astrology

A Major Astrological Shift Is Coming to Balance Things Out

Photo-Illustration: by The Cut; Photos: Getty Images

Well, it’s been ten days and 2025 is already a mess. And now, the vibes are shifting yet again: On January 11, the Nodes of Destiny will move onto the Pisces-Virgo axis, initiating a new energetic chapter — for all of us — that will run through 2026. But what are the Nodes? And what does this change signal? And what does it mean for you? Read on to find out everything you need to know about this powerful pivot.

Start here: What are the Nodes of Destiny?

The Nodes of Destiny, also called the Lunar Nodes, are two mathematical points where the Moon’s orbit intersects with the ecliptic (the Sun’s path in the sky from our perspective on Earth). These points always move in opposition — North Node and South Node are always exactly 180º away from each other, in opposite zodiac signs. Together, they form an axis that reveals where we’re headed (North Node) and what we’re releasing (South Node).

Astrologically, the North Node represents our karmic path forward: the lessons we’re here to learn, the qualities we’re encouraged to embody. The South Node, on the other hand, represents our comfort zone: familiar patterns, past-life experiences, and qualities we’re meant to integrate and transcend.

Because the Nodes take about 18.5 years to complete a full orbit of the zodiac, they spend roughly 18 months in each sign, creating themes that echo throughout our lives. Their energy is supercharged during eclipse seasons, which occur when the Sun, Moon, and Earth align at the Lunar Nodes. Yep, that’s why eclipses are so unhinged and chaotic.

Where were the Nodes of Destiny before?

For the past year and a half, the North Node has been in Aries, and the South Node in Libra.  With the North Node residing in Aries, themes of individuality, courage, and self-discovery were emphasized on a personal and collective level. Meanwhile, the South Node in Libra asked us to reflect on partnerships, compromise, and the balance between “me” and “we.” It’s been a time for recalibrating our relationships — letting go of alliances that no longer serve us and embracing our true identities unapologetically.

Think back to your journey since 2023: Have you started (or ended) important relationships? Accepted new contractual obligations? Redefined your concept of “collaboration?” Decided to just say, “y’know what, f-ck it” and embrace your boldest, most audacious aspirations? The powerful counterbalance between Aries and Libra encouraged all of us to prioritize self-respect while navigating the complexities of connection. And — if we did these past 18-months correctly — perhaps we’re better off for it.

And where are the Nodes of Destiny now?

Beginning January 11, the Nodes will be on the Pisces-Virgo axis, placing the North Node in Pisces and the South Node in Virgo. This is a significant pivot, asking us to balance the practical, detail-oriented energy of Virgo with the dreamy, spiritual essence of Pisces.

Both Virgo and Pisces are deeply connected to healing, though they approach it in different ways. Virgo heals through precision, organization, and practical service, while Pisces heals through surrender, compassion, and spirituality. Together, they teach us the importance of integrating the earthly and the ethereal — balancing logic with intuition, structure with flow. Of  course, with the North Nodes in Pisces, we may skew a little more to the abstract, embracing themes of faith, creativity, and emotional connection. The North Node in Pisces encourages us to trust the unseen, lean into our imagination, and find meaning in moments of stillness. It’s a call to explore the intangible, what exists beyond reason, and to embrace vulnerability as a strength.

The last time the Nodes occupied this axis was from November 2015 through May 2017, but in the reverse configuration (because, remember, they flip every nine years). Almost a decade ago, the North Node was in Virgo while the South Node was in Pisces, which means although we may encounter similar themes to that era, we’ll have a brand new perspective. Expect echoes from that period to resurface, but with fresh opportunities for growth — especially those that invite us to go with the flow and trust the universe just a wee bit more.

What zodiac signs are going to be impacted by this nodal axis shift?

Check your birth chart and see if your North and South Nodes are in Virgo and Pisces. If they are, buckle up, my friend — you are going to experience a profound metamorphosis over the next 18-months.

If your North Node is in Pisces: Congratulations, you’re experiencing your nodal return! This occurs every 18 years (around ages 18, 36, 54, 72, etc.) and marks a major karmic crossroads. You’re being called to embrace your spiritual destiny, lean into the unknown, and trust the universe. This is considered a very abundant and fruitful time, when your destiny becomes clear and all of your hard work finally begins to pay off. Expect lots of unprompted, fate happenings and chance encounters that place you perfectly on the best path forward. You will be exactly where you need to be.

If your South Node is in Pisces: Yeehaw! You’re experiencing a nodal opposition, a powerful turning point in your karmic journey that happens at the checkpoints of your Nodal opposition (around ages 9, 27, 45, 63, etc.). This is a time to reconnect with the deep spiritual wisdom you carry and reflect on how you’ve applied it in your life. You’re being called to release outdated coping mechanisms — such as avoidance or escapism (yes, actually) — and instead use your intuitive gifts in more grounded, practical ways. This is a deeply transformative time, encouraging you to trust the wisdom of your inner knowing while staying firmly rooted in the here and now. Big changes are coming your way!

But if you don’t have your nodes in Virgo or Pisces, you’re not out of the words yet! Anyone with planets or placements in these signs will feel this transit’s effects. Plus, we’ll all be feeling it on a collective level, too — this nodal axis signals a new era and, with that, new chapters, new storylines, and new possibilities for us all.

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A Major Astrological Shift Is Coming to Balance Things Out