The Angles of the Astrological Chart:
Note: Most of the images on this page are links to additional information.
Vernal Equinox = 1° of Aries
The four angles are a fundamental principle of astrology. They are the backbone of any horoscope, and the most personal points in a chart. To find the angles of your horoscope, you must know your complete data: the date, location, and the exact time of the birth or event. The four angles are astrology’s way of accurately geopositioning you in your life.
The concept of angles is based on divisions of the circle described by the path of the sun and planets across the sky from east to west as seen from the rotating Earth. They are crucial to the understanding of the meaning of the birth chart or event and for accurate forecasting.
The astrological chart is a schematic representation of the sky at any given moment of time, projected upon the ecliptic ~ or the path of the Sun as seen from the Earth ~ which forms the circle in which the chart is enclosed. The longitudinal positions of the planets are plotted onto this circle, because the first eight planets in our solar system, (and many stars), lie very close to the Sun’s path in celestial latitude.
Pluto’s orbit is different in that it is at a 17° angle from the plane created by the ecliptic, bisecting the plane at various points. (It’s a good thing Pluto’s orbit only bisects the ecliptic at certain points, given Pluto’s power in influencing those on the Path in a very direct ~ and sometimes destructive ~ way … even if that destruction is “beneficial” in the final analysis. The ability to navigate Pluto’s energies “easily” is to be greatly desired when treading the Path.)
How this map of the sky is seen from the Earth is determined by where the horizon is at the time for which the chart is cast. The horizon forms the boundary between what can be seen, or the visible sky, and the sky on the opposite side of the earth, which exists at the same time and space, but cannot be seen.
The angles are the four Cardinal points of an astrological chart: the Ascendant, (Asc or AC), the Midheaven, (Medium Coeli or MC), the Descendant, (Dec or DC), and the Imum Coeli, (IC).
The line of the horizon cuts across the circle of the chart horizontally, and forms the most important angle of the chart: the Ascendant, or the exact place where the Sun’s path crosses the horizon in the East. The sign in which the Ascendant is located is also called the Rising Sign.
It is at this point that all planets and many stars appear to rise up out of what cannot be seen and become visible to the observer. This is because the Earth’s daily rotation reveals sky objects from East to West, and makes them appear to be moving from the eastern horizon across the sky to the western horizon, where they disappear again into the unseen sky.
The western horizon, where the Sun’s path meets the horizon in the West, is called the Descendant.
Another angle of the chart is the Midheaven, or Medium Coeli, (M.C./MC), which is Latin for “middle of the sky.” The Midheaven represents the highest point in the sky reached by the Sun, or its culmination, as it crosses from one horizon to the other—the noon point in a chart which is plotted for dawn.
The Earth’s equator is the point on the ecliptic which is directly overhead from the observer; as s/he looks north or south from the Equator, the Midheaven appears to withdraw, so that from points north of the equator, the noon point of the Sun appears to lie in the southern sky … south of the equator it appears in the northern sky.
The point opposite the Midheaven, which is in the unseen sky, and would be the midnight point in a chart cast for dawn, is the anticulmination of the Sun, or the Imum Coeli, (I.C./IC), which is Latin for “bottom of the sky.” This is the last of the four angles.
The angles are crucial to understanding the meaning of the chart to the individual or event for which it was cast. There are no more individual and/or personal points in a chart.
The zodiac ring, and the planets along it, are oriented according to these angles. The angles are also used to form the 12 houses of the chart. A cusp is the sign and degree on which each house begins ~ the AC is the beginning of the first house, the IC begins the 4th house, the DC begins the 7th house, and the MC begins the 10th house.
The signs on the cusp of each angle ought to be examined with respect to what qualities you are demonstrating, as well as how the key statements for the signs do or do not affect you, personally. The Ascendant is your public persona, and the filter between you and the world; the Descendant is where you meet the other; the IC is your roots, home, memory and the Soul; and the MC shows your aspirations ~ as the pinnacle of the chart ~ where you’re aimed, and your legacy.
The quality of “coming into being” that the angles represent, going from the unseen to the seen, derives mainly from the Theosophical tradition that is closely linked to much of modern astrological practice. Theosophical astrology is tied to the idea of manifesting from the spiritual to the bodily form, and the angles symbolize this connection.
The horizon is considered the place where the Hierarchy comes into contact with the earth and are able to hear Humanity’s requests for help. Without this symbolic connection, the spiritual realm and the physical world might appear to have nothing to do with one another. For that reason, astrology ~ which seeks to make the energies of these two realms and their connection to one another understood by practitioners and those they serve ~ uses this place of connection to tie the energies of both realms to one another in practical, usable ways.
