Lammas - Traditions and Celebration

Merry Lammas everyone! So just like the Summer Solstice I will be posting some traditional celebration that Pagans would do to make this day even better (incense, colors, food, etc.). Since I have no idea as to what Lammas is about or required, I'll be using the information given by Doug and Sand Kopf to help give an explanation for this sacred day. Don't forget to put important information in your Book of Shadows and, with out any more delay, let's get started!

Lammas, the festival of the First Fruits of the Harvest, is the first festival of the Waning Year. It is celebrated on July 31, while the climate (in the United States) is essentially still Summer. Never-the-less, technically, Lammas is the first day of Autumn.

If anything, the days are hotter now than they were in early Summer. These are the best days for trips to the beach and back yard barbecues. Meat prices are lower now, especially beef. This is the time to enjoy a thick steak. The really good sweet corn, the kind that melts in your mouth, has just begun to arrive in the supermarket. Since the seasonal changes at this time are more subtle, it is even more important that we celebrate the festival. We need to bring the cycles of the Universe into manifestation within our own minds, by demonstrating what we may not see.

The mental/emotional indications of the changing seasons are more obvious now than the physical ones. The air is filled with anticipation of the coming fall, of the approaching return to school and of the cooler weather to come. It is also a time of sadness, as the knowledge sets in that the good times of Summer will soon be over. There is a bit of "haste to have fun" before it comes to an end.

Lammas takes its name from the Old English "hlaf," meaning "loaf" and "maesse," meaning feast. Lammas has often been taken to mean Lamb-mass, because on August 1, the next day, is the Feast of St. Peter's Chains, at which lambs are taken to church for blessing. (Can't you just picture a priest of the early Church saying, "Lammas? We can do that HERE! Just tell them to bring their lambs to Church!).

This festival is also called "Lugnasadh" (Loo-nah-sah), which has an entirely different meaning. The element "nasadh" relates to the Gaelic, "to give in marriage," and so would mean the "Marriage of Lug," rather than Lugh's Mass, which is a common interpretation. There is also some debate as to who the bride is, if there is one. Some authorities favor Tailltiu (Lugh's foster mother) and others favor Eriu, i.e., Ireland, herself.

However, no mention is made of Blodeuwedd, the Lady of Flowers created for Lugh by Math and Gwydeon, the ultimate cause of his death. One clue to the identity of this particular bride may be that "handfastings" (marriage for a year and a day) are still called "Taillten Marriage", and many are performed at Lammas Fairs.

Although we do not celebrate a marriage at this time, preferring the loaf-feast concept, it is interesting to note that July 31 is exactly nine months prior to Beltane, which was once celebrated as the beginning of the New Year.

Another common interpretation of "Lughnasadh", perpetuated by Christian historians, is "Lugh's Games" and some say it is a festival created by Lugh, in honor of the memory of Tailltiu.

The Lammas festival was adopted by the Christian Church in 1843, and today, in England, people decorate churches with sheaves and corn dollies, celebrating the old Pagan holiday, as they sing "Bringing in the Sheaves" and make offerings of corn to the Church.

In some areas, Lammas was a time of sacrifice. Sacrifices at Lammas were made to thank the Deities for the First Fruits and to guarantee an abundant Harvest. The victim was often the king, who was God Incarnate to his people. Sometimes a substitute king, a fool or "scapegoat", was sacrificed in the king's stead.

The last recorded sacrifice of a king of England may have occurred at Lammas, in the year 1100. King William II (Rufus the Red, or William Rufus) rejected the relatively new Christian beliefs, and openly declared himself Pagan. His death in a "hunting accident" on August 2, 1100 c.e., is believed by many historians to have been a case of the traditional sacrifice being disguised for the sake of the Christian priests.

Until recent years, in Scotland, the first cut of the Harvest was made on Lammas Day, and was a ritual in itself. The entire family must dress in their finest clothing and go into the fields. The head of the family would lay his bonnet (hat) on the ground and, facing the Sun, cut the first handful of corn with a sickle. He would then put the corn Sun-wise around his head three times while thanking the God of the Harvest for "corn and bread, food and flocks, wool and clothing, health and strength, and peace and plenty." This custom was called the "Iolach Buana."

