Heliocentric Planetary Nodes

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Heliocentric Planetary NodesHeliocentric Planetary Nodes

By Michael Erlewine

[email protected]

In the early 1970s, when I first began tostudy heliocentric astrology and wasable to create for myself a helioephemeris, I was fascinated byheliocentric planetary nodes. This wasyears before home computers. With thehelp of my friend David W. Wilson and amainframe computer, we calculated thiscomplete nodal system. Here is a briefintroduction. For those who want toknow more on this topic or who wantlists of these nodes at various epochs,please see my book Interface:Planetary Nodes, which is once againavailable in paperback on Amazon.com.

Astrology is all about nodes. Nodes are

sensitive points in the natal chart thatcan be interpreted. Obvious examples ofnodes are the Nodes of the Moon. TheAscendant, Midheaven, Vertex andother sensitive horoscope points arenodes. The traditional twelve HouseCusps are also nodes. Since mostastrologers do not consider latitude

when calculating aspects, even aspectsare nodes.

We may be familiar with the abovenodes, but what about planetary nodes?

What are they?What is a Node?

I had been studying astrology for somenumber of years before I understoodwhat a node was, for example theAscendant or Rising Sign that allastrologers mean when they ask: Whatis your rising sign?

Back then, my rising sign in Sagittarius,was to me just that: a point in the

zodiac, in my case in the signSagittarius. It was not until much laterthat I understood that all nodes areintersections of two independentsystems of one kind or another. In thecase of my Ascendant, the zodiac wasone system, but I had to research to findout the other, which turned out to be theLocal Horizon.
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Heliocentric Planetary Nodes

The Ascendant is a Node

So the Ascendant is the intersection orinterface between the plane of the

zodiac and the plane of the localhorizon, to the East. This was news tome and sent me scurrying to figure outwhat the other nodes I had always beenusing interfaced with.

For example, the Nodes of the Moon arethe intersection of the plane of theMoons orbit with the plane of Earthsorbit, the zodiac.

Or the Vertex is the intersection of the

plane of the zodiac with the plane ofwhat is called the Prime Vertical, aGreat Circle running from East to Westthrough the local Zenith. And so it went.You get the idea.

Nodes or Interfaces

The point here is that any node is aninterface and intersection between twogreat circles or planes, very ofteninvolving the familiar zodiac. This bookis about planetary nodes, the nodes orinterfaces that are formed when the

planes of any two planets intersect. Andby intersect, I dont just mean intersectwith the planet of the earths orbit, butthe planes of any two planets intersectwith each other, with or without Earthbeing one of the two.

Two planetary planes intersect to createwhat we could call a sensitive point,more like a power point for that matter.As the planets travel around their orbitsthrough time, they reach these powerpoints or nodes two times in a completeorbit or cycle. At that point, the planet isnot only in the plane of its own orbit, butsimultaneously in the plane of the

second planet, and this is a point ofpower or emphasis. This book is aboutthe system of planetary nodes and howto interpret them in your own natal chart.I call these planetary nodes: InterfacePoints.

Where it Started for Me

The interface concept came out of myinterest in heliocentrics, in particular aninquiry into the mutual inclination (or

lack thereof) of the various planes of oursolar system, planes like that of theecliptic, equator, horizon, galaxy,supergalaxy, and so on. I wasfascinated by the different attitudes orinclinations of the various astronomicalplanes, each to the others. What couldthese mean?

A whole series of astronomicalcoordinate systems exist, each with theirown center and plane of reference.

More interesting to me is that fact thatthese many systems are oriented toeach other, differently are set inspace at different angles to one another.They are set in space like some grandcrystal. Perhaps they represent wholeapproaches to life, each with its ownindependent attitude or stance.


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Heliocentric Planetary NodesI was interested to note that astrologersdevote their attention to the zodiac orecliptic, but seem to pay little or noattention to these other planes: theHorizon, Prime Vertical, and CelestialEquator. Astrologers seem not to graspor care that points such as theAscendant, MC, Vertex, etc. are notzodiac points alone, but are nodesrepresenting the intersection of thezodiac with some other great plane. Infact, it takes two independent planes tocreate a node. This important factseems to have been lost in modernastrology.

Even within our own solar system, eachof the great planetary orbits has its ownplane and particular orientation orattitude. Each of these great planetaryorbital planes are oriented or inclined tothe others. An attempt to reduce allthese intersecting orbital planes -- thisgrand planetary crystal -- to the set ofthe most significant points or nodes washow the interface nodal technique cameinto being.

Introduction to the Concept

As mentioned, astrologers use a varietyof coordinate systems to look at life. Themost well known, of course, is thezodiac or ecliptic system, but there arealso the equatorial system of rightascension & declination, the horizonsystem of azimuth & altitude, the primevertical system of longitude & amplitude,and still others.

