

What Your Rising Sign Says About How People See You
Your rising sign in Astrology, otherwise known as the Ascendant sign, represents how you express yourself to the world, show up, and how others see you. Your rising sign is located at the very top of your birth chart, in the 1st house. It is the zodiac sign that was rising on the eastern horizon at the time you were born and is a leading light in your life. The Ascendant sign is as important as the sun or the moon sign and holds a lot of significance in your journey in life and how you will be walking through it.
What Rising Signs Mean in Astrology
Since the rising sign is the 1st house on the zodiac wheel and is the first thing people notice or see about you, it is also an indicator of someone's physical traits, body, and aura. For example, Scorpio Risings are known for their intense eyes and mysterious aura and are often seen with darker hair and physical features. Aries Risings are known for their strong physical body and often look more muscular or fit. Libra Risings have Venus on the Ascendant and are known for their beauty, aesthetic, and feminine energy. You can also work with the energy of your Ascendant sign to see what colors look best on you, and what style you align with, and how to enhance your physical features.
Going deeper, knowing your rising sign is important, as it’s often the missing clue as to why someone may feel like they are a certain way, yet others see them in a completely different light. For example, a Pisces Sun with a Leo Rising may at first come off as someone very confident, outgoing, and outspoken. They may indeed have a more positive and courageous outlook on life because after all, your rising sign is the lens through which you see the world; however, with the Pisces Sun, this person will feel like they are more sensitive and introverted than people know.
Remember, your rising sign is how you are perceived, and not necessarily who you think you are.
How to Find Your Rising Sign
To figure out what your rising sign is, you will need to know your exact birth date, location, and time. Since your rising sign can change within only a few hours, you don’t want to be off with the birth time here. Not to mention, your rising sign is the starting point and the key to unlocking your entire birth chart.
You can find a Free Birth Chart Calculator on many websites through a search engine, or you can download an Astrology app that has them as well.
Read below to see what having a specific rising sign means for you, and how people see you.
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1. Aries Rising Sign Meaning
Aries Risings have a childlike face and demeanor. Although, their physical body is typically strong, muscular-like, or fit. Aries Risings come across as more dominant and direct than most, as they have Mars as their chart ruler, the planet of action. They come across as go-getters, independent, and free-spirit souls who live life on their own terms. Aries Risings seem like they are always doing something, moving fast, and like they have an infinite amount of energy. They are people who tell it like it is, and people often perceive them as brave and forthcoming. They love a lot of color, but look best in red and tend to be trendsetters, coming up with their own unique style and aesthetic.
2. Taurus Rising Sign Meaning
Taurus Risings are all about the vibe. Being in the presence of a Taurus Rising is like instantly feeling safe and comfortable. They take “chill” to a whole new level and prefer to enjoy life’s luxuries and also the simple pleasures of life. Others can sense this love for pleasure and the finer things when meeting them. Physically, with Venus being the ruler of Taurus and at the top of their chart, this rising sign typically has a natural beauty to them. Taurus is a sensual and earthly sign and they often exude this type of grounding energy. They come across as sweet with a graceful demeanor and a strong sense of self.
3. Gemini Rising Sign Meaning
Gemini Risings are social butterflies. They are always getting into new experiences and meeting new people. Others see them as talkative, outgoing, and self-expressive. They are typically very good with their words and make great public speakers. A Gemini Rising is often a chameleon and can change styles, looks, and expressions often. They aren’t easy to keep up with as their mind is going from one idea to the next. They see the world as an experience to engage in and learn from, and people often find them very inviting, unusual, and dynamic. Gemini Risings are charming with bright eyes.
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4. Cancer Rising Sign Meaning
Cancer Risings have a nurturing, feminine, and soft energy. They are the friend who is your biggest supporter and protector in life. They tend to come across as sensitive, emotional, compassionate, and somewhat mysterious to others. They wear their heart on their sleeves, but still tend to maintain a sense of mystery about them as they show people what they want them to see, and when they want them to see it. Cancer Risings often have round faces and eyes and are drawn toward wearing darker clothes and colors. They have more pronounced feminine features as they are ruled by La Luna herself, and they often strongly resemble their mother.
