Vertex & Antivertex

[Jim Eshelman]

[This is from a section of a new book, currently in process; but I thought it was worth posting as a stand-alone instruction. This section applies only to natal charts]

…the supreme fact of astrology is that the mundane structure of any horoscope has a modifying effect on the intensity of all planetary forces… It is only in the zones centering around the three basic great circles (horizon, meridian, and prime vertical) that the inhibiting pressures are relieved or removed.

This quote from Donald Bradley (writing as Garth Allen in the September 1957 American Astrology) returns our attention to the elegant three-ringed framework [of horizon, meridian, and prime vertical]. Major angles form from these interlocking, mutually perpendicular great circles.

However, our use of that elegant “three-ringed circus” has been incomplete thus far. Although the horizon and meridian constitute the four major angles, we have not yet used the prime vertical in the same way.

As the horizon forms the Ascendant-Descendant axis, and the meridian forms the MC-IC axis, the western and eastern halves of the prime vertical (respectively) are called Vertex and Antivertex. The name Vertex is adapted from prime vertical.

Given the presumed equality of these interlocking great circles, one of astrology’s head-scratching puzzles is why angles based on the prime vertical are not equal to those based on the horizon and meridian. They are not equal (based on both statistical research and chart-by-chart examination) – and we should wonder why they are not.

Vertex, Antivertex, and their ecliptical squares (which are the longitudes of the horizon’s Northpoint and Southpoint, the poles of the prime vertical) have only slight effect. In areas of astrology highly reliant on angles and foreground placement, they are of no use at all (such as return charts or ingresses). Even in natal astrology, if you ignore these points entirely, you will rarely miss anything important (and it is easy to tell the charts where you can benefit from paying attention to them). However, for a complete view, you need to know about them and where they do have occasional voice.

Zodiacally, Vertex is defined as the point where the ecliptic intersects the prime vertical on the western half of the sky. Antivertex is the opposite point on the eastern half of the PV. The western half received the primary name this time because Charles A. Jayne, one of the earliest researchers of the Vertex, thought it was the more powerful end.

Yet, as with the horizon and meridian, we do not expect the ecliptical position of the Vertex axis to be important. Like the horizon and meridian, we expect Vertex and Antivertex contacts to work mundanely.

This expectation seems confirmed in practice. For years, I included Vertex in all charts and thought its contacts important within an orb of about 3°. However, they were inconsistent and unreliable. When I finally began calculating Vertex contacts mundanely, they were stronger and clearer. Because planets on Vertex and Antivertex mundanely often cannot be discerned from Vertex’s longitude, I found surprises.

We measure Vertex and Antivertex mundane contacts in azimuth, the longitude-like coordinate around the horizon. As the western half of the prime vertical, Vertex is equivalent to due west (azimuth 270°) and Antivertex to due east (azimuth 90°).

Finding mundane Vertex-Antivertex contacts is easy: Just scan the azimuth column in a chart’s data table looking for planets within 3° of azimuth 90° or 270°. I no longer put Vertex on the chart itself: Since mundane contacts are often completely invisible in longitude, the longitude is of little use.

As an example, consider the horoscope of retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, who was born August 15, 1938, 7:40 AM, San Francisco, CA. Vertex (Vx) in his 6th House is (at 3°20' Aqu) less than a degree in longitude from Jupiter (4°06' Aqu). This is fine symbolism for a notable, respected jurist. However, this ecliptical view misses most of the action along the Vertex axis. Looking at the azimuth column of his chart’s data table, we see (remembering that Vertex is azimuth 270° and Antivertex 90°):

268°33' Jupiter
89°53' Mercury
91°33' Sun
92°34' Mars

Justice Breyer was not merely a judge. For 18 years he served as one of nine members of the highest court in the nation. Besides Jupiter on Vertex, these azimuth positions show Sun, Mercury, and Mars closely conjoined (near Antivertex) opposite Jupiter (on Vertex). Look back at the ecliptical nativity: Their longitudes are not near the 3°20' Leo Antivertex. Mercury’s involvement with Sun-Mars was unsuspected. This becomes even clearer if we display Breyer’s chart in azimuth positions, similar to the mundoscope.

This seems much more the chart of a U.S. Supreme Court justice.

[Jim Eshelman]

Valid Vertex-Antivertex contacts seem not to wander more than 3° in azimuth from the prime vertical. Their effects seem modestly expressive in natal charts. They also seem to have characteristics distinctive from horizon or meridian placements.

