Much has been written about the
rising sign, or Ascendant
(ASC), in a birth horoscope
and the influence it exerts in
the person's character and disposition. Also important, however, are the planets that
occupy the ASC at the time of
birth, for they help to modify the characteristics
indicated by the ASC. Indeed, it is seldom that a
person is the true reflection of his rising sign, because of the various ASC modifications that are
bound to be present in practically every chart.
To illustrate: the native may have the last degrees
of Sagittarius rising, with Saturn in Capricorn in the
first house. Saturn in its own sign of course greatly
would modify the Sagittarius influence which
makes a person generous, candid, good humored,
and jovial. Sagittarians are independent with a
strong desire for liberty and freedom. On the other
hand, a person with Saturn rising will tend to be
discreet, prudent, diligent, and economical. He
often will have many obstacles to contend with, and
his success in life will depend more upon his own
efforts than upon any help he may receive from the
outside. The Capricorn influence makes him a deep
thinker, grave in demeanor, with an inclination to be
serious, cautious, suspicious, and sometimes discontented; quite different from the vibrations exerted by Sagittarius. If Saturn is unafflicted, he has
a determination to work to the desired goal, no
matter how long it may take or how many handicaps
may beset him. If Saturn is afflicted, it will cause
him to be gloomy and see life from a biased point
of view, with a general sense of dissatisfaction. Thus
we see that the Saturnian influences greatly over-
shadowed the Sagittarian Ascendant, which is ruled
by Jupiter, the Great Benefic.
This is further accentuated in a case where the
ruling planet is posited in an inharmonious sign,
where it is weak or in its detriment or fall. For
instance, Jupiter is in its detriment in Gemini.
Should it be placed in that sign, in direct opposition
to the ASC, the benefits of Jupiter would be weakened from more than one standpoint, since at the
same time it would also be in opposition to Saturn.
All of this would have a very restricting influence
upon the ASC and its ruler. The
situation would be aggravated if
Jupiter were in Capricorn, since
that is the sign of its fall; furthermore, this would bring it into
conjunction with Saturn.
A person with Saturn rising in
Leo, with Leo's ruler, the Sun, in
Aries, its sign of exaltation,
would have the Leo build, with
wide shoulders and narrow hips,
but dark hair instead of the light
hair of Leo, due to the presence
of Saturn in the first house. This
person also would be more reserved and quiet than would the
pure Leo type, hut with added
fire when aroused, as the Sun in
Aries and both Aries and Leo are
fiery signs.
When the first or the last five
degrees of a sign are rising, the
person is a mixture of two signs,
physically and mentally. If there
are planets in either sign, the
traits of this sign will predominate. If there are planets in both
signs, the one having the most
planets therein will predominate.
The Sun rising at the time of
birth gives the native an independent, combative, defensive
ambition coupled with a love of
power and authority. This position of the Sun is an indication
that the person may rise above
the sphere of life into which he is
bom, into positions of trust, influence, and responsibility. Unless badly afflicted, it also has a
tendency to bring honor, the good
will of superiors, and general
success in life. The Sun placed
here, especially if posited in its
own sign, Leo, adds a certain appearance of dignity and strength
that impresses others.
Should the Sun rise in Aries,
which is ruled by the dynamic
planet Mars, this would make the
person quick-tempered and fiery
in disposition, quick to resent imposition. Nevertheless, he would
have the faculty of forgiving and
forgetting quickly, since he is a
lover of justice and freedom. He
may have a tendency to be somewhat headstrong, impulsive, and
determined. This position of the
Sun adds to the vitality and augments the recuperative powers.
If the Sun rises in an earthy
sign, it tends to make one proud,
haughty, opinionated, and headstrong. In an airy sign, he is inclined to be noble, aspiring, and
given to the study of science and
art; in a watery sign, the emotional nature is strong, and if in
Scorpio, it favors the possibility
of being an excellent doctor or
chemist.
Unafflicted, the Sun rising or
in the first house favors financial
prosperity and the love of power
and authority. If the Sun is afflicted in the first house, it lowers
the vitality, indicates a lack of
courage and ambition, and therefore lessens the chances of a successful life unless there are many
other aspects good enough to
overbalance the affliction.
The Moon rising at birth points
toward a love of change and novelty, a temperament remarkable
for its phases-at one moment
dark and gloomy, in another,
bright and optimistic. Since the
native's mind is easily influenced, it is important that he exercise great care in the selection
of his companions and acquaintances; he is receptive to the vibrations of others as well as to
those of his surroundings. This
position of the Moon tends to
elevate one in life, bringing benefits and advantages from the public through social contacts in
which domestic interests are
foremost. This is especially so if
the Moon is posited in Cancer,
which it rules.