On a grander scale, there are still othercoordinate systems that are fascinatingin their own right , including the localsystem of stars of which our Sun is amember, our own galactic system, andeven a supergalactic system, of which Ihave written elsewhere (The Astrologyof Space. All in all, we have several

major coordinate systems in commonuse by astrologers such as the eclipticplus half a dozen or so esoteric systemsthat are little used, which brings me toconcept of interface analysis.

Interface analysis is a reduction of all ofthe nine planet's orbital planes, theirinclinations and disinclinations to oneanother, to the particular series ofzodiac points that represent bothsymbolically and physically the onlypoints in the zodiac at which thesevarious inclinations and disinclinationsintersect and are exact or in perfectalignment.

When a planet (moving in its own orbit)comes into alignment with the orbitalplane of a second planet (passesthrough or over that point), it is at one ofthe two nodes (ascending ordescending) with that plane. I call thesenodes Interface Points. Therefore, aninclination or nodal alignment (interface)refers to an exact planar alignmentbetween two planets orbits (where thetwo planes intersect to form a node) and

this will emphasize (for better or forworse) the nature and function of theplanets involved. On the other hand,planets at DIS-inclination (at 90-degreepoints in their orbit to the nodes orinterface points) represent these sameprinciples as they are when mostmutually disinclined each to theother. It may help to offer a briefsummary of the astronomical basis forthis concept.


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The Basic Astronomy

In the above diagram we see the Sun atthe center of the solar system and Earthgoing counterclockwise (Looking downfrom above the Sun) in its almostcircular orbit each year. The earthalways stays in its orbit and that orbitdefines a plane running through thecenter of the Sun and Earth. That planegeometrically extends infinitely in alldirections, dividing the heavens into twohalves, one above the orbit of the earth(and Sun) and the other below that orbit.This is standard high-school astronomy.

Earths Orbital Plane

Here is the same diagram, but lookingmore or less from the side now, but at

just enough of an angle so that you cansee the ellipse of Earths orbit. Theearths orbit, which defines the familiarzodiac or ecliptic, is the primaryreference plane used by astrologers.


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Nodes to Earths Orbit

What is a node? As we know, each ofthe nine planets orbits around the Sun ina large ellipse, with the Sun as thecenter. This orbital ellipse of the earthand any planets defines a plane passingthrough the center of the Sun. Theplanes of the orbits of the nine planets inour solar system do not happen tocoincide (do not orbit in the sameplane), but, instead, are inclined to oneanother, slightly. The line defined by theintersection of the planes of any twoplanetary orbits is called the line ofnodes.

In the above diagram we can see theorbit of the earth and the orbital plane ofthe planet Jupiter. Note that these twoorbital planes cross each other to formtwo intersections or interfaces. These

are the planetary nodes of Jupiter andEarth. Both the ascending anddescending nodes are marked in thediagram.

Other Planetary Nodes

Our solar system has the Sun at itscenter and this is known as theheliocentric celestial sphere. Since all ofthe planetary orbital planes pass (bydefinition) through the center of the Sun,the planes all intersect the celestialsphere in what are called great circles.Therefore, each intersecting planetaryplane has a distinct pair of nodes witheach of the other planets, thus thesystem of planetary nodes.

This pair of nodes for each planetarypair (Mercury-Venus, Mars-Saturn, etc.)represents the two points in the zodiac(ascending and descending nodes)where either planet is simultaneously inboth planes at once.


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Nodes to Earth

For example, the planetary nodes of allthe other planets with respect to theEarth (i.e. where their planes intersectthe Earth's orbital plane the ecliptic)and the inclinations of these planes tothe Earth's orbital plane are known toastrologers, although even these pointsare not often used in modern astrology.

There is, however, some smallreference in the astrological literature toa planet being at its node in the plane ofthe Earth. For instance: Jupiter might besighted as being at its northern orsouthern node to the Earth plane, andyet seldom (almost never) do we findreference to the Earth being at thissame nodal point (and in the Jupiterianplane), although this happens withoutfail twice a year! At these times, the

Earth moves into alignment with theJupiter plane and takes on some of thequalities of that planet.

The Jupiter-Earth Interface

In the above diagram, you can seewhere the plane of Jupiters orbitintersects with the plane of Earths orbit.

My point is that: while astrologers haveembraced and often use the concept ofplanetary pairs when it comes toaspects, we have managed to ignorethese nodal pairs, although they are atleast as physically valid as aspects. Aswe know, astrologers have a plethora ofriches when it comes to the myriadpoints and techniques available to them.

Until this writing (1976), almost noattention has been given to the fact thateach pair of planetary orbits intersectone another to produce their particularset of nodal intersections, irrespective ofthe orbit of the Earth. It is this last

category that is the particular subject ofthis book.

