What is the Vertex in Astrology and How Does it Relate to Fate and Interpersonal Relationships?
While examining the transit over my natal chart on the day of the Lunar Eclipse on May 5th, 2023, my friend and I were speculating about what it might indicate. Here's what we saw on my chart:
Vertex 15º Scorpio opposite Moon 15º Taurus
Lunar Eclipse Moon 14º Scorpio Sun 14º Taurus
Scorpio 6th House x Taurus 12th House
Pretty powerful, right? Interestingly, I've always had a Vertex exactly opposite my Moon on my chart, but this was the first time I really noticed it. With the Eclipse tightly lined up, it appeared especially significant to me, and I interpreted it as some kind of activation. But what exactly would be activated? And what significance of the "Vertex" in the first place? These questions were swirling around in my mind, so I decided to do some research.
The Vertex is a point in astrology that is associated with fate, destiny, and preordained events that cannot be changed through personal choice or free will.
The Vertex is usually located in the western hemisphere of the chart and relates to one’s external world, where their contacts and relationships with others become the central focus.
The Vertex represents the fated or destined “role” one plays as determined by various social and collective situations and, therefore, has to do with what others expect of them.
One cannot alter or change the results signified by the Vertex as they are determined by one’s past and are, hence, karmically connected to them.
The Vertex has to do with powerful attraction, desire, obsession, falling in love, family bonds, partnerships, friendships, karmic connections, and other significant interpersonal relationships.
It reveals how or why one is attracted to and forms meaningful connections with certain people without consciously trying to do so, and also what attracts others to them.
When the Vertex is activated, it can bring sudden shifts in our lives that may take us by surprise.
The Vertex may also put an individual in tense or uncomfortable situations, which allows them to learn to tackle such situations in the future, contributing to personal growth.
The Vertex provides an opportunity to develop something new — embracing it opens the path to progress, and not doing so results in stagnation.
The natal position of the Vertex and the planets connected to it through major aspectual relationships can help discern more information regarding its nature.
The Vertex is a vital consideration in synastry, and the Vertex/AntiVertex axis is given great importance at par with the Descendant while analyzing synastry charts.
The aspectual relationships that the Vertex forms with the planets, sensitive points, and other relevant celestial bodies in the charts of two individuals can say a lot about their compatibility, the reason they entered each other’s lives, and the potential and fate of their relationship.
The Vertex association in the charts of two individuals may point to a soulmate connection.
Such connections are not always meant to last, especially in karmic relationships (which usually involve a strong Saturn or lunar nodes link with the Vertex/AntiVertex axis), where two people are brought together to balance their karmic debts.
Every major aspectual relationship, namely, conjunctions, sextiles, squares, trines, and oppositions that the Vertex forms with the planets and sensitive points in the synastry chart, should be given due importance while interpreting its results.
So, if I describe in the few sentence: The Vertex represents a potent point in astrology, providing insight into an individual's fate and significant interpersonal relationships. It can bring about sudden and transformative shifts in one's life and, while it may put individuals in uncomfortable situations, it ultimately contributes to their personal growth. By understanding the Vertex and its activation, individuals can navigate their lives with greater awareness and purpose, tapping into the power of the universe to unlock their full potential.
Here are some resources related to Vertex:
Also, I like to put emphasize on: In a birth chart, vertex typically fall on the right side, in the 5th, 6th, 7th, or 8th house. While the left side reflects one's core self and personal matters, the right side reflects public-facing aspects of life and interactions with others. The ascendant, or rising sign, falls on the left side and represents the face one shows to the world, and the counterpart to the ascendant is the descendant, and the astrological vertex can be interpreted as a secondary or auxiliary descendant. Unlike your regular descendant, which relates to the types of relationships, and other people you're drawn to, the vertex relates to particular outside elements that we may attract to ourselves without even being aware of it. I see this as the native standing on the edge of facing the public (the vertex), with what is around the native in the real world being attracted to them. This is what others see and expect of the native. However, you are not seeing what others are seeing, as you can not see yourself from outside perspective until you consciously do so. So by examine the Vertex placement, you can gain the outside perspective to yourself.
