What is it?
The Ascendant is the point of the zodiac rising on the eastern horizon at the time and in the location you were born. It reflects the particular latitude at which a person is born. For example, two people born at the same time but at different places have different Ascendant degrees or signs. The difference in Ascendants makes a major difference in chart interpretations because it determines which astrological houses the planets will fall in and also which domains of life they affect.

What role does the Ascendant have in our birth charts?
The Ascendant describes our orientation to the external world or our actions in the material world. It is how we project ourselves in the world or the social mask we wear. You could also say that it is our front door. The rising sign represents an important part of our nature or character. In vedic astrology, in fact, character is judged from the Ascendant versus the Sun sign because it determines the field of vision for a person, the lens through which we interpret the world and all aspects of our life. The Ascendant sign also reflects personal mannerisms, abilities, physical characteristics and appearance.

Our outer image is not the same as our core identity or inner self , which we do not casually share with or display to others. The Ascendant is simply the personality that is displayed in our initial and daily encounters with others. Any planet or asteroid within 5 degrees of the Ascendant adds further description to the nature of our external expression.

Demetra George, a well-known and respected astrologer and educator, suggests that the Ascendant also reveals the primary motivation of the soul, or the 'core need that drives the person within the material world' as well as the 'essential quality that is important for a person to embrace in their life in order to maintain their existince.' She places the answer, in part, in the element (fire, earth, air, or water) of the sign found on the Ascendant. Demetra George associates the primary motivation to the elements in the following way:

• Fire signs as the rising sign need to have freedom to act, power over their own life and the influence or energy to bring their visions into manifestation.
• Air ascending signs need to embrace the capacity to explore and express their ideas without any restriction and receive acknowledgment for the things they think and say.
• Earth signs on the horizon require physical and material security in their life, such as a home or money in the bank, and certainty that they will not become destitute.
• Water ascending signs need to have emotional support and security along with continual reassurance that things are actually as they seem and will turn out fine.

Ascendant signs and Soul Purpose (pulling from, in part, Demetra George's primary motivation of the soul)

Aries
These individuals tend to have a good deal of courage, initiative, and self-motivation. They are decisive and in part inspire others to enthusiastically take charge of their own lives.

Taurus
These individuals have patience, determination, stability, endurance, practicality and appreciation for the comforts of life. Those born with this rising sign need material security and as such are industrious, purposeful and responsible.

Gemini
These individuals are known for their agility, perceptivity, versatile, restlessness, and a busy mind. At a core level, their soul needs to be acknowledged for its exchange of and search of vast ideas and concepts, so those with Gemini ascendants are curious and enjoy communicating about a multitude of subjects.

Cancer
Individuals with Cancer rising are sensitive, impressionable, changeable, receptive and have an active (even if not obvious) emotional life. Their need for emotional security gives them a tendency toward introspection and a strong instinctual quality.

Leo
Leo ascendant’s need the freedom and power to bring their creative force into the world. Their high degree of creative energy brings out pride, self-respect, ambition, and leadership ability. They tend to be loyal, outgoing, and warmhearted when not ego-centered and generally attract attention where ever they go.

Virgo
Individuals with a Virgo ascendant are known for their detailed powers of observation, which assist them in analyzing the world and manifesting the material and physical security (especially health) they seek. They are discriminating, dedicated to helping others, and tend to be modest.

Libra
Those with Libra rising signs hold a natural charm and courtesy towards others. Their innate desire for harmony and fair play assists them in meeting the souls need to be appreciated for their ideas. They are refined and peace-loving (sometimes to a fault), but can be quite persuasive in a tactful way.

Scorpio
Those with Scorpio ascendants possess deep passions, penetrating insight, firm resolve, and an unwavering sense of purpose. Their need for emotional security is often expressed through their ability to make others feel comfortable in opening up their deepest secrets while keeping their own under lock and key.

Sagittarius
Individuals with Sagittarius rising tend to have an adventurous spirit and an elevated level of eagerness, optimism, and exuberance. As with other fire signs, they need the freedom and independence to explore the vast world (literally, mentally, and spiritually) as well as manifest their idealistic visions.

Capricorn
Capricorn ascendants describe individuals who are seeking material security through worldly ambition, self-discipline, and a focus on status. These individuals are well-organized, materialistic, serious, conservative, and have a reserved demeanor. Yet, they work hard and have the impetus to get the job done!

Aquarius
Those with Aquarius ascendants need to share their original and unconventional ideas which are a mark for their inner desire for intellectual freedom. They are inventive, impersonal, resourceful and unpredictable.

Pisces
Individuals with Pisces rising display a their soul’s core motivation for emotional security through their emotional sensitivity, sympathy, compassion, and gentle disposition. They can be moody, pliable, hesitant, indecisive and mystically inclined.

Written by: © 2006 Tishelle Betterman, "Astrolady"