Antivertex and Vertex seem, respectively, analogous to Ascendant and Descendant regarding angular-specific life areas. Like Ascendant and Descendant, these specializations are minor characteristics. Although azimuth aspects overall have not proven significant in defining character, those between planets within 3° of the Vertex axis seem quite expressive, operating similarly to active parans.

NOTE: Mundane aspects form between one planet on the PV and another simultaneously on the meridian or horizon. As these resemble active parans on the meridian and horizon, I call them prime vertical parans (PVP). Although confirmed as important in Sidereal solar and lunar ingress charts, these have not yet been found important in natal charts. See the Mundane Astrology sections of the forum for elaboration.

Although Vertex-Antivertex contacts usually are evident in nativities, they are most obvious in natal charts with no planets in the immediate foreground.

A distinctive mark of Vertex or Antivertex planets is unconsciousness associated with their expression. Planets on Antivertex, for instance, commonly describe how a person behaves in the world and toward others but – unlike Ascendant or Eastpoint contacts – the person usually is oblivious to it. For example, people with Saturn on Antivertex often have no idea that others experience them as controlling and rigid. Those with Venus on Antivertex usually miss how easily they charm and attract others.

Recognition of this unconsciousness theme began with early conclusions about Vertex by Charles Jayne, who did the most original work investigating Vertex. Jayne concluded that Vertex and Antivertex show fated things. My worldview does not include fate in the sense of an outside force compelling circumstances or events without our own choice or contribution. However, trusting Jayne’s observations, we can easily credit things that seem fated to unconscious causation, which matches observations of unconscious expression described above.

This interpretation of unconsciousness also matches the mathematical fact that Vertex and Antivertex often fall outside the foreground, and thus away from zones of maximum awareness. Vertex can fall anywhere in the western hemisphere, commonly in the 5th, 6th, 7th, or 8th House.

[Jim Eshelman]

Because their behavior is so different from the major angles, we should not call these points angles. Even their occasional inclusion among “minor angles” is a bad idea because they neither act like Zenith, Nadir, Eastpoint, and Westpoint nor fit the minor angle definition.

To understand their differences, we need to examine how the horizon, meridian, and prime vertical differ. Ironically, while Vertex-related angles seem lesser compared to the four major angles, this is likely because the PV is the most fundamental of the three great circles.

As you likely already know, we measure the foreground-background gradient (measurement of the relative angularity of planets) along the prime vertical. Therefore, proximity to the PV cannot be a determinant of angularity.

In fact, the prime vertical ranks similarly to the ecliptic in overall importance. Besides being the framework of angularity, the PV is the only reference circle besides the ecliptic in which aspects work consistently and reliably. If houses objectively exist, it is because the prime vertical divides mundane space into 12 equal areas the same way the ecliptic divides celestial space into 12 equal areas.

Why does the prime vertical have this premier role compared to the horizon and meridian? We already have distinguished the meridian and horizon as relating, respectively, to I and thou, i.e., to the vertical experience of oneself as an individual (subjective) and the horizontal experience of the surrounding environment and relationship (objective). These ideas rise as collective metaphors from our shared experience of self and surroundings. As part of the same geometric system, the prime vertical would correspond either to a third, unidentified vector of this binary axis or to a fusion of the I-thou experiences; or it would remain outside that polarity.

In terms of human experience from primitive times forward, what is most unique about the prime vertical is that – unlike the horizon and meridian – it does not intuitively divide the sky. The horizon easily divides the sky, separating what is above it from what is below. The meridian divides the sky by distinguishing objects rising into the open sky from those that have begun to set or withdraw. However, the prime vertical does not split the heavens in an intuitive way obvious to either primitive or modern minds. Even though it passes overhead always, there is no obvious experience that planets or stars on the southern half of the sky are different from those on the northern half.

The horizon and meridian visibly, obviously, intuitively, and reasonably divide the universe into halves, serving as landmarks or borders of change in ourselves and our surroundings. This leaves the prime vertical to measure the gradients of that change.

L. Edward Johndro, who discovered Vertex, was an electrical engineer. He drew analogies of the meridian, horizon, and prime vertical to gravity, magnetism, and electricity, respectively. The first two are obvious comparisons: The axis from Zenith to Nadir is literally the vector of strongest gravitational pull; and the meridian corresponds to what anchors us and grants gravitas. Equating magnetism to attractions and repulsions of human relationships is equally obvious. This leaves only the analogy of electricity to the prime vertical. (Johndro’s original name for Vertex was “electrical Ascendant.”) Though the Vertex has little evident amperage itself, the prime vertical as a whole indeed manages the conductance and resistance of planetary expression, figuratively delivering power to all parts of the chart.

