Determining the zodiac sign rising on the eastern horizon at the moment of birth, typically referred to as the Ascendant or Rising Sign, is a fundamental aspect of astrological chart interpretation. Accurate birth time is generally considered essential for this calculation. The Ascendant influences personality, physical appearance, and initial interactions with the world. As an example, if an individual is born at sunrise and the sign of Leo is rising, Leo becomes their Ascendant.
An accurately determined Ascendant provides a critical anchor point for understanding an individual’s astrological profile. It offers insights into how they present themselves, the initial challenges they might face, and their overall life trajectory. Historically, astrologers have relied heavily on precise birth times recorded at the moment of delivery to correctly calculate the Ascendant. Without this, the chart’s entire structure and subsequent interpretations can be significantly skewed.