How to use
- 1
Enter your birth date and birth time.
- 2
Choose your birth city from the list so the right coordinates and time zone are used.
- 3
Read your Ascendant sign and degree and your Midheaven.
- 4
Check the day table: if your time sits near a change, the sign above or below is also worth reading.
What the rising sign is
The rising sign is the zodiac sign that was rising on the eastern horizon at the moment of birth. Because the Earth turns once a day, all twelve signs rise in turn, so the Ascendant changes roughly every two hours. In astrology it is associated with your first impression and approach to life, and it sets the starting point of the houses.
Why some rising signs are rare
Signs do not rise for equal lengths of time. In the northern hemisphere, Cancer through Sagittarius rise slowly and can take close to three hours, while Capricorn through Gemini rise quickly, sometimes in under an hour at higher latitudes. The day table shows the actual times for your birth place, which is why two people born the same day in different cities can have different rising signs.
How sensitive it is to the birth time
On average the Ascendant moves one degree every four minutes. The tool shows the actual rate for your birth moment. If your recorded time was rounded to the quarter hour and the result is within a degree or two of a sign boundary, read both signs and see which description fits you better.
Frequently asked questions
Can I find my rising sign without a birth time?
No. The Ascendant passes through all twelve signs in a day, so a time is needed. Even a rough time narrows it down; the day table shows which signs were possible in each window.
Is the rising sign the same as the Ascendant?
Yes. The Ascendant is the exact degree on the eastern horizon; the rising sign is the sign that degree falls in.
What is the Midheaven (MC)?
The point of the zodiac that was highest in the sky, due south from the northern hemisphere. In astrology it is linked with vocation and public life.
Why does my result differ from another website?
Usually because of the time zone: an hour of daylight saving time moves the Ascendant by about 15°. Check the UTC offset shown under the form against your birth record.