5. Leo Rising Sign Meaning
You can spot a Leo Rising in a room right away. They grab the attention of others effortlessly and often have something more dramatic about their appearance. Their style, their big hair, and their sunny demeanor are often known for something unique about themselves. Leo Risings have the Sun as their chart ruler, and others perceive them as someone who is confident, creative, outgoing, and dramatic. The spotlight always seems to be on a Leo Rising and they see life as their stage. They are very loving and generous souls, and they exude a lot of natural happiness and joy in life.
6. Virgo Rising Sign Meaning
Virgo Risings give off goddess energy. They are grounding souls, who see the world as a place to help, give to others, and create. Others find them sweet, logical, and down-to-earth when meeting them, and they have a healing and therapeutic energy about them. Virgo Risings aren’t known for the dramatics and they often wear light or no makeup at all, with a simple yet elegant style. You can often find a Virgo Rising in earthy-tone clothes as well, as this suits them best. They come across as more innocent, reserved, and shy even to others, and someone who is a little bit hard to get to know. With Mercury at the top of their chart, they have a strong wit.
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7. Libra Rising Sign Meaning
Libra Risings are known for their beauty, their relationships, and the love they give. With Venus at the top of the chart, Libra Risings are peaceful souls who want to give love and receive it. Others are often physically drawn to them with Venus, the planet of love and beauty ruling their world, and they attract many to them. Not to mention, Libra Risings are typically more flirtatious than most and are naturally charming. They see the world as a place to connect, create balance, and live in harmony, and they want others to notice this about them as well. They carry themselves with a sense of grace and elegance.
8. Scorpio Rising Sign Meaning
A Scorpio Rising is felt strongly by others. People are either instantly intrigued by them, or intimidated. They have a strong presence, and their energy is a catalyst of transformation for others being that Pluto is at the top of their chart. Hang out with a Scorpio Rising if you want your life to change. They have deep, intense, and mystical eyes, and are unintentionally the creators of the RBF. A lot of Scorpio Risings feel like people see them as more dominant and empowered than they feel at times, as Scorpio Risings are really just introverts at heart. They have a mysterious, seductive, and magnetic energy and are often physically stunning and fierce. Scorpio Risings look best in dark red.
9. Sagittarius Rising Sign Meaning
Sagittarius Risings are outspoken, joyful, and spiritual. They are known for their wisdom, knowledge, and their thirst for life. Sagittarius Risings see life as an exploration and go on many different journeys and paths in life, constantly searching for new meaning and purpose. Sagittarius Risings are often seen in bright colors with an eclectic and more out-there style and are known for their smile and expressions. A Sagittarius Rising lives life on their own terms and goes to the places that inspire them the most. Others see them as someone constantly changing things up and doing something different, and who lives life to the fullest. They also happen to have luck on their side with Jupiter as their chart ruler.
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10. Capricorn Rising Sign Meaning
Capricorn Risings are grounded, reserved, and hard-working. They are often known for their work ethic, their accomplishments, and their steady stature. They have more serious eyes and appearance and always tend to look put together. Capricorn Risings love a good business attire look, and they are often perceived as someone who is respectful, ambitious, and successful. They care about how they present themselves to others and can seem calculated to some because of this. With Saturn, the planet of challenges at the top of their chart, Capricorn Risings often feel like they had to grow up at a young age, which is why they later in life feel this strong sense of responsibility.
11. Aquarius Rising Sign Meaning
Aquarius Risings are unique souls. They thrive on being different from others, and you will never catch them following a trend or wearing something because everyone else is. They excel in their niche and they understand the importance of authenticity and personal freedom. They usually tend to stick out in a crowd because of their physical appearance and what they are wearing. Aquarius Risings have a thirst for knowledge and others see them as someone who is ahead of their time, open-minded, and inspiring. They are the rebels of the rising signs, and have a gift for communication and connecting with others on different levels.
