What’s My (Rising) Sign? Free Ascendant Calculator Tool

rising signThe “ascendant” (or “rising sign” — these terms are used interchangeably) refers to the sign that is “rising” or on the Eastern horizon at the time of birth.

It sets up the rest of the astrological house structure — the 12 sectors that correlate to important life areas — and determine where the planets and other points fall in a natal chart.

This is why knowing the exact moment of birth is so important to astrologers. Most predictive work relies more heavily on houses (which are again determined by the birth time and thus the ascendant) than most lay people realize.

Even weekly horoscopes and monthly forecasts are written more from the perspective of rising signs than Sun signs.

Scroll down for the Rising Sign Calculator. Or use the table below for  for an approximate representation based on the 12 Sun signs. If your birth time is “iffy” this may help you to determine your rising sign (ascendant). However it’s far from precise and we can’t stress enough the importance of learning your exact birth time if you want an accurate astrological interpretation.

To find your rising sign using this table, locate your Sun sign in the left column and your approximate birth time in the top row. For example, an Aries Sun person born at 2:20 am would — according to this table — have a Pisces ascendant. A Capricorn Sun sign person born at 12:06 pm would have Taurus rising. And so on.

If you’re looking for a book on this subject, The Ascendant by Jodie Forrest is excellent!

Now looking at the table below, see if you can locate your rising sign, even if you know your exact birth time. You’ll be able to check it against the calculator at the bottom of this page as well. The Symbols for each sign are listed in the right column.

rising-sign-table

If you do know your exact birth time, you can find your ascendant instantly using the ascendant calculator tool below. But first let’s look at what rising signs are and how they apply to you.

The rising sign represents your instinctive approach to life. It’s what people see when they first meet you and how they might describe you to others. It’s your personality and how you present yourself to the world. This also applies to physical characteristics and limitations.

The ascendant — or rising sign — also sets up the entire natal chart structure, which includes houses (life departments) and what are called rulerships. It also tells you where each of the planets in your natal chart fall (which house they fall in and which house they rule). As you can imagine, having this information is critical for getting the full picture as far as not only who you are, but also information about your relationships, career, finances, family, health and so on.

Let’s look at a brief snapshot of each of the 12 rising signs:

aries-glyphAries: Aries rising people present themselves as warm, dynamic, assertive and competitive. They’re movers and shakers, throwing themselves eagerly into new ventures that don’t require a lot of forethought and planning. They can be impatient and can lose steam if something becomes tedious or boring. They’re gung-ho about diving into something new and fresh but not so good about tying up loose ends. They’re drawn to that which is new and exciting — anything that challenges them to push past their fears. They tend to act first and think later, relying on their natural instincts, which are generally very good.  As Mars is the ruler or Aries, this is further defined by the sign and house placement of their natal Mars.

Taurus-glyphTaurus rising people tend to be more slow moving. They’re earthy, practical and sensuous, preferring comfort over extravagance and quality over quantity. They like to take their time easing into things — and that includes relationships. They can be infinitely patient and willing to bide their time rather than rushing in head first. They can be hedonistic and self-indulgent. They enjoy savoring experiences with all five senses. They’re generally cool, calm and collected, but when they get mad, watch out! They can be like a bull in a china shop. They can also be stubborn, possessive and resistant to change. While some may see them as lazy, they prefer to call it rest and relaxation. As Venus is the ruler of Taurus, these characteristics can be further defined or modified by the sign and house placement of their natal Venus.

gemini-glyphGemini: A Gemini rising is all about communication. There is a sharpness of mind and restlessness of spirit although not in a negative way. So many things will interest you and there may seem to be not enough hours in the day to do them all. A Gemini rising usually gives a slender body frame perhaps from all the mental energy expended. You will never be without words within a conversation infact you may be the one waiting for the other person or the rest of the group to catch up with what is going on. You will have many interests and hobbies. Romantically you need to connect with your partner on an intellectual level. If you are involved with someone with Gemini rising then brush up on what is going on in the world and/or find out what interests them and start talking to them about it.