The Planetary Nodes Exclusive ofEarth

The Earth is but one planet, albeit a veryimportant one to us, in our solar system.What we are examining here (which arenot so familiar, although easilycomputed) are the nodes (points in thezodiac) where any two planets' orbital

planes (irrespective of the Earth's plane)intersect. This article is concerned withthe location of the entire system ofplanetary-pair nodal points (interfacepoints) as they can be measured alongthe zodiac.


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Locating the Nodes

Let's consider any two planets otherthan the Earth, for example: Jupiter andSaturn. The planes of their orbits makegreat circles on the Celestial Sphere asdoes the plane of Earth's orbit. Wherethese two great planes intersect oneanother are the planetary nodes orinterface points for this particularplanetary pair. Now lets zoom in onwhere these three planes (Earth,Jupiter, and Saturn) interface.

Close Up of n Interface Point

Note that these points are locatedslightly above or below the zodiac plane(Earth plane), but not right in it. Sincemost astrologers have only the zodiacas their plane of reference, it isconvenient to use this zodiac in order topoint out activities in these other planes.With the help of mathematician DavidW. Wilson and using sphericaltrigonometry, we have projected thesepoints on to the astrological zodiac(ecliptic), so that by watching eitherMars or Saturn transit a given point inour zodiac (using the heliocentricephemeris), we can know that the planet(either Mars or Saturn) is simultaneouslyat its interface and exactly in the planeof the second planet. The result is aneasy way for us to tell when a planet isat a particular interface point, by using astandard heliocentric ephemeris.

Ecliptic Intercepts

In the above diagram, we are looking atthe ascending or northern node theSaturn plane to the Jupiter plane, theSaturn-Jupiter interface point. This ismarked by point C. The point where


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Heliocentric Planetary NodesSaturn crosses Earths plane (zodiac) ispoint B, and the point where Jupitercrosses the zodiac is point A. If weproject point C down to the zodiac atpoint D, then whenever either Jupiteror Saturn reach point D using anyheliocentric ephemeris, we can knowthat the planet (Jupiter or Saturn) is thenat is interface point to the Jupiter andSaturn plane.

In other words, the tables at the end ofthis article list the points in the zodiacwhen the particular planetary-pair nodeor interface is exact in the planes of thetwo planets involved. Now let's look at

the system of interface points from aless technical viewpoint.

Nodal Points in Astrological Work

Let us briefly review the use of nodes inmodern astrology:

As mentioned earlier, astrology is verynodal, more than one might at firstimagine. This article concentrates on theplanetary nodes. However, just inpassing, you may wish to note that

standard points like the Ascendant andVertex are nothing more than nodes.And it always takes the planes of twoindependent coordinate systems tocreate a node.

While astrologers are aware that pointslike the Ascendant and Vertex arezodiac points, many are not aware thatthe Ascendant (for example) is broughtto you by means of the zodiac ANDanother independent plane, that of theLocal Horizon. The Ascendant is wherethey intersect, the intersection of theplane of the zodiac and the plane of thelocal horizon to form a line of nodes.

Still fewer astrologers know that theVertex is made available by theintersecting plane of the Prime Vertical

coordinate system (again, to the planeof the zodiac). In fact, most of the hotspots of astrology are where twocoordinates systems come together tointersect and create an interesting set ofnodes or points. So much of ourastrology concerns itself only with thefamiliar zodiac that there is littleawareness of the many supportingsystems of coordinates that are also ineffect.

Lunar Nodes

Representing the interrelationship of theorbital plane of the moon with that of theEarth, the lunar nodes are widely used

and understood by practically all modernastrologers, both in the East and theWest. There are several good textsavailable on these nodes and I refer youto those.

Planetary Nodes

The use of the planetary nodes inmodern astrology is generally restrictedto the nodes of the various planets asthey intersect the orbital plane of the

Earth (the zodiac or ecliptic). The planarinterfacial angles of the other planetsrelative to each other (planetary nodes)have been practically ignored.

As an example of this ignorance, let mecite the continual reference in theastrological literature to a planet beingat its node in the plane of the Earth. Forinstance: Jupiter, as pointed out earlier,is often cited as being at its northern orsouthern node and yet seldom(almost never) do we find reference tothe Earth being at this same nodal point(and in the Jupiter plane) although, asmentioned above, this happens twotimes a year. At these times, the Earthmoves into the Jupiter plane and takeson some of the qualities of that planet.


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Heliocentric Planetary NodesInterface: Mutual Intersection

In brief, the primary reason why theplanetary nodes are not more widelyused and appreciated by astrologers is

the failure to realize these points in theirreciprocity equal-ness. A planetarynodal point, by definition, represents themutual intersection of two independent(planetary orbital) planes. We havechosen to call these nodal pointsInterface Points, as this wordemphasizes the reciprocal nature of anysingle point and plane. A node pointsboth ways.

