What Is a Rising Sign? Everything You Need to Know

When someone asks what your sign is, they’re really asking what your sun sign is (i.e. what sign the sun was in on the day you were born).

But you also have an ascendant, or rising sign, which is a vitally important point in your chart. Your rising sign indicates how you interact with other people and represents the mask that others encounter before they get to know the real you. It can also have a major influence on your physical appearance, and may also show why you may be attracted to wildly incompatible sun signs.

First, What Is My Rising Sign?

While the sun takes around a month to travel through each sign, the rotation of the Earth means that the sign rising on the horizon changes every two hours. So, your rising sign is determined by the time and place you were born and explains why someone born on the same day of the same year may be very different from you.

You can check out what sign you are with our rising sign calculator or check in with a psychic for a natal chart reading! Once you’ve figured out your rising sign, look at the descriptions below to see how it impacts your sun sign and your relationships.

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What Your Rising Sign Says About You

Aries Rising Sign

Impulsive and brave, you are always one step ahead of the pack, Aries. You have a strong sense of fair play but you can be a little tactless in your efforts to achieve it. But on the positive side, there is something childlike about your spontaneity, which usually disarms other people. You may find yourself attracted to Libra, Leo, and Sagittarius.

Taurus Rising Sign

Outwardly gentle and passive, you’re stubborn as well. But you only lose your temper if your security is threatened, Taurus. You may be beautiful, with a melodious voice and brilliant communications skills. But you do like to be in control, which is something others don’t realize until it’s too late! You’ll find common ground with Scorpio, Virgo, and Capricorn.

Gemini Rising Sign

Cell phones were invented for you, as you love to chat Gemini! Ideally, you are conducting several conversations at once while you monitor your IM and your e-mail. You are easily bored, and staying focused on one objective requires a lot of self-discipline. This Rising Sign guarantees a youthful appearance and outlook. You love to share ideas with Sagittarius, Libra, and Aquarius.

Cancer Rising Sign

You have a strong need to nourish your loved ones, and you’ll do anything to avoid rejection. You have real empathy with others, Cancer, but you can be moody, especially at new and full moons. There is a really appealing softness about your appearance, but you may have to work to control your waistline. You love the way Capricorn takes care of you, and you also resonate with Scorpio and Pisces.

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Leo Rising Sign

Your impressive presence lights up your surroundings, Leo, and if you accept that you aren’t on stage all the time, you can be relaxed and playful. You’re loyal but need to work hard at empathy. Your beautiful mane is often a standout feature. You are attracted to Aquarians, as they dare to stand up to you. Aries and Sagittarius are kindred spirits who fit into the drama of your life.

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Virgo Rising Sign

You’re so complicated, that the tiniest fly in the ointment, can result in sleepless nights and possibly an ulcer, Virgo. You are also hard on yourself, as you never quite match up to your own standards. But the up side is that you’re a source of practical know-how and always look young for your age. Pisces teaches you the deeper meaning of life and how to chill while Capricorn and Taurus are comfortable companions.

Libra Rising Sign

Charming, fair, and just, you simply have to redress the balance whenever it seems out of kilter, and often find yourself embroiled in disputes. Ideally, dear Libra, you’ll channel this into your career, or your relationships will be stormy or nonexistent, and you hate to be alone! Not that you’ll lack admirers. Fellow air signs, Aquarius and Gemini, provide intellectual stimulation, and Aries is infuriatingly attractive!

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Scorpio Rising Sign

Soulful and secretive, you don’t give anything away, Scorpio. Others can drown in those deep, often dark eyes, but it leaves you unfazed. Once you fall in love, you really lock on, and woe to any two-timing lover. Emotional security is paramount, although you have a healthy respect for money in the bank. Taurus understands your needs, as does Cancer. You fall for Pisceans, but they will drive you mad!

Sagittarius Rising Sign

So friendly! So open! And so accident-prone Sagittarius! With eyes fixed on distant horizons, you sometimes miss or bump into what’s right in front of you. You make up for it by being warm as toast and interested in just about everything—except getting tied down. Your cure for the blues is to hop on the nearest plane and explore. Gemini fascinates you, while Leo and Aries share your inspired outlook on life.

Capricorn Rising Sign

You come across as serious, but that belies your dry sense of humor, Capricorn. You’re hard-headed when it comes to money and responsibility, because you take your commitments seriously. You often feel out of place when young and usually come into your own after you hit 30. So don’t give yourself a hard time! Cancerians really appreciate your protectiveness, while Taurus and Virgo tease out your sensuality.

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Aquarius Rising Sign

You are a people person, Aquarius, but because you believe we are all equal under the sun, your nearest and dearest sometimes feel neglected. Quirky and charismatic, you definitely attract unusual people and unexpected adventures—which is how you prefer it really. Hooking up with a Leo can be irresistible while Gemini and Libra match you in the conversation stakes.

Pisces Rising Sign

Sensitive and sympathetic, you are a bit like a psychic sponge, soaking up everything in the emotional atmosphere. You, Pisces, hate both confrontation and disappointing those that you love, so if you’ve misbehaved, you tend to go maddeningly AWOL. As it’s common to get involved with a Virgo, you are probably used to being chided. Still, this keeps you out of even more trouble. Cancer and Scorpio share your romantic ideals.

Lead photo courtesy of @becca_reitz