[SteveS]

Jim, my memory fails me. Who was the astrological author who wrote about the Vertex having a-lot to do with fated events? Do you remember the title of his book writing about the vertex? Thanks

[Jim Eshelman]

Jim, my memory fails me. Who was the astrological author who wrote about the Vertex having a-lot to do with fated events? Do you remember the title of his book writing about the vertex? Thanks

Charles Jayne. No, I'm not sure if there was a book (maybe) - I just knew from talking with him over the years at conventions and seeing one astrologer after another refer to his work.

This, by one of his students, might be of interest: https://www.uraniatrust.org/celebrated- ... rles-jayne
Jayne was to Johndro as Johndro was to Gann.

[SteveS]

Thanks Jim!!! Yes, very interesting! Do you know how Jayne calculated these directions:? Vertex Arc Directions (Difference between the natal and progressed vertex)
I don’t quite understand these Arc Directions between the natal and progressed vertex.
Jayne wrote:

The Vertex
Jayne once received a letter from Johndro explaining his work with the newly-developed electrical ascendant. Jayne tested this new point by running solar arcs to it. He concluded that the opposite point in the zodiac was more sensitive. Johndro followed this conclusion with more testing and found Jayne's finding to be accurate.

Today, we know this point as the vertex. Jayne felt that this point was fated and represented matters beyond our control.

Exactly the way I feel with my 8H Vertex!!! The most impactful psychological phase for my entire life! If anyone knows of any of Jayne’s or Johndro’s written work with the Vertex, please let me know, thanks.

The discovery of the vertex was based upon his GEM dynamic field theory where G stands for gravity, E for electrical, and M for magnetism. The meridian and the midheaven correlated to gravity, the electrical ascendant (antivertex-vertex axis) to electricity, and the ascendant and horizon to magnetism.

WTF???

He was a master of rectification, practicing for over 50 years. He once said that one could become an excellent astrologer by accurately rectifying 50 horoscopes. Charles believed that all horoscopes should be rectified. He and Eleanor Heseltine rectified batches of horoscopes and concluded that solar arc and declination arc were the most accurate techniques for doing so.

I have long known that solar arc directions are the best to use by the accounts of specialists for rectifications, but never heard of “declination arcs”???

Jayne's book on progressions and directions is still a landmark work.

I want to study this book.
Jayne's books are available from the American Federation of Astrologers, 6535 S. Rural Rd. Tempe, AZ 85282-0901, USA. Cycles Research has begun to re-publish his In Search magazine (billmeridian.com).
I will look into these outlets.
Thanks again Jim.

[Jim Eshelman]

I don’t quite understand these Arc Directions between the natal and progressed vertex.

First you have decide at what rate the primary angles progress, e.g., Naibod RA. I don't know what Jayne used but would guess he used that.

Then - much like the theory of Solar Arcs - in Vertex Arcs everything in the chart progresses at the same rate as progressed Vertex. (However, the passage you quoted was about using Solar Arcs.)

The discovery of the vertex was based upon his GEM dynamic field theory where G stands for gravity, E for electrical, and M for magnetism. The meridian and the midheaven correlated to gravity, the electrical ascendant (antivertex-vertex axis) to electricity, and the ascendant and horizon to magnetism.

WTF???

This was a Johndro thing. I have my own interpretation of it. The analogies aren't bad. (They probably aren't what Johndro intended.)

I have no trouble associating the horizon (Ascendant-Descendant) with magnetism, since its connection to relationships is all about attraction and repulsion.

I have no trouble associating gravity with the meridian because its two poles do relate to our personal center of gravity (IC) or to our sense of gravitas (MC).

This leaves electricity and the prime vertical. Since the actual apparent power of the planets (proximity to meridian or horizon) is measured along the prime vertical, this seems to make the PV the framework of power (or expressiveness) itself: Of how much juice (electricity) each planet has.

My thoughts, not particularly how Johndro (an electrical engineer) explained it.

[SteveS]

That is most interesting analogies Jim. I have never looked at any of my standard Solar Arcs with my r Vertex until just now. I note on July 8 1985 a day that began the worst 1 year time in my entire life, my r Vertex was d partile cnj my r Saturn. Then in a few months it became exact which was very near the peak of the worst time period in my life. This whole time period had a tremendous heavy feel of a “fated” event in my life with me having absolutely no control over the matters at hand.

