Have you ever asked yourself, “What is my rising sign?” Even those who don’t check horoscope dates regularly have a vague understanding of their sun sign, which is the 12 zodiac signs determined by the day you were born. But have you used a rising sign calculator before? Maybe not. Whether you're a seasoned astrology enthusiast or just starting to dip your toes into the cosmic waters, it’s okay if you don’t know your rising sign—that’s why we’re here—but it is something I can almost guarantee you’ll be asked about at some point in your life.
More and more people are catching on to the value of self-reflection through astrology, which means knowing your natal placements (that is, the placement of the planets when you were born like your sun, moon, and rising sign) has been increasingly popular. Things like our relationships, career, and personal growth can be better understood by looking at our charts, and our rising sign offers some of the most powerful information of all. And asking others about their zodiac chart can add valuable insight into your shared relationships and offer a chance to connect more deeply with family members, friends, romantic partners, and coworkers too.
You’ve likely heard before that Capricorns are ambitious, Scorpios are passionate, and Gemini are adaptable—but did you know that these traits can actually be more indicative of their rising sign than their sun sign? Here’s how to find your rising sign. What is your rising sign on a birth chart? Your rising sign—also known as your ascendant—is the sign that was rising on the eastern horizon at the time of your birth. It indicates the point where the sky and the eastern horizon met at the time of your birth.
This placement in your chart plays a vital role in shaping your outward expression—mainly, how others perceive you, the first impression that you make, your physical appearance, and how you interact with the world around you. While your sun sign represents your core identity and your moon sign reveals your inner emotional world, your rising sign is the driving force behind the energy that you put out into the world. It's also the sign that dictates your first house—one of the most personal houses in a natal chart.
(More on that below.) Imagine you were born on September 8 and everyone always put you into a box using your sun sign: critical, analytical, perfectionist Virgo. However, you always felt like more of a deep-feeling, irrational, and dreamy type of person.
That may be due to your Pisces rising! This is why it’s important to know and acquaint yourself with your rising sign, as well as the rest of your planetary placements like your moon sign , in order to get a full understanding of who you truly are and your compatibility with other signs of the zodiac. Rising sign vs. sun sign: What’s the difference? Astrology enthusiasts often talk about their sun sign, but your rising sign is equally as significant.
Some would even say it's more important than your sun sign. While your sun sign changes every 28 days, making it easier to determine, your rising sign changes every two hours. This makes it a much more individualized aspect of your chart.
As your sun dictates how you act, your ego, your motivations, and the lens in which you look through to see the world, your rising sign influences more personal details. Everything from your appearance to your demeanor and even down to how you attract (or deter) others can be seen through the zodiac sign that rules over your rising. Because the rising sign marks the beginning of your first house, it can also show unique details into how you look physically and how you like to dress.
How do you calculate a sun, moon, and rising sign? You might have heard people refer to the “big three” when asking for your sign, or to share their own. They're referring to your sun, moon, and rising sign. To fully understand yourself—or others—through a birth chart, it helps to know all three in order to gain insight into your emotions and the energy you put out into the world.
Your rising sign, also known as your ascendant sign, is calculated using the exact time of your birth on your birthday. There are many free sites that offer a rising sign chart, including this one . If you don’t know the exact time you were born, it’s not possible to accurately calculate your rising sign because it changes every two hours.
So double-check that copy of your birth certificate for an accurate astrology chart! Once you have this information, you can uncover the unique blend of energies that shape who you are. Does your rising sign matter? Because the rising sign changes every two hours, it’s a much more personal placement than your sun sign, which changes every 28 days. Your rising sign is also important because it dictates what sign each of the 12 houses in your birth chart will be ruled by.
So your rising sign rules your first house, and each house is then filled by the chronological zodiac signs that follow. An example of this: An Aries rising will have their first house ruled by Aries, second house ruled by Taurus, and so forth. The houses in astrology dictate different areas of your life, meaning that their ruling sign can influence everything from our sense of self to our deepest secrets, our family life, and every detail in between.