[It should be noted: When a person reaches a certain point on their Path, the natal chart changes to accommodate their advancement and the chart evolves to the Esoteric chart. The sign rulerships change ~ which changes the function of the sign of the Ascendant, reflecting the change from a personality directed life to a Soul directed life.]
Ascendant:
The Ascendant, (Asc or AC, also called the Rising Sign), is the zodiacal sign and degree that is ascending on the eastern horizon at the specific time and location of an event. (A birth is considered an event.) The Ascendant is related to Aries and its ruling planet, Mars.
Celestial phenomena reflect human activity on the principle of “As above, so below.” Thus the Ascendant signifies a person’s awakening consciousness, in the same way the Sun’s appearance on the eastern horizon signifies the dawn of a new day.
Because the Ascendant is specific to a particular time and place, it signifies the individual’s environment and conditioning they receive during the upbringing and circumstances of their childhood. For this reason the Ascendant is also concerned with how a person has learned to present themselves to the world, especially in public and in impersonal situations.
The Ascendant shows the lens through which we view the outside world and can function as a shield or mask to guard a person’s real nature. It is an interface between the many levels of personality makeup and the external reality. The Ascendant can also have a strong bearing on a person’s physical appearance and overall health.
The Ascendant is thus considered to be of great significance in all schools of astrology because, in effect it serves as the filter through which everything in a horoscope ~ including the Sun and Moon ~ is expressed. The Rising Sign ~ and especially planets conjunct it or within a few degrees of the Ascendant ~ exert an influence equal to or more powerful than the Sun and Moon. In Jyotish (Hindu astrology), the Ascendant is without question the most individual and defining element in the chart.
When the AC receives a significant transit, it implies a call to action. The individual will feel they are under pressure to change and have an urge to take independent action. A major transit to the Ascendant can change the way others see you, whether that’s having a child, gaining weight, getting serious about weight loss, deciding to have cosmetic surgery or a significant change in your hair and wardrobe.
Descendant
The Descendant, (Dec or DC), forms the cusp of the seventh house of the horoscope and refers to partners or relationships. The Descendant is ruled by the seventh sign of the zodiac, Libra, and its ruler, the planet Venus. Our DC shows what is received from others. Here you are asked to look in the mirror: what in your own behaviors and characteristics are others reflecting back to you?
The sign on the cusp of the seventh house indicates the people you are most attracted to, those you easily get along well with, and the people you are most likely to start a love relationship with, if backed up by other zodiacal aspects.
When the Dec receives a major transit, issues regarding relationships will be brought to the forefront. This could be something like a new significant other, marriage, a divorce, a business partner, or a court case between two people.
Medium Coeli
The Medium Coeli, (MC), is Latin for “middle of the sky.” The MC represents the highest point in the sky. The sign on the MC is directly overhead at the moment and place of birth. The MC relates to Capricorn and its ruler Saturn. The sign on your MC suggests how the public sees you and how best to make your mark in the world.
The MC is the cusp of your tenth house and refers to your ambitions, career, status, aim in life, aspirations and public image or reputation. Our MC describes the dominant parent, (usually the father), as well as your relationship with authority figures. Your ego can figure prominently here.
When the MC receives a significant transit, career and social status come to the forefront. It could be that you get fired, receive an award, a significant raise, decide to change careers or take on a heavier workload. Whatever it is, you will be rearranging the manner in which you are seen publicly.
Imum Coeli
The angle opposite the MC is called the Imum Coeli, (IC), Latin for the “bottom of the sky.” Also called the Nadir. The sign on the IC was on the other side of the Earth at the moment and location of your birth. The IC is the cusp of your fourth house and indicates your private self, psychological roots, and the least conscious parts of yourself.
The IC relates to Cancer and its ruling planet, the Moon. The sign on the IC suggests your beginnings in life, your cultural and parental influences, what you need for security, and the relationships within your home, your land and family life. It shows one’s emotional quality. Planets here are expressed internally and accepting the planet(s)’ energy makes for a smoother experience. Planets conjunct the IC play a big role in developing internal emotional strength.
When the IC receives a significant transit home, family, or your physical abode become areas of concern. It could be something like redecorating your home or adding a new room. Perhaps a member of your family is leaving, or you’ll have to deal in one way or another with Mom or Dad. When the IC is activated, something will be happening in your family or home.
Planets conjunct the angles, or within a close orb, express with greater clarity and have the power to manifest. You “feel” as if you have a “mission to accomplish.” These planets are generally given “VIP” status in chart interpretation and they create a strong need to express their energies. The tighter the orb, the greater the clarity. It is as if you were born understanding this energy. You feel a special connection to both the skillful and unskillful qualities of the planet(s).