Realization of these nodal lines as

planetary pairs that represent the natureof both planets involved will result inmore wide-spread use of these interfacepoints and their incorporation into thebody of technique as practiced by theastrologers of today.

Interface Summary

In summary, the structure of our solarsystem is in fact defined by theinterrelationship of the various orbital

planes of which it is composed. Thisinterrelationship is convenientlyexpressed by the complete system ofplanetary nodes and their square points.In this introduction to the use of thesenodes by astrologers, we will confineourselves to activation of these nodalpoints by direct transit at the Interfacenode shared by any two planets andactivation by transit to points square (atninety degrees) from these interface

nodal points. Lets discuss the SquarePoints.

The 90-Degree or Square Points

In the above diagram, note points Aand B. This are the points in the orbitwhen the planet is square or 90-degrees from either node. At theseninety degree or square points, a planetreaches what is astronomically termedits point of greatest latitude (either northor south) to the plane of the secondplanet involved. These points of greatestlatitude are those points where theplanet is most highly disinclined(literally) to the plane of the secondplanet and simultaneously changesreference from one node and begins tomove (in its orbit) toward a conjunctionwith the opposite node.

In the above diagram, Jupiter is 90-degrees from either the ascending ordescending node, and is as dis-inclined

to Earth as it ever gets. Point B is theopposite point, beneath the earthsorbital plane.

Changing-Lines

Therefore, you will note that at theseSquare Points we have a changing-lineof relationship, while at the interface


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Heliocentric Planetary Nodesnodal points themselves, we have thesimple activation or direct function of theprinciples involved.

To repeat: activation of the interface

points themselves by transit of either ofthe two planets involved results insimple emphasis and clear function. Forinstance: one planet will be, by transit, inthe plane of the second. The secondplanet (somewhere in its own orbit) isalways in its own plane and yet, for atime (long or short, depending on theplanets involved), the first planet is, bytransit, exactly in this same plane andmay be said to take on some of its

qualities, whether by resonance or someother undetermined means.

It is important to have in mind whichplane is being activated and whichplanet is, by transit, active in that plane.Is Mars by transit in the plane of Saturnor is Saturn transiting in the plane ofMars or both which happensoccasionally. These distinctions, at firstperhaps somewhat confusing, willbecome clear with some study and you

may be satisfied, to begin with, keepingsimply in mind that the Saturn/MarsInterface is in activation.

Questions of Interpretation

The simple and very defined structureand interrelationship of these variouspoints tend to dictate concerningquestions of interpretation, and oneadvantage to this approach is that verylittle is left to the imagination which, for

some astrologers, can be a decidedblessing. The relationships are clear:

The northern (or ascending) node of aplanet is that point where the planettransits a given plane in what is called asouth to north direction (from under toabove the given plane). The southern ordescending node is a transit from north

to south (above to below the givenplane). Above and below are defined bythe position of the north pole of theecliptic.

In ReviewA given planet (such as Jupiter) transitsa node to the plane of a second planet(say, Saturn), at which time Jupiter isperfectly in the plane of the secondplanet, Saturn. Jupiter then continuesalong its orbit (away from that node)until the point is reached of greatestlatitude (whether north or south) inrelation to the nodal interface inquestion. From that moment onward,

the planet (Jupiter, again) proceeds tomove toward the opposite nodal pointfor the particular planetary pair and onceagain (at the opposing node) comesdirectly into the plane of the planet to betransited, Saturn.

Therefore: matters of interpretation aresomewhat simplified and restricted (atleast at first) to an analysis of thevarious quadrants: transit to the nodes

and to the points of greatestdisinclination (above and below) tothese nodes.

Activation of the meaning of theinterface points themselves needs nolengthy introduction here since there aremany fine texts available that spell-outevery possible planetary combination.Students are referred to Reinhold.Ebertin's The Combination of StellarInfluences as one of the best of its kind,

although sometimes a bit dark or tooheavy. I have also written all of thesecombinations as well, and they areavailable in some of my books andsoftware programs.

Changing-Lines or Square Points


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Heliocentric Planetary NodesAlthough the planetary combinations arewell known from other forms ofastrology, we will spend some time herein the presentation of the principlesinvolved in an understanding as to theuse of the Square or Changing-Linepoints. These changing-line points,when activated, representsimultaneously two ideas:

(1) A planet at these points is as out-of-plane and therefore as disinclined as itcan ever be to the plane of the secondplanet.

(2) At the same time the planet ischanging its relationship to the nodal

axis itself away from one node andtoward the opposite node.

A close study of these changing pointswill reveal much as to changing(uneasy, dis-eased, disinclinations,etc.), while the interface pointsthemselves offer the more straight-forward function of the planetary pairs(nodes) involved.

