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. Nicole

    I was born at 1:30am, 28 February 1995. Cape Town, South Africa.

  2. Dakota

    Hey I’m Dakota. I was born on November 2, 1990 at 3:41pm in Baton Rouge, Louisiana

    1. Melodie

      Hi Wiley that’s 9 Virgo 56 in the Western system, and 15 Leo 03 in the Vedic system.

  3. Venessa Rether

    Hi
    04/14/1974
    11:45 A.M.
    Fort Bliss
    EL Paso, Tx

      1. tarini

        hi iam tarini born in vishakapatnam,andhra pradesh,india on 09//07/2003 around 8 30 am ..whats my rising and moon sign?

        1. Melodie

          Hi Tarini, can you clarify your birthdate please? Is it Sept 7 or July 9? thank you.

        2. Treva

          My name is treva I was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on October 23rd at 12:01pm what’s my sun moon and rising?

  4. Srijani

    Hi. I was born in Asansol, West Bengal, India on 11th September, 2000 at 8:48 A.M.
    What’s my rising sign?

    1. Melodie

      Hi Srijani, that’s 3 degrees Scorpio in Western (tropical) astrology. In the Vedic system it’s 8 degrees Libra.

  5. Rudolph Dunmore

    The time that I was born was at 1:06AM on November 13, 1974. What is my rising and my moon signs?

    1. Melodie

      Hello Rudolph, you need your place of birth to determine your rising sign. Also possibly for your Moon.

    1. Melodie

      Hello Merlin, you need your birth time to determine your rising sign. Vous avez besoin de votre heure de naissance pour déterminer votre signe ascendant.

    2. Arbër

      Hi! I was born in Gjirokastër, Albania. Birthday February 1st, 2005. About my birth time, I’m told that I was born between 5 and 6 A.M.

  6. Jennifer Johnson

    Hi I’m born September 19, 1989 and my time of birth is between 4:02pm and 4:10pm

  7. Marisa

    Hi ! I was Born February 26th 1979 @ 1:05pm Kailua Hawaii

  8. Srija

    Hey! I was born on Dec. 16th, 2004 at 9:30-10 a.m.(not quite sure most probably 9:30) at Siliguri,West Bengal

    1. Melodie

      Hi Srija, if it’s 9:30 am it’s 12 degrees Aquarius in the Western (tropical) system. In the Vedic (sidereal) system, it’s 18 degrees Capricorn.

  9. Hay

    i was born on feb 25th 2007 at around 8-9 a.m. in reno nevada.

    1. Melodie

      Hi Hay — you really should get your actual birth time. That one hour makes a big difference in your case. It’s not that difficult to get your birth records from the county health department and I strongly suggest you do if you want to know what your actual rising sign is. All the best.

  10. Lenei

    Hello!

    August 18th, 1989
    Albuquerque New Mexico
    USA

  11. Anuradha Devi Sukhraj

    Hello. I was born December 17, 1987 at 11.00am.
    Georgetown, Guyana.
    Thank you!

    1. Melodie

      Hi Anuradha,

      That’s 29 Capricorn rising. But in your case the exaxct birth time is very important. If you were born 1 minute later you would be Aquarius rising.

  12. Shweta Patel

    Hello,

    Birth Place: Gonda, Uttar Pradesh, India
    Birth Date: 13th August, 1994 (Saturday)
    Birth Time: 9:50 am

    Can you please tell me my rising and moon and sun sign?

      1. Shaiigh

        Born 6:24am, March 1, 1983 – Brooklyn, NY (Kings County, USA).
        Rising is calculated as Pisces but your chart indicates that it is Aries. I would like to know which is true.

        1. Melodie

          Hi Shaiigh, Yes you are indeed Pisces rising (5 degrees). The chart can be a sign off (either way) depending on the time of year and location. We’re going to try to add a new calculator to the site in the coming weeks and that should make it easier to nail your rising sign (and degree) down.

  13. DeJuan Earnest

    Hey mama,
    February 22 2001
    4:27am
    USA ,Little Rock, Arkansas

    Also am I a cusp?

    1. Melodie

      Hey there DeJuan — you are 18 Capricorn 55′ rising. And yes you’re sort of on the cusp. Your Sun is 3 degrees into Pisces which makes you a full Pisces, but you have quite a bit of Aquarius in your natal chart so you may feel like an Aquarius too.

