The ascendant, or rising sign, represents the zodiac sign that was ascending on the eastern horizon at the precise moment of birth. Accurately determining this sign typically requires the birth time. Without this information, calculating the rising sign becomes significantly more complex, relying on estimations, approximations, and sometimes, rectifications based on life events.
An accurate ascendant provides valuable insights into an individual’s outward personality, initial reactions, and physical appearance. It is considered a cornerstone of a natal chart, influencing the expression of the sun sign and shaping an individual’s approach to the world. Attempts to ascertain it in the absence of the specific birth time aim to bridge this informational gap, allowing for a more complete astrological profile; however, the results are inherently less precise.