← Back

Ascendant

Ascendant is a term used in astrology to refer to the zodiac sign that was rising on the eastern horizon at the moment of a person's birth. It is one of the most important points in a natal chart, as it is believed to influence an individual's personality, appearance, and approach to life. The ascendant, also known as the rising sign, changes approximately every two hours, making it highly specific to the time and place of birth. In Hebrew, the term can be translated as עולה (Oleh), while in Spanish it is ascendente, in French ascendant, and in German aufsteigend. The ascendant is calculated based on the exact time and location of birth and is used to determine the houses in the natal chart. It is often considered a mask or facade that a person presents to the world, distinct from their sun sign, which represents their core identity.