Midheaven

The Midheaven (Medium Coeli, MC) is the zodiac degree at the highest point of the ecliptic at the moment and location of birth — directly overhead (or as close to it as latitude allows). Vettius Valens (Anthology, Book II, Ch. 4, c. 175 CE) identified the MC as one of the four cardinal angles of the chart and connected it to matters of action, reputation, and public life. Ptolemy (Tetrabiblos, c. 150 CE) associated the tenth house, which the MC anchors, with one's calling, craft, and the manner in which one is known publicly. William Lilly (Christian Astrology, 1647) described the 10th house as the most eminent place in the chart for worldly honor and preferment, governing kings, princes, judges, commanders, and those in authority. The MC therefore describes not just career in the narrow sense but one's life calling, relationship to authority, public role, and the legacy one builds in the world. Dane Rudhyar (The Astrological Houses, 1972) described the MC as representing the actualization of power in the world — the point where inner purpose meets public life. Planets conjunct the MC are among the most visible and influential in the natal chart, coloring the native's public persona and professional destiny. The sign on the MC and its ruling planet's condition indicate the nature of one's professional gifts and challenges.