Understanding the Speed of the Ascendant in a Natal Chart

In astrology, the Ascendant or Rising Sign is the zodiac sign that was rising on the eastern horizon at the time of a person's birth. The speed of the Ascendant is determined by how quickly it moves through the signs of the zodiac. Understanding if the Ascendant is fast or slow can provide valuable insights into a person's personality and life experiences.

Determining Fast or Slow Ascendant

The speed of the Ascendant can be understood based on several factors:

Time of Birth

The Ascendant moves approximately every 2 hours. Therefore, the faster it changes signs, the more rapidly it can be considered. For example, if the Ascendant moves through several signs in a short period, it is considered to be fast.

Position of the Sun

The position of the Sun in relation to the Ascendant can offer further insight. If the Sun is close to the Ascendant, it often indicates a dynamic and active personality, possibly associated with a fast Ascendant.

Chart Patterns

Consider the overall configuration of the natal chart. If there are many planets in the 1st house, associated with the Ascendant, it usually indicates a more pronounced personality, suggesting a fast Ascendant.

Aspectual Relationships

The aspects the Ascendant makes to other planets can also indicate its speed. For instance, if the Ascendant forms many harmonious aspects (trines, sextiles) with faster-moving planets like Mercury or Mars, it suggests a more dynamic expression. Conversely, challenging aspects (squares, oppositions) might imply a slower manifestation.

Transits and Progressions

Over time, the progressions and transits of planets can also affect the Ascendant's expression. If significant transits are occurring near the Ascendant, they can influence whether it feels faster or slower in different periods of life.

Table of Houses: Determine Ascendant Speed

One of the best ways to determine if the Ascendant is fast or slow is to use the Table of Houses (TOH). Here are some key points:

Placidus Table of Houses

Personally, I use the Placidus Table of Houses, which is widely recognized for its accuracy. According to the Llewellyn G. George in A to Z Horoscope Maker and Delineator, long ascension signs (Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius) take longer to ascend than the short ascension signs (Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces, Aries, Taurus, Gemini).

Ascendant in Rapid Motion

If the interval between the two consecutive Ascendants nearest and next nearest to the true Ascendant (ASC) is greater than the interval between the two corresponding Midheavens, then the ASC is in rapid motion.

Ascendant in Slower Motion

Conversely, if the ASC interval is less than the MC interval, the ASC is in slower motion.

Consideration of Ecliptic Obliquity

Due to the Earth’s diurnal rotation and the obliquity to the ecliptic, some signs move across the Ascendant faster than others, known as short ascension signs. In the Northern Hemisphere, short ascension signs are Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces, Aries, Taurus, Gemini, while in the Southern Hemisphere, they are Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo.

Understanding Long and Short Ascension

The phenomenon of signs moving across the Ascendant is a result of the Earth’s rotation. When the angle between the ecliptic and the horizon is small, signs move across the Ascendant more quickly, whereas a larger angle slows their movement. In mid-latitude regions, Virgo and Libra are the slowest (long ascension) and Pisces and Aries are the fastest (short ascension).

Summary

To determine if the Ascendant is fast or slow, consider the time of birth, the position of the Sun, the presence of planets in the 1st house, aspects to the Ascendant, and relevant transits or progressions. Each factor contributes to a comprehensive understanding of how the Ascendant influences a person's personality and life experiences.