What Is the Ascendant? 2 Ways to Find It Using Your Birth Date

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The ascendant is one of the key points in your horoscope. Literally, it is the zodiac sign that was rising on the horizon at the time of your birth. It is also known as the “rising sign.” Why is it so important? It determines how others perceive us. It represents the first impression we make. While your sun sign reveals your inner essence, the ascendant reflects how you appear on the outside.

What Is the Ascendant?

It’s a sort of “facade” of our personality. It shows our behavior in new situations and how we interact with unfamiliar people. This point influences communication style, manners, and even the clothes we choose to wear.

It’s important to understand the difference between the sun sign and the ascendant. The sun sign reflects who we are on the inside. For example, if you are a Taurus, your traits are calm and stable. On the other hand, may make you more sociable or, conversely, more reserved on the outside.

How Does the Ascendant Influence a Person?

The ascendant primarily affects how others see us. It’s our “business card.” It determines our appearance, manners, speech style, and behavior. For instance, people with Leo rising often have a striking appearance and a confident walk, even if they are a bit shy inside.

The ascendant also interacts with other planets in your chart. These connections influence how we express emotions, make decisions, and interact with loved ones. So, don’t think it’s just an outer shell:

First, it directly influences our actions.
Second, the impressions and emotions we evoke in others also affect our actions and shape our character.

How the Ascendant Affects Personality

The ascendant shapes our outer shell. It’s the first thing people notice when they meet us. Here’s how it influences:

First impression: Determines how you look and behave in unfamiliar situations. For example, people with Leo rise to seem confident and charismatic. A Pisces rising adds softness and mystery.
Style and manners: Influences your fashion style and how you speak. Libra rising makes you elegant and polite, while Aries rising adds decisiveness and energy.
Your behavior among others: It determines how you behave in a group. Gemini rising brings ease in communication, while Capricorn rising makes you serious and a bit reserved.
Appearance: Even affects facial features or posture. For example, Scorpio rising often gives a magnetic gaze, while Sagittarius rising adds a sporty physique and energy.
Your first reactions: In new situations, the ascendant “guides” your behavior. Cancer rising may make you cautious, while Aquarius rising helps you be original and open.

How to Calculate the Ascendant?

To determine your ascendant, you need precise birth details:

Birth date: Birthday is the basis for calculations.
Time of birth: It’s crucial to know the exact time since the ascendant changes every 2 hours.
Place of birth: This is necessary to account for the geographical location and time zones.

Then, the algorithm will depend on which method you choose:

Using ascendant tables: In the past, astrologers used special tables, called ephemerides. These are reference books showing the positions of stars at specific times. This method requires skill in working with data and performing calculations.
Online tools and apps: Today, it’s much easier. Some many free websites and apps calculate it. Just enter your details, and the system will show the result in seconds.

Practical Example of Ascendant Calculation

Here’s how you can calculate it step by step:

Gather the data: Suppose you were born on May 15, 1990, at 2:30 PM in Kyiv.
Consider the time zone: Kyiv time in May 1990 included daylight saving time, so you should add 1 hour.
Use an online tool: Enter this data into your chosen website. This will give you the result without any hassle – let’s say, Virgo. A Virgo ascendant suggests that you appear calm, detail-oriented, and a bit reserved to others.

What to Do If the Birth Time Is Not Exact?

Sometimes, people really don’t know the exact time of their birth. Here’s what you can do:

Ask family members: Parents or relatives may remember the approximate time.
Check documents: Sometimes, the birth time is recorded in your birth certificate.
Consult an astrologer: A professional astrologer can help refine the time based on significant life events (this method is called rectification).

What Is the Ascendant – Video

Still have questions? You can find answers and detailed explanations about the ascendant in this video:

What is the ascendant – YouTube video

Conclusion

The ascendant is key to understanding our appearance, behavior, and how the world perceives us. Knowing your rising sign can be the first step toward harmony with yourself and others. Discover your sign, and you’ll gain a new tool for self-awareness. As astrologers say, our “self” consists of many layers, and this is just one of them.