stuff about tantra comes up. and we seem to be educating people about what it really is, which is a way of indirectly speaking to all these hurt things people are carrying around without making people feel confronted - spreading a frequency, i guess. but even just talking with people on the level of honesty we do seems to be good, healing work.

and the inconjunct to venus...that venus is my natal south node, and the eros in our relationship does challenge me - kind of pushes a lot of my buttons. i'm finding myself retraining myself in the area of jealousy - the fact that she and i find attraction with others is just what it is, attraction is attraction, and there's no reason to freak about it.
in the relationship, though, i'm not sure what to say on it.

[gemstar]

When you say that you both find attraction in others....what does that mean?

Basic attraction is human nature...admiring others is natural and even commenting on such is not a threat. It is a comment. It doesn't imply that your mate is 'looking' for someone else, it is them noticing people around them and appreciating the view. Remarking that someone else is handsome or interesting is natural!! If one person in the relationship feels threatened because of this type of attraction, then it is THAT person's self-esteem which needs exploring...

As you said, attraction is attraction...and there is no reason to freak out over it. Even in a relationship....we do not own one another, nor should we try to do so. Each person is free to do what they wish and if they choose to remain in the relationship with us, then wonderful! Life is always a choice, just as we choose to be with them.

Hugs-
GemStar

[tom]

hi gemstar - yes, exactly. i'm finding out what to do about venus-pluto in libra in the 12th - extreme feelings of loss. as soon as i started to get this last thursday, my back started itching like crazy, and she said it was my armor, meant to protect me from being "stabbed in the back" by lovers, coming out of my skin. so yes, it's about my self-esteem, having the memories of being left so much.

we do have an agreement of openness, that if an attraction wants to be explored then it can be, but that this relationship is primary and the one we'll come back to. we also agree it's so far a nice theory, and that we'll figure it out as we go.

[samina]

thanks for that bit on eros transiting the nodes, kim! definitely describes my experience of it!

tom, it sounds like you've got a great connection with your gf, that you've been able to create a safe container to explore what you need to for mutual healing. maybe just the idea that you have an open relationship, and that she still chooses you over anyone else, is healing for you, salving over abandonment/betrayal issues from the past.

In your composite, Eros with the NN straddling the DSC says to me "new experiences of one-on-one intimacy", and with Aquarius being the sign, conveys an element of freedom & detachment & possibly the consideration of polyamorous involvements. Or at least taking that intimacy into cutting edge realms. Tantra definitely involves mastery of the body's electrical currents -- very Aquarian, indeed! And sharing that information with others in a counseling role... so very DSC & Jupiter in the 7th!

Mars conjunct Uranus in the 4th seems to reinforce these themes to me -- highly energized, electrified intimacy; "active surrender"; and a combination of both excitement & a strong sense of safety, enabling you to go where you've never gone before while maintaining a sense of security & "home".

Does that resonate with your experience at all?

Sami

[tom]

thanks for the comments, samina. yes, that sounds like us...except that when i read it last week i wasn't sure about the safety aspect in addition to the excitement. we just spent four days together working on that safety idea. a few minutes ago i remembered that jupiter's transiting our composite moon.

and "new experiences of one-on-one intimacy" feels right, too - neither of us has felt comfortable being as open with others as we are with each other, and so new parts of us seem to have room to come out. for years, for example, i've been asked by the women i'm with to let out the animalish part of me, and i've not trusted any of them enough to do it. with this woman there's open space for me to be whatever i am at any given time, and i offer her the same thing - healing for each of us to really inhabit ourselves.

[samina]

jupiter transiting your composite moon -- very nice! and right there on the IC at the most receptive point of your chart. yum.

if i'm not mistaken, i bet this transit will really give you a boost in your ability to melt into very instinctive, protective, archetypically masculine energies, and her to merge with her instinctively receptive feminine energies. eros is coming up on your composite venus in cancer, as well. and isn't the saturn-neptune opposition triggering your ASC/DSC axis & your eros/NN??

seems to me like powerful shifts are afoot in this relationship, like drawing lines in the sand, or a watershed experience after which you'll never be the same.

keep us posted, ay?

sami

[tom]

s - hm yes, saturn to the ASC and neptune on the DSC. i saw it, but haven't looked at or listened in to it.

though your take on jupiter to the moon is clear. we did have an experience this weekend that carried the subtext of her hoping that she really can trust me and asking me with her eyes, and me staying open and present, answering that she can. specifically a healing session of a kind during which she's been mistreated before, that she told me about for the first time last week, a serious issue with trust was the result. i've agreed to help her along a healing path, whatever that ends up meaning, and she really needed me to be a rock during that time.

so eros to the composite venus - that venus is my south node, too. i wonder what that'll look like.
and we do feel things shifting, though she's more sensitive to it than i am (when my resistance/fear gives way i see what she sees - neptune on her aquarius/9th house mercury is opening her up). and then the healing process for each of us we've agreed to take on. quite an opportunity.