Can one placement really hold that much power, you ask? It can and it does! What does your rising sign mean? Your rising sign can influence everything from your appearance to your personality to how you approach certain situations in life. So much so that your rising sign is a good indicator of how others perceive you, especially as you get older. Historically, a lot of people have considered the rising sign to be the mask you wear in the world, but it’s more accurate to describe your rising sign as the window into who you are.
Why? Because your rising sign’s energy is the initial approach you have toward others and the world around you. In short, it’s a clue into what kind of first impression you make. This means it has an important influence over the personality, self-image, and approach to life for each sign of the zodiac—something that should not be overlooked or underestimated! And, as the part of your birth chart that changes the most frequently, it’s the rarest of your placements.
So be sure to pay close attention to your rising sign’s energy. What is the connection between the first house and a rising sign? In astrology, your first house cusp is the place on the birth chart where your rising appears. So, your ascendant sign is always in your first house.
This is important because your first house, also called the House of Self, rules over the aspects of your life that are related to self-identity, physical appearance, your first impression on others, and how you initiate things. The first house also sets the stage for the rest of your chart, with each subsequent house following the natural order of the zodiac. For example, if you have an Aries rising, your first house will be ruled by Aries, your second house by Taurus, and so on.
The first house is where your rising sign truly comes to life and influences everything from your personal style to your approach when experiencing new people or things. Your rising sign is more than just a mask you wear—it’s a window into who you are. It governs your outer personality, the first impression you give to others, and how you navigate new situations.
So, a Leo rising might come across as confident and charismatic, while a Virgo rising might be perceived as having perfectionist tendencies and much more cerebral in their approach to life. Understanding your rising sign helps you align with your natural strengths and navigate life with greater self-awareness of how you show up and are being perceived. What is a ruling planet and how is it determined by a rising sign? In astrology, each zodiac sign is ruled by a planet and can add another layer of meaning.
So whatever planet rules over the sign of your rising will inherently become more important in your chart. If you have a Scorpio rising, for example, then your ruling planet is Mars, which brings passion and intensity to your personality. A Taurus rising, on the other hand, is naturally ruled by Venus which would give that person an emphasis on beauty, harmony, and sensuality in their style, appearance, and general vibe.
These planetary influences can also be affected by retrogrades, cusps, and the overall vibes of your natal chart. In short, your rising sign is quite the dynamic force in your life. Since each rising sign answers to a ruling planet, let's break them all down: Aries Rising: Ruled by Mars.
This means you’re bold and a natural-born pioneer, sometimes impulsive, and thrive in leadership roles. Taurus Rising: With Venus as your ruler, you value stability, luxury, and sensual pleasures. You're often drawn to beautiful surroundings and luxurious things.
Gemini Rising: Mercury guides your curious and adaptable nature, which makes you a natural communicator and quick thinker. Cancer Rising: The moon is your ruling planet. This waxing and waning luminary influences you to be nurturing, intuitive, and deeply connected to your emotions, family, and home life.
Leo Rising: Ruled by the sun, you’re charismatic, confident, bold, and love to be the center of attention. Virgo Rising: Mercury's analytical power gives you a keen eye for detail, which makes you practical and thoughtful in your approach to life. Libra Rising: Venus is your ruling planet.
It brings harmony and beauty to your interactions, while also making you diplomatic and charming in the eyes of others. Scorpio Rising: Mars is your ruling planet. Your passion and intensity makes you dedicated, deep, and mysterious in your approach to life.
Sagittarius Rising: With Jupiter as your ruling planet, you’re seen as optimistic, adventurous, and always on the hunt for new knowledge. Capricorn Rising: Saturn as your ruling planet makes you disciplined while also giving you a strong sense of responsibility, ambition, and desire for structure in your approach to life. What are rising sign traits? Aries rising: As a cardinal fire energy, this bunch is blessed with innovation, bravery, and an uncanny ability to step outside of their comfort zone.
Aries-rising folks do well in scenarios that ask them to lead. Think management roles at work, becoming the decision maker of a friend group, or being the initiator in relationships. They are disdainful of those who imitate or follow the herd, as they cannot see the value in such an approach to life.