In the British Isles, the custom of giving the First Fruits to the Gods evolved into giving them to the landlord. Lammas is now the traditional time for tenant farmers to pay their rent. Thus, Lammas is seen as a day of judgment or reckoning. From this practice comes the phrase "--at latter Lammas", meaning "never", or "not until Judgment Day."

An old custom that can be re-created today is the construction of the Kern-baby or corn maiden at Lammas. This figure, originally made from the first sheaf, would be saved until spring, then ploughed into the field to prepare for planting. (The Maiden thus returns to the field at Spring.) Most of us, today, have no first sheaf nor shall we prepare a field at Spring, but as a means of adding continuity to our festivals, the maiden can be made from the husks of corn served at the Lammas Feast, then saved for use as a brideo'g at Candlemas.

To the Celts, Lammas was, of course, one of the four Great Fire Festivals, i.e., cross-quarter festivals. The custom of lighting bonfires to add strength to the powers of the Waning Sun was wide-spread. Brands from the Lammas fires were kept in the home, through the Winter, as protection against storms and lightning, and against fires started by lightning. The Need-Fire seems to have been an integral part of most Fire Festivals, but was not limited to them. Since the ashes from such a fire had properties of protection, healing, and fertility, a Need-Fire might be lit at any time a "need" for such things existed.

Lammas Fairs, held annually throughout the British Isles, still exist today. At the Exeter Lammas Fair, a large, stuffed glove, decorated with flowers and ribbons, is fasted atop a pole and carried about the fairgrounds. It is then placed on the roof of the Guild Hall to signify the opening of the fair. A gift of money for gloves (to servants) was also traditional at Lammastide. One source tells us the glove represents a unit of measure, indicating a fair rate of exchange. Another compares it to the Egyptian "open hand," representing friendship and fortune.

We would like to add what seems an obvious theory, but for which we have no source: The name Lugh-Lamhfhada means "Lugh of the Long Hand," and Llew-Law Gyffes, another name for the same God (Welsh), means "The Lion with the Steady Hand." It seems to us that the glove might simply be a symbol for Lugh, with whom the festival has often been associated (as in Lughnasadh).

That Lammas, traditionally, is a merry time, a time of Fairs, Handfastings, and Feasts is expressed in the following poem by Robert Burns.

It was on a Lammas night,
When corn rigs are bonie,
Beneath the moon's unclouded light,
I held away to Annie:
The time flew by, wi tentless heed,
Till 'tween the late and early;
Wi' sma' persuasion she agreed
To see me thro' the barley.
The sky was blue, the wind was still,
The moon was shining clearly;
I set her down, wi' right good will,
Amang the rigs o'barley
I ken't her heart was a' my ain;
I lov'd her most sincerely;
I kissed her owre and owre again,
Among the rig o' barley.
I locked her in my fond embrace;
Her heart was beating rarely:
My blessings on that happy place,
Amang the rigs o'barley.
But by the moon and stars so bright,
That shone that hour so clearly!
She ay shall bless that happy night,
Amang the rigs o'barley.
I hae been blythe wi' Comrades dear;
I hae been merry drinking;
I hae been joyfu' gath'rin gear;
I hae been happy thinking:
But a' the pleasures e'er I saw,
Tho three times doubl'd fairley
That happy night was worth then a'.
Among the rig's o' barley.

CHORUS

Corn rigs, an' barley rigs,
An' corn rigs are bonie:
I'll ne'er forget that happy night,
Among the rigs wi' Annie.

Lammas is often celebrated as the Wake for the Sacred King. As you know, a Wake is a Celebration of Life, not a time to grieve. And Lammas is a joyous time of celebration. Feast to your heart's content, sing, dance and make merry. Light your Need-Fires and make your Kern-babies. You'll "ne'er forget that happy night" you celebrated in The Old Ways! Blessed Be!!!

You will notice, after reading this article, that the authors celebrated Lammas on July 31. Usually Lammas is celebrated August 1, but it can run about July 31-August 2, it just mainly needs to be around the end of July and the beginning of August. The authors also mentioned Handfasting, a term that I don't believe any of you are familiar with, but my next post will explain it, so do not worry! Now that we've covered the necessary information for Lammas Traditions, we'll get started on the kind of foods you should eat, colors you should wear, all that fun stuff!

