Part of the astrological “Big Three,” the rising sign influences our physical appearances, first impressions, and how we navigate the world. Read more to learn what your rising sign says about you!
By: Sommer Wagen
With astrology in the cultural mainstream once again, it’s not uncommon for people to know their “Big Three,” that is, their sun, moon and rising signs. Though still quite a shallow look into someone’s chart, the big three paint more individualized pictures of us by taking into account how we process emotions and self-soothe (the moon) and how we come off to others (the rising sign).
The rising sign, also known as the ascendant, is doubly unique. First of all, it doesn’t represent a planet, but rather the constellation that sat on the eastern horizon at the time you were born (hence “rising”). Second of all, it influences our physical appearance the most directly out of other birth chart placements.
Furthermore, our rising sign also determines the first impressions we make on people and how we navigate the world. Think of it as a “mask” that we wear around others. The closer we grow to others, the more likely we are to lower that mask and reveal the qualities of our other placements, such as our sun and moon signs.
To find out your rising sign, you’ll need to know your date, place and time of birth (time to text your mom!) If this information is inaccessible to you, read on for my observations of each rising sign and consider what resonates with you the most, or ask your friends what they think!
Aries rising: My partner is an Aries rising, and whenever we go on walks together, they’re always five feet ahead of me. It’s not that they’re in a hurry, that’s just how they walk. She’s also tall, so there’s that.
Aries is represented by the ram— you know, the sheep with giant horns designed to dole out concussions? Aries risings are always charging forward, and they’re doing so at their own pace.
Appropriately, on the human body, Aries rules the forehead. This area might be prominent for an Aries rising. For example, my partner has thick eyebrows and loves to be kissed/nuzzled on her forehead.
Despite being a fire sign, Aries risings aren’t always outgoing. Their sun or moon may make them more naturally introverted, but Aries risings are natural leaders who know how to bring a group together. (Our co-editor-in-chief, Ella, is an Aries rising!) They exude strength and confidence, even if they’re hiding self-consciousness underneath.
An Aries rising may seem intimidating at first, but the other side of that coin is silliness that makes them a joy to be around.
Taurus rising: I’ve always been jealous of the Taurus rising ability to effortlessly curate a vibe. When you go to hang out with a Taurus rising at their place, expect a sunset lamp, incense or a candle burning, cozy blankets and for the food— whether it’s homemade or takeout— to just taste better. Taurus risings know how to make people feel at home.
They also have the most coordinated aesthetics, from their style to their rooms. I guess that’s what happens when you’re ruled by Venus, the planet of love and beauty.
Taurus, the fixed earth sign, can make people seem like they have it all figured out. Taurus risings can appear grounded and cool as a cucumber, but that facade may be hiding fears of instability (especially if they have a water sun or moon).
Taurus rules the neck and throat, so expect a Taurus rising to look damn good in a turtleneck. And be sure to ask them how they’re doing today.
Gemini rising: If you or a loved one love to yap, you or they might be a Gemini rising.
Gemini, the mutable air sign, is ruled by Mercury, the planet of communication and knowledge. In my experience, conversations with Gemini risings can either feel one-sided or flow effortlessly. Gemini risings want others to match their energy, but they might need to slow down and let them first.
Gemini risings are playful and open to anything, and they may have an interest or hobby you wouldn’t expect them to have.
I overheard someone explain their rules of thumb about rising signs to their friends one time: air risings (i.e. Gemini) look like fairies; water risings appear soft and have soulful eyes; earth risings appear put-together and can be serious, sometimes stern; and fire risings have a celebrity energy about them.
There is something spritely about Gemini risings, whether they’re short, have dainty features or simply move around quickly and with energy.
Several people I’ve encountered with Gemini placements— not just the rising —have also been glasses-wearers. This may be pure coincidence, but when you think about it, Gemini is represented by the Twins. Gemini rising, double the eyes.
Cancer rising: Cancer risings thrive off of supporting others. The cardinal water sign, ruled by the moon, is often associated with motherhood. That being said, it’s important to understand that anyone can mother something— to mother is to nurture, to provide support and give life.
In this sense, Cancer risings can also make good leaders. They’re serious, sensitive and silly as the moment requires— in other words, they keep it real.
There’s also something of the moon in a Cancer rising’s appearance, whether that be a round face, soulful eyes, or a quiet aura of mysterious luminance.
Cancer risings tend to prioritize comfort in their personal style, and their room may or may not be on the messy side (if you’re a clean room Cancer rising, good for you!)
Cancer, represented by the crab, will pinch if you cross a boundary or personally offend them, so keep those fingers safe!
Leo rising: The first thing you might notice about a Leo rising is their hair, which often looks like an actual lion’s mane: big, curly, fluffy. It may be prominent in other ways, like dyed a fun color or in a zany style.
Beyond appearances, Leo risings embody the fire rising celebrity energy. They’re often outgoing, kind and uplifting, and have an uncanny ability to make anyone feel seen. My mom, a Leo rising, always organizes family reunions. She runs the space with an air of royalty, but always makes sure to talk to everyone at least once.
At the same time, friendship with a Leo rising may be more shallow than either of you want to admit. To the Leo risings reading this: flattery can get people on your side, but actually being there for them is what keeps them there.
Virgo rising: There is a stereotype surrounding Virgo that they are “all work, no play,” but what if I told you that I’ve met Virgo risings with some of the boldest styles I’ve seen.
Like Taurus risings, Virgo risings seem to be effortlessly put together, though as a mutable sign, there might be a dash of chaos to that organization. A Virgo rising will always dress to match their drink (e.g. all white outfit + white Monster), but yesterday’s outfit might still be lying on their bed.
