In astrology the rising sign is the sign of the zodiac that is rising over the eastern horizon at a specific moment in time.
It is most commonly used within the context of natal astrology to refer to the zodiacal sign that was rising at the moment that a person was born.
More specifically, the rising sign is the sign of the zodiac that contains the Ascendant in an astrological chart.
In popular usage the terms “Ascendant” and “rising sign” are largely synonymous, although the rising sign refers to the entire sign of the zodiac that was rising over the eastern horizon at the moment of birth, while Ascendant usually refers to the specific degree of the zodiac rising at birth. Functionally they both fall in the same sign of the zodiac.
The rising sign is most commonly referenced within the context of natal astrology when studying a person’s birth chart, although technically the term can be applied in any astrological chart where the Ascendant is known and used.
The ascendant and the rising sign are seen as particularly important because they form the starting point for the system of the twelve houses.
The quality of the rising sign and any planets associated with it in the birth chart are particularly important in describing the nature of a person’s personality.
Calculating the Rising Sign
Here is a short video tutorial on how to calculate your rising sign:
