When we discuss about signs, we generally mean the Sun Sign - as the only sign that matters. But astrologically, each individual has two signs - the Sun Sign (inner self) and the Rising Sign (outer self).
The Sun Signs (with or without the positions of the other planets) provide a snapshot of our "inner self" - our likes, dislikes and preferences. But this is seldom what is perceived by others. We are perceived, or seen, by others in the manner in which we present ourselves - knowingly or unknowingly. This preference of "masking" our real selves and presenting ourselves to others, is influenced by the Ascendant, or the Rising Sign. This is our "outer self".
For example, we may be revengeful - but we obviously do not want to be perceived by others as such. What mask we would wear, is influenced by the Rising Sign - which cannot be calculated without the exact time and location of birth.
However, it should be noted that the mask we wear is less wilful and consciously, and more instinctive and unconsciously. It is an individual's automatic response to one's environment, the natural defences of an individual, and how he or she copes with day-to-day issues - that is overt and obvious to others, that forms an overall impression on others. The Ascendant represents an individual's first and natural reaction to new people and situations. More often than not, he or she is a completely different person inside, or "inner self".
Furthermore, imagine a situation where a native is extremely hopeful and positively determined about a new project, but does not have the resources to implement it. If he reaches out to financiers, he may be interpreted as hopeless case and financially handicapped. This is a simple case of a hopeful, determined, ambitious "inner self", with a hopeless, weakened "outer self". Contrarily, a "broke" may be interpreted as a "successful" person, from the outside.
Thus, the Ascendant Sign plays a significant role - not just in his or her personality traits, but also in all spheres of astrology, including insights and predictions.
The 12 Ascendant Signs are introduced in the table below:
 |
Aries Ascendant: |
| People view these individuals as direct and quick, with no malice in their intent. They get ready quickly, walk quickly, and have little patience for dilly-dallying. Their temper is quick too, but it is also quick to disappear. |
 |
Taurus Ascendant: |
| People view these individuals as slow, steady, capable, and quite loyal to those they care about. They have well-developed sense of smell and touch, respond to the material world, and a practical approach towards life. |
 |
Gemini Ascendant: |
| People view these individuals are restless, curious, and quick in physical expression. Their facility with words can be a wonderful asset, and they move around freely to easily mingle in their social circles. |
 |
Cancer Ascendant: |
| People view these individuals as gentle, caring, sweet, and even sometimes innocent. They are rather sensitive to their environment, and tend to withdraw or act shyly when they face new people or situations. |
 |
Leo Ascendant: |
| People view these individuals as noticeable, radiate a special energy, and magnetic that gets other's attention. They are especially aware of the people they are with, the environment they are in, and most importantly, the image they project about themselves. |
 |
Virgo Ascendant: |
| People view these individuals as rather particular - especially about food, mind-body awareness, and day-to-day routines. They are critical and unmistakably picky, and notice the tiniest details that others overlook. They also have a tendency to worry a lot, especially when confronted with new situations. |
 |
Libra Ascendant: |
| People view these individuals as likeable - nice, pleasant, and fair. They have charming smiles, a gentle approach with others, and an easygoing image. However, they are prone to problems in their domestic relationships. |
 |
Scorpio Ascendant: |
| People view these individuals as powerful and determined, with a mannerism that commands respects, and at times, even fear. They have a lot of presence, rarely go unnoticed, and definitely not to be pushed around. |
 |
Sagittarius Ascendant: |
| People view these individuals as outgoing, adventurous, and enthusiastic - teeming with an unmistakable faith and hope. They are always out to experience new things, and looking for something that is out of grasp. |
 |
Capricorn Ascendant: |
| People view these individuals as responsible, competent and deadpan serious. They're generally very image-conscious people - especially about the clothes they wear, and their mannerism is a big deal to them. |
 |
Aquarius Ascendant: |
| People view these individuals as kind-hearted and unique, with an intellectual poise and savvy, who are often turned to for advice. They are curious, quite learned - in both science and metaphysics, and have an uncanny ability to observe and deduce. |
 |
Pisces Ascendant: |
| People view these individuals are dreamy and vaguely directionless - albeit in a gentle, peace-loving, and artistic manner. They have a changeable character, who avoids cold, hard facts and harsh realities like the plague. |
The Ascendant is one of the four most important points in the Birth Chart, and is calculated as the cusp of the 1st House. It is the Zodiac Sign (and degree of the sign) that appears in the Eastern Horizon at the exact time of birth, from the exact place of birth.
It is important to discuss that "Ascendants" do not find any reference in early Greek or Roman texts, and is adopted from the "Lagna" of Vedic Astrology, or Jyotisha. As astrology has evolved today, most astrologers around the world provide more importance to the Ascendant Sign - even more than the Sun or Moon Signs. It is a unanimous understanding that the Ascendant Sign (and its degree) shows the starting point of the path that all planets will follow. And thus, it plays the role of a significant indicator of an individual's childhood and upbringing - when he/she learns how to present himself/herself to the outside world.
In Jyotisha, or Vedic Astrology, the "Lagna", or more appropriately, the "Udaya Lagna" - which is the same as the Ascendant, is the MEP (Most Effective Point) of the Zodiacal belt that coincides with the position of the (eastern) horizon at the time of birth, for a given place of birth. This indicates the first moment of contact between the soul and it's new life on earth, as it absorbs the traits and qualities of the Sign (Rashi) and Lunar Mansion (Nakshatra) of the Ascendant, and "Lagna Lord" - which is the ruler of the Ascendant Sign is considered as the ruler of the horoscope of the individual. This is exactly the same methodology used in Western/Hellenistic form of astrology, as adopted from Ancient Indian practices that continue to be followed in India.
It is also important to discuss compatibility (and Synastry) in the context of Ascendants. We often come across happily married couples who are extremely compatible and understanding with each other, but do not appear as such to others. This is a simple case of compatible Sun Signs, but incompatible Ascendant Signs. Similarly, we come across incompatible couples - always arguing and unhappy with each other, but come across as decent, or even perfect couples to others. This is a contrary case of incompatible Sun Signs, but compatible Ascendant Signs.
Therefore, Ascendant Signs are important in compatibility analysis - but certainly not as important as the Sun Sign, or the Venus and Mars Signs. However, the Ascendant Sign and the ruler of the Ascendant Sign finds utmost significance in an individual's Birth Chart - more often than not, even more than the Sun Sign.
