THE VERTEX
THE VERTEX POINT
The Vertex is a sensitive point in an astrological chart that represents the intersection of the ecliptic and the prime vertical in the west. The prime vertical is the great circle on the celestial sphere passing perpendicular to the horizon, intersecting the ecliptic in its east and west points.
The Vertex is the point of intersection in the west and, thus, is opposite the point of intersection in the east, known as the AntiVertex. The Vertex is usually located on the western side of the chart in the vicinity of the Descendant, namely the fifth, sixth, seventh, or eighth houses. However, in rare cases, its position can shift to the fourth or ninth house, depending on the birth location.
The Vertex in astrology, similar to the Ascendant, is a time-sensitive point, and hence, the accuracy of birth data is crucial to determining its position. The discovery of the Vertex and AntiVertex is attributed to two famous astrologers of the last century, Lorne Edward Johndro and Charles Jayne, who discovered it independently. Johndro emphasized the “electrical” nature of the Vertex and believed it to be the most fated point in a chart.
The Vertex is a much-debated topic within the astrology community, and not every astrologer incorporates it in their readings; some may even consider it counterintuitive, primarily because its interpretation is based on the premise that one has no control over the things signified by the Vertex.
The Vertex is associated with concepts like fate, destiny, karma, and preordained events that cannot be altered by one’s personal choice or free will. However, some astrologers consider the Vertex a necessity that, when activated, enables one to bring forth the qualities crucial to their personal growth. Because Vertex is usually located in the western hemisphere of the chart, it relates to one’s external world, where their contacts and relationships with others become the central focus. Accordingly, the Vertex is sometimes referred to as an auxiliary Descendant and is an essential consideration in synastry.
Significance of the Vertex in Astrology
In an astrological chart, 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
It can be thought of as a doorway or gate between our conscious awareness and our subconscious selves, a gateway to new opportunities or experiences in life. It can also signify powerful karmic connections that may have been dormant until activated by this point. When the Vertex is activated, it can bring sudden shifts in our lives that may take us by surprise. It can also indicate a time when a powerful connection to someone else may arise or be awakened.
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 events triggered by the Vertex activation involve other people and usually accompany significant incidents that may affect one’s life balance depending on its natal position, aspects, and other astrological variables.
For instance, individuals with the Vertex in Virgo/sixth house of service, job, routine, and health might indicate that the native is expected to be service-oriented and capable of offering practical insights and constructive criticism. They might be put in situations where they are compelled to accept criticism, incorporate order and healthy habits into their lives and build their reasoning faculties and self-worth, enabling them to develop a healthy sense of self. However, any efforts to resist these impulses and row against the flow may lead to self-sabotaging behaviors and feelings of worthlessness.
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: Synastry, Progressions, and Transits
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 connections are usually sudden, unexpected, and even life-changing for some, and they are brought together for a reason.
The Vertex association in the charts of two individuals may point to a soulmate connection. However, 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.
For instance, the Vertex conjunct Mercury in the synastry chart might indicate that the things signified by Mercury played a role in bringing them together, and they both find it easy to get their ideas across. The transition from friendship or partnership to something more can be slow and is highly dependent on the sign placements and other aspects. A beneficial aspect of Venus to this conjunction can speed up things a bit and very likely develop into a romantic relationship. In contrast, an aspect of Mars is unlikely to do much good long-term.
The progressions and transits of planets influencing the Vertex might indicate fatal encounters and sometimes once-in-a-lifetime meetings that have the potential to change one’s life forever. This could mean an unexpected meeting with someone having complementary perspectives and ideas that, in many ways, can make the native feel more complete and fulfilled. For instance, the transiting Jupiter conjunct the natal Vertex in the 5th house in an individual’s chart might indicate an encounter with someone who takes up the role of a guide or mentor, who helps them to nurture positivity and self-belief, channel their creative energy and recognize opportunities. Generally, it can be a period of expansion and growth that enhances the native’s luck in romantic affairs and the quality of interpersonal relationships.