We have measured the V 2p(3/2) and O 1s X-ray absorption spectra of single crystal V2O5 and V6O13 and compared to linear combinations of atomic orbitals (LCAO) density of slates (DOS) calculations. The spectra change dramatically with incident angle. The use of polarized light and a single crystal limits the number of transitions possible, revealing spectral features that cannot be resolved on polycrystals (angle-integrated). The measured O 1s and V 2p(3/2) spectra agree with the projected unoccupied O 2p and V 3d DOS, respectively, indicating that atomic and solid state effects, including V-O hybridization, must be included to describe adequately the spectra.