With that said, here’s the point: The vertex is a critical point in an individual's astrological chart that can reveal important insights into how they are perceived by others, as well as how they appear to others. Additionally, the vertex can provide valuable information about the potential for significant encounters or relationships that may feel fated or karmic in nature. However, while the vertex can be an incredibly powerful force in an individual's life, it may not always be active. In fact, the energy of the vertex is often dormant in an individual's chart until it is activated through specific astrological transits or other significant events.
So, how do you activate your Vertex?: The Vertex can be activated by transits, people, or places, but most importantly by aspects made by transit planets to your natal Vertex or other planets/points that form important aspects with your Vertex.
The aspect that triggers the Vertex is essential to activate its energy. This aspect could be a conjunction, opposition, square, or trine. The type of aspect formed between the Vertex and the natal or transiting planet can provide valuable insights into the nature of the encounter or relationship that an individual may experience.
For example, if the Vertex is activated by a conjunction with the Sun, it may indicate a time of increased confidence or self-expression. If it is activated by a square with Mars, it could indicate a more challenging or confrontational encounter. In contrast, if it is activated by a trine with Venus, it could indicate a harmonious and pleasant encounter.
In certain cases, the activating energy may come from someone else in your vicinity. When you meet someone with their Sun, Moon, or Ascendant conjunct your Vertex, it can activate a sense of fate or destiny and create an instant connection in the relationship. Furthermore, the Vertex association in the charts of two individuals may point to a soulmate or karmic connection.
The Vertex can also be activated by going to certain places. When an individual travels to a place that is in alignment with their Vertex, it can activate a sense of fate or destiny and create an instant connection to the location. This could be a place that the individual has always felt drawn to or feels a deep sense of connection with.
Ok, then. Next question is; how to interpret your Vertex placement, right?: To interpret Vertex placement in the natal chart, it is important to consider the sign and house placement of the Vertex. The sign placement can provide insight into the themes and energies associated with an individual's fate and significant relationships, while the house placement can reveal where these energies are likely to manifest in an individual's life.
Here are some brief indications of Vertex in each 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th house:
5th House Vertex: Individuals with the Vertex in the 5th House may be fated to experience significant and transformative encounters related to creativity, self-expression, and the pursuit of pleasure. They may find themselves drawn to artistic or performance-based pursuits, and may be compelled to share their talents with others. The 5th House Vertex can indicate a strong desire for romance and love, as well as a deep need to connect with others through creative expression.
6th House Vertex: Individuals with the Vertex in the 6th House are destined to serve others. They may offer practical insights and constructive criticism, and may be compelled to accept criticism themselves. This placement may make them more satisfied with being in public life or running for local office. The 6th House Vertex may indicate a strong desire to bring spirituality into physical reality and may be expected to facilitate or teach esoteric practices.
7th House Vertex: Individuals with the Vertex in the 7th House may find themselves fated to experience significant and transformative encounters related to partnerships and relationships. They may be drawn to powerful and transformative relationships that challenge them to grow and evolve, or they may find themselves compelled to confront their deepest fears and insecurities through their relationships with others.
8th House Vertex: Individuals with the Vertex in the 8th House may be fated to experience significant and transformative encounters related to death, rebirth, and transformation, or occultism. They may find themselves drawn to intense and powerful experiences that force them to confront their deepest fears and insecurities, and may be compelled to explore the darker aspects of life. The 8th House Vertex can also indicate a strong interest in esoteric or occult subjects, as well as a deep desire for intimacy and connection.
Here are brief descriptions of the Vertex in each of the 12 zodiac signs:
Aries: Individuals with the Vertex in Aries may appear to be confident and assertive, and may encounter significant and transformative experiences related to leadership and taking risks. They may be drawn to pioneering pursuits, and may feel compelled to blaze their own trail. The Aries Vertex can indicate a strong desire for independence and recognition, as well as a deep need to be seen as accomplished.
Taurus: Individuals with the Vertex in Taurus may appear to be stable and grounded, and may encounter significant and transformative experiences related to material possessions, values, and self-worth. They may be drawn to luxurious or comfortable pursuits, and may feel compelled to build a stable and secure foundation for their lives. The Taurus Vertex can indicate a strong desire for stability and security, as well as a deep need to feel valued and appreciated by others.
