What is a Rising sign? And what does it mean for you?

WORDS Mia Steiber PHOTOGRAPHY Bryan Goff PUBLISHED Sat, 5 Sep 2020 - 3:00 pm

In the realm of astrology, there is a lot more to understanding you and your personality than simply looking at your primary sign - your Sun sign. While this is the sign that people will most commonly identify with, your whole natal chart is responsible for who you are. And this includes the placements of all your planets and houses.

There are three elements that are the most significant. In addition to your Sun sign, your Moon sign and your Rising sign (or Ascendant) are the core factors that make up your personality and your traits. Where your Sun sign is the essence of who you are, and your Moon signs shows your inner self, your Rising is your social self. Your Rising sign says a lot about how you act and the way that others see you. Here is what you need to know about your Rising sign.

What does your Rising influence?

It is often said that your Rising sign is the first impression that you give people. If you've ever been told, "you don't seem like a Cancer" or "I don't see you as a Leo" it's probably because these people are picking up on your Rising sign. It is the sign that represents how you manifest your inner and outer self into social settings. In a way it's an external mask, the side that you show people before you get to know them on a deeper level.

How is your Rising sign determined?

To determine your Rising sign, you will need to know the exact time that you are born. This is because your Rising is based on which sign (the constellation that is) was at the horizon at the time of your birth. Risings signs can be different minute to minute, so it's really important to be accurate with your birth time, or you could inadvertently have the wrong sign in your natal chart.

What does your Rising sign mean?

For the Earth Risings - Virgo, Taurus and Capricorn - you present as rather black and white. You're no-fuss and always pragmatic. You'll show off an appreciation for the finer things, and a love of creature comforts. Initially you may come off as a materialistic person, but that's just because Earth signs dearly love the world around them.

Fire Risings - Aries, Sagittarius and Leo - can appear a little confrontational and blunt. You'll also seems very confident and self-assured, even if you're really not at all. Fire signs are often the life of the party. You'll know how to make everyone have fun, even if you really are an introvert at heart.

As for those with a Water Rising - Cancer, Pisces and Scorpio - they will give off an empathetic and sensitive impression. You'll probably be seen as the carer or the nurturer of your circle. People will feel your compassion and some may even see you as a little mysterious on a first meeting.

Finally, the Air Risings - Aquarius, Gemini and Libra - the first impression you will give to people is open, balanced and a little talkative - in a good way. You're perceived as warm and friendly, a savvy communicator with an inquisitive nature. Those is an Air Rising will find that people gravitating towards them in social situations.