Rising Sign – What’s All The Fuss?

At one time or another, everyone has been asked, “What’s your sign?” It’s old hat, hackneyed, passé. But has anyone bothered to ask, “What’s your Rising sign?”

We all know our Sun sign. Most newspapers publish daily or weekly horoscopes along with the start and end dates of each of the twelve signs of the Zodiac, so we can approximate which sign we were born under. Never mind that the Sun enters each sign at a SPECIFIC time each year that CHANGES. We’ll address that another time.

The Rising Sign, the Ascendant, the doorway to your chart… what is it, why is it and what difference does it make?

The Sign rising over the horizon at the time of your birth is called the Ascendant, or Rising Sign. This sign, the first house of the horoscope, changes approximately every two hours. Even twins born as little as five minutes apart could have different ascendants, which would make a real difference in their horoscopes and so in their personalities.

The Rising Sign governs your outer personality, disposition and physical attributes, most notably your appearance, bearing and general outlook on life. It represents your self-image and, pretty much, how others see you. The sign and “condition” of the ascendant also affects your strength, vitality, health issues and the types of illnesses you may experience during your lifetime. The Rising Sign’s influence is powerful, but can be modified by any planets positioned in the first house and the condition of the ruling planet. Remember, each sign has a particular planet that rules it and each house has the planet that rules the sign governing it. Your “Ruling Planet” is the planet that touches every part of your life. The placement of the Luminaries (the Sun and Moon) and how they aspect or contact the ascendant also affect your appearance.

Again, the Rising Sign rules the first house, so its ruling planet is usually designated the ruler of the horoscope. Unless poorly aspected (touched by other planets) or somewhat weak in comparison with other important planets, such as the planet ruling your Sun Sign (the Sun-ruler), this ruling planet is the most important one in your chart.

As you look at the circular horoscope chart (square in Vedic Astrology), the Ascendant or Rising Sign is on the left side of the chart on the line that runs smack through the chart from East to West. That sign is what was coming up over the Eastern Horizon at the exact moment you drew your fist breath. How much of it had “risen,” or how many degrees of it were showing, becomes the Rising Degree and Minutes.

It’s a vital component in personality analysis as well as compatibility. It is the first thing people “see” when they meet you. In dating and love, first impressions are lasting impressions and the deepest impression is made by the Rising Sign.

In matters of love, dating, sex and relationships, the ascendant is extremely important to understand. Don’t forget, attraction begins with first impressions. You will find yourself being drawn to a person in the initial stages of a relationship based on the energetic vibe their Rising sign projects out into the world.

Through the signs, each Rising Sign handles relationships very, very differently!

Aries Rising wants to be first! Someone's first impression of you may be that you are a little rude. You will always be seen as impatient and in a rush. You may even appear to be self-centered since you're so busy pushing forward; you sometimes don't even notice anyone around you.

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This is the mask - the first impression. What you will also find with Aries Rising is a resolute spirit, steadfast courage and willingness to walk through fire to fight for what they believe in.

In matters of love, Aries Rising will have little trouble pursuing whomever it is you desire. Passions run high and this Rising sign is known for rushing into a new love. Aries Rising is a strongly sexual Ascendant since it’s ruled by Mars, the planet of desire.

When the bull is Rising, others see you as slow moving. Some might also see a streak of materialism or possessiveness. You may be stubborn; not only are you unwilling to give up, you don't know how to. Truth be told, Taurus Rising is usually calming.

A Taurus Ascendant may appear unsophisticated. It seems as if all you really want is a good meal, great sex, and a beautiful piece of land to call your own. Whatever your values are, with Taurus Rising, there will be no trouble in expressing them.

In matters of love, dating and relationships this sign is a glutton. Taurus is the most sensual sign of the zodiac and being ruled by the planet of love, Venus, Taurus Rising is one of the most steadfast, loyal lovers you can come by. For Taurus Rising sensuality is breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert!

Gemini Rising in your chart makes you appear to be in constant motion, very restless. This is the ascendant of eternal youth - always moving onto something new or the next idea. You can be seen as fickle because so many things interest you and it's really hard to focus on one topic – or person - at a time.

When it comes to love and dating, a Gemini Ascendant often has a hard time deciding what he wants. The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence, no matter which side Gemini Rising is on. He simply must visit both sides! It can be difficult for Gemini Rising to remain with one partner for long.

Gemini Rising believes that “variety is the spice of life…and we must all be well seasoned!” You can be sure that dating someone with this Ascendant will never be a dull or boring experience!

Others see Cancer Rising as moody. Appearing quite shy, you can progress to seeming insecure and super-sensitive. Extremely home and family loving, you give the impression of reacting emotionally to everything.

You are also intensely creative. Even if you're a man, there is this "mothering" quality to your persona. Others see you as capable of nurturing others in a deep capacity.

In matters of love, and dating, this Ascendant will provide comfort and security to their lover. The ability to turn a relationship into a sanctuary is amazing. Sex and emotions can never be separate for Cancer Rising; this is an extremely sexual sign. Still, for Cancer Rising, sex is always better when it comes with love. When this Ascendant does fall in love with someone, the tender affection is an incomparable experience.