Lammas Food and Decorations

Lammas Foods

Traditional foods for Lammas include the fruits and vegetables peaking in late summer to early fall.  However, primary emphasis falls on grains and things made from grains.  Meat does not really figure into the usual Lammas fare — though you may serve some if you wish — so this holiday is ideal for vegetarians.  You can find Lammas recipes online or in cookbooks such as Cooking To The Wheel of the Year or The Farmer’s Market Cookbook: Seasonal Dishes Made from Nature’s Freshest Ingredients.  Plan your potluck feast in advance and enjoy some Lammas recipes from Fieldhaven.  

Grains form the mainstay of Lammas food, especially wheat, oats, barley, and rye.  Whole, cracked, or rolled grains appear in stuffings and other dishes.  Bread and other foods made from grains also stand out on a Lammas table.  Kneading and baking bread is a traditional Lammas activity.Sweet corn technically comes from a grain (corn is a grass) but is eaten as a vegetable.  Yellow or white corn is best for this holiday, especially if you’re tying into to the Native American “Green Corn Festival” holidays.  Sweet corn begins converting sugar to starch as soon as it leaves the stalk.  This suggests an interesting relay race: The first bunch of people yank the ripe ears off the stalks and run to the shuckers, who shuck the ears as fast as possible then hand them off to the next folks who run them to the kitchen, where cooks dunk them straight into pots of boiling water.

Seasonal fruits include anything ripe at this time, most notably blackberries.  The earliest “dessert” apple and pear varieties also ripen in early August; these are not for storage or canning, but are sweet delicate fruits intended to be eaten immediately.  Serve them by themselves, in fruit salads, or sliced with crackers and a sharp cheese such as aged white cheddar.

Alcoholic beverages figure into many Lammas myths.  Chief among these are beer and ale, which come from grains.  Fruit wines, such as blackberry or elderberry wine, celebrate the dark fruits of late summer.  However, some versions of Lammas tie into the wine gods and the worship of grapes. Mead, made from summer honey, also appears in Lammas festivals.  For safety’s sake, serve alcohol in moderation, after food — and make sure that designated drivers are available.

Lammas Decoration Ideas

Your decorations should support and enhance your theme.  One strong motif with variations will usually work better than unrelated motifs all competing with each other.  For more ideas, flip through books such as Lammas: Celebrating the Fruits of the First Harvest and Sabbat Entertaining: Celebrating the Wiccan Holidays with Style.

Colors: Gold and yellow predominate, the colors of grain.  Brown, tan, and white also play in.  Other food colors — such as tomato red, leaf green, and berry purple — may be appropriate.  For a Lughnassadh ritual, consider bronze and gold, the colors of Lugh.

Incense: Corn and safflower both tie into the grain theme.  Rose hips bring another seasonal reference, as roses are in fruit at this time.  Frankincense and sandalwood relate to spirituality.  You can also make your own incense or essential oil blends inspired by online recipes.

Music: Lammas music is harvest music, heavy on the beat, so drums are especially appropriate.  Strings, especially harps and guitars, are also popular as people sing along to them.  Consider seasonal songs like Lammas Leaves and The Lammas Tide or albums such as Circle of the Seasons, A Garland Of Song, The Music of Gwydion, and The Wheel of the Year: Thirty Years with the Armstrong Family.

Altar tools for Lammas have an emphasis on blades, particularly the sickle or bolline, but also the athame.  You may also want to make corn dollies or corn-husk dolls for altar decoration or for use in ritual.

Grain sheaves characterize the harvest season.  Wheat sheaves are bundles of wheat set upright for collection.  Corn tipis are made from cut corn stalks after the ears have been removed, stacked together in a cone.

Cornucopia is a horn-shaped basket filled with autumn fruits and vegetables.  It means “horn of plenty” and represents the abundance of the harvest season.  Earth goddesses and gods sometimes carry one as a symbol of their power.

I hope everyone has a great Lammas! If you have any questions, feel free to comment them below! Blessed be!