cancer glyphCancer: It’s all about the home and family life for you. You are great at being the caregiver and nourishing those around you. There is a softness to your body which goes well with the mother instinct inside you. For a male with Cancer rising there is the capacity to be on the lookout to what will make the family feel secure and safe alongside wanting to be emotional depended upon by your partner. This works both ways. Cancers are all about emotions, giving and caring which means you will seek a partner and home life that supply you with these traits. You have the ability to listen to those around you and give them advice to help them on their way in life.

leo-glyphLeo: If all the world were a stage and you have a Leo rising then you would be very happy indeed! A Leo rising needs to be seen and appreciated afterall you are the king of the jungle and also the master of your own lair (Universe). There is a sense of the dramatic around you and you make a good actor. Alongside this you have an open heart and are not mean spirited but rather generous with your time, money, emotions. Your partner needs to realise this as if you are not being treated as the “king” you are and you are with a partner who is holding back, being stingy with emotions and finances you will not feel appreciated. You deserve the best because you are the best and there is no getting around that. Just make sure you live up to your innate sense of Leo rising character and don’t take the negative side of it.

virgo-glyphVirgo: You are precise, quick thinking and intelligent. For you the world is seen through an intellectual layer where you are discerning on what you want in your life and what you don’t want in your life. You are extremely helpful to others especially animals and those who are ill. Emotionally you may need to be needed in some way and for this reason you may wish to make certain that you needs are being met on an equal basis by your partner although you probably won’t do this and you have a sense of needing to be the “giver” in anything you do. Emotionally you may have the tendency to nitpick those around you and while you think you are doing this for their benefit it may not always feel like this to the person on the receiving end… infact it may feel very much like criticism.

libra-glyphLibra: You have the need to keep your life in balance and have the need to see all sides of a situation. You are not one to rush into an argument but sometimes because of your need to look at the situation as a whole you may open your mouth and find yourself arguing a cause that you don’t fully agree with but nevertheless have opened a can of worms because you were just trying to see the situation from all sides. Libra rising usually gives you a sense of beauty and refinement. You will like fashion and have a fine sense of style. You’ll enjoy all those feminine things ie trips to the beauty salon, hairdressers and being spoilt by your partner. If you are dating someone with a Libra rising make sure you are well dressed as these people have a need to gaze upon beauty.

scorpio-glyphScorpio: If you like your emotional life intense then try someone with a Scorpio rising. They are the detectives of the zodiac and want to know everything that is going on. Expect deep and meaningful conversations to be the norm as a Scorpio rising will want to know all your secrets and won’t stop until they do. Warning note: this may including snooping around to find out what they think you are hiding from them. They are intensely loyal, emotionally deep and sexy as hell so if you can handle all of these traits then you are onto a winner with a Scorpio rising. If you want to drive them a bit crazy just act mysterious as they like to unravel a mystery especially if it has a good ending. And it better be a good ending because if it’s not they may be out of your life before you know it.

sag-glyphSagittarius: There’s a joviality to your outlook on life alongside a need for a sense of adventure. Sagittarius is considered the lucky sign of the zodiac so having a Sagittarian ascendant is the next best thing. It means you will have a need to always be learning, like travel and foreign cultures alongside being able to comfortable immerse yourself within these cultures. Others may see you as outspoken and brutally honest. You are upbeat to be around and usually a bit of a clown in others company. For this reason people flock to you as you take their minds of the mundane and have the capacity to make them laugh. If you can laugh at yourself then so can others.

cap-glyphCapricorn: Life is a journey for you and the road you travel is every bit as important as the destination. Capricorn rising usually hold their looks well into old age as they tend to be so sturdy and solid in their health that by the time you have reached that time in your life you are ready to have some fun whereas others may be thinking of slowing down you are just getting ready to let your hair down. There’s a seriousness to this ascendant that is hard to break through. It allows you to reach success but may also leave you a bit lonely if success becomes your sole purpose in life. Don’t expect a Capricorn rising person to slow down and loosen up their attitudes to life until later in life but when they do they are more sprightly than most around them.

