Nobody puts on display their full personality from the start. Regardless of how open or shy you may be, there are facets of yourself that go unnoticed in first meetings. Astrology explains this mostly by the phenomenon known as the Rising Sign, which refers to the zodiac sign appearing in the eastern horizon when a person was born. Symbolically then, the rising zodiac sign is that part of you that’s first to look out at the world. It is also what people see first.

The Zodiac Signs When Rising

1. Aries: Gives the impression of a direct, outspoken and confident person; impatient.
2. Taurus: Gives a pleasing, gentle appearance; slow, soft-spoken; usually good-looking.
3. Gemini: Gives the impression of restlessness, quickness and love of talk; quick hands and feet.
4. Cancer: Gives a shy, introverted impression; quiet, afraid of being hurt, protective of self.
5. Leo: Gives a lofty, proud bearing; may have thick hair, dramatic speech and personal warmth.
6. Virgo: Seems shy and discreet, reserved, perhaps critical.
7. Libra: Gives the impression of kindness, diplomacy and tact; usually well-groomed and classy.
8. Scorpio: Gives the impression of power and magnetism; usually very sexual.
9. Sagittarius: Gives the impression of being happy and confident, outgoing and active.
10. Capricorn: Seems very serious and reserved, perhaps gloomy; leans toward formality.
11. Aquarius: Gives the impression of being unconventional and unpredictable; perceptive.
12. Pisces: Gives the impression of being passive, sensitive and helpful; seems to drift and forget.

Compatibility and First Impressions

The Rising Sign is one of the major considerations in birth chart compatibility. First impressions are often a deciding factor in relationships. And although the first impression is rarely an accurate picture of the whole individual, it has a lasting effect. As the Rising Sign is how you take part in the action, it is inevitable that you interact with your partner with the qualities of that sign.

Rising Signs are more compatible with certain signs more than the rest. In the above list, odd-numbered signs are generally similar so they “get along”; the same can be said of even-numbered signs. When incompatible, the Rising Sign emphasizes differences between a couple; it does not necessarily mean the relationship cannot work.

Many good astrology books treat the problem of the Rising Sign. Some of these include estimation tables for finding your Rising Sign. This is determined by your date and time of birth. Astrologers believe that Rising Sign is an important part of any horoscope. Understanding it can help you express yourself better and make the right impression.