The Ascendant (Rising Sign)

	In Astrology, the degree of the Zodiac (sign) which is rising in the East at the time of your birth, is very important. The astrological sign which is the Ascendant is also called the Rising Sign. You can think of it as the outward appearance that you project to other people -- the way others see you.
	The Ascendant is an important and "sensitive point" on the birth chart because the Ascendant in a chart symbolizes your acquaintances, your connections in the local environment and surroundings in short, "the place." It also represents the responses you get, the sympathies you create; your personal choices or options, preferences, ideas and thoughts, your changes, etc.

	Examine the short description of your Ascendant below, if you know it.
	Do any of the descriptions apply to you or anyone else in your life?

	Descriptions of Ascendants
	Aries Rising	Taurus Rising
	You are bold and impulsive, and have the tendency to first act and ask questions later. You have a strong presence (come on strong) other people may see you as a bit arrogant or self-centered. Aries appears to be single-minded and daring, as a leader would be.	Taurus comes across as gentile and steady. You respond even-handedly and are supportive in most situations. To others, you may seem to be very stubborn because you are apt to take your tine and react fully to events.
	Gemini Rising	Cancer Rising
	Gemini, who communicates with others through talking, is quick and witty. Others view you as intelligent, verbal and maybe a little nervous. Tour tendency is to be changeable as you try to be all things to all people.	Cancer, you appear as emotional and reactive to other individuals. You tend to sense things instead of thinking them through. You tend to mother and include everyone with your protective envelope. Cancer is comfortable in this behavior.
	Leo Rising	Virgo Rising
	You wear your heart on your sleeve. Leo, always comes across as confident and sure of yourself, is very free with your emotions. To others you are warm-hearted and effusive, although a domineering at times.	Careful and precise, you appear to be a caring and responsible person. The Virgo attention to detail and analytical (mental and verbal) skills is apparent to all who meet you. You always appear refined and neat.
	Libra Rising	Scorpio Rising
	Libra is all things to all people. You are very social and always respond in a way to please and flatter. Ever the diplomat and always polite you may forget your own viewpoint. You can naturally reflect and mirror others.	You appear passionate and intense. Scorpio gravitates to positions of power and control. Others see you as secretive, penetrating and very sensitive at times. You get to the heart of the matter.
	Sagittarius Rising	Capricorn Rising
	Sagittarius comes across as very frank, candid and extremely honest. Others sometimes see you as harsh. You are open minded, tolerant and love to travel (actually or via armchair). You like religion or philosophy.	You show yourself in a practical and reserved manner. Capricorn is always objective and appears as a sharp business and career person. To other people your clear-mindedness may appear as emotional coolness.
	Aquarius Rising	Pisces Rising
	Aquarius is a social animal, who communicates best when in a group or working toward a worthwhile goal. You appear to be impartial, tolerant and open-minded. Everyone who meets you is aware of your idealism.	You have a very gentle and peace-loving manner about you. Everything you say and do shows your concern for others. You give others the sense that you are long-suffering and capable of self-sacrifice.