aq-glyphAquarius: Eccentric and born ahead of your time. That’s what you get from an Aquarian rising. You will place your friends and friendships high on your list of priorities alongside you need to fight a cause. Others may find you a bit stand offish but this is because you get to know people first before allowing them to get close to you. There is also a sense of exquisite beauty usually accompanying an Aquarian rising as it is ethereal and hard to put your finger on. You have a quick mind, a sharp intellect and lightening reflexes when it comes to understanding complexes that are well ahead of their time. Come to think of you you are well ahead of your time. You find love through friendship and friendship through love and anyone who wishes to be your partner should keep these two things in mind.

pisces-glyphPisces: Dreamy and able to immerse yourself in others. You have a healing quality around you just by being in your presence which can work for or against you. If you can manage good boundaries then this healing quality can be used for you to help others but if you allow yourself to become too overwhelmed by others and their problems then you may lose yourself. If Pisces is your ascendant you need to take some time out for yourself and do so frequently in order to replenish your energy levels and get straight in your head what you want versus what others are wanting from you. You’ll be interested in the arts, creativity of all kinds and psychic matters. There is also a high chance that you are a natural born psychic regardless of your Sun sign.


The birth time and place are both necessary for locating your exact rising sign. The table above will not give you precise information. In fact, it can be as much as a full sign off. And while more in-depth interpretations for each rising sign can br found in a good book, such as Jeanne Avery’s The Rising Sign: Your Astrological Mask, you can also leave a comment below (with your date — spelled out please — time and place of birth (City, State and Country), and we’ll be happy to tell you what yours is. You can also come to one of us for a comprehensive natal analysis.

 

Be sure to check out our natal and compatibility chart calculators too! 

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Thinking about learning Astrology? I highly recommend Stephen Arroyo’s Chart Interpretation Handbook and Demetra George’s Astrology for Yourself.

900 comments on “What’s My (Rising) Sign? Free Ascendant Calculator Tool

  1. Kubby

    I really wanna know my rising sign but I don’t live where I was born.

    1. Melodie

      Hi Kubby — you don’t have to live where you were born to get your rising sign. You only have to know your date, time and place of birth.

  2. Sierra

    Hi I was born December 2nd 1981
    Roseville, Ca (Placer County)
    I have read two different rising signs for me, one says my rising is Libra and another one said Scorpio.
    Honestly I have gone with my rising to be a Scorpio and I can definitely identify with that more.
    Can you please tell me my exact rising sign with my info. I’ve provided for you above? Thank you.

  3. Sierra

    Hi I forgot to enter my time 2:41a.m
    12/02/1981
    Roseville, Can (Placer County)
    Your chart says I have a Scorpio rising
    Other calculations say I have a Libra rising
    I can definitely identify more with a Scorpio rising. Can you please tell me my rising? Thank you.

    1. Melodie

      Hi Sierra, Im getting 12 Libra rising. But you have Saturn and Pluto (also in Libra) in your first house, along with Jupiter in Scorpio in your first. This combination, particularly the Pluto in the 1st and Jupiter in Scorpio in the 1st will definitely lend a Scorpionic vibe. All the best!

    1. Melodie

      Claudette you need your place of birth as well (and was the time 3 am exactly? Is it a recorded time? You don’t want to ballpark it if at all possible).

  4. Jodie Watson

    Hi, still a bit confused about this, please help? I was born on October 25th, 1953 @ 5:26 p.m., if I remember the time correctly. Am I Taurus rising..? Thank you for your time ladies, I’m appreciative in advance.

  5. Jodie Watson

    I neglected to put my birthplace. I was born, Coos Bay, in Coos County, Oregon. Again, thank you for your time ladies.

  6. Kubby

    Uh, I was born on the 12th of February 2001 in Warri, Nigeria at 11:05am. What’s my rising sign

  7. Tracie Shotwell

    I was born on August 28 1969 at 7:15 pm in Bronx New York City

  8. MC

    Hello! I was born on August 26 1998 at 10:08 PM in Houston, Texas. Most calculators tell me I am an Aries rising, however when I use a table like the one above and adjust for the time of sunrise (6:55 AM) I get Taurus rising, which I identify with more. Can you tell me which one is accurate? Thanks!

    1. Melodie

      Hi Mary; you’re 23 Aries rising 56′. You do have Saturn rx in Taurus in your first house (and it exactly trines your Virgo Sun), so I can see why you might feel more Taurean. But you’re definitely Aries rising.

