Aspects to Ascendant: Conjunctions and Parallels
NOTE: Conjunctions within 3* of longitude and Parallels within 1* of declination will alter physical appearance, face, physiology. They will determine the fundamental constitution of the person along with the Ascendant sign.
SUN at the Asc creates a body that can be larger or sturdier than normal for its sign and a personality that wants the spotlight, to be on display or perform. At its height, there can be an Apollonian beauty or stature. There is a self-importance that desires to be at the center of things. Generally, it gives physical strength, stature, even athleticism. Physical issues can show up in heart, blood system or spine.
MOON at the Asc puts feeling and rhythm into the person. This is a personality with soul. This necessarily takes on physical expression, at least part of the time, inclining them to travel. These people will be inclined to music, rhythmic sports (like tennis), dance. They can be particularly in tune with the public, giving them notoriety. There is an instinctive need for change, variety, ebb-and-flow. The need to feel and receive is more pronounced than usual. Health issues can show up in the fluid and hormone systems of the body.
MERCURY is the messenger, and at the Asc puts thought, intellect or communicative ability into the personality. Computer programmers, radio personalities, writers, speakers, etc. Height is almost always increased over average or the sign. The nervous system may display greater sensitivity, depending on the sign and there is an active search for knowledge and interaction, travel, etc. The need to contemplate or communicate is more pronounced than usual.
VENUS is the planet of love, pleasure and beauty. These natives are more attractive and appealing than usual, or at least considered cute, but sometimes with a tendency to plump up a bit from enjoyment of life's leisurely pursuits. Venus brings out the most handsome or beautiful qualities associated with its sign, and the most considerate or kindest according to sign. Venus smoothes the lines and edges of any face from what is normal for the sign on the Ascendant. The height may decrease from average for the sign on the Ascendant.
MARS is the planet of action, energy, impetuousness and courage. There is an enjoyment of speed, athletics, competition, military, hunting, motorcycles and other things normally considered masculine. It nearly always brings accidents, injuries (especially to head or face), burns, puncture wounds, etc. There is a fighting spirit that can be applied gracefully or abrasively, depending on sign and aspects. There is often a ruddy complexion and/or reddish hair, as well as a sharp tongue or quick temper.
JUPITER is the expansive principle, ruler of all that is bright and at the Asc of one's birth chart gives added height and size, as well as added promise early in life. These people are jovial, vocal, with good humor, sociability and popularity with many pleasures and friends. There is a breezy friendliness about them, at least initially. There can also be a philosophical bent, giving good perspective on life to those around. Travel and variety in both people and experience is desired. Often dramatic tendencies are indicated if supported by aspects and sign. Generosity is notable, both with self and others. Circulatory and pancreatic issues, as well as weight gain can arise from overindulgence, but the health can repair easily with good measures. Far-sightedness is also common.
SATURN restrains and/or solidifies the body and personality when at the Asc. Often it means a smaller body than normal for one's family and Asc sign. Many are farmers or involved in agriculture in some way. There is a serious outlook, nearly the opposite of jovial, in which responsibility and obligation are put before pleasure. They are circumspect, cautious, conscientious, sometimes with serious health issues. The personality is sober and grounded to create a special type of leadership by example. Often they mature early but can also be delayed in discovering and expressing their particular talents. Will often have more the respect of their elders than their peers.
URANUS at the Asc creates something unusual in body or personality. There is distinction in talent or ideas or an unorthodox mindset, often both. Odd, unusual people, nerds, people whose foresight or intelligence surpasses their ability to communicate it. These people can be more advanced mentally, progressive, technological as inventors, engineers, scientists or working in radio, TV or internet. These people change the terms with which the rest of us understand and communicate about our world. Many of them will seem ahead of their time or discounted as revolutionaries.
NEPTUNE at the Asc creates a dreamer, visionary, artist, actor, illusionist, escapist, magician. A person with creative talent that, at its height, can mesmerize or inspire, and at its lowest can be filled with illusions and problems with drink, drugs, etc. Either type can be compassionate, sensitive and perceptive. There can be a special flair in the appearance or an extra quality of attractiveness that can be hard if not impossible to pinpoint. There is a love of color, visual arts, poetry, writing, music (especially stringed instruments).
PLUTO at the Asc creates a person of depth and power who goes all the way with whatever they are and do. Resourcefulness and unrelenting determination are qualities that will be apparent. There is the capacity to rejuvenate, as they always keep something in reserve. However, they can be secretive, even unto themselves, with inability to compromise at times, creating a special kind of commmanding or intimidating persona. These people may operate with a different (but guarded) moral code because they will not allow spurious rules or traditions to prohibit their purpose. Even if not outwardly evident, these are people of great power - at least after middle age - and are great allies to have during tough times. There is often another side to these people that only those closest to them can see.
CHIRON at the Asc creates a healer or teacher, whether artist, mystic, prophet, sorcerer or herbalist. The person may have maladies themselves that cannot be permanently remedied, making them more empathetic to those with serious problems, whether physical or psychological. There may be physical qualities suggestive of a satyr, with a lusty but pleasantly earthy nature. These people are essentially shamans, at least in potential, bringing together spiritual and physical. The hips or buttocks can be emphasized, even if the rest of the body is thin. These people are not at their best in isolation, but with people around them. The forest will feel like home. They can be natural gurus, teachers, tutors, great with children, patient and understanding. This quality may not be evident early in life, but will eventually develop.
NOTE: Planets actually in the 1st house when conjunct or parallel Asc will affect physical structure or be expressed through it. Planets actually in the 12th will be expressed through outward appearance that is taken on or affected in speech, dress, etc, because the effect is through the mind more than the body. Example: Adolph Hitler's unique mustache can be seen as an outward expression of Uranus near Asc, but in 12th house. The mustache did not grow that way but was trimmed in that manner and is a virtual identifying mark associated with Hitler.
Recommended reading: John Willner's The Rising Sign Problem.