The Vertex

The Vertex

Author: Alison Price   –   Published: May 2024

🧡 Advanced Natal Astrology

This article is part of my Advanced Natal Astrology series, where I explore deeper chart analysis for practicing and aspiring astrologers.

The Vertex

There are several points that pop up in an astrology chart and really you can add as many or as few as you wish. You may start by adding points to your advanced natal readings first with the lunar nodes and then maybe the Part of Fortune or the Vertex. I’m a fan of all these chart points. But today, I’m going to share a few of my thoughts on the Vertex. Alison

Podcast Episode: The Vertex

Listen to our podcast episode about the Vertex.

The Vertex: The Third Angle

Astronomy for Astrologers

The Vertex is a sensitive point in astrology. The Vertex is found at the intersection of the ecliptic in the West and the prime vertical.  Also note that the anti-vertex, or contra-vertex, is directly opposite the Vertex. I have a super clear (I hope) diagram for the vertex below.

the-vertex-astrology-chart-point

Vertex Position

The Vertex is always on the western side of the chart. It usually is in one of the four houses close to the Descendant.  Astute readers will notice that these four houses form the second triple division, the “We” division, as well.

 

 

The Vertex House Placement

Now and then it may not be in the four houses.

The exceptions are for people born in super high latitudes (greater than 60 degrees) from the equator. In these high latitude birthplace charts, the Vertex can be in the 4th or 10th houses. But in all my years as an astrologer, I’ve only ever come across these outlier placements twice. So, it’s not common at all.

In general, the Vertex is placed either in the 5th house, 6th house, 7th house or 8th house.

Vertex Symbolism

Coming and Going

The Vertex position is a sensitive point in any chart. It is like a revolving door where people can come into, and go out of, your life. People from the past can pop in and out of your life when your Vertex is energized. If you meet an old school friend whom you’ve not seen for twenty years, chances are that your Vertex is being stimulated by a transit or progression.

Third Angle

As the Vertex is often referred to as the Third angle after the Ascendant and the Midheaven its meaning can be simplified as follows:

  • Your Ascendant is what you are.
  • Your Midheaven is what you do.
  • Your Vertex is what is expected of you.

Vertex Keywords

A few vertex keywords are:

  • Turning point
  • Pivot
  • In
  • And
  • Fated quality.
  • Self-mirror
  • What must be brough forth in life.

People Themes

The Vertex often suggests repetitive relationships with a certain echo theme in the nature of your Vertex complex.

This shows up as, for example, when your sister’s next boyfriend seems to be just like the last one.

It can be easy not to learn the lessons of the Vertex.

Gaining People

Births

Newborn babies whose births directly affect you (by being in your family or close circle) may occur at times when your Vertex is triggered.

New People

New and significant people can enter your life when your Vertex is contacted.

This usually happens by the planets in the new person’s own chart conjoining your Vertex.

The Vertex and Losing People

Moving Away

If close people move out of your life, by literally moving away, it often happens when your Vertex is involved.

Divorce

Typically, upon divorce your Vertex is contacted as your spouse leaves.

But often they come back now and then.

Letting Go

The time when you finally let go of relationships can be as your Vertex is aspected for the last time by a transiting planet.

Deaths

People may leave your life permanently, by dying, when your Vertex is stimulated.

the-vertex-image

Vertex House

5th House

When the Vertex is in the fifth house it suggests loved ones are important.

Fifth house people are your girlfriends, boyfriends, lovers, fiancées, midwives, childbirth support person, your own children and people you party with.

6th House

When the Vertex is in the 6th House it suggests colleagues are important.

Sixth house people are your workmates, your vet, employees, maids, nursemaids, cleaners, the pool guy, the lawn guy, gym buddies, health instructors and your dietician.

7th House

When the Vertex is in the 7th House is suggests your husband, wife or significant other is important.

7th house people are your husband or wife, your common law spouse, your significant other, your business partners, anyone who confronts you and those who challenge you in open court.

8th House

When the Vertex is in the 8th house it suggests intimate partners are important.

8th house people are your intimate partners, your secret lovers, your faceless blood, egg, sperm and tissue donors, your creditors, your credit loans guy, your angel investors, your secret supporters who vote for you and the grim reaper.

Takeaway

The Vertex is a nice-to-have point in a chart.

It’s not the first thing you interpret which is why it is part of advanced natal astrology.

There is no pressure to work with the Vertex subtle energy.

You can ignore it if you wish or begin to consider the Vertex in your readings.

Extend Yourself

In your astrology journal please do the following:

 

  • Write “Vertex” as the page header.
  • Draw the “Vx” glyph. You can get as fancy or arty as you like.
  • Note the sign, degree and minute position.
  • Add your Vertex sign ruler.
  • Write your Vertex house.
  • List five keywords for the Vertex. You can do more research here.
  • Find the date when the transiting Sun crosses your Vertex, be on the lookout for people with that birthday.
vertex-journal-page

Extend Yourself Further

Vertex Aspects

Vertex aspects can be very revealing particularly around your close relationships and people.

