What Is Cardinal Points Astrology?

The four cardinal points in your birth chart (Ascendant, Descendant, Mid heaven, Nadir) have a strong influence on various aspects of an individual’s life.

When you see the sky, you can see around 180 degrees. The remaining 180 degrees is below your feet. The point where the sky touches the earth or appears to be in the East is called Horizon. And the exact point where the sun rises in the east is called Ascendant. The point where the sun sets in the west is called Descendant.

The point directly above, where the sun is at mid-day is called Midheaven. This Midheaven is called Medium Coeli in Latin. The point directly below, where the sun would be during midnight is called Nadir. This is also called as Imum Coeli. This Ascendant, Descendant, Medium Coeli and Imum Coeli are the four cardinal points in an astrology chart.

Astrologers believe that these angles are crucial and important in a person’s life.  A person’s Ascendant is the zodiac sign that rises during his birth time. Thus, it is an important factor in determining the course of his life, from birth. This Ascendant or rising sign is also called as Lagna in Vedic astrology.  

Based on the planets in your ascendant and the zodiac sign, your past, present and future and also your marriage predictions are determined. Your wealth, position in society, health, prosperity and even a specific event can be determined based on your ascendant characteristics.

The effect of zodiac sign on a ascendant can be classified based on the elements associated with the zodiac. Aries, Leo and Sagittarius which are fire signs are noted for their energy, enthusiasm and optimism. When you are born in a zodiac with water association like Cancer, Scorpio or Pisces, then you might be exhibiting your intuition, feelings and emotions. Air signs like Gemini, Libra and Aquarius are famous for their communication skills and earth signs like Taurus, Virgo sign and Capricorn are noted for their practicality and security.

Descendant Sign is the opposite sign to the Ascendant and is the zodiac sign in the western horizon where the Sun sets. Descendant is the seventh sign in your horoscope. The Descendant sign predicts about your passionate lovers and romantic relationships.

The Midheaven or Medium Coeli also plays an important role in your life. The zodiac signs and planets that occupy the Midheaven during your birth determine your career, status, aim in life, public reputation and your goal. Because of the spherical shape of the earth, the span of Midheaven varies for different levels of latitude.

Imum Coeli or Nadir is the opposite of Midheaven. Imum coeli is the fourth zodiac sign and represents your foundation, new beginnings in life and your relationships with home and family life. It may also describe your different experiences in life.

The four cardinal points in your horoscope thus provide you with a roadmap for the future.