I really don’t know how to use the vertex with a Natal Chart but I do know I was born with my r Vertex in the 8H and for sure the most heavy fated psychological feelings I have ever felt in my life comes from keywords symbolism of the 8H. But also very important both my lights are involved with partile aspects with planets in the 8H as well as my r Jupiter with partile aspect with 8H Mars. The more I ponder my recent studies with the Vertex point the more intrigued I become with my r Vertex.

[SteveS]

I have ordered Jayne's book on progressions and solar arcs, only 14 $ from Amazon. Not expecting a-lot but I like to read the opinions from him since he has been praised by other astrologers.

[SteveS]

I just finished reading my first book by Charles A. Jayne, “Progressions and Directions.” Jayne mentions a couple of times in a positive light the technical work of Cyril Fagan. I was very impressed with Jayne’s mention of his team researching 2,500 timed birth charts with his different mathematical types of directions and also his research work with the Vertex. I really don’t understand the exact math behind his directions methods, but I find em most interesting for possible precision work.

But, based on my on Natal I was really impressed where Jayne stated:

The Vertex refers to the role or function of the individual and those factors in the life that are completed fated and it relates the individual to the group and is the least personal of the three angles.

This Vertex statement by Jayne absolutely nailed my 8H symbolism with my 8H Vertex and the aspects with my 8H Mars, it aroused my curiosity. I understand that Sidereal Astrology frowns on this type delineation, but I am most curious hearing from other members who may have one or more of the malefics---Mars, Saturn, Neptune, and Pluto in the same House as their Vertex. Campanus Houses please. As a general rule the Vertex will fall in the 5th, 6th, 7th or 8th House and I think is associated with the chart point due east, somewhat interesting to me since the ancients placed so much emphasis on the due east rising point. Thanks

[Jim Eshelman]

It's die west. (TuecAnt8vertex is die east)

[SteveS]

Thanks Jim

[SteveS]

Correction: I errantly wrote about Vertex:

...and I think it is associated with the chart point due east,

Jim corrected me---Vertex due west.

[SteveS]

I have been studying Charles Jayne book “Progressions and Directions” for only a couple of days, along with going to the internet to endeavor to understand Jayne's methodology using certain new unique Arc Directions. One of his new unique Arc Directions was Vertex Arc Directions which was strongly correlated by Jayne's intense research to have much to do with very significant “fated” life events. Of course any new person becoming a President has to have something to do with “fate”...

If I understand properly, Jayne stated these new type of directed arcs (Vertex Arc Directions) with main life events should show near exact Arc hits to the planets in the Natal Chart, if the birth-time is accurate. Jayne used his new Arc Directions for rectification purposes with his life works, no different really the way most rectification astrologers, including Jayne, used the standard Solar Arc for rectifications.

Below is a link to Harris Vertex Arc Direction method for Harris Natal Chart to Election Day Nov 5th 2024, it is most interesting to my mind.

https://ibb.co/q5Wf4X9

Note this: Harris Vertex Arc Direction of her Natal Pluto is exact conjunct her Natal Sun 0,33 Lib, or very near exact her Full Moon.

COSI “Probable Manifestation” for Sun-Pluto combos:

Sudden advancement in life, ability to establish and consolidates one's own position as a leader.

Jayne says from his book:

“The distance from the natal or radical Vertex to the directed Vertex is the vertical arc. The vertical arc was discovered by me.”

Solar Fire computes all of Jayne's unique original new arcs developed by the research of Jayne's and his research team. From what I understand very little written material of his brilliant research leaked out from his inner circle---research team, but in the last few years new publications of his books are appearing.

Jayne writes from his book:

The significance of the Vertex has been much neglected in astrology.

Jim has recently developed his own PVP aspects with mundane planets closely conjunct the Vertex axis, which is yielding excellent symbolism in mundane astrology.

[SteveS]

Jim wrote:

No, I'm not sure if there was a book (maybe) - I just knew from talking with him over the years at conventions and seeing one astrologer after another refer to his work. This, by one of his students, might be of interest:

https://www.uraniatrust.org/celebrated- ... rles-jayne

Jim, I wanted to thank you again for hooking me up with the above link. I have been studying Jayne's two books and they are becoming a significent astrological discovery for me, particularly with my natal chart.