Consideration of all the planets orbits

simultaneously presents an ever-changing almost kaleidoscopic effect very similar to that obtained whenrotating a fairly complex crystal insunlight. Mutual harmonics and complexinterrelationships are revealed that oftenhighlight a single planet again andagain.

Therefore it is entirely possible, usingonly the interface points and theirchanging-lines or square points toreveal a structure indicative of thewhole-life force of the individual or eventbeing examined. In practice, however,best results are obtained when interfaceanalysis is combined along with othertraditional heliocentric or geocentricastrological techniques.

The Planes or Chakras

Although this is not meant primarily tobe an section on the interpretation of thevarious planets and the planes they

describe, some brief mention of theprinciples involved in such aninterpretation is warranted. The planesor levels described by the planets areexactly similar to what in the Easterntradition are termed chakras, the centersof force and activity which make up thewhole of our life. A particular individual,while a part of this whole system, isusually more active and concerned withone level of their lives than with the

others, at least at any given time.Interface analysis has proved to be agreat help in locating the specific level(chakra or plane) and planet to which anindividual naturally responds. Once thisis revealed, information is easilyforthcoming of direct interest to theindividual concerning the particularplane of life and initiation in which theyare finding themselves involved.

Inner the Key to the OuterFor a more complete description ofthese various planets or chakras please see my book Astrology of theHeart Astro-Shamanism. The basicidea may be expressed here in onesentence: the key to the outer willalways be the inner or in other words:the key to a given planet (chakra) willusually be that planet whose orbit isimmediately within or inside the planet in

question.A perfect and clear example: the planetimmediately within the Earth's orbit isVenus and for all time the Earth hasbeen ever concerned with Venus or loveand, in fact, divine love has always beenput forth by the world's spiritual lights asthe very key to life on this planet.


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Heliocentric Planetary NodesInitiation in the Planes

This is equally true for all planets fromand including Saturn into the Sun (Theouter planets have a different

significance). It should be understoodthat, although we live by virtue of ourbirth on this planet, we are not by thatfact automatically in full realization ofour Earth existence. In fact, initiationwithin inner planes (planets) is a gradualprocess of graduation, by degrees.

The majority of us have great difficultyworking through (for instance) theSaturn (Satan), Jupiter (succession),and Mars (marriage) to even get in

possession of the Earth (the Heart orchild) much less graduating to the innerplanes of Venus (divine love), Mercury(light of love), and on to the Sun (Self or1000-petaled chakra).

Levels of Life

As remote and "flowery" (or vague orabstract) as the above sentences mayseem to some readers, it is important tounderstand these various planes and to

realize that we in fact find ourselvesendlessly involved, evolving, andrevolving through this life. At any onetime a given individual will be taken upwith concerns of a given plane orchakra. It becomes of great importanceto the counseling astrologer toaccurately indicate at what level andplane the life is being extended oroccurring and to what plane theindividual may be referred to for more

light and a clear answer as to thequestions they may have.

In practice, the role of the astrologeroften involves directing and referringindividuals to the level or chakra whichhappens to be the key to their currentlife's concern. Interface Node analysiscan help astrologers to more accurately

and without personal bias determine thelevels or planes to which a givenindividual responds as well as the key orlevel to be recommended as a way tothese inner planes.

Interface Analysis

In the past, astrologers have too oftenbeen limited and restricted in theirpractice to those chakras or planets inwhich they personally may have takeninitiation (understand from personalexperience) and they have primarilyworked only with those clients who existon an outer planet or plane of initiationfrom their own level -- less aware than

they are.

It is possible using Interface analysis forthe astrologer to accurately determineand to direct a client to the appropriatelevel or plane, regardless of whether heor she personally has (or has not) takenthat particular initiation. To do this withaccuracy demands a relatively absoluteframe of reference to which all mattersmay be referred. The simple structure of

our solar system is such a frameworkand when properly understood andrigorously applied, much of whatamounts to guesswork in the practice ofastrology is removed.

The Astrologer of this Aquarian Age

Since the primary use of astrology in mylife has been to confirm my own inherentnature and to explain to myself what Ifind happening around me, I would liketo mention briefly some benefits of thistechnique of a more personal and yetstill absolutely useful nature. To cite apersonal instance: in my natalheliocentric configurations, I have theplanets

Venus/Neptune/Jupiter mutually inclinedto each other. In my younger (and not-


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Heliocentric Planetary Nodesso-younger) years, one source ofconcern and confusion for me involvedperiodic encounters with people withwhom I didn't by nature get along. Somefolks even took a dislike to me. Imaginethat!

I always wondered why and I spent anunwarranted amount of energy and timesearching myself to discover what Icould have done to offend or to deservesuch a reception. After all, we would allprefer to be loved and appreciated.

