Beyond-the-Sun-Sign Term of the Week

The Ascendant

The Ascendant, or Rising Sign, is the sign of the zodiac that is on the horizon at the precise time of your birth. It determines your outer personality, the personality with which you greet, or fend off, the outside world. The Ascendant is the chief reason that many people do not seem to “act” like their Sun Sign. Let’s say you have a Pisces Sun Sign born on March 2nd but with Aries Rising. To the casual observer that person would appear impulsive, direct and adventurous. Only people who knew him or her well would be aware of the emotional and sensitive Pisces side of the person’s nature.

The Ascendant is one of the four angles of the horoscope. Opposite the Ascendant is the Descendant which rules the 7th House of relationships and marriage. The other angles of the horoscope are the Midheaven and the I.C.