It may be difficult for them to listen to others, which can make it hard to fit in during certain chapters of their life. Some may call them naive, but they tend to be ahead of the curve when it comes to trends and risk-taking. These folks can dance the line between being selfish and self-reliant and do well to partner with patient types as friends, lovers, or business partners—someone who will understand their sometimes brash nature.
Aries-rising people mean well; most of their perceived tactlessness is reactionary behavior that helps them to put up a guard and hide their vulnerable underbelly just long enough to get them where their heart is laser-focused on going. They thrive on freedom and independence; so if they cannot work their way into the role of a leader, you may find them walking through life as a loner. They are easily inspired, determined, and innovative folk who thrive in environments where they can explore at their own quickened pace without needing to explain the method in their madness to others, as patience is not a strong suit for them.
When they communicate with others, it may come off blunt (harsh, even) due to being ruled by Mars. But being so straightforward works to their benefit during competitive sports, challenging work environments, and busy home spaces. They do best living a balanced life full of work and pleasure, as being bored is not a fun state in which to catch an Aries rising.
Taurus rising: These Venusian beauties are all about stability, luxury, and ease. Because they are a fixed Earth sign , they can come off stubborn and unwavering in their views or opinions, but their consistency is a superpower. Most people would describe them as easy-going, reliable, and unbothered, but inside, Taurus-rising people are unwilling to do anything they don’t want to do.
Focused on the finer things in life, these people will want all five of their senses heightened as often as possible. You can always find them grazing on good food, listening to good music, wearing something cozy, stocked up on high-end skin care, and surrounded by beautiful people in beautiful places. They are typically as visually appealing as the environments they reside in.
Because of their focus on the material world, these folks always want to make sure they have both feet solid on the ground, so you’ll never catch them fully reliant on another. Even many years into a relationship, Taurus-rising people will still have their own money, job, or passion as a quick out if they are ever crossed or their security is jeopardized. This is not to say that they are quick to hit the eject button, as the downside to this comfortable placement’s energy is a tendency toward stagnation.
They are the true creatures of habit and need to be coaxed out of situations that are well-beyond their expiration date. Although they love luxury, do not put it past a Taurus rising to also be extremely down-to-earth; they enjoy having their bare feet on the grass as much as they enjoy flying first class. Affectionate and sensual beings, Taurus-rising people have the ability to find enjoyment in every situation, and not just the ones that are highly curated.
These people will be able to find more value in historical, timepiece, or classical art than their peers, as much of their being gravitates toward what they know rather than adding unnecessary and new details to life in order to spice it up. It’s hard to find them bored; they do quite well at finding the many miracles in each moment. Gemini rising: These folks are the true idea people of the zodiac.
Wherever they are, their minds will be running a mile a minute, looking for the next tantalizing bit of information to chew on. As a mutable Air sign , they are flexible and curious, and make amazing conversationalists—they are able to chameleon to anyone with ease, as they see any new connection as a source of vitality and inspiration. They are talkative entertainers and could bring the same level of magnetism to both crowds and intimate conversations.
People are drawn to Gemini-rising folks, as their charisma gives off an air of being both friendly and safe to engage with. However, for those hoping to lock these folks into any sort of commitment, romantic or otherwise, best of luck! They enjoy being fluid and untethered and can sometimes bear the burden of believing that the grass is always greener on the other side. They need constant stimulation and do best in fast-paced environments where change is frequent.
Some may even consider them to be sweet talkers; at the very least, they are flirtatious and charming. Gemini-rising people are typically very witty, and most of their jokes could go right over your head if you’re not paying close enough attention. You’ll be hard-pressed to find them sulking over something that happened more than five minutes ago—they don’t take themselves (or others) very seriously, and this can cause others to read them as aloof.
The reality is that they simply enjoy building bridges and connecting. Not only with others, but also helping to connect others to their abundance of knowledge and wisdom that they’ve gained over the years. No matter how intelligent they become, Gemini-rising people will always hold the essence of a child and leave you perpetually puzzled on their exact age.
