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If you hear the term ascendant and wonder what it is, a brief excursion into astrology will help. Everyone can calculate their ascendant.
Ascendant: What is it?
The term ascendant is associated with astrology. It comes from Latin and means “the rising.”
- The ascendant describes the zodiac sign that rises on the eastern horizon at the time of a person’s birth. It is therefore one of the twelve signs of the zodiac (Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, or Pisces), but refers to the time and place of birth.
- Your zodiac sign represents your basic personality, while your ascendant describes how you express it to the outside world and how others see you. By looking at both aspects together, you can gain a deeper understanding of your strengths, behaviors, and potential challenges.
- The ascendant is not static: it changes to a new zodiac sign approximately every two hours. That’s why your exact time of birth plays a big role in calculating your ascendant. Even a deviation of a few minutes can cause the ascendant to shift and assign you to a different sign.
What the ascendant says
Astrologers consider the ascendant to be just as important as the zodiac sign.
- They believe that the ascendant reveals something about a person’s character. The sign also represents a person’s attitude, energy, and symbolizes their path in life.
- For example, an Aries ascendant stands for energy and drive. A Libra ascendant emphasizes diplomacy and a sense of balance. A Capricorn ascendant can stand for determination and discipline.
- According to astrologers, facial expressions and gestures are also influenced by the ascendant. It shapes the first impression we form of people—whether in terms of appearance, behavior, or habits.
How to calculate your ascendant
Most people know their zodiac sign, but what is my ascendant? Knowing this can provide information about yourself and others. How to calculate your ascendant:
- Take your exact time of birth, for example from your birth certificate, and round it up or down to the nearest five minutes.
- You will also need your place of birth.
- Enter your exact time and place of birth into a free ascendant calculator to learn more about yourself.
