What Is a Rising Sign—and What Does It Say About You?
Updated: Jun. 24, 2024
Your rising sign forms a major part of your personality—and how it's perceived by the world. Here's what your rising sign means and how to find it.
There’s more to your zodiac than just your sun sign. In fact, the combination of your sun, moon and rising sign represents your personality as a whole. We know that your sun sign (your main zodiac sign) is your archetype, revealing your core personality. Your moon sign, on the other hand, governs your emotional nature. So what does your rising sign mean? I’ve been an astrologer for more than 25 years, and this is the No. 1 question I receive.
In general, your rising sign tends to be your outward persona, but there’s a lot to consider. Ahead, I’m using my experience as a longtime astrologer to illuminate the rising sign, what it represents, how to find it and just how important it is.
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What is a rising sign?
Your rising sign is how others perceive you—it’s your outward persona. I like to describe the rising sign as your scent or your vibe. It rules your appearance in the world, both the physical and something more ineffable.
For instance, maybe you’re a Capricorn sun sign. Capricorns tend to be a little more contained by nature. But let’s say you happen to be a Sagittarius rising, and that’s what you lead with—a boisterous, friendly exterior that typifies a real people person. In your most compatible relationships, you may be more introverted, as Capricorns tend to be. But to the rest of the world, your rising sign leads.
Or maybe you’re an Aries who is a complete open book. But an Aries with a Scorpio rising could come off as a total mystery. In that case, the onus is on you to say, “Hey, no need to feel intimidated by me. I’m actually quite straightforward!”
How to determine your rising sign
While a person’s sun sign is determined by their date of birth, their rising sign is determined by the precise time they were born. Astrology rising signs take into account the exact time (and this is important), date and city in which you were born—so you may have to call Mom!
Also referred to as the ascendant, the term rising sign refers to the zodiac sign that was rising on the eastern horizon at the time of your birth. When doing a client’s full astrological chart, I always start with the rising sign. In the pie chart of a client’s horoscope, the rising sign is located where 9 o’clock would be on a clock. That is the beginning of your chart, and it starts with the moment of birth.
But once you have your birth details, how do you find your rising sign? You can use this astro-calculator, which will determine your ascendant.
Rising sign meaning
One thing I always tell clients: Your rising sign is something of a chicken-or-the-egg riddle when it comes to your interactions with people. People may treat us like our rising sign because that’s the vibe we unconsciously put out. Read on to see if you live up to your rising sign’s reputation!
Aries rising
Aries is a cardinal fire sign. Cardinals are the leaders and initiators, and fire signs are the zodiac element that tends to be enthusiastic and youthful. Aries rules the head, and these rams often have striking faces. They come on like a house on fire and tend to talk and think fast. This rising sign tends to add a level of speed and urgency to a person’s sun sign.
In matters of love, they tend to come on strong but might get bored when the challenge wears off. They can be impulsive with money but also show courage in taking risks.
Taurus rising
Taurus is a fixed earth sign ruled by Venus, the planet of love and beauty. Taurus-rising people have a stillness about them that is calming and comforting to be around. Just like a slow-moving animal or a beautiful plant in the garden, these folks have a natural grace and gentle gait that makes them easy to be around.
Unlike those who have Taurus as their sun sign, who may blow up after a long time of being pushed too far, these Taurus-rising people have a different vibe. If they are starting to get agitated, you will see it on their faces: Their nostrils flare, and their breathing gets louder.
In business, they excel by using a good poker face and not showing distress over minor problems. In love, they are incredibly cozy and sensual—and they give great hugs.
Gemini rising
These folks are friendly and have an intelligent and curious spark in their eye. (Geminis are one of the smartest zodiac signs, after all.) Curious about the world around them, Gemini-rising people love to ask questions. Gemini is an air sign ruled by Mercury, a planet that symbolizes communication but also has a nervous energy. These folks benefit from deep breathing and yoga to keep the air flowing and the nerves calm.
They may get a little bored if their partners don’t change it up as often as they do. Luckily, they inspire growth just by being their smart selves. They excel in careers that demand a quick-thinking brain. Social and fun, they make great friends, although they prefer short hangs to long ones. (I did say they bore easily!)
Cancer rising
These sensitive folks are known for rocking a caring countenance. If their loved ones or even strangers are having a hard day, they can give a nurturing look full of love. They are moody ones, though! Cancer is a water sign, which means it’s heavy on emotions. Plus, it’s ruled by the moon, which changes signs every couple of days. And just like the moon, Cancer-rising folks may frequently shift from happy to melancholy—or as many emotions as you can find in the Inside/Out movies.
