Sun - Ascendant Aspects in the Natal Chart

A planet in conjunction to the Ascendant always takes on powerful proportions in the native's life and personality. A distinction is made between planets in the twelfth house in conjunction to the Ascendant, and planets in the first house in conjunction to the Ascendant. When found in the first house, that planet feels free to express itself. When behind the Ascendant in the twelfth house, that planet is just as powerful, but it has problems expressing itself in a direct and uninhibited manner.

Sun conjunct the Ascendant
These people make a strong personal impression. Others tend to see them as confident people, or as leaders of some sort. This is because they project strength. Of course, this strong impression can rub some people the wrong way. These people are noticeable and very aware of how they come across to others.

Sun rising people tend to believe that they are in control of their destiny. They usually don't believe in fate, and they'll take any pessimistic comments that come their way as personal challenges. In fact, this concept extends to other areas of life--they prefer to lead rather than follow, and are usually most comfortable in situations where they have the freedom to do so. They identify strongly with the image they project, and they usually prefer to be viewed as capable individuals. Children with this aspect may appear to be older than their years.

If the Sun is in the 12th house and conjunct the Ascendant, the desire to lead and to be noticed is great, but there may be some teetering when it comes to actually expressing these desires. These people may be inclined to daydream a lot about being awe-inspiring leaders, or the center of attention, but there can be much self-consciousness and some reluctance to actually throw themselves into the spotlight. Over time, they might find ways to get the attention or the position of importance they crave in indirect and/or creative ways.

Sun square Ascendant
People born with Sun square Ascendant do not always "come across" to others as they intend to. Especially in their youth, these people can easily offend others with what people might call an "attitude". Sometimes, the impression is one of being overbearing, arrogant, or pushy. If this is the case, it's due to a defense mechanism perhaps stemming from childhood. For some reason or other, what these people want to express is often interpreted the wrong way. Awareness of this discrepancy is important, otherwise the defense mechanism can worsen over time, and natives of this aspect can meet with problems at work (especially with authority) and in personal relationships. Softening the manner and the attitude does wonders to smooth over relationships of all kinds.

Some Famous People with the Sun Square the Ascendant: Denzel Washington.

Sun opposition Ascendant
There is a big tendency for those born under the Sun in opposition to the Ascendant to "find themselves" through other people. Most people with this aspect are in partnership with a close personal friend and/or a close romantic partner most of their lives with few gaps between. Just as Sun conjunct the Ascendant has an Aries flavor, the opposition has a Libra flavor, especially if the Sun is found in the seventh house. These people truly come alive when one-on-one. This makes them good at negotiations, therapy, and other situations where being able to slip into another's shoes is advantageous. Decision-making is enjoyed best when shared with another person. These are people who are the first to call on a close personal friend or the spouse whenever a decision needs to be made--not that they always take that person's advice! However, the back and forth of the exchange helps them to find an answer within. Again, this comes back to seeing themselves through others' perspectives. These are not the types of people who go to movies or restaurants alone (by choice). They simply feel more powerful and happy with someone tagging along. Some are submissive, but most are not. They don't truly give their power away to others. However, they don't readily "own" their power without feedback from others, where the term "others" doesn't refer to people in general, but to an individual. It's not about reputation or saving face (although this is possible if the Sun is also square the Midheaven).

Sun sextile or trine the Ascendant
It is easy and natural for those born under a harmonious aspect between the Sun and the Ascendant to be received well by others. There is a distinct air of authority and magnanimity surrounding these people. The authority they project generally doesn't offend others, generally because sincerity is sensed at the same time.  Unless the Ascendant or Sun are otherwise quite challenged, most would describe these people as natural, easy to like, and friendly. Especially with the trine, there is a marked interest in the performing arts and/or sports and games, both as spectators and as participants. This is an especially favorable aspect to have for those who are in the public eye.

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More Aspects of the Sun in the Natal Chart:
Sun-Moon aspects | Sun-Mercury aspects | Sun-Venus aspects | Sun-Mars aspects | Sun-Jupiter aspects | Sun-Saturn aspects | Sun-Uranus aspects | Sun-Neptune aspects | Sun-Pluto aspects | Sun-Ascendant aspects

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