Information for this post came from http://www.cyberwitch.com/Wychwood/Temple/lammas.htm and http://greenhaventradition.weebly.com/lammas.html. When celebrating Lammas, make sure that you act responsibly and don't have too much fun.

Casting A Wiccan Circle

For today's post I have NO CLUE as to what to do, so I have gotten some help from our very generous friend the internet. I know that when casting a circle, you have to acknowledge the five elements - Earth, Air, Fire, Water, and Spirit. So, don't forget to put this in your Book of Shadows and let's do this!

Casting a Circle – Wicca Spells Basics

Wicca is very liberal and allows its practitioners experimenting and adding new knowledge to the lore of our ancestors. However, when it comes to the basics, there is no need to re-invent the wheel. It is much better to use Wicca techniques that are proven to be working. One of those techniques is casting a circle before spells, divination sessions and energy workings.
All the rituals Wiccans perform are not just showing off. Solitary Wicca practitioners perform similar rituals even though nobody is watching and the purpose of rituals is safety, concentration and binding of the result.
Before performing a spell or a simple energy working, it is necessary to cast a circle. Casting a circle the proper way will help you:

• --to keep the negative energy and evil spirits at bay. If your intentions are good and you approach the Nature with love, there is no way an evil spirit can enter your circle.
• --to create a space where you won’t be disturbed by your own thoughts. A space where you can concentrate on what you are about to achieve
• --to direct your energy (read – make your thoughts materialize – because that’s what magick is all about). To create a concentrated flow of energy and direct it into the informational system of the Universe.

In other words, casting a circle ensures you achieve the result faster and do it safer.

Casting a circle – How-to

There are several ways to cast a circle in Wicca. As the time passes, you will probably find your own way. For the starters you can use this method of casting a circle:

• -Locate all four quarters – North, East, South, West. That’s where a compass comes to help.
• Starting from the North, face each direction, make a bow and say: “I cast this circle in the name of love and light, may it guide me and protect me from unwanted spirits!” You can say anything else that feels alright and bears similar meaning.
• Now that you have repeated it four times, face the North again, point with your sceptre at the earth (not touching the surface), imagine yourself being the centre of your circle and cast the circle by turning deosil (clockwise) three times. You can point with a bare hand or any other attribute if you don’t use a sceptre.
• Feel how the energy rises from the imaginary circle line you have cast. Now you are safe to perform your Wicca spell or ceremony.
• When you have finished with your spell, you need to open the circle again. Leaving it closed means wasting the energy both yours and that of the Earth. For opening a cast circle, face the North again, thank the spirits for assisting you and turn widdershins (counter-clockwise) three times by pointing your sceptre or hand to the imaginary circle line.

More Space in a Circle

If you require more space for your Wicca workings, you can have a circle as big as you need. Mark the centre with an object of your choice and just walk the circle three times. You may also mark the quarters: North, East, South and West with objects that represent the direction. Refer to Wicca Elements for that. Many Wiccans like to mark the quarters because it allows them to better imagine the circle.

There are different methods of casting a circle for Wicca Covens. If the working involves several Wiccans, you can either:

• let the priestess or the priest cast the circle.
• join your hands and whilst one member of the Coven remains on the centre, others move forming an improvised clock hand.
• if there are many Wiccans taking part and they can form a circle by joining hands, it gives you another method of casting a circle – an old method. A similar pattern was known in several European folklore traditions, especially those of Northern Europe. This old magick has lived through millennia and now remains in many folk dance patterns. Technically, the Coven members walk the circle in a manner that each Wiccan walks full three rounds from North to North, usually facing the center of the circle.

Soul Mate Spell - To Bring Someone Closer To You

Hi everyone! Sorry I haven't been around for the past couple weeks, everything in my life has been really complicated, and I have prayed to the Goddess to give me strength and hopefully that comes soon, but I've seen some pretty good progress with the blog! About three hundred views in two weeks PLUS comments! I'm loving it! Recently, on one of my posts I had a comment about a spell for love, but what if you don't know their name (soul mate)? Well, I have the answer to that question and I will restate it for everyone else.

You'll find that generally most love spells will require your name and your lover's name, but you'll happen to come across spells that deal with your soul mate, thus making it unnecessary to have your lover's name (since you don't know what it is). 

