The Meaning of Cauda Draconis

This page serves as an outline of the meaning of Cauda Draconis – the Geomantic Figure. This page is partly a summary of my thoughts and feelings about a particular figure, but it’s also a collection of notes and references. I will update this page over time with more information – a one-stop shop! I hope that it serves other students of Geomancy.

To view one of the other figures, click here to go an article on the 16 figures of Geomancy:

The Geomantic Figure of the Dragon’s Tail…

This is the geomancy figure of Cauda Draconis:

Overview of the Meaning of Cauda Draconis

Cauda Draconis is associated with the South Node of the Moon, and the element of Fire. It is an odd figure, and thus cannot be a judge. The figure is mobile and exiting, which is perfect as the South Node of the Moon in Astrology is seen as ‘exiting’ or things leaving.

In astrology, the South Node – known as Cauda Draconis or Dragon’s Tail – marks the energy of completion, closure, and things leaving our lives. Where the North Node points toward what we’re growing into, the South Node represents what’s being released, left behind, or finished. It’s often seen as a challenging or negative point, associated with endings and the winding down of cycles.

In Vedic astrology, the lunar nodes are at the heart of a legendary myth. The North Node, ‘Rahu’ (Dragon’s Head), and the South Node, ‘Ketu’ (Dragon’s Tail), are all parts of a demon who strove for immortality. After tricking the gods in his pursuit to live forever, the demon was split in two—head and tail. His curse was to be eternally divided between his past and future, spending all time reckoning with what had been and what was to come. In this way, the Dragon’s Tail became a symbol not merely for endings, but for the eternal loop of departure and transformation.

Cauda Draconis in geomancy is a figure that unmistakably points to closure and withdrawal. Its appearance marks the conclusion of stories, the exit of influences, and the need to let go. This figure is traditionally regarded as adverse or even very unlucky – so much so that some older texts advise to halt readings when Cauda Draconis leads in the first house. Yet there’s value in its message: not everything can or should last. Sometimes, the most important work is finishing a chapter and clearing space for renewal.

Cauda Draconis is linked to the malefic planets of Saturn and Mars, and to the fire element, reflecting its forceful, mobile, and sometimes destructive quality. Astrologically, it connects to cycles ending, transitions, and the bittersweet necessity of release.

Cauda Draconis is favourable for:

• Any situation where closing, finishing, or letting go is the goal. If you need to break old habits, end unhealthy relationships, or clear out stagnant energies, this figure signals support for wrapping things up.
• Finishing work, decluttering, or anything that requires clearing out the old to make room for the new.

Cauda Draconis is unfavourable for:

• Beginnings, long-term planning, or new ventures. Its energy isn’t suited to growth or entry; it suggests roadblocks, endings, and at times, sudden loss.

• Situations where continuation, stability, or development is desired.

As the opposite to Caput Draconis (Dragon’s Head), Cauda Draconis completes what was started, reminding us that every journey has its close. While its presence can sometimes bring discomfort or unwanted change, it is a necessary gatekeeper on the path of transformation.

Reflections on Geomantic Figure of Cauda Draconis

Looking at the ‘patterns’ which can be created by the points in the figure of Cauda Draconis, we can see:

• The symbol of a two-tailed serpent – this is the tail of the serpent-like dragon. In Astrology, Cauda symbolises the South Node of the Moon. You can see this as the ‘tail’ end (or ‘ass end’ if you’re being crass!) of the dragon, which looks on new things to feed on – nourishing it and keeping it going.
• The symbol of a seed drill – A seed drill is a long spike-like tool which has a perpendicular handle. It’s used to create holes to plant seeds into the ground. As such, a seed drill represents beginnings and new starts – which is a perfect symbol for Caput Draconis.
• The symbol of footsteps walking towards a door – Walking towards a door yet to be opened symbolises new beginnings. Other names for this figure include ‘entering threshold’ and ‘stepping inside’, which is why many writers refer to the figure as looking like footsteps approaching a door.

Cauda Draconis is the Latin phrase for “Tail of the Dragon.” While the head of the dragon marks where the moon ascends, Cauda Draconis is associated with the descending, or South, lunar node. This is the place in the sky where the moon’s path crosses downward through the ecliptic. This point marks the moon’s transition towards the South, symbolizing release, closure, and the winding down of cycles.

The lunar nodes themselves are crucial in predicting eclipses, since an eclipse only occurs when the sun aligns with one of these intersections. When the full or new moon approaches a lunar node, the heightened celestial drama signals moments of revelation and transformation. Ancient astrologers regarded the nodes as mysterious forces – sometimes considered a “shadow planet,” split into head and tail—whose influence brought both fateful beginnings and inevitable endings.

In medieval Arabic astrology, these nodes were seen as the body of a cosmic serpent. The tail, or ‘dhanab’, signified the point at which things exit the scene. Whereby the dragon leaves behind what no longer serves, clearing a path for change. Hellenistic astrology viewed the South Node as a marker of decrease, release, or letting go. Rather than seeking growth, Cauda Draconis guides attention to what must be completed, finished, or dissolved so fresh cycles may begin elsewhere.

In Arabic traditions, this figure is called ‘Atabaht al-kharij’ meaning “Outer Threshold.” The imagery here is of stepping away from the doorway. The two dots at the bottom symbolising the threshold, and the three dots above are the footsteps walking away. In this context, the dots of the geomantic figure represent departure; a marker of a phase ending and something being left behind.

Geomantically, Cauda Draconis is constructed with three active, single dots (in Fire, Air and Water) and one double, passive dot at the base. Its elemental associations are all except earth. In occult tradition, Earth is the only immobile element. With all the other elements active, this suggets a swift, sometimes chaotic exit rather than a grounded transition. In this figure, endings don’t arrive from lack of movement, instead they come from the movement of wind, water, and flame.

Cauda Draconis, then, isn’t just the end. It could be the chaos before the end. The rush of change, the sense of clearing out, and the bittersweet necessity of letting go.

Elemental Ruler:

Planetary Ruler:

Zodiac Ruler:

Given to the sign Capricorn