The Ascendant, or rising sign as many people know it, is the sign that was rising over the eastern horizon at the time of birth. The Ascendant is, in my view, the single most important element in the birthchart. It provides the backdrop to the whole chart. From the Ascendant, the twelve houses are calculated, showing where the planets will do their work. Without this, the chart becomes very two dimensional, relying on just the planets and zodiac signs for interpretation. The Ascendant gives depth to the chart.

The Ascendant provides the inner drive, the passion for life, and self-awareness. The Sun, by contrast, is how the world sees you, but the Ascendant, it's the real you. Underneath the cloak provided by the Sun, Moon and Midheaven, there is a force waiting to get out. It motivates you, it gives you strength, it defines you. In many ways, it shows how you really perceive yourself.

Before you acquire possessions, thoughts of your own, a home, self-expression, work, partnerships with others, joint resources, a philosophy of your own, a profession, friends or awareness of your subconscious state, you must be aware of yourself. This is the role of the Ascendant. The Ascendant determines how you show your self-expression through your image of yourself, and in turn, determines how you live your life.