  9. Jamara

    Hi, I was born on December 17, 1980 at 12:41 pm in Fort Worth, Texas

  10. Priscilla Muiu

    This is great! I’m Priscilla February 28 1980 8:38 pm born in topeka kansas. Thank you!

  11. Christine

    could you please tell me my rising sign.. i was born 12th of march 1963@7am in Wollongong. Australia.
    Thank you,

    Christine.

    1. Melodie

      Hi Christine, if you were born exactly at 7 am, it’s 29 Pisces rising. But a minute or so later changes everything (every single house cusp. ruling planet. etc.) If 7 am is a time someone gave you I’d check to make sure they weren’t just rounding it off.

  12. Patti Garcia-Rodriguez

    Hi ladies. I am confused on my rising sign because of Pacific time versus Eastern time. I was born October 4, 1965 at 6:09 PM in Sacramento, California. Do I have a Taurus rising? Thank you.

    1. Melodie

      Hi Patti, as long as that’s the time on your birth certificate (in other words, as long as you didn’t adjust your birth time to accommodate a different time zone) it’s 28 Pisces rising.

  13. Caira Guy

    Hi, I was born in Wolverhampton, England at 5am exactly on November 10th 2001.

  14. Jamara

    Hi, I was born on December 17, 1980 at 12:41 pm in Fort Worth, Texas.

  15. simaru

    can i please know my rising sign..i was born on March 8 1995 in Samburu county in Kenya at 10: 12

  16. Nora

    I was born September 25, 1998 in Greenfield, Indiana at about 2:12 PM

  17. Emily Scheyer

    I was born December 29 1982 at 802am in Cincinnati Ohio

  18. Dragos

    Hello, been looking for my Ascending sign for a while, however I do have a problem: no one remembers my exact birth time, still, my father says I was born around midnight, while my mother says it was around then, so I presume in between 10 and 12 p.m. Was born on 8th October, 1990 in Braila, Romania. Looking at the chart above it says my Ascendant sign should be Pisces and I feel that would be somewhat true, however I wouldn’t mind some professional advice, thank you >:D<

    1. Mel and Chris

      Hi… we had a quick chat about this a few days ago. Looked like Cancer or Leo depending how close you were born to midnight. I hope you had luck finding out from the hospital the correct time of birth as recorded on their records.

  19. Ana

    Hi, Ladies, I have 3 possible times of birth between my Mom, my Dad, and a neighbor. On March 13, 1972, my twin sister and I were born in Caldas da Rainha, Portugal. I was born either 8:05AM, 9AM, or 9:05AM. What is my Rising Sign?

    1. Mel and Chris

      hello, If you were born closer to 8am then your rising sign is in Pisces. Just after 8am and right through to the latest time you gave of 9.05am the rising sign is Aries.

  20. Jeanne Coulson

    I was born on October 17, 2002 at 2:30 am in Chicago, Illinois

    1. Mel and Chris

      Lucky you have your correct time of birth as you are very close to the cusp of Virgo/Leo and within a very short time Virgo would’ve been rising. Your rising sign is at 29 degrees Leo.

  21. Lori Bergsman

    Hi. I was born on May 24, 1965 at 6:31 am (Eastern Standard Time) in Reading, Pennsylvania (Berks County, USA). I would love to know my accurate rising sign.

    1. Melodie

      Hi Lori, that is 15 Gemini rising, with Venus and your North Node both conjunct your ascendant. It’s a really interesting chart.

  22. Ioans

    Hi! I was born in 13 July 1991 at 5:30-6:00 p.m in Romania could you please tell me my rising sing?

    1. Melodie

      Hi there… you didn’t say where in Romania (and it can make a difference). On top of that, you’re a good example of someone for whom a more precise birth time would be necessary. Within that 1/2 hour window (between 5:30 and 6pm) the rising sign changed from Scorpio to Sagittarius. There’s no way to say which one it is for sure without a more accurate time of birth.

  23. Steve

    Interesting! I don’t know what time I was born, but I know I was born a month late I wonder if that changes anything? Haha!

    1. Melodie

      most astrologers would agree that it’s your time of birth (and not your due date) that’s important.

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