When studying natal charts, the key thing to understand here is that the Rising sign, per se, does not mean that we possess or are born with those qualities automatically, When studying natal charts, the key thing to understand here is that the Rising sign, per se, does not mean that we possess or are born with those qualities automatically, but that the qualities inherent of that sign are the ones we struggle to rise to throughout our life. They become our focus. They define us and our connection to the world around us. They become our focus. They define us and our connection to the world around us.
Aquarius7000
My understanding of the Rising Sign (Degree) differs somewhat from yours, and I would like to offer my own perspective for your consideration.
1. We are born with the qualities of the Ascendant. The Ascendant very literally describes the moment of birth, the conditions surrounding it, and I think we can safely infer that this includes the personal qualities it determines. It is very true, of course, that these qualities emerge and are developed during the first few years of life, but the newborn is already oriented toward the direction this development will take. So although the actual development of the persona takes place over a relatively short period (call it the infant and toddler stages of growth, or the space of several years), I think it is fair to say that de facto, we are born with the qualities of the Ascendant. The types of experiences required to produce the qualities of the Ascendant in the developing child are already shown in the horoscope and will unfold according to plan.
2. "but that the qualities inherent of that sign are the ones we struggle to rise to throughout our life. They become our focus. They define us and our connection to the world around us."
I agree with the last sentence entirely. The Ascendant is our window on the world, our point of contact with it. It is the point where we receive from and project into the outer world. It is also true that what is symbolized at the Ascendant becomes a focus -- something I will expand on further along. But I do differ with you in regard to the italicized sentence.
I don't think the Ascendant shows what we "struggle to rise to." I would suggest that, in a very real sense, it shows what we struggle to overcome, to rise above rather than to. It seems to me that the Sun is what we are on the most fundamental and essental level, and shows what we strive to rise to. It is our point of honor, and where we shine. It is the central organizing point in the horoscope, the point around which all else revolves and to which all else is subservient (deriving the symbolism from the actual operation of the solar system.)
The reason that I say the Ascendant is what we struggle to overcome is that it represents the persona (Jung), which is a construct of far less depth than other components of the personality. People tend to identify with this persona, and come to believe that it is "I". In this sense, it can be equated with the ego, or the sense of "I". And that is precisely what we must overcome in life in order to fully realize the Self (which is the Sun.) Here is something Jung said in describing this component of personality: "Through his more or less complete identification with the attitude of the moment [the persona], he at least deceives others, and also often himself, as to his real character."
I have found that the Rising Sign describes prominent issues that will come forward in the life. For example, if Scorpio is rising, it is highly likely that the person will find that issues concerning sex, emotional turmoil, feelings of abandonment, guilt, and conditions involving control and manipulation play an important part in his/her life. These are things which must be faced and overcome, rather than risen to. Of course, dealing with these issues creates the pathway to our realization of the Sun's potential.
The Ascendant is the point where the eastern horizon intersects the ecliptic. It is therefore the indicator of our "horizons in life." In this light, it is the symbolization of our perspective on life and the gauge of our opportunities. Eastern is oriental, and the Ascendant is one of the primary indicators of our orientation to life. The eastern horizon is also the point where the heavens emerge from the dark and unconcious realms under the earth into the light and consciousness. It is where things "come up," and is the Point of Destiny. Many classical and renaissance astrologers were quite emphatic; our destiny is shown at the Ascendant. If this is so, and if our destiny is foreordained in outline if not in detail, then we are born with it. The Ascendant portrays what we will meet along our life-path.
The Ascendant is our role on the stage of life, and is the script for our part in the drama.
All this aside, Aquarius, I have never commented on your stance on children. Several times in my life I have worked in institutional homes for unwanted kids. And I have always wondered why so many people insist on having their own biological children...there are so many little ones out there waiting for you to parent them...give them love and a sense of being wanted. Bravo, Aquarius.