The Midheaven

The Ascendant (or rising sign) is a favorite of astrology professionals and students. It sets up the construction of the 12 houses and serves as the helm of the ship. It illustrates one's orientation to the self. It even sounds cool, "I'm a Pisces Rising!" If we turn our gaze outward, we must steer the ship toward some destination. The Midheaven indicates one's orientation to society, to channel one's energy purposely and with direction. As an astrologer who specializes in spiritual mission, the Midheaven (as well as the condition of the ruling planet and 10th house) is of immense importance.

The Ascendant and the Midheaven are configured by where the Sun rises (Ascendant), and where it reaches its apex in the sky (Midheaven). These are both momentous moments in the day, but as we notice, the sunrise is far more observable -- and likewise, the Ascendant is more accessible. In order to use the promise of the Midheaven, we must rise to maximal elevation in our lives through vigilance and dedication.

The Ascendant is certainly more personal than the Midheaven. (This is why it has traditionally been seen as so important -- hasn't humanity been a tad self-absorbed?) The Ascendant begins the 1st house of instinct, persona and free will. We can't help ourselves from acting like our rising signs (and chart ruler) -- it's instinctual. Also, any planet located in the 1st house is part of our innate way of being.

The Midheaven illustrates our "cosmic job description" -- it's associated with career and the public persona, one's role in society. As it marks where the Sun reaches the pinnacle of its arc in the sky, it is our connection to our spiritual source -- to our mission.

Since the 10th house is well around the cycle, it takes time to realize and embody our public role. When we begin to figure ourselves out and strive towards making an impact on the world, the Midheaven becomes central to our identity, it is a major part of who we are. Perhaps the Midheaven has not received its just due because relatively few of us reach this spiritual aspiration. However, that doesn't negate its importance!

Each of us is here for personal reasons (Ascendant) and to join as part of the collective (Midheaven). Astrology has focused so much on the individual; the Rising sign has risen in its stature since the dawn of western astrology. I believe that it is high time to correct this imbalance and view the Midheaven on equal footing. Afterall, if the Ascendant is about "rising", the Midheaven is at the peak.