Virgos are problem solvers, and Virgo risings will fix what they think is broken, even if others don’t see it that way. They will make sure everyone else around them has what they need before they consider their own needs, which they may need to be reminded of.
Virgo risings read people and situations with ease. They also might speak with an elevated vocabulary, so keep a thesaurus handy.
Libra rising: Libra risings are the kind of people who seem like they’re flirting with you even though they aren’t. This can have disastrous consequences (speaking from experience), so proceed with caution.
You can think of Libra risings as a cross between a Gemini and Leo rising. They have Gemini’s love of intellectual stimulation and Leo’s loving nature and ability to see the beauty in all sorts of things.
This paired with their playful nature can make Libra risings naturally flirtatious, so clear boundaries and expectations are a must (especially with how indecisive they can be!)
As the other Venus-ruled sign, Libra is definitely an attractive sign. They’re intelligent, witty and convivial, like the aunt you gossip with over a glass of wine. Given their high standards, it can feel like an honor to be in a Libra rising’s inner circle.
If you’re a Libra rising, I present you with a mantra to repeat to yourself. It’s the bridge to “Roses/Lotus/Violet/Iris” by Hayley Williams:
“And I will not compare / Other beauty to mine / And I will not become / A thorn in my own side / And I will not return / To where I once was / Well, I can break through the earth / Come out soft and wild”
Scorpio rising: Despite being a water sign, Scorpio risings are probably the least likely to cry in front of you.
After all, the scorpion has a fearsome reputation. Part bug, part lobster, shiny black and venomous, I don’t blame people for being afraid of them. But I think getting over this fear requires understanding that they’re trying to survive, just like we are.
Indeed, under the mysterious, perhaps intimidating, shell of a Scorpio rising is a rich inner life.
You can probably guess if someone is a Scorpio rising if they have prominent or intense eyes. Think Scorpio rising Fiona Apple’s debut album “Tidal” — the cover is just her face, her icy blue eyes staring back into ours.
A Scorpio rising may appear nondescript, but something might still inexplicably draw you to them. Like Libra risings, they can also be quite attractive.
There’s also a 50/50 chance that any punk or goth person you meet is a Scorpio rising.
Sagittarius rising: Sagittarius risings are dummy thicc. Sorry, I don’t make the rules— Sagittarius just so happens to rule the hips and thighs.
I once heard someone describe the difference between Sag and Gemini (its sister sign) as Gemini wanting simply to gather as much information and experience as possible while Sag wants to synthesize all of those things.
In other words, we’re constantly asking: “What does it all mean?” In this way, Sag risings always seem to move with a purpose, even if they don’t know where they’re going.
Sag risings might be the least obvious fire rising in that its mutable nature allows it to take on many different forms. I’m often told I have an “earthy” nature despite my Sag rising and not having much earth in my chart at all.
Sag risings may adopt several different styles at once, and tend to have a shabby, clumsy air about them that is still charming.
In order to remain impartial, I will say us Sag risings can be unaware and blunt. The archer doesn’t always hit their target, but that’s why they have a quiver full of arrows, not just one.
Capricorn rising: Someone with a Capricorn rising may be struggling with the most harrowing shit life has to offer, but they’re guaranteed to look good doing it.
Even when (or if) they take off their mask and express vulnerability, they do so with poise, like their symbol the goat balancing on a mountain’s narrow ledge.
Ruled by Saturn, Capricorn risings are usually wise beyond their years. This also gives them a dryness like the sarcasm of a bitter old man.
Some may be given to stoicism, but by no means are they not loving.
Capricorn is a sign that craves control, and Capricorn risings seem to coordinate their lives effortlessly. I don’t know how y’all keep your rooms that pristine, it truly amazes me.
Make sure to tell your neighborhood Capricorn rising that you’re there for them when they need it. And no, there are still some things they haven’t seen before.
Aquarius rising: My Aquarius rising friend hates being called Ramona Flowers, the manic pixie dream girl character from “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World,” and I totally get why. What’s the point of being undefinable if you’re defined by your undefinability?
Despite “aqua” in the name, Aquarius is the fixed air sign. An Aquarius rising may seem aloof or too cool for you, but pointing that out to them might reveal some unexpected softness and modesty.
My former roommate is an Aquarius rising, and I always admired how she dressed just as she wanted, wearing a vintage coat and heels to class. In order to move on from a difficult period in her life, she dyed her hair, and she hasn’t gone back to her natural color since.
There’s no one who knows how to be unapologetically themself like an Aquarius rising. What’s funny is that this is often paired with a desperate need to be different from others, but I assure you, my dear Aqua risings, you don’t need to try that hard. You’re all special just by existing.
Pisces rising: Ironically, Pisces, represented by the fish, rules the feet on the human body. On the other hand, we are all here only because fish evolved to walk on land.
A Pisces rising high school friend of mine ran cross country. When I think of Pisces rising, I think of that flow state one enters while running, simultaneously aware of so many things at once yet singularly focused on continuing.
A Pisces rising gives someone an unexpected softness. That high school friend was a proud Leo sun, but was still a soft-spoken introvert. Another Pisces rising I knew was six-foot-four, but he was still an emo poet with a gentle presence.
Pisces risings are your daydreamers, romantics, poets and musicians. They perceive so much with their big, fish-like eyes. Even if that description doesn’t apply to you, I’m sure the size of your heart makes up for it.
Thanks for reading my astrological ramblings! I hope you learned something about yourself.