Ascendant

In Vedic astrology, the Ascendant, also known as Lagna, is the zodiac sign that was rising on the eastern horizon at the time of an individual's birth. It is the most important point in a birth chart and is considered the first house. The Ascendant represents the self, the physical body, and the overall personality, including an individual's appearance, constitution, and general approach to life. The Ascendant is the starting point for calculating all other houses and their associated significations. It is the default reference point in a chart, and when houses are listed without a specified reference, it is implied that they are counted from the Ascendant. The Ascendant is not just about physical characteristics, it also reveals the 'true self' or the core essence of an individual. Unlike other references that may show status or other worldly matters, the Ascendant shows an individual’s intentions, knowledge, and persistence

The sign, its lord, and any planets placed within the Ascendant or aspecting it have a significant impact on the individual. For example, a strong benefic in the Ascendant can indicate a well-rounded individual, while a malefic can indicate challenges. The Ascendant is also vital in determining a person's Dharma, or life path. A planet in the 10th house from the Ascendant may bring important developments in one's profession, while planets in the 3rd, 8th, and 12th houses from the Ascendant of a divisional chart can give bad results during their periods. In addition, the Ascendant is one of the three key reference points in any chart, along with the Moon and Sun, representing the physical body, the mind, and the soul, respectively. The Ascendant is a cornerstone of Vedic astrology and it provides a foundation for understanding the many complex layers of the birth chart. It is important to have an accurate Ascendant for preparation of divisional charts. Any error in the ascendant can cause inaccurate predictions. The position of the Ascendant changes approximately every two hours. The Ascendant's degree is also crucial for determining the degrees of other planets in a chart.