The Rising Sign or Ascendant in the Signs

The Ascendant, or rising sign, is a vital component in personality analysis as well as compatibility. Put simply, the rising sign is the sign that was rising on the eastern horizon at the exact time of your birth. In astrology it is the doorway to your personality. The characteristics of this sign will explain volumes about how you come across to others. Think of the rising sign as the “cover” of your personal book.

In matters of love, dating, sex and relationships, the ascendant is extremely important to understand. Attraction begins with first impressions. You will find yourself being drawn to a person in the initial stages of a relationship based on the energetic vibe their rising sign projects out into the world.

Read on to discover what the basic qualities of each rising sign can tell you about how the person approaches life, love, sexuality and relationships.

Aries Rising
Ascendant in Aries

Aries rising wants to be first! If you have Aries rising, someone's first impression of you may be that you are a little rude. Almost always, they will see you as impatient and in a rush. You may even appear to be self-centered since you're so busy pushing forward; you sometimes don't even notice anyone around you.

This is the mask - the first impression. What you will also find with Aries rising is an indomitable spirit, steadfast courage and willingness to walk through fire to fight for what they believe in.

In matters of love and sex, if you have an Aries Ascendant you will have little trouble pursuing whomever it is you desire. Passions run high and this rising sign is known for rushing into a new love match. Aries rising is a strongly sexual Ascendant since it’s ruled by Mars, the planet of desire.

Taurus Rising
Ascendant in Taurus

When the bull is rising, you appear to others as slow moving. Some might see you as materialistic or possessive. You may be stubborn; not only are you unwilling to give up, you don't know how to. At the same time, the presence of Taurus rising is usually calming.

A Taurus Ascendant may appear simplistic. It seems as if all you really want is a good meal, great sex, and a beautiful piece of land to call your own. Whatever your values are, with Taurus rising, there will be no trouble in expressing them.

In matters of love, sex, dating and relationships this sign is a glutton. Taurus is the most sensual sign of the zodiac and being ruled by the planet of love, Venus, makes Taurus rising one of the most steadfast, loyal lovers one can come by. For Taurus rising sex is breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert!

Gemini Rising
Ascendant in Gemini

If you have Gemini rising in your chart, you may appear to others as very restless. You have this air about you of eternal youth - always moving onto something new or the next idea. You're sometimes perceived as fickle because so many things interest you and it's difficult to focus on one topic at a time.

When it comes to love, sex and dating, a Gemini Ascendant often has a difficult time deciding what he wants. The grass on the right side of the fence looks just as delicious as the grass on the left. He simply must sample both! Yes, it is difficult for Gemini rising to remain with one partner for long.

In relationship matters, Gemini rising holds the belief that “variety is the spice of life”. You can be sure that dating someone with this Ascendant will never be a boring experience!

Cancer Rising
Ascendant in Cancer

With Cancer rising, others see you as moody. You may seem quite shy, insecure, and super-sensitive. You give off the impression of reacting emotionally to everything, and also appear as someone who is extremely home and family loving.

You are also intensely creative. Others see you as capable of nurturing others in a deep capacity and even if you're a man, there is this "mothering" quality to your persona.

In matters of love, sex and dating, this Ascendant will provide comfort and security to their lover. The ability to turn a relationship into a sanctuary is unparalleled. Sex and emotions can never be separate for Cancer rising, although you can sure this is an extremely sexual sign. Still, for Cancer rising, sex is always better when it comes with love. When this Ascendant does fall in love with someone, the tender affection is an incomparable experience.

Leo Rising
Ascendant in Leo

Leo rising appears to the world as someone with a bright, sunny disposition - at times even dramatic. You seem to exude confidence and when you walk into a room others definitely notice!

If you meet someone with a Leo Ascendant it’s important to remember that this person is proud, noble and expects to be treated with respect and dignity. Embarrass a Leo rising individual and you’ll never have him as a lover.

And you would regret that loss. Leo is the lover of the zodiac. This sign is ruled by the Sun who is the giver of life and vitality. No other sign is as capable of turning a dating experience into a fairy tale romance. Leo rising lives to give love and sexual expression is always fun and natural with this sign. Dating a Leo rising individual might feel like you’ve won the love match lottery!

Virgo Rising
Ascendant in Virgo

Virgo rising seems to be quite refined. Very often a probing, analytical speaker with a soft tone to your voice, others may see you as intelligent and witty. Others may accuse you of either being too neat, or too messy, but you will certainly have a distinct pattern to your character. Others will notice how important work is to you as well.