12. Pisces Rising Sign Meaning
Pisces Risings are sweet souls that live in fantasyland. They tend to see the world with rose-colored glasses which is their gift and at times their downfall. A Pisces Rising’s appearance is often youthful with soft eyes and appearance. They come across as someone sweet with good intentions, and people usually trust this rising sign right away. They exude an energy of compassion and transparency and want to get lost in the world with others. Although Pisces is another more reserved, shy, rising sign to have, they have a strong need to create and express themselves creatively. Pisces Risings tend to escape reality, and it can be hard to grasp them fully. They are the rising sign that is out of this world.
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Tayler Barakat is a Mystic who has studied Astrology for over a decade. She does intuitive astrology and tarot readings for people all over the world, and her work focuses on healing and empowering individuals. Follow her on Instagram @taylerbarakat_ and check out her website www.listentothevirgo.com.
Exclusive: KJ Smith Talks Viral Wedding With Skyh Black: ‘We Did What We Wanted To Do’
Whether it was your group chat, social media feed, or your favorite media outlet covering the spectacle, I’m pretty sure you’ve come across the viral Black wedding between actress KJ Smith (Sistas, Raising Kanan) and actor Skyh Black (All the Queen’s Men, Sistas). From their grand entrance to Jay-Z, Kayne West, and Beyoncé’s song “Lift Off” to KJ’s standout dance routine and the endless celebrity appearances, it’s an addictive TikTok scroll you can’t help but delve into.
But what many people would be surprised to know is that the couple’s original wedding plan was nothing like what it grew to be. What started as her simply scrolling through posts to get ideas eventually transformed into what the internet knows now as #TheBlackExperience. In an exclusive conversation with xoNecole, KJ walked us through her planning process, the morning of her wedding, and what she thinks of the online response.
Some women have their whole wedding planned out, from the bridal gown and venue to the bridal party and playlist. However, KJ was not one of those people. “I didn’t foresee a wedding in my future,” she reveals. “I was just gonna be the boss chick, rich auntie. I didn’t force love in my life until recently. I never had an idea of what a dream wedding would look like, it was easier for me to elope.”
KJ Smith
Photo by Stanley Babb/ Stanlo Photography
And to many people’s surprise, that was their original plan – until Skyh brought up a valid concern. He was raised by his grandmother and thought she should be at the wedding, and naturally, that led to KJ wanting her grandmother to be there as well – then her mom – and later her sister – and, you’ve gotta invite the besties too, right? From there, the guest list continued to blossom. Much like the updo and pop of color bold red lip, she wore on her special day, which was initially on her Pinterest board as a soft glam look with her hair hanging on her shoulders, KJ is okay with changing her plan if it brings her and her loved ones happiness.
So let’s get into the wedding, which took place in Malibu, CA. The first thing you should know about the celebrity couple is that they’re non-traditional. They know, and they don’t care. So, in true unconventional fashion, they shared the morning of the wedding together.
“I woke up with Skyh, we walked our dog, had black coffee, and said good morning to the people who stayed at the venue with us,” she says.
Now, it was time for hair and makeup. While she was getting glammed up, she had Black-owned McBride Sisters wine and champagne (which ties into The Black Experience theme) on deck with her mom and friends, had her besties help rework her vows, retried on every outfit (sis is very Type-A), took photos, and ended the early-celebration with prayer and meditation. It seems very non-Bridezilla, I said.
“Yeah, I was the most unbothered bride ever. Everyone was just so supportive. As entertainers, we go on red carpets all the time. We actually have a production company,” she explains. “The get-ready process was like a day at work, but with people we love the most. Being entertainers, we didn’t feel stressed at all, but my excitement was so high.”
Things moved quickly, and before she knew it, it was time to line up to walk down the aisle.
“Yeah, I was the most unbothered bride ever. Everyone was just so supportive. As entertainers, we go on red carpets all the time. We actually have a production company. The get-ready process was like a day at work, but with people we love the most. Being entertainers, we didn’t feel stressed at all, but my excitement was so high.”
