When Change Is The Only Constant.

was thinking about ascendants.. you can check out what's yours rather easily.. just google for 'what is your rising sign?' yup. should be able to find out. So.. I have sagittarius rising. =] unsuprising for my restlessness and optimism huh ^_^ here's some juicy info once you know your ascendant

The Ascendant is the degree of the ecliptic which is rising over the Eastern horizon at the precise time and place of an individual's birth. Put more simply, the Ascendant Sign is the sign of the zodiac which is rising in the East at the moment of birth, and this sign, and the exact position of the Ascending degree, are the starting points in any astrological interpretation.

The Ascendant shows us as we really are - as opposed to the Sun sign which represents our ego and how we would like to be. This is most strikingly obvious if one talks about a person to someone who a casual acquaintance, and describes their character as shown by the Ascendant Sign - in the vast majority of cases, the third person cannot identify those traits as belonging to the subject at all, because Ascendant Sign traits are those that emerge only to those closest to us, and who know us really well. You may find it very revealing to see how this applies to you personally, so let's now take a quick tour through the zodiac signs to see how they behave when instead of being the Sun Sign they are the Ascendant Sign.

Aries Ascendant
The most noticeable trait about an Aries Ascendant person is their overwhelming desire to win. They have an energetic driving force ad remarkable energy reserves. Ruthlessness can be a problem, although competition is generally an excellent spur. There are many strong and positive traits in this placing, but perhaps this person needs to learn to step back a little and take a closer look at what they are doing and why they are doing it. Frequent headaches are common with this placing. In contrast to the independence of Sun sign Arians, those with Aries rising have a very strong need for a permanent partner, and they can be surprisingly understanding, compassionate and tolerant of their loved ones.

Taurus Ascendant
The basic impulse in a person with Taurus rising is acquisition, and this need to possess both things and people is even strong than in those with a Taurus sun. Often these people cannot feel psychologically whole until they can surround themselves with physical proof of their material success. Routine and security are important, and those with Taurus rising don't really enjoy stepping out of their comfort zone. Stubbornness and self-righteousness are as much in evidence as with a Taurus sun, but for those with Taurus rising deep self-understanding has be found the hard way. There can be difficulties with the thyroid gland with this placing. This placing also brings a very deep sexual need, and relationships in general will be intense and passionate. Demanding partners, those with Taurus rising can nonetheless be a tower of strength to those they love.

Gemini Ascendant
Although inherently changeable and flighty, those with Gemini rising don't have their heads in the clouds. With everything life throws at them, they just want one answer - can it be proven by either argument or evidence? Questioning every concept that is put to them, these people are equally adept at questioning themselves, and therefore usually have a high degree of self-understanding. Passionate enthusiasm and joie de vivre are normal in relationships for people with Gemini rising, and shared interests are essential with much intellectual satisfaction being gained from friendly debate. A strong independent streak is likely, though, and the person with Gemini rising abhors possessiveness and jealousy. The hands are often vulnerable with this placing, especially to arthritis. Nervous tension is also a very real problem, and a high number of those with a Gemini Ascendant succumb to asthma.

Cancer Ascendant
With Cancer rising, a great deal of satisfaction is gained through caring for others. Sometimes the instinct to care for loved ones is so strong that anyone and anything outside the immediate circle can be viewed as a threat. The attitude is protective, however, rather than possessive. Those with Cancer rising give out a huge amount of energy to their families and loved ones, and in the absence of a loved one this energy is usually channelled into one particular focus, often a vocation or a chosen cause. Social climbing can be a problem with this placing as these people are especially ambitious for their partners, rather than for themselves. Illogical worry about health is likely, causing a vicious circle of nervous anxiety which should be recognised and dealt with. This Ascendant placing is not one of the strongest, and therefore any planets in the first house, especially if conjunct the Ascendant, will have a powerful impact upon the personality.

Leo Ascendant
The person with Leo rising is likely to be incredibly well organised, but also rather bossy or even pompous. The desire to succeed is very strong in those with this placing, but this can lead to the stifling of all other interests in favour of the career. Those with a Leo Ascendant are very concerned with status, and will want to work always to enhance the standing of themselves and their loved ones, although material success in its own right is less important to them than the kudos that goes with it. Usually psychologically secure, this placing confers a great deal of inner strength and can be very dynamic. Back or neck pain is common.

