The Astrology Book

Lunar Node (represented in a chart by [ucL]; sometimes the South Lunar Node is also repre-

sented [ucM])

Midheaven: The Midheaven is the most elevated degree of the zodiac in an astrological chart. In

most systems of house division, it is also the cusp (beginning) of the tenth house. Midheaven is

often used interchangeably with zenith , but this usage is inaccurate. The Midheaven tells us

something about our vocational and practical abilities. It is here that we can see to do and manip-

ulate. This point is usually associated with our outer standing in the world, our fame, reputation,

and fortune. The MC represents fame and honor since it is here that we have our most practical

sense and vision. We can see and use; it is our vantage point or perspective. The Midheaven is also

the cusp of the tenth house for most astrologers.

Ascendant: In Western astrology, the ascendant is usually regarded as influencing the native’s

appearance and certain outward traits more than the depth of her or his personality. In some

systems of esoteric astrology , the ascendant is said to embody positive traits that the native is

supposed to be “growing toward.” If one was born with Virgo on the ascendant, for example,

then the native would need to learn to become more organized or more attentive to details.

Whatever one’s view of the greater or lesser “depth” of the ascendant, there is general agree-

ment that the ascendant is a peculiarly sensitive point in the horoscope.

Lunar Nodes: Imagine the orbit of Earth around the Sun as describing a flat plane, and project

it outward against the backdrop of the stars. This projection is the ecliptic. Although all the

principal planets in the solar system orbit the Sun in approximatelythe same plane, none of their

orbital paths lies in exactly the same plane. The point at which the Moon moves northward—

with respect to our terrestrial perspective—as it crosses the ecliptic is the north lunar node; cor-

respondingly, the point at which it moves southward is the south lunar node. The lunar nodes

are extremely important in Vedic astrology , where they are regarded as being on par with the

planets. The north node is seen as representing an area where development is needed, with the

south node symbolizing talents already developed. Most astrologers agree that there is an

unconscious dynamic at work in the nodes, represented by the nodes’ signs, houses, and aspects.

SUN IN THE SIGNS OF THE ZODIAC

Sun in Aries: Go for it! Do it now and ask questions later, for you are a born leader, always

first and never afraid to go it alone. Your sense of mission makes for impulsive, sometimes rash

(but always brave) actions. Your motto is: Don’t think about it, let’s get the show on the road.

Sun in Taurus: Here is great patience, able to respond to the world and to build upon what is

already there and happening. You are willing to listen to others, take cues, and then reflect and

build upon that information. Others find you gentle, steady, and, for the most part, kind. You

take things in and provide an environment to bring them forth. You make “fertile” your field.

A ready ear.

Appendix A: Reading Your Own Astrology Chart

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