In astrology, IC stands for Imum Coeli, a crucial point in a birth chart that represents the "bottom of the sky" and is associated with one's foundations and roots.
Understanding the IC (Imum Coeli)
The Imum Coeli, often abbreviated as IC, is derived from Latin, meaning "bottom of the sky." It is a fundamental angle in astrology, opposite the Midheaven (MC), and provides insights into our innermost self.
Astronomical Definition
The IC is an astronomical point with precise coordinates:
- It is the point in space where the ecliptic crosses the meridian in the north.
- It is located exactly opposite the Midheaven (MC) on the zodiac wheel.
Astrological Significance
In a natal chart, the IC holds deep astrological significance:
- Fourth House Cusp: In most house systems, the IC marks the cusp of the Fourth House. This house traditionally governs:
- Home and family life
- Ancestry and heritage
- Roots, private self, and inner emotional world
- The very foundations of one's being
- Hemisphere Reversal: It's important to note that while it typically marks the Fourth House cusp, this is reversed in the Southern Hemisphere.
The IC, being the deepest and most private angle of the chart, represents our comfort zone, the place we retreat to, and the unconscious influences inherited from our family or early environment. It is the bedrock upon which our personality and public life (represented by the Midheaven) are built.
For more detailed information, refer to the Imum Coeli entry on Wikipedia.