KJ Smith and her bridal party
Photo by Stanley Babb/ Stanlo Photography
Since everything started with their grandmothers, the couple wanted to ensure they honored them and planned to keep an element of their wedding traditional. Although we’ve all seen the reception videos and photos online, you may have noticed visuals from the wedding itself are harder to find.
“We planned for it to be traditional, but we’re not like that, so we tried to create those moments. We jumped the broom and had a salt ceremony (where the bride and groom individually pour salt into a glass container, symbolizing their lives becoming one.) But honestly, still, nothing was traditional about it.”
She goes on to explain that her mom caught the holy ghost coming down the aisle, her glam team was on deck, and she became so nervous with excitement that she had an anxiety attack – something she struggled with for years, she explains tearfully. Her friends had to literally cheer her down the aisle because of how overwhelmed she felt until she eventually calmed down.
“Skyh was standing there with his hand on his heart; we have our own little language, and I could feel the support,” she shares.
It was surprising to hear all these emotional moments happened before the party we saw online. That is until she once again got into the backstory.
“As a Black woman actress, for so long, it was popular to be mysterious and secretive, but that’s not who I am or what I like. Plus, we both wanted to create an experience for everyone there. We are the people who always host family and friends,” she says. “Like for me, the first order of business was getting sandals for the women so they can dance all night long. We had oxtail, D'ussé, and a coffee and sativa lounge – which is part of Skyh and I’s lifestyle and routine. We wanted to bring them into our world.”
Skyh Black (L) and KJ Smith (R)
Photo by Stanley Babb/ Stanlo Photography
She went on to discuss the dance routine she did for her husband at the reception, which has taken over the internet. Apparently, that’s another thing that didn’t go according to plan. According to KJ, she had promised a performance at their joint bachelor/ bachelorette party, but her outfit got stolen from her car. So, Skyh ended up performing for her – complete with a strip tease. Still, she never forgot her promise to dance for him.
So, she hired her friend as a choreographer, learned the routine, made friends and family watch it endless times, and attended Beyoncé’s Renaissance show a few days before for a confidence boost. It ended up being a show to remember. But that wasn’t all the night offered. Lil Mo performed, and the guests received special goody bags featuring their favorite Black-owned products like journals, hair care, and more.
“We made sure everyone was taken care of all night. That kind of stuff makes us happy. I wanted everyone there to experience the joy and love I have for myself, my partner, and for them. I wanted them to feel full and whole, and they had the time of their lives,” she says.
But naturally, the internet is going to internet, and while there were countless people praising the event and applauding the newlyweds, some thought it was too over the top. I was curious to know her thoughts on some of the criticism.
“It’s cool. We did what we wanted to do. I’ve decided to share my world with people. Just how I went on social media platforms and found inspiration, I want people to do the same,” she explains. “I don’t think it's fair to my supporters not to give that out. There’s so much I wanna share with brides, specifically Black brides. I love that people are adding it to their Pinterest boards."
"I wanted everyone there to experience the joy and love I have for myself, my partner, and for them. I wanted them to feel full and whole, and they had the time of their lives."
KJ Smith
Photo by Stanley Babb/ Stanlo Photography
“I’m happy with it because we did what we wanted to do. They can do what they wanna do. Don’t be cruel, though, because you will get blocked,” she said, laughing.
The more I spoke with her, the more her sense of freedom shined through. People are always going to have their opinions, but at the end of the day, it’s you who has to live your life, and it seems like the couple realizes that and embraces that power. She also stressed the importance of not living for others and the lessons life has taught her.
“I’ve been to countless weddings, and I’ve been in countless weddings. I’m a generally older bride. So when women in my demographic get married, and you and your husband are busy working people like us, you deserve to have the one you want to have,” she shares.
“This is what we wanted to do. Our loved ones love and support us. We did so much to honor them, but we also wanted to start our own tradition, legacy, and creation. I'm not going to be pulled back into ideas of the past when I’m trying to create a future with my partner. “
If you’d like to see more of the couple, you probably won’t have to wait long. Although no content is planned yet, she admits to being an oversharer. “Me being open and transparent about my experiences lets people know it’s okay to have flaws; it makes you human, and for many years, I didn’t believe that was okay. I had pressure to be perfect, and I’d crumble every time,” she explains to xoNecole.