Exploring Interface Nodes

With this in mind, it was most satisfying,

not to mention fascinating, to discover inthe helio natal charts of these particularindividuals who seemingly took offenseto myself, that they had one or moreplanets at the changing-line or squarepoint to my natal Jupiter/Venus orNeptune. In other words, they weremost definitely disinclined to the planetsto which I was by nature perfectlyinclined.

Seeing this spelled out to me in their

natal configurations has helped me torealize the simple fact of theseinclinations/disinclinations, and to letpass the endless opportunities to searchand question myself as to the fault -- oneither part -- for this fact.

On the other hand, I was interested todiscover that in almost every instance,my closest personal friends all had thesame planets at the same degree andthat this degree was an Interface pointthat was perfectly complementary(inclined) to myself -- my inclinations.This was (in my life) a rather remarkablediscovery and one with the mostpractical kind of benefits to me as to thetime and energy previously wasted in auseless self-examination. This is an

example of how astrology has benefitedme. Enough said.

Interface for Howard Hughes

A System of Notation

It remains for us to discuss a convenientsystem of notation by which to representthese Interface points, as they are foundin a given chart. Such a system mustinclude the planets themselves in theirorder from the Sun outward. A verticalcolumn (like the spinal column) isperhaps symbolically the most correct.

Taking a particular natal or event chart(heliocentric only), we examine eachplanet's position and compare thesepositions to the list of interface points.We will want to notate activity at boththe Interface points and the square orchanging-line points.

Notation

The yellow column in the centerrepresents the planetary planes, muchlike the chakra centers said to be alongthe human spine. It is useful to think ofthis column in that way.


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Heliocentric Planetary NodesTo the left of that column are the movingor transiting planets, planets that are atthe Interface Point with another planet. Ifa planet is listed on the left, it means it isat the interface point and thus in theplane of the planet listed in the centralcolumn. It is inclined and in the plane ofthe other planet, the one listed in thecentral column

If a planet is listed to the right of thecentral column, it means this planet is atthe Square Point (Changing line) and isdisinclined or at the 90-degree pointedbetween the two nodes and as not inthe plane as physically possible.

Using this system of notation, you cansee at a glance even complexarrangements of Interface and SquarePoints. Whole little trees can be read ata glance.

Interface Tree for Baba Ram Das

I have included below the "trees" ofseveral well known individuals. You willnote that the tree for Baba Ram Das,who personally withstood public opinionconcerning the greatly fearedpsychedelic drug LSD, has the Interface

Jupiter-Pluto simultaneously activatedby both Pluto and Jupiter. These planetsare also in conjunction in this natal chart(helio).

Jupiter (Sanskrit: Guru) represents theLife Path or literally the way to go, andPluto represents transformation, sothese mutually reciprocal planets areclear and easy to interpret.

The attachment IF-22.jpg is no longeravailable

Interface Tree for Howard Hughes

The tree for Howard Hughes hasanother mutual activation, in this casebetween Jupiter and Venus. What couldbe a better indication of wealth than aVenus-Jupiter combination? In Hughescase, he has both planets, each at theothers interface. Jupiter is at theinterface (and thus in the plane) ofVenus, and Venus is at the interface(and thus in the plane) of Jupiter.


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Interface Tree for Beethoven

And Beethoven's chart has anextraordinary emphasis on the planetPluto, as does that of Baba Ram Das.You will also note that the planes orchakras most active in the Hughes chartare the middle-body chakras (Mars andJupiter), while Baba Ram Das is moreactive in the outer planets. Beethovensort of has the whole interface tree litup. Points of disinclination show inBeethoven's chart some difficulty withthe Mars principle (the marriage oremotions), while in the other diagramsMercury and Earth are featured in DIS-inclination.

It remains for those of you who canrespond to the ideas presented here toinvestigate for yourselves thisfascinating subject and determine its

usefulness in your particular work. In ourunderstanding, what is revealed throughthis system of Interface points is exactlywhat is presented in the whole ofchapter four of the Book of Revelations.

Not Geocentric

Note: Attempts to apply these points tothe geocentric natal chart would bepractical only with the outer planets,where the difference between geo andhelio positions is plus or minus aboutthree degrees and with the Earth/Sunaxis, which is identical in eithercoordinate system. It is time thatmodern astrologers exercise theirunderstanding of the fact, in addition toour lives on earth, we livesimultaneously the lives of our solarsystem and Galaxy. We share acommon fate. The heliocentriccoordinate system may still be new toastrologers as a system ofmeasurement, but the experience towhich it refers is not new. It is where wecame from and still are living.

Age of Aquarius

The religions of this world have longchampioned a more inclusive reality andeach of us has for days or parts of daysin our lives sustained awareness of thisgreater life. We have in fact arrived at apoint where this experience can be

measured and studied. As astrologers,we can point out to the world theopening in our times of what has beencalled the Age of Aquarius, a time ofgroup work and mass understanding(initiation).

