The midheaven (mc)—or medium coeli—discusses your professional life, public image, and career path. Learn what it means in all the zodiac signs.
Your midheaven can give clues to your natural talents, the best career suited for you, and the way that you appear in public. In order to get our facts straight, we asked astrologer Lauren Ash to help us identify what the Midheaven means in each zodiac sign, how to find it, and what it represents.
What Is Midheaven?
According to Ash, the Midheaven—meaning “middle of the sky”— is one of the four angles of a birth chart: ascendant (rising sign), descendant, imum coeli (IC), and medium coeli (MC). “Each of these four points represent a different part of your sense of sense and together form what’s known at the natal cross or incarnation cross,” she says.
This particular corner of the birth chart is located near the 10th House and is most associated with Capricorn because of its “business-y” nature. “Unlike the ascendant, which is a chart angle associated with our sense of self and unconscious energetic signature, the MC projects the image we choose to project to society,” Ash explains.
Overall, it can identify our social standing, how coworkers and outsiders see us, and the impression we make on strangers as they meet us for the first time.
MC vs. IC
The Midheaven (MC) is on the opposite side of the zodiac wheel as the imum coeli (IC). The IC means “bottom of the sky” and because of this, according to Ash, it’s the part of the chart that is more secretive and confidential. “If the MC represents our connection to society, success, and our public image, the IC represents the opposite,” she explains.
Thus, the IC represents our home, family, and foundations that we had while growing up. This placement can also describe karmic cycles, past lives, lineage, and family history. It’s a good place to start for ancestral readings, Ash says.
MC Sign Meaning
In general, the MC is a very important part of the chart—because it helps us identify who people are on the outside vs. what they are like on the inside. In fact, the four corners of the chart work together to show these things. For example, the Midheaven speaks on our public face, whereas the IC speaks on our past roots. The rising sign speaks on how we view the world around us, whereas the descendant speaks on how others view us—or what we need in a partner. The birth chart is all about balance.
The MC would be a great place to start if you’re trying to understand a coworker or boss in a higher-up position, as this would identify what they are like in person at the office. It would also show you how to integrate your work styles together to create a cohesive work environment.
Since it’s the section of the chart most associated with Capricorn, and therefore Saturn, it discusses where (and how) we put work and discipline in order to be successful. So, if you’re wondering what your true passion is… if you haven’t found a career that you love quite yet… the MC is a good place to start.
Finally, if you have a big project or presentation coming up, the Midheaven can identify the best way to approach success in your presentation. For example, if you have Midheaven in Aries, using competition in your presentation (like a quiz) would naturally thrill you.
In order to provide more context, Ash provided us with some keywords that best describe the Midheaven in each sign—as well as some ideal careers for each Midheaven sign.
Aries Midheaven
- Ambitious
- Prideful
- Energetic
- Competitive
Ideal career paths: sports therapy, athlete, entrepreneur
Taurus Midheaven
- Cautious
- Money-driven
- Stable
- Practical
Ideal career paths: banker, lawyer, real estate agent
Gemini Midheaven
- Charming
- Communicative
- Social
- Curious
Ideal career paths: writer, social media manager, politician
Cancer Midheaven
- Nurturing
- Mindful
- Cooperative
- Clever
Ideal career paths: teacher, therapist, healer
Leo Midheaven
- Enthusiastic
- Creative
- Determined
- Eager
Ideal career paths: artist, performer, motivational speaker
Virgo Midheaven
- Perfectionist
- Responsible
- Teachable
- Tenacious
Ideal career paths: foreign language interpreter, scientist, professor
Libra Midheaven
- Friendly
- Balanced
- Cooperative
- Esteemed
Ideal career paths: interior designer, florist, wedding planner
Scorpio Midheaven
- Thorough
- Truthful
- Revolutionary
- Ethical
Ideal career paths: surgeon, private investigator, forensics
Sagittarius Midheaven
- Adventurous
- Inquisitive
- Knowledgeable
- Fearless
Ideal career paths: travel agent, flight attendant, ESL teacher
Capricorn Midheaven
- Powerful
- Serious
- Successful
- Commanding
Ideal career paths: financial advisor, property manager, CEO
Aquarius Midheaven
- Rebellious
- Witty
- Zealous
- Changemaker
Ideal career paths: activist, environmental scientist, engineer
Pisces Midheaven
- Encouraging
- Thoughtful
- Passionate
- Receptive
Ideal career paths: astrologer, author, musician
How to Find Midheaven
In order to locate your Midheaven, you’ll need to start with your birth chart. This section of the chart is located at the very top of your birth chart at the cusp of the 10th House. Ash says it’s roughly where 12 o’clock would sit if you’re looking at the chart like a clock.
FAQs
What House is the Midheaven in?
The Midheaven is located at the 10th House of business and career—which makes sense if you think about it!
How do you find out your Big 3 in astrology?
Your big 3 are considered your sun, moon, and rising signs. Your big 6 in astrology are considered your sun, moon, rising, Venus, Mars, and Mercury signs.
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Part of Fortune: Birth Chart, Signs, How to Find
Grand Cross Aspect: Meaning, Types, Zodiac Signs
Polarity in Astrology: Meaning and Opposite Signs
