What is My Rising Sign?
Your rising sign, also called the ascendant, indicates the zodiac sign that was literally rising on the eastern horizon at the time of your birth. Many astrologers recommend studying both your sun sign and your rising sign to get a better understanding of your outlook on life. Some people even find that their rising sign is more in tune with their nature than their sun sign.
What My Ascending Sign Means
Your astrological birth chart begins with your rising sign, which falls in the “first house” of your birth chart. It governs all thought processes, including your sense of who you are and how you present yourself to the world. Think of your rising sign as a description of your social or outer personality. Its characteristics represent your physical appearance, your style, the way other people perceive you, and any masks or defense mechanisms you use to protect yourself during unpleasant interactions. In other words, it shows how you interact with the world.
Aries (21 Mar – 19 Apr)
For Aries, action takes precedence over everything else. With this fire sign in your first house, you move through life at breakneck speed, usually following your gut without bothering to analyze the long-term consequences. You tend to be playful, combative, courageous, independent, direct and opinionated. With Mars, the god of war, ruling your rising sign, you are a passionate fighter and trailblazer who puts intuition above all else and seeks forgiveness rather than permission.
Taurus (20 Apr – 20 May)
Taurus as an ascending sign means that you are unshakable in your values, loyalty, and straightforward, down-to-earth nature. You are likely to radiate a combative, reliable, and strong-willed charisma. You work hard and embody earthiness in its purest form, getting your hands dirty in everything you do, especially creative projects. Although you are not materialistic, you definitely have a sense of luxury, beauty, and the finer things in life, as Taurus is ruled by Venus. Since you are very determined, you might find it difficult to shift gears, change jobs, leave a relationship, or move to a new city.
Gemini (21 May – 20 Jun)
Being ruled in part by Mercury, the planet of communication, you come across as gregarious, playful, curious, talkative and quick-witted. In ancient times, Gemini was the sign considered to be the messenger of the gods, as it tends to be charming, articulate and assertive in public speeches. You have an extremely creative mind that generates a million ideas a minute, which is the hallmark of this air sign. Sometimes you get overwhelmed by the desire to do everything at once, and this can apply to your love life as well – Feminis are notorious heartbreakers, just waiting for their perfect other half to arrive.
Cancer (21 Jun – 22 Jul)
Cancer, a water sign, is ruled by the intuitive Moon. Because you are connected to the Moon, your emotions fluctuate as quickly as the tides, and it’s helpful to pay attention to which sign the Moon is in on any given day, because it will affect you, sometimes dramatically. You are much more emotionally sensitive than people perceive, and yet you are uncannily able to make space for others. You usually come across as caring, warm, compassionate, sympathetic and gentle, although you are selective about which people you allow into your home and heart.
Leo (23 Jul – 22 Aug)
With the vitality-giving Sun ruling your rising sign, you come across to others as positive, cheerful, charismatic, full of confidence, and full of drive to achieve your dreams and goals. Like the Sun, people with Leo ascendant are made for the spotlight, perhaps even a starring role. People are often drawn to your warmth, and everyone notices when you walk into the room. You are extremely creative, whether you are involved in the arts or simply maintain a great Instagram feed. Leos are known as the child of the zodiac, and like a child, you live in the moment.
Virgo (23 Aug – 22 Sep)
The earth sign Virgo appears to others as down-to-earth, social, communicative, approachable, knowledgeable, and eager to find solutions at every turn. People describe you as organized, tidy, and reliable. The ruling planet Mercury means you are communicative, curious, detail-oriented, and also have a good body image. Many rising Virgos are drawn to yoga and other forms of physical exercise and healing. Your perfectionism – whether deserved or not – can be intimidating to others, as you initially seem somewhat detached and cool when analyzing a situation and the personalities involved.
Libra (23 Sep – 22 Oct)
With your Ascendant in Libra, you come across to others as an artistic, polished, fair-minded, balance-loving, conflict-shy social butterfly. You have a high appreciation for the arts and possess both a sweet romanticism and a sharp, witty tongue, and these two qualities are evident to everyone you meet. This air sign representing Libra can be considered indecisive – and rightfully so, as you try to keep the peace and make everyone happy. Libra is the sign of partnership par excellence, so you are willing to compromise. With Venus as the ruling planet of this sign, you are also charming, flirtatious, persuasive, and incredibly attractive and appealing, and not just because of your looks.
Scorpio (23 Oct – 21 Nov)
A Scorpio with Ascendant almost always means that you are charismatic, magnetic, charming, and mysterious. Scorpios have a reputation for being the sexiest sign of the zodiac, and that may be what others notice when they meet you – there is a certain hidden attraction in the face you present to the world. But Scorpio Ascendants are intense in almost every way, and often have past experiences that have caused them to protect themselves. This rising sign, ruled by Mars, the warrior planet, and Pluto, the lord of the underworld, is powerful, determined, withdrawn, strategic, and at first glance, perhaps the most intimidating sign of the zodiac.
Sagittarius (22 Nov – 21 Dec)
With your Ascendant in the zodiac sign of Sagittarius, you tend to be dynamic, magnetic, exciting, fun and enthusiastic about life, love and all that the world has to offer. You are a fabulous storyteller with an exuberance that is just plain fun. Rising Sagittarius is known as the optimist of the zodiac because of their infectious, outgoing nature. You are outspoken and opinionated, move with confidence, and don’t shy away from life, even if you are shy. Sagittarius is ruled by Jupiter, the planet of growth and expansion, which means you rarely stop moving, both literally and figuratively.
Capricorn (22 Dec – 19 Jan)
This earth sign is ruled by Saturn, the master of work. With Capricorn as your rising sign, you come across as practical, sensible, down-to-earth, organized, traditional, and strongly career-oriented. “Down-to-earth” is the word that comes to mind when most people describe Capricorns. You are prepared for anything and strive for greatness in both your personal and professional life. As you age, your serious and responsible nature wanes and you learn to enjoy everything you have worked so hard for. Strict Saturn is disciplined and docile, which means that people see your ambition first and only later your wild and devilish side comes out.
Aquarius (20 Jan – 18 Feb)
Aquarius is ruled by the exciting planet Uranus. With this air sign as your Ascendant, you give others the impression that you are forward-thinking, curious, personable, inventive, innovative, friendly, and committed to bringing people together for the common good. You are all about being part of your community and making it better. Uranus is known for innovation and a certain eccentricity, so you approach life with an appreciation for individualism. This ability to take others as they are will in turn make others more accepting of your quirks.
Pisces (19 Feb – 20 Mar)
You are drawn to the dreamy and spiritual, which is appropriate for a water sign ruled by Neptune. People are likely to describe you as sensitive, gentle, kind, creative, charming, and with your head in the clouds. Although it may seem that you’re not paying attention, that’s only partly true. You tend to take in everything in your environment at once, but you wait until you’ve made up your mind to respond appropriately to the situation. You often possess an irresistible charm that unfolds in a gentle, quiet way, almost like an aura.