The Ascendant (AC) is also called the Rising sign. It's the point on the Zodiac that is exactly at the east horizon in the horoscope. Its counterpart is the Descendant, at the west horizon.
     So, the Ascendant is not a heavenly body at all, but in astrology its function and meaning is quite comparable to the planets. It moves much faster, though. It passes through the whole Zodiac in 24 hours. Therefore it is important to know the exact birth time, in order to establish the correct position for the Ascendant.
     In the horoscope the Ascendant shows how you want to present yourself to others, the impression of yourself that you consciously strive to project. So, it is the first impression others get of you.
     The Ascendant is the cusp of the 1st House, i.e. its starting point. Whereas the Ascendant is the image of yourself that you project, the rest of the 1st House shows how others perceive you as they get to know you.
     But the Ascendant is the role you play, and the way you prefer others to perceive you.

Keywords
Here are the twelve Zodiac signs, and keywords for the character they give to the Ascendant, i.e. the first impression of yourself that you intentionally give others:
    Aries   challenging
    Taurus   trustworthy
    Gemini   spontaneous
    Cancer   caring
    Leo   pompous
    Virgo   reserved
    Libra   strict
    Scorpio   odd
    Sagittarius   distant
    Capricorn   demanding
    Aquarius   complicated
    Pisces   timid


© Stefan Stenudd, 2008