The Deep Dive into Chiron and the North/South Nodes: A Guide to Your Growth Path
- jessiepengilly
- Jun 6
- 5 min read
Updated: Jun 8
As an astrologer, there’s something truly magical about sitting with a person’s chart and unlocking the layers of their life. Every chart is a unique fingerprint, a cosmic roadmap filled with rich insights about who we are, where we’ve been, and where we’re headed. But no matter how many charts I read, there’s one thing I always come back to: Chiron and the North and South Nodes.
It’s not that I don’t look at the whole chart – I absolutely do. The Sun, Moon, and Ascendant can tell us so much about a person’s essence and approach to the world. The planets, their aspects, and the houses reveal all kinds of fascinating details. But when I want to understand the deep, underlying life lessons and challenges someone is here to work through, Chiron and the Nodes are always my starting points.
Why? Because they speak directly to the heart of the soul’s journey.
Chiron: The Wounded Healer
Chiron holds a special place in my heart. It's not just about wounds or pain – though, yes, Chiron does often symbolize the deep, sometimes hidden, wounds we carry with us. It’s more about the potential for healing and transformation that comes from understanding and embracing these wounds.
I love looking at Chiron because it speaks to a person’s vulnerability – the place where they’ve been hurt, but also where they have the ability to grow and become a source of healing for others. That’s the beauty of Chiron: our greatest wounds are often where our most profound wisdom resides.
For example, when I see Chiron in the 4th House, I can sense that the person might have grown up with a lack of emotional nurturing or a sense of insecurity around home and family. It’s a painful wound, but it’s also where they have the chance to heal, perhaps by creating a deep sense of emotional security for themselves and eventually others. There’s always hope with Chiron, and that’s something I deeply resonate with when I read a chart.
I never want to see anyone stuck in their wounds. That’s why Chiron is so important to me – it’s about identifying those spots that feel tender, then turning them into sources of strength and wisdom.

The North and South Nodes: Your Soul’s True North
When I’m guiding someone through their chart, I can’t help but feel a sense of awe when I look at the North and South Nodes. These points aren’t just theoretical in the way that other astrological elements sometimes can be – they speak directly to the soul’s purpose. It’s almost like they’re the universe’s compass, pointing us toward the growth we’re meant to experience in this lifetime.
I always start with the South Node because it’s so telling. The South Node shows us where we’ve been – often, it’s the energy or qualities we’ve mastered in past lives, or it can represent traits we’re drawn to because they’re familiar from early life experiences. It’s not that the South Node is bad – it’s just that staying there too long can lead to stagnation. For example, someone with their South Node in Pisces might have a natural affinity for empathy, spirituality, or creativity, but they might also have a tendency to get lost in others’ emotions or avoid facing harsh realities. I know that the journey for this person patterns and embrace their North Node in Virgo—to develop practical skills, grounded organization, and the ability to focus on the details that will bring their dreams to fruition in real life. It’s not about abandoning the beautiful Piscean qualities they’ve mastered, but about integrating them into something more structured and tangible. This is where their soul finds its true growth.
The North Node shows us where we are meant to evolve, and honestly, it’s often the most challenging part of the chart. Embracing the energy of the North Node requires us to step into unfamiliar territory and leave behind what’s comfortable. That’s where the magic lies, though. I always tell people that it’s like a treasure map—sometimes the North Node is a little intimidating, but it’s where the gold is. It’s where we meet the most meaningful and rewarding challenges of our lives.
When I see North Node in Leo, for instance, I know that person’s journey is to embrace their individuality, their creative expression, and to shine in their unique way. There’s often a fear of standing out or being in the spotlight, but that’s exactly where they need to go. By doing so, they can transform their inner world and radiate warmth, inspiring others in the process.
Why I Always Look to Chiron and the Nodes
I approach each chart with deep empathy because I know that life can be messy, confusing, and sometimes painful. We all have our own set of struggles and challenges that we’re working through—some of us are aware of them, and others are just beginning to notice. But Chiron and the Nodes offer us a map for understanding why we go through these difficulties and how we can rise above them. It’s not about giving up on ourselves or pretending things don’t hurt—it’s about embracing the lessons that come from the pain and finding healing through our growth.
When I look at Chiron in someone’s chart, I’m not just seeing a wound—I’m seeing a well of potential. I’m seeing where they can become the best version of themselves by addressing and healing their deepest fears or insecurities. And when I look at the Nodes, I’m seeing the blueprint of their soul’s journey, the path that leads them toward their highest evolution. Together, Chiron and the Nodes give me a clear sense of the challenges they’ll face and the lessons they’re here to learn.
The impact of these points are never static; they evolve over time with the individual. I find that once people understand these aspects of themselves—where they’re wounded and where they need to grow—it gives them permission to accept who they are and where they’ve been. It allows them to embrace the beauty of their journey without judgment or shame. It’s a healing process, one that’s profound and transformative.

A Heartfelt Journey of Discovery
Each person’s chart tells a beautiful story—one that’s uniquely theirs, filled with rich lessons and powerful potential. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned in all my years of reading charts, it’s this: our wounds are never just weaknesses, and our struggles are never meaningless. They’re part of the incredible process of becoming the person we’re meant to be.
That’s why I always begin with Chiron and the Nodes. They offer the most direct path to understanding the deeper purpose behind our life’s challenges and the lessons that will shape us into the fullest version of ourselves. I can’t think of a better way to dive into someone’s soul story than by looking at these points.
When people understand where their North Node is guiding them or where Chiron is asking them to heal, it opens up a whole new world of possibilities. Suddenly, the struggles of the past make sense. The future feels clearer. And with a little guidance, they can begin to walk the path they were always meant to follow—one step at a time, with more understanding, compassion, and confidence. We spend so much of our time at work - a lot of this works out on this playing field.
So, if you’re ever sitting across from me, sharing your chart, know that I’ll be looking for those precious clues in Chiron and the Nodes. Because for me, there’s nothing more fulfilling than helping you understand why certain challenges keep popping up for you and how we can reframe then map out the roadmap to your growth, healing, and soul evolution.
Comments