The Moon rising in Capricorn,
the sign of its detriment, bespeaks one cautious and careful
in money matters, with a tendency to be somewhat too cold
and calculating; he is likely to
have a disregard for other persons' feelings even though he
himself may be quite sensitive to
real or fancied slights. He also
has a strong tendency to melancholy. If the Moon is afflicted
here, it will have a detrimental
effect on digestion; such a person
also will experience difficulty in
attaining success in occupation
or financial affairs, often because
of slander, merited or not.
If the Moon rises in a fixed
sign, especially in Taurus where
it is exalted, the native has more
stability than would otherwise be
the case, but nevertheless he will
have a strong desire to spend at
least a part of his time roving
about. He has a receptive, intuitive, sensitive mind, with an inclination to public life, and
therefore should achieve success
in an occupation that brings him
close to the public, especially one
catering to popular fancies or
needs.
Mercury rising at birth indicates a fine mentality with an inquiring mind, rapid
comprehension, and fertility of
resource. It indicates one quick in
speech, thought, and action.
Shrewd and diplomatic, he is
able to argue successfully for or
against anything according to his
inclination. He is fond of literature, writing, and speaking, causing him to be always alert for new
information. He also has excellent imitative talent.
The best positions for Mercury
are Gemini, which it rules, and
Virgo, wherein it is exalted. In the
first instance, the native is always
ready to investigate new subjects
and, in fact, everything new appeals to him. If Mercury is beneficially aspected here, it indicates
a fluent mind that is quick, ingenious, resourceful, unbiased,
penetrating, and shrewd. This
gives the ability to become successful in business or law, since
the native is never prejudiced by
preconceived or set ideas and
opinions. He may also gain some
degree of success as a speaker,
entertainer, or traveling salesperson.
Posited in Virgo, Mercury is at
the zenith of its power, and indicates a comprehensive, discriminating, active mind, with the
ability for studying and memorizing. Having these qualities, the
Mercury-in-Virgo native can become a good scholar, with a particular liking for languages,
mathematics, and literature. He is
quite capable in any undertaking
requiring ability and dexterity;
therefore, he could make an excellent chemist or dietitian.
These folks are usually quiet,
rather serious, and require a thorough understanding of a subject
before being convinced and accepting. An afflicted Mercury indicates selfishness and
irritability, always on the lookout
for flaws in everything contacted.
Venus rising at birth indicates
a pleasant, agreeable, and cheerful disposition. This is what may
be called a fortunate position for
Venus as it is indication of good
health. The native is attractive to
all whom he may contact, and he
should achieve marked success
in matters which give pleasure to
others; therefore, he should follow pursuits that minister to their
happiness, not for his personal
success but because of the fact
that his sunny influence is beneficial to others. He is a lover of
art and things beautiful and refined, having some musical ability, either voice or instrumental.
A person with Venus rising in
Taurus and no other planet in the
first house would, of course, very
strongly reflect the physical appearance and disposition of Taurus
but with more beauty of face than
Taurus usually gives. As Venus is
the ruler of Taurus, this, of course,
strengthens the Taurus traits. Here
we have a person who is almost a
pure Taurus type.
Venus rising in Libra, another
sign ruled by this planet, indicates
a kind, sympathetic disposition
with a rich, refined love nature. It
also gives musical and artistic ability, with the possibility of popularity in public life. If Venus is well
aspected, happiness and gain
through marriage and partnership
are favored. Public speaking and
singing are harmonious with this
position, and the native will be
assured of an appreciative audience at all times.
Venus is in its detriment in Aries
and Scorpio. In the first instance,
Venus on the ASC indicates an ardent, affectionate, and demonstrative disposition, along with
attraction for the opposite sex.
There is a tendency to impulsiveness as well as extravagance.
Venus rising in Scorpio blends
the love ray of Venus with the martial fire of Scorpio, and this combination increases the passions
and emotions. These natives are
ardent in love and passionate in
affection, readily attracted to the
opposite sex; but such attraction
often brings trouble, disappointment, and delay in courtship and
marriage. Venus well aspected
here points toward a deep sense of
religious devotion that serves as an
outlet for the ardent, passionate
feelings, while an afflicted Venus
may incline to rather low morals.
Mars rising at the time of birth
indicates good practical executive
ability, with a fiery disposition that can be rash, headstrong, and
impatient at times. The native is generally an enterprising, practical
person who will shun no effort in order to succeed. He can push
himself forward when occasion demands and rise in life through his
own efforts, being endowed with a considerable amount of pluck.