Leo Rising appears to the world as having a bright, sunny disposition - at times even dramatic. You seem to radiate confidence and when you walk into a room others will notice! ‘

The Leo Ascendant is proud, noble and expects to be treated with respect and dignity. Embarrass a Leo Rising individual and you’ll never have him as a friend or lover.

You would regret that loss. Leo is the lover of the zodiac. This sign is Sun ruled, the giver of life and vitality. No other sign is as capable of turning a dating experience into a fairy tale romance. Leo Rising lives to give love. Sexual expression is always fun and natural with this sign. Dating a Leo Rising individual might feel like you’ve won the love lottery!

Virgo Rising seems to be quite refined. This Ascendant is very intelligent and witty, often seen as a probing, analytical speaker with a soft tone to your voice. Others can accuse you of being overly neat or just plain messy, but you will certainly have a distinct pattern to your character. Your work is extremely important to you.

This Ascendant runs the risk of criticizing and undermining a lover because of the desire for true perfection. In matters of love and dating this could be a bit of an impediment. A relationship with Virgo Rising is never easy and must be earned.

When it comes to a relationship, Virgo Rising will analyze a love match to pieces before he surrenders to it. Once you’ve won the heart of someone with a Virgo Ascendant however, he’s surely one of the most attentive signs.

Libra Rising is usually quite attractive. You probably have delicate, refined features and exude charm, confidence and social grace. You may appear to others as very concerned with being diplomatic and fair to everyone you know. You are most definitely charismatic!

And how could you not since you’re ruled by the planet of love and beauty, Venus. In matters of dating and relationships this makes all the difference. This is an ascendant that seems to magically draw in lovers. Libra Rising is a sign that will go to any length in order to preserve a relationship.

One caveat with Libra Rising – you are learning about balancing equality in your partnerships, and fine tuning your understanding of a relationship as a spiritual path, not as a means to define who you are as a person.

With Scorpio Rising, one thing is certain, people see you as intense! Either they are magnetically attracted to you, or instantly repelled by your mysterious qualities. You appear somewhat mystical, secretive and difficult to get to know. There gives tremendous power to someone with this Rising sign and others recognize it immediately.

This power presents an exciting level of danger when it comes to love, sex and relationships. No other Rising sign is at more risk to use sex as a weapon or become all consumed by love and passion. Scorpio Rising is an expert at obsession!

For Scorpio Rising, love is forever. Sex is a transcendental experience and there is enormous potential for sexual gratification with this sign. However, if this sign is betrayed, the sting could be torturous.

Sagittarius has the knack for putting everyone in a good mood simply by being in their presence. Optimism and love to explore new territory, goals, or challenges is your forte. You show others a strong philosophical or spiritual belief system and may be very active, with a love of travel.

In matters of love and dating, relationships are approached as adventures. There is never any shortage of good times when you’ve found a love match. The best part about dating someone with Sagittarius Rising is that in your relationship, it’s never the destination that matters, but the amazing journey they can create.

To love someone with Sagittarius Rising you must be willing to set them free every now and then. As long as this Ascendant can explore, he will love coming home to the arms of his idealistic love.

Others will probably see Capricorn Rising as reserved and serious most of the time. One word others will use to describe you is “responsible". You might even be perceived by others as a bit of a "wet blanket" because you're so busy planning and working toward achieving your goals that you give the impression of someone who is a bit dry or all work and no play.

You are quietly ambitious, climbing the ladder of success one rung at a time. This Rising Sign may have invented the word "willpower".

You may approach your love life as a business. This can be a good thing in some respects. In a relationship you will carefully construct a framework and take the time to be sure that your love is built on something solid. Sex is an eventuality which is serious business to you! Just remember that dating is meant to be fun, so lighten up!

Aquarius Rising may be seen as a bit weird or eccentric. “Progressive” is your middle name but this outlook will be fenced into your own restrictive ideas of that particular viewpoint.

Because the rulers of Aquarius are so inherently different (Saturn is structure and Uranus breaks up structure) you might seem to be a contradiction in terms. One thing is certain; people are going to be attracted to your magnetism and charisma. Even with your electric quality, you might be more interested in ideas than people.

In matters of love and dating, no other Rising sign could be more unpredictable. You crave a relationship and the structure it brings but at the same time, you can’t be held down to traditional relationship “rules”. Aquarius Rising needs a partner who is sexually progressive and can appreciate the need for individuality even in the context of a relationship.

If you have Pisces Rising, others will see you as generous, sympathetic to those less fortunate, and very sensitive and sentimental. You are the essence of feeling and imagination.

People may often see Pisces Rising as someone they can easily take advantage of because of a capacity for unconditional love and compassion. In no area is this more true than love. This is the classic candidate for the codependent relationship.

In matters of love and dating the need to be needed is very strong. You must set boundaries in relationships otherwise you could be taken advantage of. A Pisces Ascendant must learn to give love without losing the self. If you’re in a good love match however, your dreamy imagination can take love and sex to a whole new dimension.