Ascendant or the rising sign is often considered one of the most important aspects of Vedic astrology. The sign which rises in the east direction at the time of the birth of an individual, as relatively seen from the place of the individual’s birth, is called the ascendant sign or the rising sign.
Why Ascendant?
The ascendant is the most important and powerful sign in the natal chart. In some cases, the Chandra Lagna (Moon Sign) is also considered important depending upon which out of the Moon and the Lagna/Ascendant is more powerful – in terms of its lord’s placement, whether it is a Waxing (Shukla Paksha) or Waning Moon (Krishna Paksha), the Shadbala of the sign concerned, etc.
The reason why perhaps the sages of the old chose to have the Ascendant house (and the sign therein) as the most important house is that it is the closest (in terms of the celestial setup) to the individual concerned. Either that or the Moon would potentially decide the overall fate of the individual, along with the other planets, the placements, aspects, conjunctions, and so on.
This ascendant sign and house, as mentioned, is regarded as the first house of the horoscope which indicates the overall personality of the individual. Ascendant not only shows the rising/first sign but also lays the sequence for the consecutive houses. Ascendant helps in calculating major events in the person’s life as a result of the signs falling in the subsequent houses and the planets placed in those signs. Many crucial future events are predicted by analyzing ascendants with other houses and the placement of their lords.
This is also known as the first house or Tanu bhava which represents the physique of the person. The head, temperament, personality, behaviour, etc. and facets of each and every aspect of one’s life are associated with the ascendant, along with the houses specified to that aspect. For example, an astrologer cannot judge the career of a person merely by looking at the 10th house and its lord but also has to take into account the placement of the ascendant lord and the ascendant rising sign.
Significators & The Analog Chart
The Sun is the natural significator or karaka of the first house (irrespective of the sign falling in the first house) and the first house represents the body, appearance, personality, face, health, character, temperament, intellect, longevity, fortune, honour, dignity, prosperity, among many other things.
Analogue Chart or Kaalpurush Kundali is the natural/default zodiac chart wherein the Aries sign falls in the first house, the Taurus sign falls in the second house, and so on.
In an analogue chart or Kaalpurush Kundali, the first house represents the zodiac sign Aries ruled by Mars. Mars also rules the eighth house in the Analog chart where the Scorpio sign falls. Mars represents valour and when it is prominently placed in a chart – can render the individual short-tempered and impulsive. Saturn gets debilitated in the first house for Aries ascendant and hence the first house often represents all things which aren’t the significations of Saturn or those indicators which are outside of Saturn’s domain. Mercury and Jupiter get directional strength when placed in the ascendant sign. The Sun gets exalted in the Aries zodiac sign and works as a yoga karaka planet for Aries Ascendant, hence the placement of the Sun in evil houses isn’t considered negative by many authors, sages, and astrologers. The first house is always auspicious and its ruler is considered a functional benefic for the individual concerned.
Areas of the First House/Ascendant
The major areas of life or one’s persona that can be checked from the Lagna or the ascendant house are:
Appearance – As the Ascendant represents the overall appearance of an individual, one can know about the individual stature, position, fame, and characteristics of the native. Reference houses are the second house, third house, and the house where the ascendant lord is placed.
Health – It shows your health and indicates the disease and wellness in your future. It shows how healthy you are going to be throughout your life. Reference houses are the sixth house, the eighth house, the twelfth house, their lords and the relative placements, and the house where the ascendant lord is placed.
Personality – It reveals your personality and what kind of aura and personality you will carry in your life and reveals the basic personality traits that a person possesses.
Facial attributes – It reveals the structure of your face whether you have an oval or round or square-shaped face – it also depends on the zodiac sign and the placement of the ascendant lord and/or the planets if placed in the first house. However, one should, more importantly, consider the 2nd house, its lord (whether a benefit or a malefic) and its placement to ascertain further about facial contours. The natural Karaka of one’s face/beauty is Venus and the significator of the 2nd house is Jupiter – hence their positions/placements/aspects should also be considered.
Intellect – It shows your intellect and mind and your thinking capability to solve problems and it indicates the native’s intellectual capacity. Reference house is the 5th house, the planets placed therein, and the placement of the 5th house lord in the chart. Also, the natural Karaka of the 5th house i.e. Jupiter and the natural Karaka of intelligence i.e. Mercury needs to be looked at.
Prosperity and Fortune -The ascendant house also indicates the overall prosperity and fortune of an individual and any future prospects of success in terms of earning money/wealth. However, this consideration should be made only after involving the 2nd, 4th, and 11th houses, their lords’ placements, and any beneficial aspects. The significator of wealth, i.e., Jupiter too shall play a significant role in this determination. For success/fame, the positioning of the Sun and the ascendant lord should be considered.
