Name of the Figure: Cauda Draconis (Dragon’s Tail); sometimes called Outward Threshold
Element: Fire
Planet: None, Moon’s South Node (some say also the malefics, Mars and Saturn)
Sign: Sagittarius
Quality: Exiting
Fortune: Bad

Cauda Draconis is the less lovable sibling of Caput Draconis. Like its counterpart, Cauda is not traditionally associated with any planet, although some classics say it belongs to the malefics of astrology, namely Mars and Saturn. However, in itself, Cauda is connected with the Moon’s South Node. Technically every planet has nodes, that is, points where they cross the Sun’s ecliptic. However, in traditional astrology, only the Moon’s nodes are considered, as the Moon’s connection with the journey of life is said to begin with the North and end with the South Node. Visually, the symbol of Cauda is said to show a series of steps leading away from a threshold, symbolizing the sense of ending.

And ending is indeed one of the main meanings of Cauda. Ending is not necessarily bad. When you want to get rid of an illness, or really anything, Cauda can be positive, if not easy. It also shows quick, sharp change, so it can bring stagnant situations to an end.

Still, Cauda is mostly unwelcome in most readings. It can indicate the end of a relationship (or that a relationship won’t start). It can show unemployment and loss of money. It can announce difficult interpersonal relationships all around.

Due to its connection with the bad side of life, Cauda is one of the figures that, traditionally, prompted geomancers to break their figure and abandon divination if it shows up in the first house. Don’t do it. Just because Cauda is in the first house doesn’t mean your querent is a psychopath. Cauda is a challenging figure. It can simply mean the person is going through challenging times, that their life is changing dramatically and they have lost the plot.

Common Keywords: Ending, Loss, Abandonment, Evil, Quarrel, Evil intentions, Disruption, Letting go

Cauda Draconis in the Geomantic Houses (these are only examples. Use context to guide your interpretation)

House	Possible Meanings
First	Dangerous person, Person in danger, Person who is going through hell, Person who is ending something
Second	Loss of money or items
Third	Quarrels among neighbors or siblings, Bad news, False rumors
Fourth	End of lineage, Death of father, Eviction, Loss of home
Fifth	Danger though excess, Loss of pregnancy, Questionable pastimes
Sixth	End of sickness (but if the chart is bad, it could end with death), stay way from your servants
Seventh	Divorce, Quarrel, Theft, Untrustworthy individuals, Fraud
Eighth	Death, Danger, Loss of money
Ninth	Evil religion or way, Inability to learn, Atheism, Materialism, Loss of faith
Tenth	Being fired, Loss of employment, Revolution, Coup d’etat, Death of mother
Eleventh	End of a friendship, Fights, Quarrels, End of hope
Twelfth	Escape, Freedom, Death of large animals
Thirteenth	There was upheaval, ending, disaster, the querent is capable of letting go
Fourteenth	There will be upheaval, ending, disaster, the querent is unable to let go
Fifteenth	Cauda cannot be Judge

MQS