A large part of your personality given by the position of the stars at the time you were born consists of the sign of the zodiac that was at the easternmost point of the horizon at your first breath. That is, the ascendant.
The first lesson is to know the difference between sun sign and rising sign. The former is the constellation over which the Sun was located at the time of your birth. In other words, the one you have looked at all your life in the horoscope, because you were born on such and such a day of such and such a month and, therefore, you are a certain sign.
On the other hand, the ascendant is the easternmost point of the horizon at the moment of our first breath. In other words, the beginning of our birth chart, which will vary in sign according to the place and time of birth. Concretely, every two hours or so. It represents our external self, how others see us, the first impression we make and how we project ourselves to others. But it also tells us about physical appearance, childhood and how we initiate relationships or travel.
But why is your rising sign so important? Apart from the experiences you have had throughout your life, your birth chart (the representation of the location of the planets and the other signs at the time you were born) defines everything you are: personality, ways of acting, emotions? It is divided into twelve houses or fractions, which represent a different area of your life, and also into the twelve signs. This ascending point marks the rest of our chart, since it is the beginning of the houses. It functions as a gateway to our whole life and being.
Calculate ascendant: how is it done?
You just have to know (or ask your mother) the place, time and date of your birth and insert these data into a rising sign calculator.
Here below is what each of them means:
ARIES RISING SIGN
You are in the first sign of the astrological wheel, Aries, which means you are strong, direct and self-confident. Whichever star represents you, you are a person who gets to the point and doesn't hide behind others to give your opinion. Also, as a number one, you love to lead and are very entrepreneurial.
TAURUS ASCENDANT
Oh, Taurus Ascendant.... you're a real heartbreaker! You have that 'I don't know what' that makes everyone's head turn when you walk by. And you love it, why deny it. Talented professions are your thing, like dancing or cooking. Besides, you hate to have your plans changed, as you're quite stubborn. Are you sure you're not a Taurus with Taurus ascendant?
GEMINI ASCENDANT
If there's one thing that characterizes Geminis, it's that you're always making hand gestures when you talk to the hundreds? thousands? of people you meet, thanks to your gift for socializing. You are very curious and find everything around you interesting. However, this can make it difficult for you to commit to someone or something.
CANCER ASCENDANT
You are considered the 'mommy' of the group, thanks to the fact that you always have a few words of support for your friends. You are affectionate, sensitive and very caring - pure empathy! However, this is not the case with everyone, as you prefer a cautious approach to strangers. But once the shell is off, you're all love, Cancer girl.
LEO ASCENDANT
The essence of the lion is so potent that even though your sun sign is the opposite of Leo, you command the attention of everyone around you with your innate light and vitality. And you love that. However, this does not detract from the fact that you are kind, humble and generous - on the contrary! You love to socialize and help others in whatever they need. The best of each house.
VIRGO ASCENDANT
You don't miss a thing! You always have one eye on everything around you, with two very clear objectives: to control everything and to make sure that those around you are comfortable. You stand out for your humility and sensitivity, although you often get hot under the collar criticizing what you don't like, since you can't stand hypocrisy. X-ray completed.
LIBRA ASCENDANT
Charming is your middle name. You are elegant and like the world to remain in harmony. However, as you usually like everything that others do - since you do not judge anyone - it is quite possible that you idealize people who then disappoint you. But don't change this aspect, it makes you unique and special.
SCORPIO ASCENDANT
You are the typical example of drink, drink and drink everything I don't like, until you explode. Why? You look like a 'tough broad'. You have presence, a piercing gaze and, at times, you can be taken for an edge. However, we all know you have a little heart under there full of love and rainbows.
SAGITTARIUS ASCENDANT
'Life is a carnival' is your lifestyle. You're outgoing, lively and inspire even Pinterest itself, source of inspiration par excellence. Plus, you have the typical flower up your ass that makes almost everything go your way. Can you ask for anything more? Sure! You make 'thank u, next' to everything you don't like with (maybe) too much ease. When I grow up I want to be like you.
CAPRICORN ASCENDANT
Are you good at music? It's thanks to your ascendant in this star. As well as that sanity, seriousness and responsibility that you know how to get out of your head when you need it most. Of course, many times it is not superfluous to lower a little bit of rectitude and stubbornness. Those around you will appreciate it.
AQUARIUS ASCENDANT
We've got you. That little bit of alternative/pass everything is not in the sense that everyone thinks. Okay, you're original, very quirky and prefer different to conventional. But it's because of the essence and vision of the world you have: a strong, caring society. Always be yourself.
PISCES ASCENDANT
You know how to condition yourself to any situation that is put in front of you, from becoming the life of a 'Project X'-style party, to keeping your composure at the most boring and formal event of the year. Plus, you are so affectionate and exude so much magic, you are considered almost a supernatural creature.