Rising Sign & Ascendant Personality Traits

Your rising sign, also known as the ascendant (asc), is a term used by astrologers to refer to the zodiac sign that was rising on the eastern horizon at the time of one’s birth.

The ascendant or rising sign is one of the most important parts of a horoscope. The ascendant signifies how someone interacts with others, it tells us about their character and how they behave in different situations.

Your Rising Sign determines how you appear to others and reveals your true personality. It shows what you look like outwardly.

Aries Rising

The typical Aries rising personality is driven, brave, and open minded. They are not shy about expressing their feelings and opinions.

However, you may find that you are an understated Aries and find it difficult to share your successes. This can be due to shyness or the fear that nobody cares for what you have achieved. Many people with Aries rising may lead a secret Aries life.

The Aries rising personality has strong instincts. Often competitive, they almost always finish first. Always ambitious, it is hard for them to sit still waiting for something to happen. They are natural leaders and commanders of their surroundings.

Aries' fearless traits can be a blessing and a curse. But there’s no secret when it comes to this sign. They are known for being self-assured and in the center of attention.

The Ram is a fast moving sign, which can make them impatient. They are charming, energetic, assertive and competitive people who know how to get the best out of life. In fact, there are only three things in life that they want to get the most out of: their relationships with people; their health; and their work.

Taurus Rising

Taurus ascendant signifies balance, solidity, and a strong sense of practicality. They have a deep understanding of human nature and if you say you need help with anything, they will move mountains to ensure you’re satisfied.

Taurus rising people are determined, hard-working, and especially stubborn. They adore luxury, but can be surprisingly frugal. They have a strong desire to collect things such as jewelry and antiques.

The Taurus Rising person can be described as patient, steady, responsible and one who adds stability and order in life. People born under this sign are patient yet strong in their beliefs. As a Taurus rising, the individual will also be stable, dependable, protective and possessive.

The Taurus rising native is loyal, supportive and emotionally grounded – an excellent friend that tries to look at the world through rose-colored glasses. Some of your most endearing traits are that you enjoy tranquility and being surrounded by loved ones. You can be slow to open up, but once you do others will see your true beauty.

Those born under the sign of Taurus rising love to learn about business and finances. They are patient, steadfast, practical and disciplined in all pursuits that get them closer to their goals.

Taurus rising is a symbol of enduring strength, loyalty, and devotion. Those born under this sign are moved most by the urge to protect their families and loved ones, along with a deep need for home and security that can sometimes limit them and make it difficult to live up to their full potential.

Gemini Rising

Gemini is the third sign of the zodiac and is an air sign. Gemini rising signs are often quite random, changing their minds regularly or being very indecisive. They usually have ready wit and can be an entertaining companion when they are not being overly fussy.

The Gemini rising sign is ruled by two contrasting elements: air (which is intellectual, observant, and communicative) and water (which is receptive to all information). This sign can be analytical and curious about many things. It is a sign that is constantly active and always asking questions.

Geminis are extremely quick thinkers, multi-taskers, and love to communicate with others. They are dynamic, expressive, fun-loving people who enjoy being on the go.

Impulsive and restless, Gemini’s are strong-minded individuals who love challenges and face them head on. The Gemini rising sign lends to those born under this sign a two-faced personality, one that is more human than any other. As such, we provide booklets featuring specific characteristics of this sign so you really can get to know your own personal traits.

Cancer Rising

Cancer rising is reliable in the midst of adversity. Cancer rising has good memory to detail; cautious, sensitive and have a strong desire for security.

In conversation, Cancer rising likes to talk about emotional topics such as love and family. Cancer rising people are generous, emotional, sensitive, insecure, moody, and often overly reactive.

Cancer rising people are not just home bodies, they make their homes a home. Everything is well maintained and kept in order. Their décor style is elegant and so is their taste for quality art and craft items that they love to collect.

Cancer rising people are known for being deep thinkers who often analyze the pros and cons of every situation before they take an initiative in life. They also possess a strong memory.

The Cancer rising sign is characterized by deep feelings, sensitivity, and a genuine concern for others. You love to have a big family and your family will likely be a very close-knit one. You can see what others are feeling and you are sensitive to their moods, so you’ll be able to help others by being compassionate.