List all natal Ptolemaic aspects to your Vertex.

Write one sentence interpreting each Vertex aspect. You can add more info here later.

Vertex House

The Vertex house shows which area of life, and those people associated there, are likely to be stimulated. In your astrology journal please do the following:

  • Draw a single column table with four rows, one for each house.
  • Write 8th, 7th, 6th and 5th in each row going down.
  • List two people specific people in your life who are represented in each of the four houses.
  • Do some research and write 5 key sentences for when the Vertex in each house.

Vertex Sign Ruler

If your Vertex sign ruler, that is the planet which rules the sign that the Vertex is in, actually aspects the Vertex, it signals a higher vibrational energy.

Pay close attention to any of these aspects.

If the Vertex’s planetary ruler has a good condition, it supports the Vertex in your chart.

If the Vertex’s planetary ruler has a difficult condition, it reduces the effect and influence of the Vertex.

 

  • More on Planetary Condition
the-vertex-pin

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Author Bio

Alison Price: Professional Astrologer

Alison helps you uncover your individual creativity and lead a fulfilling life using your own astrology. She shares her wisdom from the heart with a touch of humor. She offers Consultations for everyone and Coaching for Aspiring Astrologers.

If you’d like to get in touch with Alison, you can reach out to her via email at starzology@gmail.com.

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If you enjoyed this post, you may like some more astrology related articles from our blog.

 

Astrology Explained

Astrology Explained

Learn the core structure of astrology, how birth charts are interpreted, how timing plays a role in life events and how astrology sheds light on relationships and purpose.

Astrology Basics – Chart Points

Astrology Basics – Chart Points

Chart Points

Points in the Chart

Concentrated

Chart points are not planets and they are not physical bodies. They are sensitive points in space created where important imaginary lines intersect in the birth chart. These points describe angles, directions and areas of life where experience is concentrated and noticeable.

Symbolic

Chart points show how you meet the world how the world meets you and where significant life themes unfold. Even though they have no physical mass they carry great symbolic meaning and are essential for chart interpretation.

The Ascendant

Façade

The Ascendant also called the Rising sign is the face you show to people in one on one situations. It is the mask or façade you present to strangers and new environments. This is the first thing people notice about you before they get to know you more deeply.

Entrance

The Ascendant describes your appearance mannerisms body language and instinctive responses. It shows how you approach life and how you step into new situations. It is your doorway into the world and colors the way your entire chart expresses itself.

Important

Because the Ascendant is tied to the moment of birth it is one of the most personal points in the chart.

Introduction to the Ascendant

Think of the Ascendant as your personal sunrise. Just as the Sun rises on the horizon at the moment you were born the Ascendant marks the beginning of your life experience. It sets the tone for how you initiate action meet challenges and interact with others.

Ascendant Sign

The sign on the Ascendant shows your natural style and approach. The ruling planet of that sign becomes especially important as it describes how you move through life and express your identity.

The Midheaven

Public Face

The Midheaven also known as the MC represents the face you show to the world at large. It describes what you are known for your public image and your role in society. This is the part of you that is visible in your career reputation and long-term achievements.

Life Direction

The Midheaven reflects your ambitions goals and the direction you aim for over time. It can show your vocation life path and the kind of recognition you seek. While the Ascendant is how people first meet you the Midheaven is often how they remember you.

The Descendant

Life Partners

The Descendant sits directly opposite the Ascendant and represents other people particularly close partners. It describes what you seek in relationships and the qualities you tend to project onto others.

Relationships with Others

This point relates to marriage, committed partnerships and one on one connections. The Descendant shows what you need from others to feel balanced and complete and often reveals traits which you develop through relationship experiences.

The Immum Coeli

Private

The Immum Coeli also called the IC is the deepest point in the chart. It represents your private inner world your roots and your sense of home. This point is connected to family ancestry and your emotional foundation.

Hidden

The IC shows where you retreat to feel safe and grounded. It reflects your early environment and what nurtures you at a core level. While the Midheaven is public the IC is deeply personal and hidden from view.

The Vertex

People

The Vertex is a sensitive point usually found on the right-hand side of the chart. It is associated with significant encounters and people who enter or exit your life in meaningful ways.

Turning Points

The Vertex often describes fated meetings turning points and relationships that feel destined. Events linked to the Vertex tend to arrive unexpectedly and can have a lasting impact on your life direction.

The Part of Fortune

The Part of Fortune shows where and how your personal fortune is likley to manifest in this lifetime.

 

The Lunar Nodes

The two lunar nodes, North and South, show your destiny, past and future.

 

astrology-chart-points

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Author Bio

Alison Price: Professional Astrologer

Alison helps you uncover your individual creativity and lead a fulfilling life using your own astrology. She shares her wisdom from the heart with a touch of humor. She offers Consultations for everyone and Coaching for Aspiring Astrologers.

If you’d like to get in touch with Alison, you can reach out to her via email at starzology@gmail.com.

More Articles

If you enjoyed this post, you may like some more astrology related articles from our blog.