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The theory - The ascendant depends on the eastern horizon, at a specific location and time. The theory is that it's an opposite to your regular zodiac sign. This is why astrologers believe that the ascendant star signs signify the awakening consciousness of a person.

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Nature and nurture - Astrologers believe that the ascendant is significant to the environment and circumstances of a person’s childhood. They also believe that the ascendant signifies how a person learns to present themselves to the world.

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Personality and expression - Astrologers believe that the ascendant can act as a mask to conceal a person's true nature. This is referred to as the defense mechanism that people use to cope with difficult situations.

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Significance -

The Ascendant is thought to be hugely significant by astrologists because it acts as a filter through which everything a horoscope presents, including the Sun and Moon, is expressed.

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Fire, air, earth, and water - The fire signs are Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius. The air signs are Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius. The earth signs are Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn. Finally, the water signs are Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces.

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Aries Ascendant - Aries Ascendants are direct, and instinctively take action rather than thinking. This doesn’t make the individual aggressive, merely forthright. Forget about making plans and prepare yourself for some impulsive behavior! 

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Aries Ascendant - Aries Ascendants are competitive, but tend to direct the pressure at themselves. They may have a quick temper, but it is also quick to disappear. They have straightforward mannerisms.

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Taurus Ascendant - Taurus Ascendants could be described as capable and steady. They have a large amount of both stamina and staying power, and are very loyal to those they care about. 

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Taurus Ascendant -

Taurus Ascendants can be naturally resistant to change, making them both stubborn and stuck in their ways. They generally have a practical approach to life.

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Gemini Ascendant - Gemini Ascendants are curious people who love to socialize and have freedom. Certainly they can be restless and impatient, but without spitefulness. They can intimidate sensitive people.

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Gemini Ascendant - Gemini Ascendants have great skill in verbally expressing themselves. This may result in arrogance and a tendency to neglect some of the people around them. They may appear to be cold, to some.

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Cancer Ascendant - Cancer Ascendants seem to be rather gentle and familiar. They can be quite unassuming and shy. Due to their sensitivities, they can get embarrassed easily, especially in a public place.

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Cancer Ascendant - Cancer Ascendants have an instinct to protect themselves if they feel threatened. They tend to be caring people, who can even appear innocent. They are generally very approachable.

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Leo Ascendant - Leo Ascendants have an energy and a magnetism about them, due to their outgoing nature. However, they can also be very self-conscious. They are acutely aware of how they may be perceived by other people.

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Leo Ascendant - Leo Ascendants have a tendency towards making rash decisions. They are also highly likely to have temper tantrums. However, they also have a lot of personal ambition and drive.

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Virgo Ascendant - Virgo Ascendants carry an aura that is both intelligent and reserved. They can be both shy and analytic, but they will eventually embrace situations and other people.

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Virgo Ascendant - Virgo ascendants tend to be worriers, especially in unfamiliar situations. They can often attract (or be attracted to) people who need help. This can lead to complicated and confusing relationships.

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Libra Ascendant - Libra Ascendants are friendly and fair people. However, this doesn’t make them immune to problems in their relationships. They attract others effortlessly.

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Libra Ascendant - Libra Ascendants have the ability to be extremely persuasive. However, they use a soft approach to win others over. They can shirk responsibility, but can equally be great listeners.

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Scorpio Ascendant - Scorpio Ascendants carry themselves very well. They have a strong presence which commands respect, and sometimes even fear. They come across as both powerful and determined.

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Scorpio Ascendant - Scorpio Ascendants tend to be very polarizing with regards to other people’s opinions of them. They put a great value on their privacy, which can seem like paranoia. They like to be in charge of their own environment.

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Sagittarius Ascendant - Sagittarius Ascendants are adventurous and crave new experiences. They are also full of hope, faith, and enthusiasm. They make big plans, but often fail to follow through.

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Sagittarius Ascendant - Sagittarius Ascendants go between restless and active. They often seem to be searching for something that is unattainable, and some can keep up this behavior for their whole lives.

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Capricorn Ascendant - Capricorn Ascendants have a serious nature. Even their humor is delivered with little expression, so it might take a bit to fully understand it. 

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Capricorn Ascendant - Capricorn Ascendants seem highly competent. They tend to be highly family-oriented and often worry about security, due to their dependable nature.

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Aquarius Ascendant - Aquarius Ascendants seem highly individualistic! They are approached by many for advice, as they possess both intellectualism and savviness. They are curious and educated people.

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Aquarius Ascendant - Aquarius Ascendants like to come across as worldly. Sometimes, they get a thrill from shocking others. They enjoy being provocative, albeit in a subtle and non-aggressive manner.

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Pisces Ascendant - Pisces Ascendants tend to be quiet and shy, but some go the completely opposite direction and are highly talkative and passionate. They are easy to influence, and tend to view the world from a dream-like perspective.

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Pisces Ascendant -

Pisces Ascendants tend to be soft-hearted people. Objectivity and decision-making are not their strong points. They have a somewhat restless nature.

See also: Stunning pictures of the world's strangest and rarest weather phenomena

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