This Ascendant runs the risk of criticizing and undermining a lover because he truly wants perfection. In matters of love and dating this could be a bit of an impediment. A relationship with Virgo rising is never easy and must be earned.

When it comes to sex and relationship Virgo rising will analyze a love match to pieces before he surrenders to it. Once you’ve won the heart of someone with a Virgo Ascendant however, he’s surely one of the most attentive signs in bed.

Libra Rising
Ascendant in Libra

Others see you as quite attractive. You probably have delicate, refined features and exude charm, confidence and social grace. You may appear to others as very concerned with being diplomatic and fair to everyone you know. You are most definitely charismatic!

And how could you be anything else since you’re ruled by the planet of love and beauty, Venus. In matters of sex, dating and relationships this makes all the difference. You’re an ascendant that seems to magically draw in lovers. Libra rising is a sign that will go to any length in order to preserve a relationship.

One caveat with Libra rising - you are learning about balancing equality in your partnerships, and fine tuning your understanding of a relationship as a spiritual path, not as a means to define who you are as a person.

Scorpio Rising
Ascendant in Scorpio

One thing is certain, people see you as intense! Either they are magnetically attracted to you, or instantly repelled by your mysterious quality. You may appear to others as somewhat mystical, or secretive and difficult to get to know. There is a tremendous power to someone with this rising sign and others recognize it immediately.

This power presents an exciting level of danger when it comes to love, sex and relationships. No other rising sign is at more of a risk to use sex as a weapon or become all consumed by love and passion. Scorpio rising is an expert at obsession!

For a Scorpio rising, love is forever. Sex is a transcendental experience and there is enormous potential for sexual gratification with this sign. However, if this sign is betrayed, the sting could be torturous.

Sagittarius Rising
Ascendant in Sagittarius

You probably have a knack for putting someone in a good mood simply by being in their presence. You exude optimism and love to explore new territory, goals, or challenges. You show others a strong philosophical or spiritual belief system and may be very active, with a love of travel.

In matters of love, sex and dating a relationship will be approached as an adventure. There is never any shortage of good times when you’ve found a love match. The best part about dating someone with Sagittarius rising is that in your relationship it’s never the destination that matters, but the amazing journey the couple can create.

To love someone with Sagittarius rising you must be willing to set them free every now and then. As long as this Ascendant can explore, he will love coming home to the arms of his idealistic love.

Capricorn Rising
Ascendant in Capricorn

Others will probably see you as reserved and serious most of the time. One word others will use to describe you is “responsible". You might even be perceived by others as somewhat of a "wet blanket" because you're so busy planning and working towards achieving your goals that you give off the impression of someone who is a bit dry or all work and no play.

You are quietly ambitious, climbing the ladder of success one rung at a time. You may have invented the word "willpower".

You may approach your love life as a business. This can be a good thing in some respects. For example, in a relationship you will carefully construct a framework and take the time to be sure that your love is built on something solid. Sex is serious business to you as well. Just remember that dating is meant to be fun. Lighten up!

Aquarius Rising
Ascendant in Aquarius

Others see you as a bit weird, or eccentric. You certainly are progressive but this outlook will be fenced into your own restrictive ideas of that particular viewpoint.

Because of the rulers of Aquarius being so inherently different (Saturn is structure and Uranus breaks up structure) you might seem to be a contradiction to others. One thing is certain; people are going to be attracted to your magnetism. Even with your electric quality, you may be more interested in ideas than people.

In matters of love, sex and dating no other rising sign could be more unpredictable. You crave a relationship and the structure it could bring but at the same time, you cannot be held down to traditional relationship “rules”. Aquarius rising needs a partner who is sexually progressive and can appreciate the need for individuality even in the context of a relationship.

Pisces Rising
Ascendant in Pisces

If you have Pisces rising, others will see you as generous, sympathetic to those less fortunate, and very sensitive and sentimental. You are the essence of feeling and imagination.

People may often see Pisces rising as someone they can easily take advantage of because of your capacity for unconditional love and compassion. And in no area is this more true than love. You are the classic candidate for the codependent relationship.

In matters of love, sex and dating the need to be needed is strong. You must be aware of setting boundaries in relationships otherwise you could be taken advantage of. A Pisces Ascendant must learn to give love without losing the self. If you’re in a good love match however, your dreamy imagination can take love and sex to a whole new dimension.

What's my Rising Sign or Ascendant?

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