Rising Sign

Find Your Rising Sign – Ascendant Signs Revealed

Your rising sign is also known as your ascendant sign. It represents the way you present yourself to the world. Your rising sign is a way to learn how other people in the world see you. This might be completely different from your moon sign, which is the way you view your inner self. Here is everything you need to know about your rising sign:

What are rising signs in astrology?

Lunar eclipse illustration
Unsplash / Farzad Mohsenvand

When someone asks about your zodiac sign, they’re usually referring to your sun sign. However, until the early 20th century, your rising sign was seen as the biggest indicator of your personality.

Your rising sign represents the zodiacal sign that was ascending on the eastern horizon when you were born. Your rising sign indicates how you appear on the outside. It can influence your mannerisms and physical characteristics. To put it simply, your rising sign determines everyone’s first impression of you. However, as they get to know you better, they will start to see the characteristics from your sun sign and moon sign. 

Astrology and the planets:

grayscale photo of full moon
Unsplash / Gemma Evans

The planets are an important part of astrology. The planet associated with your rising sign holds extra meaning and influence over your actions. Here is a list of each zodiac sign in astrology and which planet they are represented by:

Leo is represented by the sun

Cancer is represented by the moon

Gemini and Virgo are represented by Mercury.

Aries is represented by Mars.

Sagittarius is represented by Jupiter.

Capricorn is represented by Saturn.

Aquarius is represented by Uranus.

Pisces is represented by Neptune.

Scorpio is represented by Pluto.

Taurus and Libra are represented by Venus.

How to find your rising sign:

Zodiac Signs
Unsplash / Josh Rangel

In order to determine your rising sign, you need to know the exact time of your birth. This is because the rising sign changes every two hours. Luckily, you can find your birth time printed on your birth certificate. Once you have it, you should use a website that can create your birth chart for you. This is one of the best places to calculate your sun sign, moon sign, and rising sign at once. 

Fun fact: Your rising sign is the sign on the 1st house cusp of your personal horoscope. 

How to find your rising sign without your birth time:

horoscope globe
Unsplash / Nastya Dulhiier

It’s important to use your exact birth time if you want your results to be accurate. However, if you’re unable to locate your birth certificate, that’s okay. You can simply use 12:00 noon as your birth time. However, make sure you use the correct location where you were born.

If you use this website to determine your birth chart (also known as a natal chart), then the solution is even simpler. There is an option to choose unknown as your birth time. 

Rising signs and your zodiac sign:

white and black round lights
Unsplash / Denes Kozma

Zodiac signs can tell you a lot about your personality. Here is a list of rising signs (or ascendant signs) and what they represent:

Aries Rising (fire sign)

If you’re an Aries rising, you come across as independent, strong, and courageous. You’re not afraid of anything or anyone, which is why you’re never shy about your opinions. However, you’re also competitive and opinionated, which can rub others the wrong way. Overall, you’re a natural-born leader and prefer to get your way in every situation.

Taurus Rising (earth sign)

If you’re a Taurus rising, you come across as dependable, creative, and reliable. Your friends feel like they can count on you to be there whenever they need you. You would never leave them hanging. However, you also appear materialistic. You always want to have the most expensive items and live a life of luxury.

Gemini Rising (air sign)

If you’re a Gemini rising, you come across as chatty and curious. You multitask and have trouble focusing on one thing at a time. Your mind is always pulled in a million different directions. However, you’re highly creative and come up with innovative, bright ideas.

crab on rock
Unsplash / Chandler Cruttenden

Cancer Rising (water sign)

If you’re a Cancer rising, you come across as warm and nurturing. You would do anything for the people you care about the most. You mother them because you’re extremely sensitive and couldn’t stand to see them upset. However, you aren’t very flexible. You enjoy your routine and become uncomfortable with sudden, unexpected changes.

Leo Rising (fire sign)

If you’re a Leo rising, you come across as confident, energetic, and fun. You get along with everyone you meet and make friends easily. You also have a creative soul and express yourself through your art. However, you can be demanding and dramatic. You tend to exaggerate when you tell stories.

Virgo Rising (earth sign)

If you’re a Virgo rising, you come across as dependable, reliable, and organized. You’re also an animal lover. Since you’re a natural caregiver of people and animals, you would never allow someone else to suffer. However, you are a perfectionist. Sometimes, you take your need to be right too far.

woman in dress holding sword figurine
Unsplash / Tingey Injury Law Firm

Libra Rising (air sign)

If you’re a Libra rising, you come across as sweet and charming. You’re a social butterfly who can hold a conversation with anyone you meet. Everyone loves you because you really listen when they speak. However, you’re indecisive. You have trouble making decisions because you’re worried about upsetting someone. Your goal is to make everyone around you smile.

Scorpio Rising (water sign)

If you’re a Scorpio rising, you come across as quiet and mysterious. You keep your guard high because you’re worried about getting hurt. Sometimes this attitude can push people away. Other times, it will make you more appealing. People will want to learn more about you since you rarely let anyone in.

Sagittarius Rising (fire sign)

If you’re a Sagittarius rising, you come across as fun and optimistic. Even when things go wrong, you find the silver lining. You always have a reason to smile. However, you’re also outspoken and opinionated. When you do become upset, you won’t keep quiet about it. You will speak your mind, no matter who it offends.

brown goat near beach during daytime photo
Unsplash / Person B1

Capricorn Rising (earth sign)

If you’re a Capricorn rising, you come across as mature and organized. You never show up to work unprepared. You are ambitious and driven because success matters to you. However, sometimes you worry too much about work. You appear too serious and no one wants to joke around with you.

Aquarius Rising (air sign)

If you’re an Aquarius rising, you come across as innovative and intelligent. You care deeply about your community because you’re a humanitarian. You believe everyone deserves equality, and you want to help in any way possible. Although you’re unique, you love to share. You’re a people person.

Pisces Rising (water sign)

If you’re a Pisces rising, you come across as dreamy. You’re not always engaged in conversations because your mind is in another world. This makes others assume you don’t care about what they have to say. However, being a Pisces rising isn’t always a bad thing. You might also have some psychic ability. You’re skilled at examining body language and emotions.

Rising sign chart:

brown and white printed textile
Unsplash / Vedrana Filipović

Your astrological signs and houses are important. Luckily, you don’t need to consult a professional to learn this information about yourself. In order to discover your rising sign chart, you can use an astrology website for free online. The only material you need is your birthdate, your birth hour, and your birthplace. As long as you have all of this information, you can easily learn more about your outer self.

Rising sign calculator:

brown and black analog clock
Unsplash / James Lee

In order to calculate your rising sign, you should use a calculator. One of the best available options is right online! All you need to do is input your day of birth, your time of birth, and your place of birth. Remember, the country or state you were born in is not detailed enough. You need to know the exact city or village. So make sure you double-check your birth certificate or text your parents to get the correct information.

January Nelson is a writer, editor, and dreamer. She writes about astrology, games, love, relationships, and entertainment. January graduated with an English and Literature degree from Columbia University.