But don’t fret, as they love to talk about the illusionary property of time with you, anyway! Cancer rising: These folks are usually a bit shy at first, but once you’ve given them the time and safe space to trust you, there is no one more nurturing and attentive than a Cancer rising! They tend to be homebodies, preferring to put the phone on Do Not Disturb and cozy up with a favorite book or childhood show rather than go out to loud, packed gatherings. Others would consider Cancer rising to be quite a caretaker, especially in friend groups. They may have been the one emotionally supporting the rest of the family as they were growing up.
This part of their personality is innate and skillful, and can be used in fulfilling ways. Cancer-rising folks would do well to find friends, partners, and work environments that make them feel safe to relax. They won’t mind whipping up their famous home-cooked meals or charcuterie boards for people who reciprocate the same love and attention that they give so effortlessly to others.
Cancer-rising folks will have a strong need for emotional security and living in (or creating) a home environment that is safe as well. Because of the cardinal Water-sign energy that these people are ruled by, they can have an undoubtedly strong intuition and near psychic capability from a young age. However, the downside to being ruled by such a force is that there is sometimes a void of logical backing, making it hard for them to describe how they’re feeling or their beliefs to others who do not think the same way.
This can be frustrating for both parties if patience is not implored. However, if Cancer risings and their closest circle can all approach one another with empathy, there is a nearly unbreakable bond that can be created between them—making them great lifelong friends, lovers, or community members. Leo rising: Leo risings are the life of the party and typically stand out in more ways than one.
These folks usually have some sort of special head of hair that they wear atop their head like a metaphorical crown—that could be a unique cut, color, or length that makes others stop in their tracks to take a look. They are proud of who they are and how they show up in the world but, like most Leo placements, are secretly more insecure and sensitive than most. They do not take well to criticism or quieting.
Do not tell this fixed Fire sign what to do or how to do it, or you will hear their infamous “roar.” They like to show up in dramatic and unique ways with everything from their wardrobe to their career choice. You won’t soon forget your time with a Leo rising! There is no such thing as too much for these folks, but if you try to tell them that they are being loud, aggressive, or annoying, then you will have struck a nerve of embarrassment that is not quick to soothe.
They want to be able to freely enjoy their life, show affection, and share in their heart’s desires. They are natural-born leaders and will tend to find their comfort zone at the front of the pack, which won’t bode well with other alpha personalities. Pick and choose your battles with a Leo rising, and know that most problems can be fixed by sharing your love and admiration with them through praise and compliments.
The lens through which they look at life can be somewhat self-centered, but they are always doing what they feel is best for the herd. Take their opinions with a grain of salt and remember that if there is no harm, there will be no foul. These are bright and confident folks who deserve to shine! Virgo rising: The mutable Earth-sign energy of a Virgo rising is most palpable in their desire to learn about themselves, others, and the world around them.
They are curious to their core about why something or someone is the way they are. Their greatest fear is getting in the way or being a burden, so you will most likely find them keeping to themselves unless they truly believe they have something valuable to offer to the room. They can be finicky about their environment, their diet, and how their time is spent.
They do not appreciate being critiqued, though others may feel that they very willingly dole out this type of critical energy themselves. That’s what makes the Virgo rising so interesting: They are unaware that their opinions and suggestions come off as anything other than helpful, so they may be a bit blind to their own harsh judgments, because it always comes from a pure place. Since they are ruled by Mercury, the planet of communication, others will be naturally drawn to talking with them and divulging their thoughts and secrets to a Virgo rising.
They have a knack for listening and mirroring back in an extremely present and thoughtful way. They also enjoy their creature comforts, being of the Earth element—mainly music, food, art, and spaces that make them feel relaxed. They do not do well with clutter, chaos, or confusion in their surroundings; if you find a Virgo rising living in disarray, they may need you to check on them and give them permission to rest and to hire someone to do the clean-up for them until they feel inspired and useful again.
Order is very important to them, so you can count on them to submit good work and take good care of their duties. Because of their deep-seated insecurities about being flawed or imperfect beyond repair, they are prone to bouts of worrying and stress. These folks do best when they have affirmation from those around them and genuine people in their corner to remind them that their value runs much more deeply than trying to be perfect.
