What is my rising sign and what does it mean?
WE’RE all familiar with our sun signs and lots of us consult our horoscopes from time to time.
Rising signs can unveil further insights into your character. Let's explore how to discover your rising sign...
What's a rising sign in astrology?
Most people are familiar with their star sign, or more specifically their sun sign.
But we all also have a rising sign and a moon sign.
The rising sign—also known as the ascendant sign—is the sign that was rising on the eastern horizon at the exact time you were born.
It constitutes one of the key components in your birth chart, along with your moon sign.
Believers in astrology maintain that these three signs collectively form the cornerstone of your personality.
While the moon sign is believed to indicate the “inner you”, the rising star can reveal more about the “outer” you, and how others perceive you.
It’s said that the rising sign influences the first impressions of a person.
If you're a serious Capricorn but people see you as flighty - like a Pisces - your rising sign might be why.
You may be an intense and quiet Scorpio but if others view you as an open and friendly Taurus, your rising sign might be the cause.
How do I calculate my rising sign?
If you want to figure out your rising sign, you’ll need your sun sign, and the exact time of your birth handy.
Check this handy table by Ask the Astrologers, find your star sign in the left-hand column, then move along to the hour you were born.
If you don't know your star sign you can find it out here.
Find your latest horoscopes here.
What does my rising sign mean?
All the star signs are believed to have different qualities, strengths and weaknesses.
Here’s what each sign represents:
Aries (March 21 - April 20)
Strengths: hopeful, active, energetic, honest, adaptable, brave, adventurous, passionate, generous, cheerful, curious, warm, dynamic Weaknesses: impulsive, naive, self-willed, quarrelsome, impatient Symbol: Ram Get all the latest Aries horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
Taurus (April 21 - May 21)
Strengths: romantic, decisive, logical, hard-working, passionate, patient, artistic, perseverant, kind, practical, calm, Weaknesses: prejudiced, needy, stubborn, hedonistic Symbol: Bull Get all the latest Taurus horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
Gemini (May 22 - June 21)
Strengths: insightful, smart, cheerful, quick-witted, warm, charming Weaknesses: fickle, gossipy Symbol: Twins Get all the latest Gemini horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
Cancer (June 22 - July 22)
Strengths: strong sixth sense, gentle, imaginative, careful, dedicated, perseverant, kind, caring Weaknesses: greedy, possessive, sensitive, prudish Symbol: Crab Get all the latest Cancer horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
Horoscope traits
What does your star sign mean for you?
Aries - The best and worst characteristics of the head of the zodiac
Aquarius - The traits you need to know for the air sign
Capricorn - What does this star sign mean for your personality?
Cancer - The key traits for the sign include a keen love of food
Gemini - The traits to be aware of for the sign with a symbol of twins
Leo - The best and worst characteristics of the fire sign
Libra - What does the seventh star sign mean for your personality?
Pisces - The key traits for the sign include an interest in the arts
Sagittarius - The traits you need to know for the fire sign
Scorpio - What does this star sign mean for your personality?
Taurus - The best and worst characteristics of the earth sign
Virgo - The key traits for the sign include loyalty and kindness
Leo (July 23 - August 23)
Strengths: proud, charitable, reflective, loyal and enthusiastic Weaknesses: arrogant, conceited, indulgent, wasteful, wilful Symbol: Lion Get all the latest Leo horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
Virgo (August 24 - September 22)
Strengths: precise, intelligent, helping, elegant, perfectionist, modest, practical, perceptive Weaknesses: fussy, nosey, tortuous, limiting Symbol: Virgin maiden Get all the latest Virgo horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
Libra (September 23 - October 23)
Strengths: idealistic, reasonable, just, strong social skills, charming, artistic, kind-hearted Weaknesses: hesitant, egotistic, lazy, careless, freewheeling Symbol: Scales Get all the latest Libra horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
Scorpio (October 24 - November 22)
Strengths: mysterious, rational, intelligent, independent, intuitive, devoted, insightful, sensible Weaknesses: suspicious, obsessive, complicated, possessive, arrogant, self-willed Symbol: Scorpion Get all the latest Scorpio horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
Sagittarius (November 23 - December 21)
Strengths: adventurous, outspoken, upbeat, insightful, rational, brave, lively, optimistic Weaknesses: forgetful, unthinking, rash Symbol: Archer Get all the latest Sagittarius horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
Capricorn (December 22 - January 19)
Strengths: intelligent, practical, reliable, perseverant, generous, optimistic, endearing, persistent Weaknesses: stubborn, solitary, and suspicious Symbol: Goat Get all the latest Capricorn horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
Aquarius (January 20 - February 18)
Strengths: unique, tolerant, calm, sociable, charitable, independent, smart, practical Weaknesses: changeful, disobedient, hasty, rebel Symbol: Water carrier Get all the latest Aquarius horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
Pisces (February 19 - March 20)
Strengths: conscious, friendly, dedicated, kind, good temper Weaknesses: retreating, sentimental, indecisive, unrealistic Symbol: Fish Get all the latest Pisces horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions