The Vertex axis is the Electrical Axis of the chart. The Ascendant-Descendant is the Magnetic axis. The MC-IC is the gravity axis.

The Vertex axis is a point of energy derived from the intersection of the Prime  Vertical and the Ecliptic.  The West side of this point is called the Vertex, the East side is called the Anti-Vertex.

The Ascendant-Descendant axis is found by the points of intersection of the Great Circles of the Ecliptic and Horizon.

The MC-IC axis is found by the intersection of the Great Circles of the  Meridian and Ecliptic,

The Vertex axis functions as an angle, just like the Ascendant and the MC

In a Local Horizon Chart, the Vertex is the due West point and the Anti-vertex is due East,   the MC is due North and the IC is due South (reversed in the Northern Hemisphere).

Each Angle axis has a specific purpose.

The Ascendant axis describes the physical body and brain and the environment in which a child is reared. A child does not see herself or himself as an individual, but as a part of a family and the environment.

As this child grows into an adult, s/he develops a sense of self as an individual, and eventually moves into the world to “make a mark”. This process is described by the Midheaven axis, and in our cultures this process is mainly experienced through a career or avocation.

The Vertex axis stimulates Cosmic Awareness, an understanding that an  individual is an integral part of the Universe, not just an isolated, separate  entity.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

When our human nature has evolved to a point where we can develop new realisations of reality we usually discover a planet that embodies that level of reality.

The angles and house cusps of a natal chart are your own personal  “mini zodiac” and map your personal energy field, so when a new “angle” (Vertex axis) is discovered it means that more human beings are becoming able to move through to the Cosmic Awareness level of reality.

The Vertex axis can be likened to a doorway that gives access to other realities. It is usually highly emphasised, with a planet conjunct (orb 8°), in the charts of people who have this ability. The doorway is of the nature of the sign and house where the Vertex resides and powerfully emphasises that sign, making it at least as important as that of the Ascendant and MC.

If the Vertex axis has a planet or Node conjunct, it often becomes an over-riding force that makes the Vertex and that planet stronger than anything else in the chart, including a planet conjunct the Ascendant or MC.

If The Vertex axis has a planet in close aspect it enhances that planet’s nature, its sign and house to a considerable degree, making that planet a very strong focus in the chart.

A planet conjunct or in a close to exact aspect to the Vertex tends to give a specific and often intense destiny – something the person is required to do or experience for greater soul development, or must do in order to find meaning in life – or both.

Therefore Vertex stimulation can have an almost compulsive effect that overrides all other considerations.

The Vertex axis has also been considered the axis of destined or fated encounters with others.

The sign and house in which the Vertex axis resides determines the type of doorway to other realities and Cosmic Awareness.

The sign and house in which the rulers of the Vertex axis reside are also very important.

If the Vertex is conjunct and/or parallel a fixed star it indicates a connection to the Galaxy through that Star system.

Copyright (c) Alice Portman 2009

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