Libra rising: Although Libra-rising people would feel best in a world that was free of conflict, they usually create a low-grade level of conflict for themselves and others by being deeply indecisive. It’s hard for them to get on board with anything that doesn’t feel like a resounding yes, and they can spend more time waiting for others to be comfortable with their opinions than they do with forming solid opinions of their own. They are tried and true romantics and have a habit of allowing each and every one of their hypothetical dreams to play out in their minds in great detail.
This makes it hard for them to settle on one choice, or person, without some time to weigh out all of their options. Their wild imagination is both a blessing and a curse, and leaves them in decision paralysis with each choice they make in their lifetime. Whether you’re in their perfectly curated home or catch them out purchasing a heaping pile of their favorite personal-care products, just know that when they do make a decision, it’s both well-thought out and likely to bring an aesthetically pleasing end result.
Other people see them as very amicable, cooperative, and friendly, which gives them an upper hand in social situations, as it’s easy for them to gain social status in large groups or communities. They come off as very nonjudgmental and help bring a sense of comfort and ease to those around them. The cardinal Air-sign energy behind a Libra rising gives them an innate skill of communicating with and reading other people.
They are likely to be avoidant of karma and try to stay on other people’s good side, unafraid to call upon favors later down the road. They are valuable friends to have in the midst of life’s unexpected challenges, as they can easily look at situations from an unbiased perspective and a solution-oriented approach to life, and can help others to do the same. If you’ve found a Libra rising, you’re in luck! And if you are a Libra rising, you make your own luck—continue to shoot higher and ask for more.
Scorpio rising : You can always tell a Scorpio rising from their intense and lustrous eyes. These folks are a force and have a deep yearning for closeness and vulnerability. They are keenly aware of the world around them and can pick up on the slightest change in their external environment, which makes it hard for others to sneak anything past them.
Being deeply attuned to their own emotional landscape, Scorpio risings do well with careers that allow them to connect with others and play a bit of detective in their own right. They love solving problems rooted in human psychology. As either a friend or a lover, those they connect with will need to have patience and make allowances for their curiosity and well-intended meddling.
They are prone to jealousy and are usually very protective of their personal relationships. These folks are the true embodiment of ride-or-die energy. As a fixed Water-sign placement, Scorpio-rising people require privacy and are prone to secrecy.
Even though they are well-equipped to make others feel comfortable in sharing their own deepest and darkest secrets, it takes a truly worthy person to get a Scorpio rising to open up about themselves. They can be described as power hungry by others when they have their eye set on something (or someone); their Plutonian energy is prone to control, intensity, and jealousy, and is always up for a challenge. These folks do better than most in situations that involve children, animals, and foreign travel, as they are masterful with nonverbal communication, bordering on a sort of telekinesis.
Their innate psychic abilities allow them to understand other people’s circumstances without ever having been in a similar position. Scorpio-rising people are emotionally powerful. When the world around them is in disarray, it’s natural for others to turn to them in these moments of destruction and darkness, as they themselves are quite comfortable with the uncomfortable.
Psychic, sensual, and deeply passionate—there is nothing quite like Scorpio-rising energy. Sagittarius rising: If you’re wondering where you can find a Sagittarius rising, they are most likely to be found on a trip somewhere exotic or deep in the throes of learning about history, spirituality, or humanity. They are explorers at heart; even if they choose not to partake in extensive travel, they will always find a way to push themselves outside of their emotional comfort zone.
Others may describe them as noncommittal or aloof, but the truth is that Sagittarius-rising people simply want to live the life they have been given to the fullest. They are not ones to stagnate or hold grudges; however, their biting tongue can sometimes wind them up on other people’s bad sides. They are usually playing the role of class clown or life of the party, as this mutable Fire-sign energy likes to connect with many people and bring a jovial energy wherever they go.
They are growth-centric and never shy away from change, especially if it brings them closer to their prized vision of their dream life that always lives just one risky decision away. These folks live with true excitement for what lies ahead, but that can leave the people around them feeling as if they’re not good enough to keep a Sagittarius rising’s attention on the present moment for very long. They do best with friends, lovers, and work environments that give them total freedom and independence.
