Rising Sign Descriptions...

Our rising sign represents our seemingly 
instinctual approach to dealing with the world.
The rising sign affects how we see the world and interact with it...
The rising sign is often referred to as a mask, giving the impression that the rising sign is not a real part of us. A mask is something we wear to disguise ourselves. Although the metaphor makes sense in that the rising sign is the outermost shell of the zodiac, it takes away from the true relevance of the rising sign. It is a very real part of who we are, and rather than acting as a cover to the real us, it is the lens or filter through which we view and experience the world. It colors our perception and interpretation of the world. This metaphor emphasizes how the rising sign affects how we see the world and interact with it rather than making it seem that the rising sign disguises us to the world. 
Planets on or near the ascendant alter the rising sign...
Because these planets alter the rising sign, they need to be factored into the rising sign descriptions. They are very powerful, giving a truer representation of the sign which rules them, than the the sign alone. As an example, Saturn on the ascendant is more powerful than Capricorn rising and will alter whatever rising sign is present. Saturn on the ascendant with Libra rising is like having Capricorn and Libra rising.
The rising sign is the lens or filter through which we view and experience the world.
The planet ruling the rising sign is the chart ruler...
Whatever planet rules the rising sign in your chart is given added fuel by also being your chart ruler. It gains power and influence in your chart making it nearly as powerful as your sun and moon. The rising sign combines with the planet ruling it, and together they color the whole chart. The house in which it is located is also given more prominence in the life of the chart holder and is connected with the attitude given by the rising sign. For example, the planet Mars in the chart of an Aries rising person is given added emphasis along the house where Mars is located.
Rising signs are the most obvious part of our astrological make up. It's the outer-most layer of a person and casts its shadow on the whole natal chart, coloring it with its sign. It affects our appearance, attitude, how fast or slow we move, how we interpret new information, situations or people, and our immediate reactions.

Aries Rising...

Headstrong and ambitious, it's almost as if they are always looking for their next battle to win. Aries Rising is deliberate...(Click to read article)

Libra Rising...

Friendly and outgoing, Libra rising is holds politeness in the highest regard. They see it as necessary not...(Click to read article)

Taurus Rising...

Kind and gentle, Taurus rising looks out for everyone's physical needs. Their caring and patient nature makes them excellent with...(Click to read article)

Scorpio Rising...

A serious and careful nature while also daring, Scorpio rising is intriguing. You never quite feel like you completely know them...(Click to read article)

Gemini Rising...

Edgy and witty, they seem scattered and distracted, but feel organized in their own way. It sometimes seem they aren't...(Click to read article)

Sagittarius Rising...

Like news reporters who spend their lives giving a color commentary on life, Sagittarius is always ready to make...(Click to read article)

Cancer Rising...

Gentle and caring, Cancer rising puts enormous importance on human relationships. Extremely sensitive to their environment, including...(Click to read article)

Capricorn Rising...

The most serious of the rising signs, Capricorn rising sees life as a responsibility. In their heart, they believe life is never going to be...(Click to read article)

Leo Rising...

Gregarious, open and accepting, Leo rising's greatest joy is to be liked and appreciated. They are trusting, sometimes...(Click to read article)

Aquarius Rising...

Calm, relaxed, stable and nearly impossible to rattle. Aquarius rising people can remain cool while the whole world seems...(Click to read article)

Virgo Rising...

Careful in their approach to the world, Virgo rising thinks about everything that could go wrong before they start anything to avoid...(Click to read article)

Pisces Rising...

Pisces rising appears scattered and detached, yet is more connected to its surroundings than any other...(Click to read article)