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In astrology, the zodiac sign rising on the eastern horizon at birth.
In astrology, the Ascendant — also called the rising sign — is the zodiac sign that the tradition places on the eastern horizon at the exact moment and place of a person's birth. It is a concept of astrological interpretation, not an astronomical measurement of fact.
Because the sign on the eastern horizon changes roughly every two hours, astrologers say the Ascendant requires a precise birth time to determine. Within the tradition it anchors the layout of a birth chart and its houses.
Astrologers commonly associate the Ascendant with a person's outward style, demeanor, and the first impression they make on others — distinct from the Sun sign. These are interpretive associations within astrology, presented here as cultural tradition rather than scientific claims.