Leo Rising

The Leo rising sign is well-known for its zeal and enthusiasm. With pride and confidence in their abilities, Leos know that they were born to lead from the front. These qualities are not only great for career success but also the key to a happy and high-quality relationship - which is what makes the Leo rising sign one of the most compatible signs!

The Leo rising sign is strong and confident. They love to be the center of attention, and they exude charisma and a passion for life. Leos are seen as charming, amiable extroverts, who maintain a degree of detached glamour.

Leo Rising people are generally generous, extroverted, direct and passionate. Leo is the only sign governed by the Sun. A confident and dramatic personality, Leos have a strong sense of self and always seem larger than life. They are powerful leaders and entertainers who like to dominate conversations!

Although a Leo rising is quiet and reserved, this sign marks a person who takes pleasure in the limelight. As they bask in the glow of others, Leos are quite happy to express their ideas about right and wrong through an unshakable moral code.

Virgo Rising

The Virgo rising sign personality tends to be pragmatic, analytical, discriminating, and fault finding. Virgos like to stay in control of their surroundings.

Virgo rising sign natives are original, sensitive, and intelligent. They have strong analytical skills, a helpful nature, and an ability to combine practical matters with more subtle inner considerations. Virgos are typically attentive to others' feelings, and can provide wise counsel and good advice on many issues.

Virgo Rising people tend to be modest, conservative, conscientious and practical. Virgos like to order things or do things in an orderly manner (often for a greater good). Virgo is the practical planner.

Laid back with a love of the outdoors, Virgo rising people value good health and are usually in excellent shape. Virgo rising was born to travel and often bring items from all over the world home as souvenirs.

Virgo rising folks are honest, practical, logical, and perfectionists. They are extremely detail-oriented and have a strong sense of responsibility and self-control. Extremely practical and well organized, they have a knack for getting difficult or tedious jobs done quickly and correctly.

Their love of order is usually apparent in their wardrobe, which is always immaculate even if they are wearing the same outfit day after day. While Virgos like to work with others to achieve goals, they often resent assuming too much responsibility or having to follow someone else’s orders.

Libra Rising

The Libra ruling planet is Venus, and the ruling element is Air. Libras are a mixture of beauty, logic, harmony, justice, equality and love. They value balance in everything and are subconsciously driven to achieve it.

A highly social zodiac sign, Libra rising signs are charming and diplomatic, but they have a strong need for balance in their lives. They value harmony, but don’t always trust their first impulses.

Witty, charming, refined, and sensitive, Libra rising natives often seem above others by virtue of their charming demeanor. Often sought after for friendship and romance, Libra rising natives are blessed with a profound insight into human nature.

Their outgoing nature and ability to get along with others means they’re well suited to teamwork. They enjoy being the center of attention. Libra rising signifies sincere friendship and generosity as well as a modest, charming personality.

Scorpio Rising

Scorpio is the eighth sign of the zodiac, and often associated with obsession. A Scorpio rising personality urges to have all control over their life, and may be forceful and demanding when it comes to knowing what they want. Those under the Scorpio’s rule are passionate people that can passionately love another person, or they can be very manipulative if they need to get what they want.

The Scorpio Rising sign is intense, with a strong desire to transform the world around them for the better. They thrive on personal growth and self-knowledge. Their intense personality makes them uncompromising, bold, and fearless in their convictions.

Dependable and wilful, they can be difficult to read. Authority figures often intimidate Scorpio rising signs, so they tend to prefer down-to-earth types. An ideal partner for Scorpios are other strong personalities, like themselves.

Scorpio’s love to take a look behind the scenes. You value the power and strength of silence, especially in a calm and collective environment. You are an excellent listener and speaker, a unique combination of the two that allows you to make connections with people effortlessly.

Sagittarius Rising

The sign of Sagittarius is symbolized by the Archer. Swift and lively, fiery and dynamic, Sagittarius is an adventurous sign with an optimistic mind-set and a zest for living life to its fullest. Whether it’s traveling to distant lands or exploring the depths of inner space, Sagittarius will always keep you on your toes.

The Sagittarius rising sign personality traits are among the most interesting and challenging of all signs. This individual is very optimistic and high-spirited, who easily attracts friends and affection from others.