This position of Mars strengthens the constitution, giving much
muscular power and endurance. Mars adversely aspected here shows
danger of cuts, bums, falls, bruises, or other accidents.
Mars rising in Capricorn, where it is exalted, tends to tone down
the fiery quality of Mars, making the person quietly ambitious,
enterprising, and industrious, giving him executive, organizing, and
business ability. Being willing to take responsibility upon his shoulders, he is naturally fitted to succeed in positions of authority. The
wider the scope of action, the better he will be satisfied, as he is
decidedly efficient in everything he does.
Mars rising in Cancer, the sign of its fall, indicates the domestic
tyrant, since Cancer is the sign ruling the home. Mars placed here
gives the native the desire to rule completely over everyone and
everything in the home, with no tolerance for any other authority
there. When offended, there is a tendency for the native to nurse his
ill feelings for a long time, and he does not readily forget an injury.
Where Mars is beneficially aspected, the native is home-loving and
ambitious for a comfortable, luxurious residence; an adversely aspected Mars suggests domestic trouble and quarrels in the home.
Jupiter rising at birth is very favorable for success in life, unless
afflicted. It indicates the ability of the native to create for himself a
splendid future. Having dignity, executive ability, and a powerful
personality, which are all necessary for success as a leader in social
and business circles, he has little difficulty in reaching a position of
prominence. As a rule, he is good-natured, kindly, honorable, and
upright. Having the ability to view all problems in their most general
aspect, he can overcome opposition with a force of sound but
impersonal logic.
Jupiter rising in Sagittarius, the sign which it rules, has a tendency
to bring fortune and general success; this position is favorable for
matters connected with sports, and
with scientific, literary, or religious societies. The native is courteous, affable, polite, generous,
and loyal. If Jupiter is beneficially
aspected, the person can gain
through speculation or by legacy;
however, if afflicted, troublesome
social affairs are likely, as are difficulty through sports and loss
through speculation or gambling.
Saturn rising in the First House
and well-aspected is a fortunate
sign for, no matter how a person
may be handicapped in the start of
life, the ultimate success is assured
through the patience, persistence,
self-control and restraint of the
person through a well-placed Saturn. Such people have a wonderful
capacity for work. They seem
never to tire and never to give up
no matter what the obstacles. They
have infinite confidence in themselves and their ability to accomplish that which they undertake
and therefore they eventually win.
But when Saturn is weak and afflicted in the First House it makes
the person timid and averse to undertake responsibility; subtile, secretive, and distrustful of other
people; of a gloomy disposition
and inclined to seek isolation.
Uranus rising in a birth horoscope marks a person out of the
ordinary, since Uranus is the
planet of originality, invention,
and often genius. He is very progressive, with ideas and ideals
many years ahead of our present
civilization. There is a natural attraction to all advanced subjects,
such as occultism, astrology, psychic research, magnetic healing,
electricity, inventions, radio, and
aeronautics. These natives have a
deep love for anything profound
and wonderful. They tend to make
many unexpected changes of residence and occupation.
Neptune rising in a birth chart tends to affect the life of the native
in an uncommon manner, since Neptune is by nature occult, prophetic, and spiritual. This gives a particularly sensitive body, capable
of feeling the finer vibrations in Nature; whether they are good, bad,
or indifferent depends upon the aspects Neptune receives, As the
influence of this planet is always more or less psychic, the person
will either consciously or unconsciously take on the conditions of his
surroundings and of those whom he may contact. He has a mind that
is romantic, emotional and visionary. The physical characteristics of
Neptune rising are a very finely organized, slender body with a long
head, sharp features, and an expression that is rather mysterious, and
at times to a degree cruel. The eyes are very noticeable, having a
somewhat hypnotic expression.
L'Envoi
When Earth's last picture is painted,
and the tubes are twisted and dried,
When the oldest colors have faded, and
the youngest critic has died,
We shall rest, and, faith, we shall need
it-lie down for an eon or two,
Till the Master of All Good Workmen
shall set us to work anew!
And those that were good shall be happy:
they shall sit in a golden chair;
They shall splash at a ten-league canvas
with brushes of comets' hair;
They shall find real saints to draw from —
Magdalene, Peter, and Paul;
They shall work for an age at a sitting
and never be tired at all!
And only the Master shall praise us, and
only the Master shall blame;
And no one shall work for money, and
no one shall work for fame;
But each for the joy of the working, and
each, in his separate star
Shall draw the Thing as he sees It for
the God of Things as They Are!
— Rudyard Kipling
— Rays from the Rose Cross Magazine, January/February, 1995, p. 32-36
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