What is Ascendant? How to find out, what it defines, in signs and more!

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Jennifer Sherman

General Meaning of Ascendant in the Birth Chart

At the moment we were born, the sun was illuminating a certain region of the universe and this indicates exactly the energies of the sign of that hour, day and month. This is called the sun sign, while the rising sign is the sun sign which was rising on the horizon at that time.

The ascendant sign is the owner of the first house in the astrological chart and also responsible for the personality of the individual and its characteristics. Opposite to the Sun sign, which gives the possibility of controlling particularities, the ascendant is engraved in the individual and it is very difficult to control some aspects of it.

The Ascendant sign is considered the second most relevant point in Astrology and in the Astrological chart. Do you want to know more about it? Check it out!

What defines an ascendant, birth, mask and the sun

One of the most mysterious concepts in Astrology is the ascendant. Most people have heard about this term, however, few know what it really is. There are several questions surrounding this concept and they will be answered in the following topics. Check them out!

What defines an ascendant

The sign which appears on the horizon at the exact moment we are born is our Ascendant sign. So, in addition to your date of birth, you need to know the time and place where you were born to discover yours. This component of the Astrological chart reveals the way you behave, defend yourself, your first impulses and your reactions to challenges.

Your ascendant sign is the first impression you make on people, before they even get to know you. The most accurate way to find out yours is by calculating the latitude and longitude of your birthplace, which can only be done by an astrologer. In addition to this, you need to find out the planet which rules it.

Ascendant and birth

At the time a person is born, there is a sign on the horizon to the east, being born next to it, we call it the ascendant sign. It imprints a mark on the person's lifestyle, personality and the way they start things, for example, making friends, starting a college, among others.

The ascendant reveals the circumstances of one's birth and how they will influence the individual's behavior for the rest of their life. For example, if the time you were born was positive for your family and everyone was confident, you will manifest that confidence and optimism by starting new projects and things.

Ascendant as a "mask"

It is possible to say that the ascendant is like a mask, however, not in a negative sense but as a garment. The ascendant sign is what you appear to be, it is the impression that an individual tries to convey and that it transmits. For example, suppose your ascendant is Leo, you can appear warm or arrogant.

Another example, your ascendant is Virgo, you wish to be seen as a careful and practical person, however, people may consider you hardworking, intelligent and even critical. The image that is conveyed is in accordance with the use you make of it.

Human beings are always looking for the characteristics of the ascending sign, which is why it interferes so much in our personality. When someone is looking for something, they end up resembling what they are looking for. With this in mind, if someone is looking for security and stability, they will end up becoming someone secure and stable.

Psychologically speaking, the ascending sign is associated with a type of pattern cherished by the parents at the time when the child was born. Therefore, if the moment in which the parents lived was one of change, the child will seek to do this during life, that is, innovate, transform.

Ascendant and sun

There is a lot of confusion about the relationship between the Sun and the Ascendant. The fact is that you are the Sun, but the clothes you wear are the Ascendant. Let's suppose that you are from the sign of Virgo, so, by nature, you are a practical and analytical person. However, your Ascendant is in Sagittarius.

Therefore your personal image is of an outgoing and expansive person, even if you are very self-critical at times.

When there is a very big difference between the Sun and the Ascendant, generally you pass an image slightly different from what you are. When the Sun has more harmony with the sign of the Ascendant, there is not so much tension between the image, which is the Ascendant, and what you actually are, in this case, the Sun.

Discover the ascendant and understand how it influences

Discovering your ascendant sign is not something so simple. Among the ways to identify it, there is that of calculating the latitude and longitude of your birthplace. The following topics will teach you how to discover the ascendant and how it influences your personality!

How to discover my ascendant

To calculate the ascendant, you need to take into consideration two factors: the time you were born and the latitude and longitude of your birthplace. Since it is a complex calculation, it is not possible to calculate the ascendant perfectly using simple tables and calculations, because the margin of error of these things is very high.

Only an astrologer can calculate the ascendant accurately, or a computer program. To perform this calculation, the planets of the astrological sector of the ascendant must be taken into consideration, as well as the planet ruling the ascendant sign. This planetary body is called the "lord" of the astrological chart.

Characteristics revealed by the ascendant

The ascendant corresponds to the way the individual sees himself, his self-image, and all that he is, in other words, is the person in essence. The ascendant reveals the qualities which are recognized and accepted by the individual, the traits of his personality which the person is proud to show to the world.