He or she usually has a good sense of humor and is creative, acting on a strong originality and a thirst for adventure. For all of the positive aspects of this individual, there are also some negative traits to cope with as well: an impatience with others, a certain amount of selfishness, sometimes a tendency to be reckless and outspoken, which can result in disapproval from others.

The Sagittarius rising sign individual is someone who is very expressive, adventurous, and looking to explore the entire universe in search of the meaning of life. Sagittarius rising people have abundant energy and perhaps the most fearless of all the zodiac.

Capricorn Rising

The Capricorn rising person can be practical and caring, with a serious focus on the task at hand. The Capricorn rising sign is often a workaholic, but doesn’t work for the sake of working. They will have a specific goal or idea to complete. You may find that other people don’t share your passion for work, and this can lead to loneliness.

The Capricorn rising sign reveals the fundamental characteristics of personality that are often seen early on in life. This is how you present yourself to the world and how you like to be treated by others. Essentially, this describes your nature.

Capricorn rising can be a bit of an enigma. They often keep their feelings to themselves, and can seem reserved, even distant, at times. But if you’re drawn to one, don’t take it personally. Once they trust you and feel safe, they’re incredibly loyal companions with a deep capacity for love and friendship.

Capricorn rising will be more rigid and intelligent (sharp mind, deep thinker). They usually make their own rules and can rebel against authority and tend to be suspicious of others. Capricorn ascendants may feel betrayed or abandon those who they love easily.

The Capricorn rising person is a cautious and careful individual. Affectionately called The Goat, this sign has a fine appreciation for tradition. Capricorns are known to be great planners and always on time. These individuals are responsible, ambitious, and disciplined. A rock-solid character trait is the strongest suit of this sign, which can make it resistant to the more typical vices found in people of this age.

Aquarius Rising

Aquarius is the eleventh sign of the zodiac. This sign’s element is Air, and it is ruled by Uranus. Rising signs represent how individuals project themselves to the world. An Aquarius rising will be eccentric, friendly and intelligent, but will need to work hard to maintain these traits.

You are a humanitarian with a keen sense of right and wrong. You are always interested in the latest research on any subject. There is nothing more thrilling to you than social change, new ideas, and the future.

Aquarius rising sign personalities are adaptable, reassuring and versatile. This is an individual who likes to have answers in handy supply, just in case. They are the sort of person that, upon seeing a leak in the roof will be able to produce a bucket immediately from out of nowhere.

The Aquarius rising sign is intelligent, progressive, unique and self-aware. They are concerned with humanitarian ideals. These people are often political liberals. They strive to improve society, and fight for justice, economy and humanitarian issues. Aquarius people tend to be awakened and idealistic: their beliefs tend to be progressive and unconventional. You have a brilliant mind that loves to learn and discover new things.

Aquarius Rising is freedom-loving, independent and creative. Aquarians also have a knack for turning mundane tasks into unique experiences. They’re the most generous with their money, but are also among the smallest savers in the zodiac. As a result, they’re especially vulnerable to a financial crisis.

Pisces Rising

Pisces is the sign of imagination, compassion and adaptability. On a personal level Pisces rising natives are drawn to the mysterious and the psychic. They are sensitive, creative and impressionable.

Pisces rising people are natural charmers. Those with this placement also have sympathetic qualities which will make them very helpful to all they encounter. Someone with a Pisces rising sign has a habit of getting themselves into somewhat of a mess in relationships, whether it is their fault or not.

The Pisces rising sign person revels in the aesthetic. When it comes time to create, these individuals are at their happiest when surrounded by beauty. They have a connection with their environment and understand how they are affected by the design of their home, office, and other spaces. They seek out places of natural beauty or architectural marvels that they can experience and have a well-defined aesthetic sense that sets them apart in terms of what they like and prefer.

A Pisces ascendant sign is someone who wants to be in harmony with the world. Kind and sensitive, this personality is at home in a group. They are compassionate, sympathetic, romantic and artistic. This person usually is a lover of deep and narrow emotional experience.

Now It's Your Turn

And now I’d like to hear from you.

What is your rising sign?

What does this placement say about how you present yourself to others?

Please leave a comment below and let me know.