Ascendant

What is the Ascendant in Astrology

Ascendant

Your Rising Sign, otherwise known as an Ascendant, is the Zodiac Sign that was rising on the eastern horizon at the moment you were born. It can be abbreviated on a birth chart as ASC or AS. When you know the time you were born, your Ascendant Sign can be calculated to the exact degree.

It is believed that if the Ascendant falls closer to the beginning of the Sign, the stronger the effects will be felt in the individual. This is also held to be true if the Sun is in a weak position in the birth chart (such as if the individual was born at night). It is also thought to be weaker when the individual is born towards the end of the Sign's Ascendancy, just before the next Sign appears.

At times, your rising sign may act as a mask, hiding some aspect of your inner self you don't feel like revealing. Your Ascendant sign describes your temperament, your outward mannerisms and behavior, the personality you put on public display. It is the part of yourself you are most willing for other people to see in casual, impersonal situations. Changes here will explain why even people born on the same day as you will have very different personalities, different strengths and interests, and different life experiences.

Because the Ascendant Sign is specific to the time and place of the individual birth, it represents the environment and conditioning a person may be influenced by during their childhood and is considered as important and significant as the Sun and Moon Signs, because all other aspects on the chart are filtered through this Sign.

The Ascendant is said to be the mask one wears in public. It is the first impression we make when we meet new people. Often, if you are confused at how others have described you, it is because they are describing this aspect of your personality. The Ascendant takes part in your appearance and personality, going as far as influencing physical characteristics sometimes. The Sign becomes expressed in your image, style and mannerisms. It is also expressed in how you act. Some astrologists theorize that the Sign becomes weaker after a person reaches 30 years of age, as their confidence grows in who they are.

Your Ascendant indicates how we "appear" others, their first impression, and also your personal image, and how you would like to be noticed. Therefore the traits of the Sign of Awakening are more evident than the features of the sign of the Sun during the first meeting. It's what people see for the first time on the surface, and it's the "mask" we wear in public or the facade we hide behind. Although deep down we are really more like our solar sign, this takes more time to become obvious.

Astrological explanations based on each ascendant

Aries people are direct and fast. They work on instinct rather than on planning. They have a young and direct way of acting. Their problem begins when you simply charge forward without any consideration.

Taureans are slow and steady. They have a great resistance and resilience. They are very practical in life and play safe before making any new decisions. However, they do not like a change in their life.

Gemini sees the world as a place of learning. Communication is their strength and they are always curious about the people around them. However, at times, they are restless, quick to express and impatient.

Cancers are kind, familiar and very sensitive. These are emotional beings who always prefer to take side seats. Sometimes they are romantic, friendly and protective; but they are also very moody.

Leos have energy and magnetism to attract everyone's attention. They are noisy in their approach and really love their personal appearance. However, they are easily agitated when they do not meet their high expectations.

Virgo people are very critical in their approach. They want everything to be perfect. They love acting neatly. They are intelligent and reserved natives; also underestimated sometimes.

Libra are good at maintaining balance in their lives. They are warm and pleasant. They are very good at attracting others. However, they may have problems in their relationships.

Scorpions simply make you feel their presence. You can not ignore them. They want respect; and, sometimes, they can also be noisy. These people are very good at holding the grudge forever.

Sagittarians are full of adventures. They have extreme faith and enthusiasm for everything they do. They like big schemes and great promises, but they also have a reputation for "everything speaks but no show".

Capricorn is the tenth sign of the zodiac. These people are serious but also fun with perfect timing. They are very patient and generally well built. However, they have a reputation for "acting slowly" and being lethargic.

Aquariums are independent, original and somehow unique in their nature. People look for them for advice. These natives are intellectual and curious. However, they have the reputation of being physically weak.

Pisceans are open-hearted, peaceful, kind, quiet and timid. However, they are not good decision makers. They also dream a lot.