Now, she owns her flaws and uses them as a superpower to connect with her community and feel and express her love.
“Some people give us [Skyh and KJ] a hard time because they say we just seem too perfect. I’m like, why is that a bad thing? I love the people I love. From my man to my mama, to my friends - unabashedly. We move through time and space how we want to move. If we did it another way, we’d let ourselves and our union down.”
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Feature image by Stanley Babb/ Stanlo Photography
Have you ever had one of those days (or weeks) when you just wanted to lay in bed, turn off your brain, turn on your favorite TV show, and do absolutely nothing? Besides the occasional run to the bathroom or to get up and replenish your snack rotation, your bed is the only place you want to be for hours on end. You might find yourself mindlessly scrolling between social media and then dozing off for a couple of hours, only to wake up and do it all again — but is there really any shame in that?
Our beds have a way of providing us with a sense of peace, protection, and rest away from the demands of our everyday life, and a new TikTok trend is highlighting the benefits of this counter-culture, yet pleasurable form of rest.
Bed rotting, a TikTok trend that has garnered over 204.1M views, is essentially taking long periods for hyper-focused rest and downtime. It’s the act of doing absolutely nothing at all except for being in your bed for an extended period of time, with limited mobility, productivity, or activity.
This “anti-productivity” take on self-care does have its benefits, as one sleep scientist, Vanessa Hill, claims in a TikTok video that as you “waste away underneath your blanket… nothingness is your best friend.”
@braincraft In defence of #inbedrotting because it’s perfect 🛌💙 #lifehack #bedrot #bedrotting #bed #bedroomtok #sleepscientist #fyp
Since resting has, for a long time, been associated with “laziness' and the guilt that comes with that, bed rotting now offers the tired and restless a reason to recharge and recoup without feeling guilty for it.
The need for passive activities like bed rotting also points to the perpetual burnout that many millennials and Gen Zers are experiencing from the demands of work, family, school, and sustaining their livelihood despite the stress that it collectively produces. With so much pressure to be productive, even while we’re resting, these moments of self-care can be the reset button you need to feel reinvigorated enough to take on life’s responsibilities.
But just like with every wellness trend, it’s important to ask yourself why you’re bed rotting.
@drjessigold I learned about folks #coping by being #inbedrotting …here are some thoughts #mentalhealth #burnout #sleep #stress
When we’re anxious or stressed out about the pressure of our everyday lives, we can turn to sleep as a means to avoid the problem in hopes that it will go away. Because of this, Jessi Gold, MD, MS, assistant professor of psychiatry at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, shares in one TikTok that the lines between healthy bed rotting and depression can be blurred. “Are you sleeping because you don’t want to be awake because of stress and anxiety, or the things you have to do, or are you sleeping because you actually need it,” she states in the video.
Because bed rotting and depressive episodes can present themselves in similar ways, like oversleeping and fatigue, it’s advised to monitor your bed rotting to ensure that it doesn’t extend beyond a day or two, as any longer can be a sign of depression, and to seek professional support.
While there is no “perfect” or “right” way to give your body and mind the TLC and self-care that it may need, there are ways to make your bed rotting more restorative beyond media intake and sleep — unless you enjoy that, of course.
For instance, while in bed, take some time to get cozy with a book that doesn’t focus on self-help or “shadow work.” Get lost in the pages of a dramatic romance or even a coloring book where you can use your mind without actually using it. Or maybe even turn on some lo-fi or ambient music to meditate in bed for 45 minutes to an hour, where you’re truly unplugging with breathwork. Or, if you simply want to be on TikTok for a few hours, put a timer on so that you have a stop and start time that allows you to scroll in moderation.
Again, there’s nothing wrong with bed rotting if that’s the kind of rest you’re in need of. As we undo the society’s programming that tells us that rest is a reward for how productive we’ve been, remember that rest isn’t something you have to earn; it’s something you do because your body needs and deserves it.
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