Gemini: Individuals with the Vertex in Gemini may appear to be communicative and adaptable, and may encounter significant and transformative experiences related to learning, social connections, and intellectual pursuits. They may be drawn to a wide range of interests and ideas, and may feel compelled to explore and share their knowledge with others. The Gemini Vertex can indicate a strong desire for variety and stimulation, as well as a deep need to connect with others through conversation and exchange of ideas.
Cancer: Individuals with the Vertex in Cancer may appear to be nurturing and emotional, and may encounter significant and transformative experiences related to emotional security, family, and belonging. They may be drawn to domestic or caregiving pursuits, and may feel compelled to create a supportive and nurturing environment for themselves and their loved ones. The Cancer Vertex can indicate a strong desire for emotional connection and intimacy, as well as a deep need to feel a sense of belonging and attachment.
Leo: Individuals with the Vertex in Leo may appear to be creative and expressive, and may encounter significant and transformative experiences related to leadership, self-expression, and recognition. They may be drawn to artistic or performance-based pursuits, and may feel compelled to share their talents with others. The Leo Vertex can indicate a strong desire for admiration and self-expression, as well as a deep need to express their individuality and uniqueness.
Virgo: Individuals with the Vertex in Virgo may appear to be practical and service-oriented, and may encounter significant and transformative experiences related to health, work, and service. They may be drawn to analytical or detail-oriented pursuits, and may feel compelled to offer practical insights and constructive criticism. The Virgo Vertex can indicate a strong desire for order and organization, as well as a deep need to be of service to others.
Libra: Individuals with the Vertex in Libra may appear to be balanced and social, and may encounter significant and transformative experiences related to partnership, harmony, and aesthetics. They may be drawn to social or artistic pursuits, and may feel compelled to create aesthetically pleasing environments or experiences. The Libra Vertex can indicate a strong desire for connection and cooperation, as well as a deep need to feel a sense of balance and harmony in their lives.
Scorpio: Individuals with the Vertex in Scorpio may appear to be intense and transformative, and may encounter significant and transformative experiences related to power, control, and emotional depth. They may be drawn to situations that force them to confront their deepest fears and insecurities, and may struggle to find balance between their desire for emotional connection and their need for independence and self-sufficiency. The Scorpio Vertex can indicate a strong desire for transformation and rebirth, as well as a deep need to explore the darker aspects of life.
Sagittarius: Individuals with the Vertex in Sagittarius may appear to be adventurous and philosophical, and may encounter significant and transformative experiences related to travel, spirituality, and expansion. They may be drawn to intellectual or spiritual pursuits, and may feel compelled to explore new horizons and expand their understanding of the world. The Sagittarius Vertex can indicate a strong desire for freedom and adventure, as well as a deep need to connect with others through shared experiences and beliefs.
Capricorn: Individuals with the Vertex in Capricorn may appear to be ambitious and responsible, and may encounter significant and transformative experiences related to career, structure, and legacy. They may be drawn to career or leadership pursuits, and may feel compelled to establish a strong and enduring legacy for themselves. The Capricorn Vertex can indicate a strong desire for recognition and achievement, as well as a deep need to be seen as successful and accomplished.
Aquarius: Individuals with the Vertex in Aquarius may appear to be innovative and independent, and may encounter significant and transformative experiences related to progress, community, and ideals. They may be drawn to intellectual or social pursuits, and may feel compelled to challenge conventional thinking and create new systems or structures. The Aquarius Vertex can indicate a strong desire for individuality and innovation, as well as a deep need to connect with others through shared ideals and goals.
Pisces: Individuals with the Vertex in Pisces may appear to be mystical and creative, and may encounter significant and transformative experiences related to spirituality, imagination, and compassion. They may be drawn to artistic or mystical pursuits, and may feel compelled to explore the depths of their own subconscious and emotional worlds. The Pisces Vertex can indicate a strong desire for connection and transcendence, as well as a deep need to find meaning and purpose in their lives beyond the material world.
Continue to series number 2: Lunar Eclipse Activation