Your ascendant, or rising sign, represents the mask you present to the world and the initial impression you give to others. It influences your appearance, attitude, and how you approach new situations. Learn more about the Ascendant/Rising Sign in Virgo.
Chart Ruler:Mercury Element:Earth Tarot Cards: The Knight of Pentacles and the Hermit Zodiac Sign Symbol:
The First House is the House of the Self. It is “home” to your personality, character, manners, style, temperament, and (in classical astrology) physical characteristics. Since this House leads the chart, it has a special designation and is also known as the Ascendant and/or Rising Sign. If your Ascendant/Rising Sign is Virgo, then you have an Earth Sign overlaying a Fire House. Below is the chart layout showing how you will be influenced on your twelve quests based on the Signs that rule each House, as determined by your Ascendant/Rising Sign.
The Chart Ruler
Each sign has a ruling point. The planet Mercury rules Virgo. Because of the special nature of the Ascendant/Rising Sign, the point ruling the Sign that overlays the 1st House becomes the ruler of the entire chart. Someone with Virgo on the Ascendant/Rising Sign will have their identity guided by the energy of Mercury, wherever it appears in the chart.
As an example, consider a person who has a Virgo Ascendant/Rising Sign and Mercury in Aries, which would put Mercury in the 8th House of Intimate Relationships. This individual will prefer and prefer to be, a partner who speaks his or her mind and is very honest. According to Jodie Forrest, “A Virgo Ascendant with this Mercury placement needs to feel that the bond with a mate involves a capacity for deep conversations about such frequently taboo subjects as sexuality, death, the occult, and the psychological material of which nightmares are made.” (136)
The Quest for Identity
Virgo Rising individuals learn about their identities through service, the care of their health, and problem-solving. They present as helpful and are perceived as useful. Jodie Forrest says:
This man or woman has reached an evolutionary stage where he or she should present a practical, can-do, detail-oriented, humble but not servile face to the world. The development of honest self-appraisal and dedication to self-improvement are essential. (128)
Like the other Earth Signs, Virgo Rising people appreciate quality experiences in the world, but they can be more frugal than Taurus. Taurus looks for the best quality; Virgo looks for the best solution for the right price. Being practically helpful is one of their most defining traits.
The Signs ruling the creative (5th) and mastery of knowledge (9th) Houses are Earth Signs also, so this individual will be practical, ambitious, and steadfast when it comes to their own performance (Capricorn on the 5th House) and authority (Taurus on the 9th House). If they have any points in these Houses, there will be an increased emphasis on creativity, travel, scholarship, and worldly experience, which they will achieve with a meticulous, inventive identity (Virgo).
The need to see and produce results about what interests them is paramount. If there is no way to get their inspiration out into the world, they will not have any energy for work, the pursuit of knowledge, or relationships.
Finances, Work, and Career
The Signs ruling the finances (2nd), work (6th), and career (10th) Houses are Air Signs, so this individual will be thoughtful and strategic about what they need to feel secure at home (Libra on the 2nd House), skillful and helpful (Aquarius on the 6th House), and ambitious and successful (Gemini on the 10th House). If they have points in any of these Houses, there will be an increased emphasis on material success, which they will achieve with a problem-solving, service-oriented identity (Virgo).
They need to be employed in administrative and maintenance roles in an organization, where they can fix problems and keep the business running smoothly. This chart layout is excellent for any administrative position; after all, what better way to succeed than to make yourself useful and indispensable.
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Communication, Relationships, and Community
The Signs ruling the communication (3rd), relationship (7th), and community (11th) Houses are Water Signs, so this individual will have empathy and intuition as a communicator who loves learning (Scorpio on the 3rd House), easily understands the motivations of others (Pisces on the 7th House) and wants to know where he or she can best fit into community and society (Cancer on the 11th House). If they have any points in these Houses, there will be an increased emphasis on intellectual development and the pursuit of wisdom, which they will pursue with a practical, health-conscious identity (Virgo).
They need to have emotional and vulnerable relationships with caring and compassionate people. They are cautious and want to be helpful, valuing feelings above all else in communication situations. If you need solutions to communication and emotional problems, these individuals will help you find them.
Feelings, Intimacy, and Spirituality
The Signs ruling the feelings and family (4th), intimate partner (8th), and spirituality (11th) Houses are Fire Signs, so this individual will have inspiration and creativity regarding family and emotional development (Sagittarius on the 4th House), transformation with an intimate partner (Aries on the 8th House), and his or her search for purpose and faith (Leo on the 12th House). If they have any points in these Houses, there will be an increased emphasis on emotional development, intuition, empathy, and sympathy, which they will pursue with a critical, methodical identity (Virgo).
They need creative, romantic, and emotional relationships with equally romantic and creative people. Their discriminating and problem-solving personality can help them navigate and overcome emotional struggles because they are going to keep working on it until they find a practical solution. If you want someone with emotional passion and excitement, these individuals will “light you up” if they commit to you.
Archetypes for this Ascendant/Rising Sign
(From – The Ascendant: Your Rising Sign by Jodie Forrest)
This person has come into the world wearing the mask of the Craftsperson, the Analyst, the Worker, the Details Person, or the Growth Ninja. Other images for Virgo rising include the Perfectionist, the Servant, the Critic, the Apprentice, or the Health Nut. Less than optimal manifestations of this Ascendant might include the Faultfinder, the Drudge, the Slave, the Hypochondriac, or the Self-Saboteur. (128)
