Rising sign

The rising sign, or Ascendant, is the degree of the zodiac that was rising on the eastern horizon at the time and place of birth. It changes sign roughly every two hours, which makes it the most personal element of the chart, but also the one that requires an exact time. It marks the cusp of the 1st house. According to tradition, it describes the way one presents oneself to the world, spontaneous drive and part of one’s appearance; it is read together with the Sun sign, never in its place.