Ask 8

“My birth time puts me very close to the between Aquarius and Pisces rising, so I’m not sure which Ascendant is correct. I know the entire chart—not just the rising sign—affects personality and how someone comes across. Could you explain the key differences between Aquarius and Pisces rising in terms of first impressions, demeanor, body language, and approach to life? Also, what chart factors (such as the chart ruler, planets in the 1st house, or major aspects to the Ascendant) could make one rising sign resemble the other?”
- Lawrence

Unless you’re unsure about your birth time (or it’s a rounded time like 8 AM or 3:45 PM), then whatever an online chart caster says for your Ascendant sign would be the correct one.

In the event that you’ve gotten both Aquarius and Pisces as your Ascendant on these websites or apps, then here’s what I’d look for in each Ascendant.

An Aquarius Ascendant holder would find themselves in groups more often than a Pisces Ascendant would.

An Aquarius Ascendant would indicate a life of being something of an outsider. Not an outcast, but someone who may not feel fully immersed in the environment or even in the events of their lives.

I’ve heard Aquarian people call themselves “tools” or “experiences” for other people, rather than being their own person.

If this was your Ascendant, I believe you’d find your life to feel a lot more like a video game you’re playing or perhaps a story you’re writing, rather than a life you’re living.

This would apply to someone with Uranus in their First House, and to an extent, someone with Saturn in their First House. Having either of these planets conjunct your Ascendant, would have a similar effect.

A Pisces Ascendant holder, however, would always aim to be fully immersed in every experience, feeling, and activity.

Your life would be more chaotic than the life of an Aquarius Ascendant holder, but you’d be a lot more comfortable with the mess of it all, than you would in the same situation as any other Rising Sign.

You’d find yourself tending toward self-fulfillment, rather than enriching yourself with social obligation and seeking groups of people to talk to.

Your life would also tend to be lived in solitude a lot more with this Ascendant, whether that be self-imposed or due to greater circumstances.

You’d find this energy from having Neptune in your First House or conjunct your Ascendant, as well.

If you’re Saturn-ruled, as an Aquarius Ascendant, you’d find yourself more structured. You’re more likely to stick to a routine, while Uranus’ influence may skew these plans out of your control often.

If you’re Jupiter-ruled, like Pisces Ascendant holders, you’d be bigger, in energy, if not in body. You’d find yourself the sage advisor of your family or friend group, with Neptune’s influence indicating a greater sense of empathy and spirituality.