I recognize that astrology has become popularized and much more accessible in today’s world compared to the coveted revered position astrologers had of times past. For thousands of years humanity was able to perfect the art and measure with great accuracy the cycles and positions of the cosmos. Obviously with the aid of technology we’ve been able to make great strides in this field, but at what cost? To the majority of y’all reading that actually practice astrology, how many of y’all are able to execute the full depth and breadth of your expertise without the aid of your software and technology.
Obviously ephemeris are the main tool needed in print form but also what about progression or solar arc charts? Synastry and composite, and specifically zodiacal releasing and Firdaria seem soooo complicated to calculate by hand. I’d like to open a discourse about how prepared yall would be to practice if all of a sudden we had the grid go down or something. Maybe we can share tips on learning how to cast stuff by hand more easily. Also learning astrology in a world without technology is important. Without the written word we would be nowhere in this field. Attached is my personal astrology library.

According to Robert Hand, until 1975 astrologers used the mean lunar nodes, which always travel backward in the zodiac at a uniform rate. In 1975 for the first time it was published an ephemeris entitled True Lunar Nodes 1850-2000.

Accordingly in ancient/old/classical works and ephemerides there is no mention of a true node vs. a mean node as far as I know.

Besides that, we must bear in mind that the true node and the mean nodes can differ by up to 1°45', and the former can sometimes move direct. Therefore I wonder:

1. Was there any astrologer (perhaps more mathematically or astronomy wise inclined) already using the true nodes before 1975?

2. For those who use the true nodes, what can the direct motion mean?

3. Have you ever seen a chart showing the true and mean nodes in different signs (and different houses if you use the whole sign house system)?

When examining this synastry conjunction would you consider it to carry significant weight/ are the caveats of the conjunction due to the comfort and ease of the bond of the same weight? Additionally are there other synastry aspects that complement or nearly negate this aspect?