Skipped Steps: Exact Square vs. Applying/Separating (by Node)

Hi everyone

Sorry if this question has been answered before, but I could not find the post that has it.

I have some doubts pertaining to Skipped Steps (Planet squaring the node), when it is not exact, and how to determine what stage of the skipped step the soul is in depending on if the South Node or North Node is applying

For example – Let’s say Nodes are 5 degrees South Node Scorpio/North Node Taurus, and the Moon is square the nodes. (see image)

1. Would there be a different interpretation for the following:

Moon being at 2 degrees Leo

Moon being at 8 degrees Leo

2. Because the nodes move retrograde, I am assuming that we are focusing on the movement of the North Node as it applies or separates to the planet which is squared is that a correct observation?

3. I guess my question here is, do I reference the North Node (which is separating), the South Node(which is applying), or both, and what does that mean from an EA point of view. If the nodes were reversed, would the interpretation be different?

Any input or guidance here will be greatly appreciated.

If this has been answered, and someone can share a link to the post, I would appreciate that as well!