That said, unlike Cancer suns, Cancer-rising folks can go with the flow and detach when needed. They are incredibly romantic but also private—there are things even their best friends don’t know about them. Cancer is a cardinal sign, which suggests that on the work front, they know how to steer the ship.
Leo rising
Glamorous and dignified, Leo-rising folks have a royal air about them. As a fixed fire sign, Leo is outgoing but steady. Yes, they love to socialize, but they can also act responsibly about work and family. Chances are, their mane of hair is quite glorious, and they know how to dress with flair.
As friends, Leo-rising people are incredibly loyal and maintain friendships through thick and thin. But they can be bossy and chatty, and they’re likely to bend their besties’ ears with details about their every drama. Intensely romantic, Leo-rising people are also very loyal in the relationship department. They do not tolerate cheating, and they are known to act with integrity—and to expect it.
Virgo rising
Virgo-rising people put out a very hardworking vibe. They like to use their hands and to make themselves useful as much as possible. That said, since Virgo is a mutable (as in adaptable) earth sign, they also do well when they are off duty. Taking care of their bodies through exercise, healthy eating and gardening brings out the best in them.
Like their Gemini-rising buddies, they are ruled by the planet Mercury, which makes them good communicators with a nervous streak. Virgo also rules the stomach, so taking care of digestion should be extra important for them. In relationships, they are humble, giving and wise. At work, they are surprisingly ambitious and are often promoted based on their ability to do a job well and on time.
Libra rising
Rule by Venus, Libra is an air sign that operates with a light touch. Libra-rising folks tend to remain calm and detached no matter the circumstances, but intense emotions can have a negative effect on them. They do best in relationships that are peaceful and light.
With a great eye and general love of aesthetics, Libra-rising people are naturally adept at making an environment as attractive as they are. You should leave the decorating to them!
Like Libra suns, they have a certain quality that makes them as in-demand as the popular dog breed they’re most compatible with.
Scorpio rising
Scorpio-rising people lead with mystery and can sometimes be intimidating. Like Scorpio suns, they are good at the unblinking stare. But they are lighter in spirit and in love with love. They look at everyone as a potential soulmate, and they are apt to be as close to their friends as they are to their lovers. They are used to being put on a pedestal and doing the same with those they love.
Ruled by intense, interrogative Pluto, these folks are natural psychologists. They understand human nature and can always smell a lie. They are loyal and powerful.
Sagittarius rising
Ruled by expansive and fun Jupiter, Sagittarius is one of the luckiest rising signs. These people are gregarious and sometimes a little accident-prone. Sagittarius is a fire sign and the sign of the traveler, so people with this as their rising sign tend to move with a lot of gestures and sudden silly movements.
These folks are known for their great sense of humor and largesse of spirit—you can often hear their laugh before you see them. They are considered citizens of the world who tend to make friends wherever they go. They also may be late bloomers in their careers and are very fascinated by different cultures and philosophies.
Capricorn rising
Capricorn-rising folks are known for having a great bone structure and serious demeanor. Capricorn is an earth sign that is ruled by Saturn, the planet of structure and discipline. They may have wild imaginations, but at first glance, they put out more contained vibes. Yet if you know a Capricorn rising, you know they have a wry sense of humor; this is one of the funniest rising signs, after all.
Though seemingly reserved, Capricorn-rising people are quite sexy and assertive behind the scenes. And on the job, they tend to look for success over the long haul. Enduring respect is more important to them than immediate gratification.
Aquarius rising
Aquarius is a fixed air sign, ruled by the future-oriented planet Uranus. Those with Aquarius rising tend to emanate brilliant vibes but are also slightly distant. It’s because they may feel like aliens—they tend to be ahead of their time.
Aquarius-rising folks are similar to those whose sun sign is Aquarius (the rarest zodiac sign), except they have incredibly unique looks, not just minds. With Pluto transiting Aquarius, these folks are apt to find some luck in the coming months.
Pisces rising
Pisces-rising people put out the vibes of natural healers. They may be into herbs and natural medicine, but even if they are not, people may say they are healing and soothing to be around. Pisces is a mutable water sign, and Pisces-rising folks tend to look like softies when you gaze into their eyes. Whereas people with a Pisces sun can be a little removed, those with Pisces rising can really feel your pain. They are very dreamy in their love lives and are heavily into fantasy. In work, they do best in healing or artistic professions.
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Originally Published: July 15, 2021