  14. Ann

    March first, nineteen seventy-six in Park Ridge, Illnois at the sixth hour and three minutes that morning of the Leap Year. It was explained to my mother that past over 30 years ago that I was a triple Pisces with an unusual Saturn crossing multiple times throughout my lifetime. I have yet to find confirmation. Thanks for your help!

    1. Melodie

      Hi Ann, if you were born one minute and some change later, you would be a triple Pisces (if what your mother meant by that was that your Sun, Moon and rising are all in Pisces). With the 6:03 am birth time, your rising degree / sign is 29 Aquarius 31. Your Sun and Moon are indeed in Pisces, and you also have Neptune on your midheaven which reinforces that Pisces theme. As for Saturn, I’m not sure what she meant, although I can see that you were born with Saturn retrograde, and that it went direct by progression when you were around 16 yrs old. It’s not an easy Saturn (being both retrograde and debilitated by sign) but Saturn and easy are rarely said in the same sentance anyway. Hopefully you can recall more about what your mother was told about that Saturn years ago. I’m very curious.

      1. Allie

        July 20th 1983 at 7:35 pm in Roswell, GA (Fulton County) ascendant please and a little info on the numbers or degrees you are putting around the sign

        1. Melodie

          Hi Allie, You have 9 Capricorn 59′ rising. Each sign is made up of 30 degrees. So the first number is how many degrees of that sign you are (from 0 to 29:59). The second number represents minutes of arc. So in your case you were just shy of being 10 degrees Capricorn rising. I hope that makes sense.

    2. Sharon

      Hi I was born UK 24th November 1965. Early hours of the morning. Mum can’t remember exact time but only info given.

      1. Melodie

        Hi Sharon, unfortunately the birth time is needed to determine your rising sign. Also the place of birth (not just UK) in necessary as we use longitude and latitude to calculate the birth chart. If it helps any, your Sun and Moon are both in Sagittarius, and depending on what exactly someone might mean by “early hours,” it’s possible you’re also Sagittarius rising. Happy Birthday by the way.

  15. LISA VAN POYCK

    My birth date is July 15, 1953
    Birth place Coral Gables, FL USA
    Birth time 13:30 hours

    1. Melodie

      Hi Lisa, I know someone with your exact same birthday?.. You are 6 Scorpio 10″ rising.

  16. lola

    hi i was born at kobe japan on april 20 2011 at 12:02 am

    btw my parents let me so don’t worry

    1. lola

      and also i happen to fall on the day that is aries and taurus

    2. Melodie

      Hi Lola, yes you were born “on the cusp,” but you’re definitely an Aries sun. 29 degrees and 45 minutes. You have 9 Leo 04′ rising.

  17. Emmanuel

    14/1998,
    Lusaka, Lusaka Republic of Zambia

    1. Melodie

      Hi Emmanuel, you didn’t post your birth month or birth time. Sorry without those two things we can’t determine your rising sign.

  18. Allie

    July 20th 1983 at 7:35 pm in Roswell, GA (Fulton County) ascendant please and a little info on the numbers or degrees you are putting around the sign

    1. Melodie

      Hi Allie, I responded to you before. you may not have seen it. Here it is again:

      You have 9 Capricorn 59′ rising. Each sign is made up of 30 degrees. So the first number is how many degrees of that sign you are (from 0 to 29:59). The second number represents minutes of arc. So in your case you were just shy of being 10 degrees Capricorn rising. I hope that makes sense.

    1. Melodie

      Hi Marshal, you need to include your birth time in order to obtain your rising sign.

  19. Lala

    Hi I was born February 6, 1990. Charleston, SC. I was told I was born between 5 – 6:59 PM . What are my possibilities?

    1. Melodie

      Hi Lala: at 5pm, 6 Leo 55″ was rising. And at 6:59 pm it was 1 Virgo 45″. You’re an Aquarius Sun with a Cancer Moon.

  20. Virginia Nutton

    Hi,
    Virginia
    10/17/1973
    Hartsville, tenn
    10:25pm

  21. jasmine holloway

    hello I was born September 26, 1988 at 9:06 pm in Lake Charles,la USA

  22. Grace

    I’m grace born at 21 nov 2005 by 11:45pm i’m i a cusp. nigeria

    1. Melodie

      Hi Grace, your place (city) of birth is important too. If you were born in Lagos, you’re going to be 15 Leo 06″ rising. Even though you were born on the cusp you are definitely a Scorpio (29 degree) Sun.

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