The ascendant sign reveals traits of your personality and behaviour, for example, the way you dress, the way you look after your appearance, your facial expressions, how you move, how you express yourself, the way you relate to others and your worldview. In short, traits of your personality which make you proud.

How does the ascendant influence

The ascendant is, in short, the way you and other people see you. For example, someone who is Aries may end up being a little more nervous than others, but if someone's ascendant is Pisces, people will see them as someone who is more approachable, as well as being romantic.

For example, the presence of the ascending sign in Gemini generates people with good communication skills and versatile, but if the planet Saturn is in Gemini, this person will be more serious and cautious in his communication.

The Ascendant/Descendant Axis in Astrology

The Ascendant and Descendant signs are located on opposite sides of the chart and are opposite each other, on the same axis of the wheel of the Zodiac. The Ascendant corresponds to the First House and the Descendant to the Seventh House. The Ascendant sign is on the westernmost horizon at the moment of your birth.

The Ascendant/Descendant sign is located a little below the eastern horizon, in the east, at the same moment of your birth. The Ascendant/Descendant axis can rule opposite Houses, however, in Astrology, instead of dividing, it connects and relates two halves which are apparently opposite, making them one.

How the descendant influences

The Descendant begins in the Seventh House, which is responsible for governing relationships. It is the exact opposite of the Ascendant, the sign which is on the opposite side of the chart. It refers to what someone considers they are not, the qualities they reject, repress, deny, ignore or simply refuse to recognize in their personality.

The Descendant is the opposite of everything the individual identifies with, that which makes him angry, disagrees and bothers him. The Descendant sign is part of the personality of the person, therefore, in Astrology, it is an important aspect in the interpretation of the Astrological Chart. You can even try to deny it, but those characteristics are part of your personality.

Ascendant in the signs

The ascendant shows the way you act, your defense, impulses and how you react to problems. It is the first impression you make on people. The presence of the ascendant in the signs also interferes directly in someone's personality. Learn more about how it acts under each sign below!

Ascendant in Aries

People who have their Ascendant sign in Aries are usually more sincere, independent, proactive and self-confident. They have a remarkable capacity to lead and this makes them impatient to achieve results and even aggressive. Their main fault is not to finish projects already started, which hinders and delays progress.

In spite of this, there is no lack of energy to start projects again. To live this ascendant in a balanced way, it is necessary to learn patience, both with people and with the time needed to reach a certain goal. Patience is a skill that needs to be developed, it is necessary.

Taurus Ascendant

People who are ruled by the Taurus ascendant usually lead a very cautious life. Their need for pleasure and their natural charm are remarkable characteristics for those who know them, as well as their stubbornness to deal with situations that demand a change in their own attitude.

In addition, people who have the Taurus Ascendant give the impression of being calmer and more peaceful. They can get angry, but usually do not show it. They have difficulty expressing complex feelings and have a practical sense and like to understand what should be done before starting.

Ascendant in Gemini

Individuals with Gemini Ascendant are usually very judged by the people around them because of their need to talk about themselves. However, their curious spirit makes them very open to any situation and easily adaptable. Their main characteristics are intelligence and thirst for change.

People with Gemini Ascendant always make a joke, in any situation, even in the most inconvenient ones. Generally they appear to be nice people, but they talk more than they hear and do not like to talk about heavy or emotional subjects. Besides, they know how to run away from subjects that do not suit them.

Ascendant in Cancer

The presence of the Ascendant in Cancer leads to the strengthening of the bond with the family, increasing the need for maternal love. This makes these people more loving, sweet and friendly. Their main faults are caused by excessive emotional attachment, which makes these people very needy and distrustful.

People who have the Ascendant in Cancer need to feel secure and at ease to go in search of their achievements, so they tend to make the work environment more familiar, either by bringing a cake or simply by turning co-workers into one big family.

Ascendant in Leo

These people usually attract attention. Individuals who have the ascendant in Leo, sign ruled by the sun, usually have an eye-catching personality and are self-confident. These characteristics can make them hide too much what they feel, especially if it causes distress in their soul.

People born with Ascendant in Leo usually have a very keen sense of leadership and manage to win the admiration of those around them in a short time. They may even have a discreet personality, but they always end up attracting attention and admiring glances.

