The MC or Ζenith or Medium Coeli (from the Latin medium coeli, meaning “middle of the heavens”) or Midheaven, is the second in significance -but equally important- point in a horoscope as is the Ascendant (ASC). The Midheaven is the highest point on the ecliptic and in your chart. It doesn’t determine your talents, but it affects your public persona and influences the approach you take to authority, status, and career. The M.C. also says a lot about one of your parents. Which one? Some astrologers think it refers to the father, others to the opposite-sex parent, and others to the most influential parent. You choose.
In many systems the MC coincides with the Tenth House’s cusp, and symbolises the native’s identification with the qualities of the sign occupying the cusp. This does not mean that someone becomes that sign, but that his expectations are in accordance with that sign.
If the Ascendant is the image we are projecting as individuals, the MC emphasises our inclusion and integration into society. By extension, the Midheaven is our public image and reputation. The identification of MC with the 10th House and, by extension, the quality of Capricorn, shows us also the ability to understand the rules of society and laws and to abide by them. We also see if we can discipline ourselves, if we are responsible, if we can take responsibility, if we respect structure and order. Through the MC, we can see our aspirations and how we can conquer them.
The Midheaven affects our attitude toward career. Through our career, we define our Ego and we project our value to the whole. We also express our aspirations, our deepest needs and desires. The MC and the sign that occupies the cusp denotes the profession that suits us best, and makes us useful to society.
The MC also shows the relationship we have with the archetype of the Father, and by extension all those people who have prestige or power. The identification we have with the Father’s archetype is relative. In truth, the identification is made with the person who has brought us up. Many astrologers believe that the identification is made with the opposite gender from us.
In a cosmic sense, the MC depicts how we contribute to the world’s betterment as we transcend our Ego, our personal development through the Ascendant, thus integrating our individuality in the grand total. The reason that the MC is the second most important point of a horoscope, is that in Western societies the uniqueness of the individual‘s character is more projected, rather than the collective. But, through the MC among the collective, we can experience the fulfilment of our soul and heart's utmost desires.
Finally, we place great importance on the planet that rules the MC. When using the Equal house system, we emphasise the house in which it falls.
When the MC is activated, either by transits or through the progression of the planets, then we usually have significant changes in a person's life.
Let's see what a person seeks according to the sign on the MC:
Aries Midheaven: You have a daring attitude toward your career. You respond to a challenge and are most jazzed when you’re launching a new endeavour. You don’t mind taking a risk. What you do mind is being powerless. Being your own boss is your best move. You're ambitious and you have great ideas on how to promote your career. You want to succeed at all costs and make a name for you in the field you have chosen. It is possible that at a young age you can choose or have chosen for yourself to follow a profession that isn’t/ weren’t for you.
You have the strength and desire to get involved in a work where tools are required (factories, industries, etc.). You can also make a career in the army and/or security forces.
Taurus Midheaven: Security matters. You need to do something tangible in your career — and whatever it is, you need to receive substantial rewards. Fortunately, you have the stamina to make it happen.
You have the ability to make money, so working in banks, real estate agencies, financial institutions and enterprises suits you best. Also you can follow a profession with artistic connotation. You’re interested in whatever causes pleasure to the public, or, whatever has to do with beauty.
Gemini Midheaven: In your career, you require diversity, intellectual stimulation, and the ability to fulfil your curiosity. Writing is favoured, as is anything involving other forms of communication. You also benefit from the chance to take frequent jaunts out of the office. You don’t need to go far — you just need to go out. It is highly probable you’ll be successful at a young age, especially if you associate with professions that utilise your verbal or written abilities. Your wish is to be recognized for your intellect. You are comfortable working on two tasks simultaneously. You can excel in professions where you can use your mind and your hands.
Since communication is important to you, you can easily excel in the field of Communications.
Cancer Midheaven: You need a career where you can use your intuition and make emotional connections. Your stated purpose may be to provide security for your family, but you also need to be involved in the wider community and to receive recognition from authority figures there. Though you seek a stable and secure career, there is a nervousness that leads to many changes and ups and downs in your professional life.
With the MC in Cancer you excel in professions relating to public caretaking, and that is possible because you can perceive their needs. It is also possible to have a career in professions involving children and their care. In addition, you can excel in business that provide services to the public.
