Planets and the Ascendant

The planet that rules the astrological sign of the Ascendant (first house) is called the chart ruler. For example, if the Ascendant sign is Virgo, Mercury will be the chart ruler, and will affect the chart in many ways. In addition, the planet nearest the Ascendant in the first house (known as the rising planet) also has a particular importance in the chart. However, if a planet in the twelfth house is very close (within one or two degrees) to the ascendant, this may be taken to be the rising planet instead.

The more planets that are situated in the Ascendant, the more likely the individual's true self will be similar to their Ascendant. For example, a person born with three planets, including the ruler, around a Virgo Ascendant is more likely to act in a typically Virgo manner than someone who has Virgo rising with no planets in the first house.