The rising sign: your first impression
The rising sign (or ascendant) is the sign that was rising on the eastern horizon at the exact moment you were born. It changes about every two hours, so you need an accurate birth time and place.
The rising sign is said to describe your outward style, the first impression you make and how you approach new situations. Many people feel that their rising sign describes how strangers see them better than their Sun sign does.
Why it matters
Imagine three people born on the same day. They share a Sun sign but may have different Moon and rising signs depending on the time and place of birth. One might seem outgoing, another reserved, and a third playful – yet all have the same “horoscope sign”.
That is why some readers feel their Sun-sign description is not quite right. Their Moon or rising sign may be shaping their personality in a different direction.
