Vienese Illustration of Zodiac from 1364.

How are your holiday plans and chores coming? As we head into a New Moon (Friday), it’s a good time to complete the early planning items — and feel like you’re “ahead of the game.” We are in the sign of Scorpio which has its depths to it, so you might enjoy a “deep conversation” this weekend with someone special. Maybe a conversation about Astrology?

“…when you understand the influence of your Rising Sign in your personality, and for those you care about, a lot of things come into sharper focus.”

Most people know a bit about their “Sun Sign” and can converse on what it means to be born under, say, Pisces, for example. The Sun Sign is probably the astrological influence most written about — it is that which gives your character life. But there are other powerful influences in one’s horoscope, like your “Rising sign” (also called your “Ascendant). This Ascendant is based on the exact time of your birth, and is why I always ask for it. The Rising sign/Ascendant relates to how you project yourself to the World, and how others see you. So… a Pisces with Scorpio rising is a very different character than say, a Pisces with Virgo rising.

In Astrology, we look at what’s happening now, to uncover patterns, and influences for our lives in the present. We also look at a number of key factors in your horoscope chart. Most people know about their Sun Sign. The rising sign, however, is another powerful entity and clue to the personality. The “Ascendant,” it is determined by the Zodiac time that was ascending on the eastern horizon at your time of birth. This is seen as your awakening consciousness, and when you understand the influence of your Rising Sign in your personality, and for those you care about, a lot of things come into sharper focus. You see, an Ascendant is specific not only to your time of birth, but also to your place of birth — and it then gives clues about your childhood and upbringing.

Some of the things an Ascendant reveals are:

• Your personae
• Your childhood development
• “Masks” and defense mechanisms

In fact, it is so important, you can see your Ascendant as a sort of cosmic filter through which all the other aspects of your horoscope are filtered. A good book on Ascendants is “Your Rising Sign,” by Jeannie Avery.

Here are some general interpretations for ascendants in your horoscope:

• If you have an Aries, Leo or Sagittarius Ascendant, you usually are seen as energetic, a positive thinker, and approach projects with enthusiasm.
• If you have a Taurus, Virgo or Capricorn Ascendant, you project a practical nature, and an aire of security.
• If you have a Gemini, Libra or Aquarius Ascendant, you can be a good communicator, friendly, and stay busy.
• If you have a Cancer, Scorpio or Pisces Ascendant, you have a great deal of emotional intelligence, rely on your intuition, and go with your gut instincts.

Remember to pay attention to your ascendant, because it is the defining indicator or your personality — much more so than your Sun Sign.

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