Ascendent / Rising Sun is the zodiacal sign and degree that was ascending on the eastern horizon at that specific time and location when a child is born.

The Ascendent is thus considered to be of great significance in all schools of astrology due to the fact that it in effect serves as the filter through which everything in a horoscope including the Sun and Moon is expressed. In astrology most astrologers beleive that the rising sign exerts an influence equal to or more powerful than the Sun and Moon.

It is generally beleived that the closer towards the beginning of the sign the ascendent falls, the stronger it will be. In addition the ascendent is thought to be stronger in influence when the sun is in a weak position in the chart.

Planets can assume added importance in the birth chart due to their relationship to the ascendent. The planet that rules the astrological sign of the ascendent is called the Lagna Lord.