What more appropriate sign of this newage might we expect than a moreholistic representation of this larger selfto which we are true and an ability torefer and measure this self throughcoordinate systems of increasinginclusiveness. The net result is not adesertion of the geocentric (body)perspective, but rather the enhancementof that perspective, "To see eternity in agrain of sand."


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Heliocentric Planetary NodesMeasuring Eternity

As astrologers we are concerned withrealizing eternity as it exists captured inthe geocentric circumstances inherent in

individual existence. We do not forsakethe geo for the helio, as some havesuggested. We in fact live at oncethrough all time and all space and: Thisis it! All coordinate systems demonstratethis principle and exist only as they areconvenient modes in which to measureand realize Eternity.

Bibliography

Interface: Planetary Nodes by Michael &

Margaret Erlewine and David W. Wilson,Heart Center Books, 1976.

Interface: Planetary Nodes by Michael &Margaret Erlewine and David W. Wilson,paperback, Amazon.com

Interface Analysis by Michael Erlewine,NCGR Journal, 1977.

Astrology of the Heart: Astro-shamanism, by Michael Erlewine, ,paperback, Amazon.com.

The Astrology of Space, by MichaelErlewine, , paperback, Amazon.com

Reading the Interface Tables

In the following pages, there areInterface Tables for 1900, 1950, and2000. The all follow the same format, solets go over it.

01Ar02' MA-NE 01Li02'

04Ar02' MA-JU 04Li02'

09Ar27' EA*JU 09Li27'

11Ar31' VE+MA 11Li31'

The first listing is 01Ar02', which is forthe Mars-Neptune interface. Itsopposite nodal point is 01Li02'. Twoplanetary names linked by a hyphenindicate the zodiac position of that node

for the particular epoch. The next listingis for the interface node for Mars-Jupiter.

The third listing 11Ar31' is for Square

Point for Venus-Mars, and this isindicated by the + which stands herefor Square Point. Its opposite SquarePoint is at 11Li31' which is in zodiacterms 11 degrees of Libra 31.

MA-NE

A dash between two planets: anInterface Point.

EA*JU

An * between two planets: InterfacePoint to Earth.

VE+MA

A + between two planets: SquarePoint.

Interface Points epoch 1950.0

01Ar02' MA-NE 01Li02'

04Ar02' MA-JU 04Li02'

09Ar27' EA*JU 09Li27'

11Ar31' VE+MA 11Li31'

13Ar20' IP-NE 13Li20'

16Ar35' NE+PL 16Li35'

16Ar35' EA*IP 16Li35'

18Ar19' SA+PL 18Li19'

18Ar57' EA*PL 18Li57'

19Ar13' PL+IP 19Li13'

19Ar47' PL+JU 19Li47'

20Ar36' PL+UR 20Li36'

22Ar47' EA*SA 22Li47'

24Ar57' PL+MA 24Li57'

25Ar16' ME-VE 25Li16'


17/19

Heliocentric Planetary Nodes26Ar26' ME-SA 26Li26'

26Ar46' PL+VE 26Li46'

28Ar54' VE-SA 28Li54'

02Ta39' ME-NE 02Sc39'03Ta06' MA-UR 03Sc06'

03Ta21' SA+IP 03Sc21'

04Ta48' ME-IP 04Sc48'

06Ta43' SA+JU 06Sc43'

07Ta17' SA+UR 07Sc17'

07Ta43' ME-JU 07Sc43'

08Ta17' JU+UR 08Sc17'

10Ta10' PL+SU 10Sc10'

10Ta41' EA*NE 10Sc41'

10Ta51' IP+UR 10Sc51'

14Ta03' ME-UR 14Sc03'

14Ta15' VE-NE 14Sc15'

14Ta17' PL+ME 14Sc17'

16Ta21' IP+JU 16Sc21'

16Ta34' ME-MA 16Sc34'

17Ta09' ME+NE 17Sc09'

17Ta09' ME+SA 17Sc09'

17Ta09' ME+PL 17Sc09'

17Ta09' ME+IP 17Sc09'

17Ta09' ME+JU 17Sc09'

17Ta09' ME+VE 17Sc09'

17Ta09' ME+SU 17Sc09'

17Ta09' ME+UR 17Sc09'

17Ta09' ME+MA 17Sc09'

17Ta09' EA-ME 17Sc09'

18Ta47' MA+NE 18Sc47'

18Ta47' MA+SA 18Sc47'

18Ta47' MA+PL 18Sc47'

18Ta47' MA+IP 18Sc47'

18Ta47' MA+JU 18Sc47'

18Ta47' MA+VE 18Sc47'

18Ta47' MA+SU 18Sc47'18Ta47' MA+UR 18Sc47'

18Ta47' EA-MA 18Sc47'

24Ta05' VE-IP 24Sc05'

26Ta53' SU+ME 26Sc53'

28Ta10' SU-SA 28Sc10'