Ascendant in Virgo

The Ascendant in Virgo makes people with this Ascendant live in search of perfection, either in their own home or in their relationships. They are usually very interested in work, helpful and always willing to learn something new. They are also very concerned with self-improvement and quality of life.

People with the ascendant in Virgo usually try to live in an organized way, this does not mean that they are in fact organized, but they value it. Hardly anything goes wrong in their lives. Besides, these people like to live a routine life to feel good. Without it, they cannot start anything.

Ascendant in Libra

The Libra Ascendant creates people who are friendly, diplomatic and appeasing. They are also known for their good taste, humanity and empathy in the areas of beauty and the arts. They are also always seeking harmony and balance in all their actions.

However, these characteristics make it difficult to make decisions, because everything has two sides, one positive and one negative. They usually dress well and with an appropriate outfit for every occasion. They always try to avoid confrontation, which can be good, as long as important matters are not avoided and their preferences do not remain in the background.

Ascendant in Scorpio

Those born with the Ascendant in Scorpio are usually very dedicated to what they do, sensual and able to have a keen perception of the world and the people around them. This characteristic, however, makes them more reserved people who need to stay in power, either in everyday situations or in relationships.

The presence of the ascendant in Scorpio brings a certain air of mystery to these people, making them unpredictable and discreet. They are also people with whom you can let off steam, as they help you to see truths that no one tells you. They are always looking for a deeper insight into something.

Ascendant in Sagittarius

When the ascendant is in this sign, people become versatile, optimistic and with a great spirit of adventure. Individuals ruled by the ascendant in Sagittarius usually enjoy an outdoor life and value their freedom, but they are usually very frank about what they think, which can make them offensive in relationships.

People with the Ascendant in Sagittarius need to have the feeling that their paths are open to new possibilities and experiences in order to feel motivated. They are usually quite spontaneous and this sometimes leads to a lack of delicacy and tact in their statements.

Ascendant in Capricorn

This is one of the most ambitious personalities of the Zodiac, but it is also one of the most positive. Connected to the sensory plane, people of this ascendant sign value the visual and do not admit wrongdoings. The excessive prudence with which they act makes them seem cold.

People with the Ascendant in Capricorn tend to be more serious and seem to be quite correct, and look after their reputations, which sometimes generates too much concern. They are usually very dedicated to what they propose and charge themselves a lot to deliver more than is expected.

Ascendant in Aquarius

Everything that expresses modernity, originality and innovation grows in the eyes of those who have the ascendant in Aquarius. The political attitude and concern about the problems of the world makes these people rebellious and stubborn. No matter how much the person has an astrological chart full of conservative qualities, if the ascendant is in Aquarius, there is no way to know what to expect from him/her.

People with this Ascendant usually have different preferences, including their looks. They are attracted to the eccentric and to things which are outside their circle of conviviality. They are usually open to what is different and question everything, but have difficulty delving deeply into emotional issues.

Ascendant in Pisces

The compassion, empathy and sensitivity manifested by these people are their best characteristics, but this also makes them more fragile people in the face of certain situations and with a tendency to take refuge too much in their own dreams. People with the ascendant in Pisces need meaning in their lives.

They like to travel in their own ideas, share dreams and also have a look that reflects this, deep, calm and with a seductive touch. They are naturally altruistic and always willing to help. They generally like spirituality and transcendental experiences, need space to philosophize and enjoy nature.

Is it true that the ascendant prevails after the age of 30?

There are many stories surrounding the ascendant sign. The main one is the thesis that it "gains strength" or "rules" the individual after the age of 30. This is not true, the ascendant accompanies us since our birth and is present since ever in the Astrological Chart. Therefore, it makes no sense to present these characteristics only after the age of 30.

However, what can happen in some cases is that the individual identifies more with his characteristics than with the Sun Sign, which is perfectly normal, but for a good journey of self-knowledge, the ideal is to balance the energies presented by both.

As an expert in the field of dreams, spirituality and esotericism, I am dedicated to helping others find the meaning in their dreams. Dreams are a powerful tool for understanding our subconscious minds and can offer valuable insights into our daily lives. My own journey into the world of dreams and spirituality began over 20 years ago, and since then I have studied extensively in these areas. I am passionate about sharing my knowledge with others and helping them to connect with their spiritual selves.