What the rising sign is
Your rising sign, or ascendant, is the sign of the zodiac that was rising over the eastern horizon at the minute you were born. If your Sun sign is the core of your personality, your rising sign is its front door: how you walk into a new place, the impression you make at first sight and how you act before you have had time to think.
The rising sign changes about every two hours, so people born on the same day can have different ones. It is calculated from the exact local time and the town's coordinates, with the time zone, summer time and any historical clock changes of that place and year.
How to find your rising sign
- Choose your date of birth.
- Enter the time of birth by the local clock, as it is written on your birth certificate. Without the time the rising sign cannot be found.
- Start typing your town of birth and pick it from the list; for a village, choose the nearest town.
- Press «Find my rising sign»: your rising sign comes first under the table, with its degree and meaning, then your Sun, Moon and the whole chart.
The rising sign
Aries
Aries rising: you come across as energetic and direct, someone who takes the lead at once. In new places you act quickly and boldly. Being first suits you, but a pause before you answer keeps your directness from sounding harsh.
Taurus
Taurus rising: people see you as calm, reliable and pleasant. You enter anything new unhurriedly and look around first. Others value your taste and steadiness. Trust yourself: a slow start doesn't stop you from going furthest.
Gemini
Gemini rising: you seem sociable, lively and curious. You start conversations easily, grasp things quickly and joke. People are drawn to your lightness. Now and then slow down and finish what you start.
Cancer
Cancer rising: at first sight you seem gentle, caring and a little reserved. You are careful with new people and open up when you feel safe. Others see you as someone who will support them. Protect yourself without retreating into hurt.
Leo
Leo rising: you are noticed at once — a vivid manner, a warm smile, confidence. You know how to present yourself and inspire others. People expect light and generosity from you. Remember that you are loved for more than how you shine.
Virgo
Virgo rising: people see you as composed, neat and attentive to detail. You look closely before you act and notice at once what could be better. You are trusted with important tasks. Don't hide your own wishes behind modesty.
Libra
Libra rising: you come across as charming, courteous and stylish. You can ease tension and find an approach to anyone, and people enjoy your company. Don't be afraid to say no and to show what you want.
Scorpio
Scorpio rising: you seem strong, mysterious and perceptive. Your gaze seems to see right through people, and you don't open up at once. You are respected and a little feared. Trusting a few close people softens your strength.
Sagittarius
Sagittarius rising: people see you as open, cheerful and straightforward. You make friends easily, love roads and talk about big things, and hope appears around you. Make sure your frankness doesn't hurt and your promises are kept.
Capricorn
Capricorn rising: at first sight you seem serious, reserved and older than your years. You keep your distance and show yourself through your work, so people trust you with responsibility. You grow softer and freer with the years — allow yourself that sooner.
Aquarius
Aquarius rising: you seem unusual, friendly and a little detached. You have your own style and your own view and are hard to mistake for anyone else. People come to you for fresh ideas. Sometimes let people closer than the distance of friendship.
Pisces
Pisces rising: people see you as gentle, dreamy and sensitive. You seem to tune in to the mood around you and easily win trust, drawn to art and to helping others. Set boundaries so you don't dissolve in other people's expectations.
Questions and answers
Why does the rising sign need the exact time?
As the Earth turns, a new sign rises over the horizon every two hours or so. Half an hour out usually doesn't change it, but if it falls at the very start or end of a sign, it is worth checking the time.
How is the rising sign different from my star sign?
Your «star sign» is your Sun sign: the Sun stays in a sign for about a month. The rising sign depends on the hour and place of birth and shows how others see you and how you meet the world.
Is it free?
Yes: your rising sign and its meaning, your Sun, your Moon and the position of every planet are free. Only the full reading of the whole birth chart is paid.
The planets are calculated with Astronomy Engine; towns and time zones: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0).