01Ge09' SU-NE 01Sa09'

02Ge20' VE-JU 02Sa20'

06Ge12' NE+UR 06Sa12'

06Ge17' SU-IP 06Sa17'

07Ge31' SA+MA 07Sa31'

09Ge10' SU-JU 09Sa10'

13Ge08' SU-VE 13Sa08'

13Ge29' UR+NE 13Sa29'

13Ge29' UR+SA 13Sa29'

13Ge29' UR+PL 13Sa29'

13Ge29' UR+IP 13Sa29'

13Ge29' UR+JU 13Sa29'

13Ge29' UR+VE 13Sa29'

13Ge29' UR+SU 13Sa29'

13Ge29' EA-UR 13Sa29'

14Ge22' SU+NE 14Sa22'

14Ge22' SU+SA 14Sa22'

14Ge22' SU+PL 14Sa22'

14Ge22' SU+IP 14Sa22'

14Ge22' SU+JU 14Sa22'

14Ge22' SU+VE 14Sa22'

14Ge22' EA-SU 14Sa22'

14Ge28' UR-SU 14Sa28'


18/19

Heliocentric Planetary Nodes15Ge47' VE+NE 15Sa47'

15Ge47' VE+SA 15Sa47'

15Ge47' VE+PL 15Sa47'

15Ge47' VE+IP 15Sa47'15Ge47' VE+JU 15Sa47'

15Ge47' EA-VE 15Sa47'

16Ge27' UR-VE 16Sa27'

18Ge27' SA-NE 18Sa27'

22Ge28' MA-SU 22Sa28'

25Ge44' IP+MA 25Sa44'

26Ge29' NE+JU 26Sa29'

01Cn03' NE+MA 01Cp03'

04Cn02' JU+MA 04Cp02'

09Cn27' JU+NE 09Cp27'

09Cn27' JU+SA 09Cp27'

09Cn27' JU+PL 09Cp27'

09Cn27' JU+IP 09Cp27'

09Cn27' EA-JU 09Cp27'

11Cn27' MA-VE 11Cp27'

13Cn21' NE+IP 13Cp21'

16Cn35' IP+NE 16Cp35'

16Cn35' IP+SA 16Cp35'

16Cn35' IP+PL 16Cp35'

16Cn35' EA-IP 16Cp35'

16Cn36' PL-NE 16Cp36'

18Cn20' PL-SA 18Cp20'

18Cn57' PL+NE 18Cp57'

18Cn57' PL+SA 18Cp57'

18Cn57' EA-PL 18Cp57'

19Cn11' IP-PL 19Cp11'

19Cn43' JU-PL 19Cp43'

20Cn28' UR-PL 20Cp28'

22Cn47' SA+NE 22Cp47'

22Cn47' EA-SA 22Cp47'

24Cn26' MA-PL 24Cp26'

25Cn11' VE+ME 25Cp11'26Cn06' VE-PL 26Cp06'

26Cn26' SA+ME 26Cp26'

28Cn53' SA+VE 28Cp53'

02Le39' NE+ME 02Aq39'

03Le06' UR+MA 03Aq06'

03Le20' IP-SA 03Aq20'

04Le48' IP+ME 04Aq48'

06Le42' JU-SA 06Aq42'

07Le16' UR-SA 07Aq16'

07Le42' JU+ME 07Aq42'

08Le17' UR-JU 08Aq17'

08Le28' SU-PL 08Aq28'

10Le41' EA-NE 10Aq41'

10Le50' UR-IP 10Aq50'

12Le20' ME-PL 12Aq20'

14Le03' UR+ME 14Aq03'

14Le15' NE+VE 14Aq15'

16Le20' JU-IP 16Aq20'

16Le34' MA+ME 16Aq34'

17Le09' EA*ME 17Aq09'

18Le47' EA*MA 18Aq47'

24Le03' IP+VE 24Aq03'

26Le37' ME-SU 26Aq37'

28Le07' SA+SU 28Aq07'

01Vi07' NE+SU 01Pi07'

02Vi20' JU+VE 02Pi20'

06Vi11' UR-NE 06Pi11'

06Vi16' IP+SU 06Pi16'


19/19

Heliocentric Planetary Nodes07Vi28' MA-SA 07Pi28'

09Vi10' JU+SU 09Pi10'

13Vi07' VE+SU 13Pi07'

13Vi29' EA*UR 13Pi29'14Vi22' EA*SU 14Pi22'

14Vi28' SU+UR 14Pi28'

15Vi47' EA*VE 15Pi47'

16Vi28' VE+UR 16Pi28'

18Vi25' NE+SA 18Pi25'

22Vi35' SU+MA 22Pi35'

25Vi43' MA-IP 25Pi43'

26Vi28' JU-NE 26Pi28'

Documents

Heliocentric Planetary Nodes