The Ascendant symbolises the need for self-expression, and as one of the fire houses it has a lot to do with our sense of individuality. Planets placed in the first house of the chart represent our most natural mode for self-projection; and describes how we approach others. The Ascendant sign and planets rising describe the tasks and qualities we must develop in order to cultivate a synthesis with the Sun and Moon in the natal chart.The Ascendant is often described as the “front door” to the house and it has a lot to say about how we view the world, and how others view us. Planets rising within 10 degrees of the Ascendant have an enormous influence over our personality, and in some cases the planet dominates the persona. The Sun or Moon rising in the horoscope will accentuate the sign’s qualities, talents and abilities. Both the Sun and Moon are the two most important factors in chart interpretation.
We can see the rising planet in evidence when we are approaching new situations, starting something new or making a fresh start in life. It’s the rising sign and planet that are most obvious to others. The rising planet can show whether or not we are confident, self-expressive or fearful and self-protective in new areas of life. Most rising planets are extremely difficult to hide, and they are usually out there for everybody to see. Even if we feel we are doing a good job at masking our insecurities.
It’s like we wear our planets on our sleeves, and this can be a comfortable or uncomfortable experience depending on other chart factors. The Moon rising may reflect someone who finds it hard to mask their emotions in a new situation or in the public. Saturn rising tightly controls their self-expression; there may be shyness and anxiety in front of others. Equally it may represent someone who likes to present a professional image at all times. A planet is always stronger than a rising sign and so it’s worth taking extra consideration of the planet’s/s characteristics. Signs are usually the watered down version of their ruling planets. Astrology signs do play a vital role in astrology, but Neptune rising will have a far more powerful influence over the personality than Pisces rising.
When there are two or more planets rising in the horoscope this will have an even greater effect on the personality, and usually the astrologer would blend these aspects together. The Gauquelin’s study which has been highly regarded and also criticised, used planets that were angular to determine a person’s career. For example, high achievers in sports may have had Mars rising and those interested in Science had Saturn rising. Another thing to stress about rising planets in the chart is major transits to our planets. They are extremely significant in terms of our self-development, and mark those moments in our lives when we assess our self-image, create a new one, or build a whole new life for ourselves. More on the rising planets coming up….