Virgo Ascendant
Those with a Virgo Ascendant often have a Gemini Midheaven, and as both of these signs are ruled by communicative Mercury, this planet easily becomes the most important in the natal chart. The person with Virgo rising has a need to examine every aspect of his or her life in minute detail, and they are the zodiac's greatest communicators. Usually very well integrated psychologically, this can be a very fulfilling position provided that the potential here is positively directed. This can be easier said than done because the Sun Sign Virgo tendency to worry and to criticise is turned inwards on the self when this sign rises, so self-confidence and self-esteem are often rather low. A remarkable warmth in personal relationships belies this sign's reputation to nag, although people with this placing do tend to encourage their loved ones rather 'vigorously'.

Libra Ascendant
Libra is not one of the strongest signs in the zodiac, even when rising, so any other powerful influence in the chart can easily sap it's quiet dignity. The basis of the personality, however, if unopposed, is the need to relate to others. Very often the person with Libra rising will rush into all sorts of unsuitable relationships on the basis that any partner is better than no partner. The notorious sun sign Libran tendency to be in love with love is however spiced with a lively sexuality when Libra rises, and an altogether more 'worldly' outlook on life. Naturally charming and gentle, these people do however tend to take the easy way out of any tricky situations, and can often be prone to self deception.

Scorpio Ascendant
Scorpio is a very powerful sign, and when it is the rising sign it often dominates the rest of the chart. The deep sense of purpose attributed to Scorpio as a sun sign is likely to be even more deep seated when this sign rises, so here is a very intense and driven person. Considerable energy and organisational abilities are combined with leadership powers in what can be a formidable combination. There is often, however, a need for power for it's own sake, and those with Scorpio rising need to take care not to become obsessive or autocratic. With a deep need to know themselves, the person with a Scorpio Ascendant is capable of seeing their own problems and faults clearly and honestly, but this introspection can often lead to confidence struggles. Emotional security is very important with this placing, but may be exacerbated by jealousy and possessiveness, which can be difficult for a partner to handle.

Sagittarius Ascendant
The need for challenge, so important in a sun sign Sagittarian, is even more important when Sagittarius rises. This placing usually brings a great deal of self confidence together with an expansive, enthusiastic demeanour which is at once charming and endearing. Able to inspire others almost as well as they can inspire themselves, those with Sagittarius rising have an objective and philosophical outlook on life, and are amongst the most broad minded folk you will ever encounter. A tendency to rush in, however, together with a great deal of restlessness, sometimes means that all that potential isn't exploited to its full. Intellectual challenge in essential to these people, both in their working and their personal lives, and a healthy amount of sexual exuberance is also necessary in a romance. Quickly bored, however, the person with Sagittarius rising is open to depression when life offers no challenge, and once in depression, they find it uncharacteristically difficult to climb out.

Capricorn Ascendant
The most crucial issue for those with Capricorn rising is their wavering self-confidence - on moment they can climb mountains, the next they can barely cope with the supermarket. This often means that the person with a Capricorn Ascendant is very confident is some areas (usually work) and quite shy and reserved in others (usually personal). An inability to see themselves clearly leads them to ignore the compliments people offer, and to seriously undervalue their abilities and strengths. Once settled into a relationship, the Capricorn rising person is surprisingly sensitive and emotional, although a tendency to worry does sometimes turn into nagging. Digestive upsets are easily caused by emotional tension, and pessimism can be a real problem. Inherently rational, the Capricorn rising person needs to make room in their lives for spirituality.

Aquarius Ascendant
'Enigmatic' is perhaps the best way to describe someone with an Aquarius Ascendant. The diffidence and emotional coolness of the sun sign are even more evident with Aquarius rises, as is the independent nature and free spirit. Kind and friendly, the Aquarius rising person needs to learn to accept others at face value and not to erect barriers. Eager for self-knowledge, they nonetheless deliberately make it difficult for others to get too close. Relationships are quite an issue in this placing, with the subject always been torn between wanting to retain their independence and freedom yet at the same time longing for a loving relationship. At times perverse and very stubborn, these people can be their own worse enemies, yet they are true humanitarians - sometimes more concerned about the world at large than their own individual loved ones.

Pisces Ascendant
When Pisces rises the person concerned can be in real danger of losing their identity, especially if in a relationship with someone with much stronger personality traits. The Pisces rising person is in many ways a mirror, reflecting back at others precisely what they want to see, yet the true person remains hidden, vulnerable and more than a little frightened. With enormous imaginative and creative talents, the person with Pisces Ascendant is probably one of the true artists of the zodiac, in whatever form they may choose to use their skills. Sensitive and more than a little gullible they need to take care that they are not taken advantage of. Shyness and a lack of confidence are common, as are psychic and healing abilities and a great deal of spiritual wisdom.