Sun Signs and the Ascendant

Each of the 12 signs of the zodiac form a Rising Sign Personality when placed on the Ascendant. Earth and Water signs tend to display a quiet, introspective image, whereas Fire and Air signs usually show a more confident, extrovert exterior.

Ascendant Fire Signs

The fire signs of Aries, Leo and Sagittarius are known for their enthusiasm, energy and optimism. Anyone who has a fire sign on the ascendant tends to have an outer manner that is friendly and uncritical, which makes them good mixers and public relations executives.

• Aries risers project a well-organised, slightly military bearing, which makes them good for any kind of civil service or military organisation.
• Leo risers have a dignified, rather formal manner, which inspires confidence.
• Sagittarius risers have a cheerful, pleasant and rather witty outer manner which suits all kinds of training, teaching and public speaking situations.

Ascendant Earth Signs

The earth signs of Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn are known for their security and practicality. Anyone who has an earth sign on the ascendant tends to have a shy, serious and cautious outer manner. They send out pleasant and tactful signals suggesting that they prefer to form part of a team - at least to begin with - rather than push themselves to the front.

• Taurus risers are the most sociable of the three and are often artistic or musical.
• Virgo risers look for mental stimulation in others.
• Capricorn risers enjoy both social and work pursuits.

Ascendant Air Signs

The air signs of Gemini, Libra and Aquarius are known for their communication skills. Anyone who has an air sign on the ascendant tends to be sociable and friendly, but also independent and somewhat detached. They can sometimes appear arrogant and offensive if caught off guard or threatened, but will rush to the aid of anyone who is genuinely in need. They send out rather superior, businesslike or macho signals which command the respect of others.

• The Gemini riser is always busy, with at least a dozen activities on the go at any one time.
• The Libra riser occupies themselves with business schemes that often need the aid of a more down-to-earth partner to make them come into fruition.
• The Aquarius riser makes wonderful plans for themselves and others - and may even carry some of them out!

Ascendant Water Signs

The water signs of Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces are known for their intuition, emotion and feeling. Anyone who has a water sign on the ascendant tends to have a strong need to protect themselves from the world around them and may hide their true feelings. What you see is often not what you get with water ascendants. In other words, the signals they send out are consciously or unconsciously chosen for effect.

• Cancer risers appear helpful and chatty and they do well in any situation that requires tact.
• Scorpio risers can use many different forms of camouflage with people they do not know, one of their favourites being an off-putting manner and offensiveness.
• Pisces risers appear soft, self-sacrificing, gentle and sometimes even helpless. This is misleading however, as they will fight strongly for what they think is right.