Angles in Astrology
The angles are a fundamental element of an astrological chart representing four overarching buckets of life (the self, the other, personal life, and public life). This is one of the first things many astrologers will look at when reading a chart.
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AC (Ascendant)
Keywords: self-awareness, appearance, individuality, personal boundaries
Also known as your rising sign, this angle is one of the “big three” in an astrological chart (sun, moon, rising). Although you may not have heard of it, it is arguably the most critical placement in your chart
The cusp, or beginning, of your 1st house
Represents the sign that was rising on the eastern horizon at the moment you were born. This is why your exact birth time is essential for a detailed and specific chart reading because it dictates where the other houses will land in your chart
This sign of the AC and any planets near the angle influence how you come off to the world at first glance and how you enter into new situations
IC (Immum Coeli, also known as the Nadir)
Keywords: home, security, origins, inner self
Also known as nadir
The cusp of 4th house
This sign of the IC and any planets near the angle influence your home life, family life, and describe your roots/ancestry
Most private point in your chart
DC (Descendant)
Keywords: awareness of others, interaction, relationship, commitment, intimacy, cooperation
The cusp of the 7th house
The sign that was on the western horizon at your moment of birth
This sign of the DC and any planets near the angle influence your relationship to “the other”, and your relationships as a whole (marriage, business partnerships, close relationships).
Often falls in the sign of your ultimate romantic partner or describes qualities that you find attractive in the other
MC (Medium Coeli, also known as the Midheaven)
Keywords: external self, career, ambition, recognition
Also known as Midheaven
The cusp of the 10th house
The sign of the MC and any planets near the angle influence your career, recognition, and legacy
Most public point in your chart