To conclude, for all the aforementioned aspects of life, the other houses/significators/lordships have to be analysed in accordance with the ascendant or first house based on the zodiac signs therein and the placement of their lord to arrive at any conclusion or to make accurate predictions.
Signs in the First House
Aries – ruled by Mars, if Aries falls in the first house, then the native can be impulsive, adamant, and can have a fast gait. Also, there are chances that the native is of short stature, is hot-headed, and depending upon the placement of Mars, a spendthrift and fond of confrontations. There could be many obstacles in the life of the native (as Mars also co-rules the 8th house of Scorpio) and if any planets (other than Mars/Ketu) are placed in Scorpio, then the significations could be eviler.
Taurus – ruled by Venus, the Taurus ascendant native could be blessed with worldly pleasures and leads a comfortable life (conditional to the placement of the ascendant lord if devoid of any afflictions). Taurus ascendants can be oversensitive at times, are fond of food/eating, have difficult relationships (as Venus also rules the 6th house of Libra) and have an inclination towards family and accumulating wealth over time. Venus, when placed in Trik houses or afflicted by malefics can make the native venture into asceticism or can turn the native towards being overambitious and greedy. Moon exalts in Taurus, and like the nature of the Moon, Taureans can often be fickle, changeable, and emotional in nature, depending upon the placement of the Moon.
Gemini – ruled by Mercury, a Gemini ascendant native can be intelligent, witty, and could possess a dual nature (as Gemini is a dual sign). Gemini natives can be adaptable and are bestowed with good communication skills. They also can have a good inclination to command the masses through their oratory skills. The placement and strength of Mercury are important for them to succeed in life. Also, Saturn’s placement is crucial as being a friend of Mercury, it could decide the rise in fortune and fate of the native. Gemini natives are inclined towards occult/astrology and can be good businessmen (as Mars rules the 11th house). The placement of the Sun would determine their success in efforts/overall fame in life.
Cancer – ruled by the Moon, the significator of one’s mind – the Cancer natives are blessed with great intuition power. They are the psychics of the zodiac. Cancerians are naturally emotional and sensitive and are protective of themselves. Being the natural sign of motherhood and nurturing, Cancerians are closer to their mothers/motherly figures and thrive when they are in a homely environment. They seek to form relationships in a friendly environment and are sociable, and dignified individuals. The positioning of the Moon would mostly determine their focus area in life and where they want to channel their energies. Subject to Rahu’s placement, Cancer natives are prone to psychological problems (especially if born during the waning phase of the Moon – their ascendant lord). Being the exaltation sign of Jupiter, Cancer natives can be good teachers/preachers. Mars, even though being debilitated in the Cancer sign, is a Yoga-Karaka for Cancer natives as it rules the 5th and the 10th houses and is one of the most important planets for Cancer natives along with the Moon, the Sun, and Jupiter.
Leo – ruled by the Sun, Leo natives tend to be headstrong, with a deep interest in Government affairs. They have a king-like pride and self-confidence along with a short-lived temper. As Sun rules only one sign, the placement of the Sun would mostly decide the life path of the native. Also, depending upon whether the birth was in the day or during the night or if it was in the Uttarayana or the Dakshinayana, the results may vary. Sun when placed in the ascendant house can give migraine or head-related health troubles to the native. Also, Leo natives are known to have less hair on their heads or can face loss of hair in their middle age.
Virgo – ruled by Mercury, which is also its exaltation and Moolatrikona sign, the Virgo natives are known to possess a childlike innocence and are practical, intelligent, and charming. Such natives often have a good sense of business and possess an analytical mind. Being a dual sign, Virgos, like Geminis, can be dual-natured, sometimes indecisive, and depending upon the placement of Mercury, can get into conflicts and quarrels easily. Virgo natives can be good at litigations, trade, mathematics, commerce, or in communication-related professions. Saturn’s placement becomes vital for a Virgo native and can decide the rise/downfall in career/job/educational pursuits. Being the debilitation sign of Venus, Virgo natives can often struggle with relationships. Placements of Saturn, Mercury, Sun, and Venus can be crucial in deciding the future course of a Virgo native.
Libra – ruled by Venus, Libra is also the Moolatrikona sign of Venus and the exaltation sign of Saturn. Saturn also is a Yoga-Karaka for Libra ascendants which rules the 4th and 5th houses in a Libra chart. Libra natives are blessed with insightful, eloquent, honest, and charming personalities. These natives have a balanced approach to life and enjoy all the pleasures. As the Sun is debilitated in Libra and also is the ruler of the 11th house as a “Badhaka” planet, Libra natives often find it difficult to rise in terms of fame or Government support. Due to Saturn’s prominence in their lives, they often become successful and wealthy but with significant delay and trials and tribulations. The placements of Venus, Saturn, Rahu, and Mercury are crucial in judging the overall life of a Libra native.