Although most would describe them as highly skilled conversationalists, what they’re really looking for is the permission from others to relax and to be a recluse—permission they struggle to give to themselves. Wise but sometimes unreliable, Sagittarius rising does best in a life that allows them to think bigger and only ever dedicate themselves to following their heart. Capricorn rising: If you’re blessed with a Capricorn rising, there is a predestined and abundant reality waiting for you if you haven’t already hit the jackpot.
These folks have their mind on money and money on their mind. They have a laser-focused drive and attention to turning their dreams into a reality, and very little can get in their way. Unbothered by the opinions and feelings of others, their self-determination is a work of art and truly asks them to put the cause that they’re working on before themselves.
Although Capricorn energy has been described as cold or calculated, Capricorn-rising people simply need to find value in their connection to another before opening up and showing their soft underbelly. They are not quick to divulge on personal matters, but if they trust you, you are now one of many smart, longterm investments that these people will make in their lifetime. They tend to get involved or find interest in the past and learn from their own mistakes as well as the mistakes of others.
If they find a time period of interest, they can turn into total history buffs, and they will usually gravitate toward traditional approaches and beliefs in their personal lives. It’s likely that they will surround themselves with older friends or date an older partner—their natural maturity and desire to grow drives most of their life decisions. Others would describe them as practical, pragmatic, work-oriented, and serious.
But to those who know them best, a Capricorn rising is full of wonder and excitement just waiting to be expressed at the right time. Aquarius rising: Deeply curious, intellectual, and one of a kind: These are just a few of the ways that others would describe an Aquarius rising. They are made of magic and wonder, and life for them is simply one adventure after the next.
These folks, being influenced by fixed Air-sign energy, do best when they are able to dedicate themselves to a cause. More often than not, they want to leave a legacy behind and are thinking less about instantaneous gratification and more about doing things in a unique and undeniably valuable way. They have a dichotomous nature that blends timeless wisdom and what others may deem as airheadedness—but this only makes them more relatable to the masses, as they are able to speak to all corners of humanity.
These folks are able to think about the greater good and usually show up quite selflessly in their lifetime. The people around them benefit from their idea-sharing, networking skills, and deep desire to see everyone rise up together. They are likely to commit to a different religion, place of residency, or life path than their families and do best when they have supportive and stable people at home they can always return back to.
Attracted to the quirky and unconventional parts of life, they do well with arts, culture, and language exchange. Once they have met their own boundaries, these people are prone to expanding and changing in order to keep the collective rise going in the right direction. They are pioneers on a societal level.
Pisces rising: True nurturers, Pisces-rising people do best in this lifetime to give back to other people on an emotional or spiritual level. They are deeply in tune with themselves and the world around them, which makes them great space holders for others to feel safe and supported. They are endlessly emotional and feel their entire range of feelings without fear.
It is hard for them to suppress themselves and their deepest experiences are usually on public display. They are prone to giving out one too many chances to the wrong people, as they struggle with discernment and boundaries. They want everyone to feel warm and welcome, even if it comes at the expense of their well-being.
Their time, energy, and emotions are the time, energy, and emotions of everyone. They do best to surround themselves with strong-willed, structured, and stable beings that can connect to them without taking them for granted or over-extending their welcome. As they are guided by their hearts, intuition is the leading decision maker for Pisces-rising people, which makes it hard to have rational conversations with these folks.
Gentle, dreamy, and romantic—they are poetic at their core and truly look at life as a work of art. Being able to see through the eyes of these people, even just for a moment, is a gift that anyone would be lucky to experience. They have to watch out for escapism, as there is an endless stream of beautiful dreams floating through their Neptunian minds that they can so easily convince themselves are a reality.
Meghan Rose is an astrologer, tarot reader, and writer based out of Los Angeles. In addition to her monthly tarotscopes —a combination of horoscopes and a tarot card reading—for Glamour, she's the host of the “When Stars Align” podcast and author of the newsletter PRAGMA: Relationships & Astrology. With over a decade of experience and “eerily accurate” insights, her aim is to bridge the gap between the magical and the material for her community with a grounded and authentic approach.
Learn more about Meghan on her website themeghanrose.com and follow her on Tiktok , Instagram , and Substack ..
