To me, the nodes are pretty much the most important thing in the chart. The north node is where you are going, it's who you want to be. It's the life lessons, wounds of who you are and what you struggle with. What I really notice is that people get super touchy when you hit on their nodal issues, or describe the nodal purpose to them. They get touchy and they also agree with you. It hits really close to home. I have no problem telling people about their nodes, but everytime I hear about my own, or someone else describes them for me, I get the same way. It just hurts, and you feel so bad about the South node, because it drags you down.. And the north node makes you feel good, and confirms some very deep voice, but it's terrifying. Even when you begin to realize the nodal potential, it's still a sensitive spot. That's my opinion at least.
And see, it's different from most other things about the chart..like if you just describe one specific component and not the whole chart..discuss their sun or rising sign or whatever...they'll get a little self conscious at worst...usually they'll be ok, because they recognize the image you are describing, it's very familiar. The nodes are like the camera image of a person, or their painted portrait that captures their soul...the angles and expressions they aren't used to, but that they always knew were there..they reveal something else. It makes you curious and sensitive all at once to study your nodes.