Scorpio – ruled by Mars & touted to be co-ruled by Ketu, Scorpio is a water sign and is the 8th house of the natural zodiac – the most-dreaded Trik bhava by many. Scorpio natives are very sacrificial in nature, they overcome a lot of obstacles in their lives. Usually, they’re of medium stature, possess a mystic vibe and also have attractive physical features. They often are deep thinkers, excellent researchers, and clever individuals. The Moon gets debilitated in Scorpio – hence the placement of the Moon would tell a lot about the mental & emotional capabilities of such natives. Scorpio natives have a natural inclination towards research, finding hidden things, occult and the likes. They can also do well in activities which require physical stamina and endurance – such as sports, armed forces, and defence, or in occultist professions like astrologers, researchers, archaeologists, etc. The important planetary placements to look for while judging a Scorpio chart are Mars, Ketu, Jupiter, Sun, and Mercury. Jupiter and Venus become Marakas, while Mercury being the arch-enemy of Mars rules the 8th house. The Scorpio energy also makes them vengeful and secretive at the same time. The aspect of over-indulgence in sensuality and having excessive carnal desires cannot be ruled out.
Sagittarius – ruled by Jupiter, Sagittarius is the natural 9th house (in an analogue chart) which governs over religion and spirituality. However, in all practicality, Sagittarius natives could come out as too religious, fanatics or atheists – being a fire sign, there seems to be no in-between. Saturn & Mercury become Marakas for Sagittarius whereas Moon, even though being a great friend of Jupiter, rules the 8th house. The natives can be blessed with spirituality – eventually, and are quite optimistic. They like challenges and also can have a married life initially riled with struggles. Because the 9th house too is ruled by the Sun, they can be on the extremes as far as religion or spirituality is concerned. The placement of Jupiter – their ascendant lord, Ketu, Mars, and the Sun are quite important for Sagittarius natives. Mercury’s placement is important too, it being a Maraka and a staunch enemy of Jupiter rules the 10th house – thus indicating some career struggles and conflicts at the workplace (as Virgo falls in the 10th house).
Capricorn – ruled by Saturn, Capricorn also represents the 10th house in an analogue chart and is the highest point of the zodiac (and the 4th house is the lowest point). Capricorn natives are duty-bound and have a certain amount of self-respect. They also can be dry emotionally and are not very eloquent in their speech. Because Saturn also rules their 2nd house having the Aquarius sign, the Capricorn natives are very focused on their wealth prospects and continuously endeavour for it. The placement of Saturn in the chart can be considered the most important aspect. Pragmatic, realistic, and grounded – Capricorn represents the common folk or the masses – for the people. Venus is another important Graha to look for, besides Mercury, and Rahu to a certain extent – being friendly with Saturn – these Grahas can accord success to a Capricorn native. Mars is exalted in Capricorn – the sign of its great enemy Saturn – hence Mars teaches a Capricorn native to be always humble, selfless, and charitable.
Aquarius – the second zodiac sign ruled by Saturn, Aquarius is a fixed sign, an airy sign, and is also touted to be co-ruled by Rahu. It is for those who are quick thinkers but also are permanent in their thought processes. Many scientists, researchers, technicians, etc. can have their ascendant or Moon in Aquarius. The focus of an Aquarian’s life is their social circle, friends and also detachments to a certain extent. However unusual that may seem, Aquarians are quite generic in nature and aren’t very rigid or stubborn. They can have an easy-going way about themselves and the people around them – which may not run well with everyone! The symbol of Aquarius is a “Kumbha” or a pot with water flowing out of it – in a way representing wisdom, knowledge, and also wealth. Venus, Rahu, and Saturn are the most important placements to look for in an Aquarius chart.
Pisces – the ultimate zodiac sign, is ruled by Jupiter. As this falls in the Moksha group of houses in an analogue chart, a Pisces ascendant tends to be detached from worldly desires. Pisces represents tranquility and calm at the end of all the turmoil – the natives display these capabilities through their words and actions. This is where Venus is exalted but Mercury is debilitated as for a child, the sign of meditation and loneliness is futile. Pisces natives prefer doing things on their own and they mostly thrive when they are alone in the game (unlike Virgo ascendants who’d rather prefer competing and not being secluded). A Piscean can be spiritual and also be inclined towards meditation, etc. Also, because the theme of their lives is all about losses, foreign lands, lonely places, they tend to become avid travellers who remain detached from worldly things. The placements of Jupiter, Ketu, the Sun, Mars, and Venus matter a lot for a Pisces chart.
To conclude, a Lagna or an ascendant merely tells us what the first house represents but that alone cannot be used to determine the overall fate and destiny of an individual. With due consideration given to the signs falling in various houses, the planets placed in signs, the divisional charts and the Dasha patters – one can arrive at an apt conclusion as to what the Lagna truly represents.
