The Chart
An astrological chart is a snapshot of the sky and the astrological bodies at the exact moment of your entry into this world. If your birth data includes the exact time of your birth your chart will be divided into 12 (often unequal) sections we refer to as “Houses”. These houses are divided into 4 quadrants, which we mark with highlighted Axis. At the beginning of each of these axis are sensitive points, each representing a specific subject in your life.
By looking at a charts quadrants we are able to see which areas of life are most important to a subject. If the 1st Quadrant has most of the planets it would indicate that they have a strong will to build themselves, if it’s the 2nd Quadrant that has most of them it tells us the subject relies heavily on instinct, the 3rd thinking, or the 4th Being.
AC/ASC/Ascendant/Rising Sign
Found on the left side of a chart is the AC, also referred to as the Ascendant, marking the point on the eastern horizon, where the Sun ascended into the sky at dawn at the moment of your birth and it tells us your “Rising Sign”. This point tells us how other’s experience or perceive you to be. An individual’s ruling planet’s placement will also influence how they are experienced by others. For example a Virgo Rising with natal Mercury in the 7th House will seem different than a Virgo Rising with Mercury in the 9th House. A Ruling Planet is often thought to be the most influential and powerful planet in a subject’s chart.
IC/Imum Coeli
From Latin for “bottom of the sky” is the point in space where the ecliptic crosses the meridian in the north, exactly opposite the Midheaven. It marks the fourth house cusp and it represents family, roots, ancestors, home, and foundations.
DC/DSC/Descendant
Directly across from the AC on the right side of a chart we find the DC, or Descendant point. Marking the cusp of the 7th house of relationships with others. It represents your significant others: your beloved, best friends, business or artistic collaborators, as well as anyone in a close 1:1 dynamic with you, such as clients or therapists.
MC/Medium Coeli/Midheaven
Located at the very top of your chart, or at the 12 o’clock mark, the MC represents the highest point in the horizon that any planet can reach. This is the cusp of the tenth house of career and public image, which speaks to your professional path, social standing, and public persona.