Leo Midheaven: Because you believe you have a destiny to fulfil, you will seek opportunities for leadership or to be the best in your field of work. You have great professional ambitions, which you want to combine with public recognition. It is very difficult for you to work under the supervision of someone else or being a simple member of a group. Your pride is on the line here, so the more acknowledgment you receive for your professional efforts, the happier you will be.
You need a career that provides room for creative expression. Therefore a career in stardom (as an actor, actress, etc. etc.) or in fashion business suits you. You can also be great in professions relating to children.
Virgo Midheaven: Whatever your career (or community activities) may be, you succeed because you do your homework and pay attention to the small stuff. You work hard, and people come to rely on you. You enjoy a steady work routine and you like very much to perfect whatever you do. Your aspiration is to be an expert in your field of work. Your trademarks are integrity and a sense of duty. There are times that you become that person who works for someone else so he can look good at what he does. Also, you may feel that you don’t receive the recognition you deserve.
With the analytical mind you have, you can easily excel as a researcher, writer, teacher, librarian, public servant or in health professions.
Libra Midheaven: You want a pleasant, rational career that enables you to balance your public and private lives. Ideally, you’d enjoy a career in the arts or one that includes plenty of socialising. You easily attract people who can help you reach your goals. You are a serious, measured, diplomatic person, with an insistence on order and the proper observance of the rules governing the subject of your work. You are competent and you take up a managerial position or a position of power, where decisions are very measured and weighed. You can excel in the social arena, in art, in legal professions or wherever diplomacy is necessary. You are lucky in professional collaborations and partnerships. You can also be business partners with your mate.
Scorpio Midheaven: You gravitate toward a career that offers you the opportunity to feel intensely and perhaps to exercise authority. Once you set your mind on a goal, you’re determined to achieve it. But you can tie yourself in knots over the emotional complexity of your world, and you’re always aware of the political undercurrents. You have a strong need to be recognized for your value, both professional and public. You can thoroughly investigate any subject you are into, so you can become an excellent researcher. Probably, at some point in your life, you will change jobs. To lead from positions of power and exercise control over your subordinates, is what success means for you.
You excel in areas such as psychology, criminology, and managing the financial assets for third parties.
Sagittarius Midheaven: You’re happiest with a career that offers independence, the opportunity to broaden your mental horizons, and plenty of frequent-flyer miles. There is a great need for expansion, especially in areas where knowledge plays an important role. You love to learn new things and you love to research. Within your profession or community, you’re known for your high ideals and powerful beliefs. You have a tendency to idealise the people you work with (or for). And although you benefit from your encounters with authority figures, they may rub you the wrong way anyway. Usually you're very lucky, thus obtaining recognition and reputation, both in business and in your social circle.
You can excel as a teacher, counsellor, spiritual guide, priest, journalist, linguist, writer, photographer, filmmaker and theatre-man.
Capricorn Midheaven: Reliable and ambitious, you’re willing to do whatever is necessary to achieve the success you wish for. Major responsibilities regularly end up on your salad plate. Secretly, you’re complimented by the responsibility. To maintain optimism, you need clear signs of progress — things like promotions, raises, and a corner office with a ficus tree. You project the image of a serious and decisive person that deserves respect. Usually success comes in old age. You have endurance, and through slow but sure steps you will be successful whatever you want. It is very likely to experience problems with your father or to have lived a troubled relationship with him.
Professions that you can follow are: farmer, businessman, politician. You do well in a corporate environment.
Aquarius Midheaven: Your attitude toward career and community is unconventional and unique — and so is your ideal career. You demonstrate an original and inventive approach to career and work. Because your skills are utterly unique, your ideal job is shaped to you personally. You do well in forward-looking, progressive areas that provide benefits to the public. You may want to offer new and unique ideas to the world. In general, you tend to deal with public life and you may get involved in some humanitarian work.
You would be great following a career in science, aviation, electricity, computers, new technology and astrology. You can excel in any occupation that involves technology, like an electrician.
Pisces Midheaven: It is very difficult for you to decide what you want to do in your life. Though you have a picture of how high you want to reach, you lack practicality in achieving your ambitions. You can succeed in many areas, so there is a natural swing between one idea to the next. Compassion and/or imagination determine your career choices. Either way, your intuition and psychic abilities guide you.
Health professions are ideal for you. Other careers you may want to follow are professions related to religion, in cinema, in theatre, in music and in literature.