I guess if you come across a spell that needs a lover's name, you can always substitute their name with the ideal characteristics of what you want your soul mate to have. Here's a spell for soul mates that is very simple and I think you will like; all you have to do is to just concentrate on who/what you believe your soul mate is/is like (you might need to meditate for a minute or so) and when you're ready just chant the following:

I wish love can keep us alive. 
It will never separates our hearts and to free our minds. 
Let our faces meet, so we can see.
And let sparks fly, when we see eye to eye.

There is also another spell, it's to bring someone closer to you. There are many number of ways to do this spell. You can drip water on the photos of you and your beloved, you can set a candle in a bowl of water and allow it to burn until the water extinguishes it, you also may want to use COME TO ME oil/incense for this spell. However you do it, visualize your beloved arriving from afar to find your love.

If you do not have any of the following and are looking in particular for a soul mate, then before you say the following, meditate on what characteristics you want from your soul mate or just ask the Universe/Goddess to help you find the person you were always meant to be with. Once you have found your groove for this, you can chant the following whenever you are ready:

Sacred water flow from me

To draw him ever near

As endless rivers run to sea

His/Her path to me is clear.

A love that's true once here s/he'll find

And know his/her journey's end.

And in his/her heart and soul and mind

S/he'll know our loves should blend.

Horoscopes - Ascendant Sign

Sorry I've been away for a while, I've been having some...difficulties, if you will. So, the last thing we spoke about was your Moon Sign, and I hope all you have gotten a good idea as to what that is now. The next thing we will be looking at is your Ascendant Sign. What is that?

Your Ascendant sign is also called your "Rising Sign." The two terms are interchangeable. It is literally the sign that was rising on the Eastern horizon of the sky in the place and at the moment of your birth. Because the Ascendant sign changes every two hours all day long, yours obviously depends on the exact time you were born.

Only if you were born near sunrise will your Ascendant sign (possibly!) be the same as your Sun sign ... and it is completely independent of your Moon sign. Yet this third component in your horoscope gives the move valid information about how you appear to other people ... and how you take on the world.

Your Ascendant describes your temperament, the lens through with you view the world, the personality you put "on public display." It's the side of your character you willingly show the outside world. Changes here explain why even people born on the same day can have very different personalities, different strengths and interests, and different life experiences.

Forecasts based on your Ascendant will be the most descriptive and accurate regarding your life circumstances and immediate future. You will relate to such information very readily ... which makes your Ascendant sign information even more crucial than that based on just your Sun sign.

Maybe this might be easier to get you to understand: The Ascendant (or rising sign) is often considered the mask one wears when meeting others. Perhaps it is most aptly thought of as the automatic responses to one's environment. The Ascendant shows our natural defenses and how we cope with day-to-day issues. The energies of the sign and condition of the Ascendant are most overt and obvious to others. The Ascendant shows an individual's first, natural reaction to new people and situations.

What follows are general interpretations of the sign position of the Ascendant. Remember that these characteristics are modified by planets conjunct the Ascendant, planets that aspect the Ascendant, and the position of the ruling planet of the sign on the Ascendant. For example, a person with an Aries Ascendant with its ruling planet, Mars, in Sagittarius will respond to the environment a little differently than another person, also with an Aries Ascendant, but whose Mars is in Scorpio. Similarly, a person with a Pisces Ascendant who also has Saturn conjunct it will "behave" differently than someone with a Pisces Ascendant who does not have that aspect.

Don't know your rising sign?

Aries Ascendant

People with Aries Ascendants are direct and quick. Their first instinct is to do, rather than think. Planning ahead? Forget it. Aries rising simply charges forward without much ado.  This position does not make a person aggressive. Forthright, yes, but aggression is too strong a word for these natives. They have a youthful, direct manner that sees what it wants and generally goes for it. At the same time, there isn't any malice in their intent.  Some Aries rising people are competitive, but they generally put most of the pressure on themselves. These people love to come out ahead in all that they do. They get ready quickly, walk quickly, and have little patience for dilly-dallying. Their temper is quick, too. It's also quick to disappear. Rarely do you find Aries rising people holding grudges. Their mannerisms are rather simple and straightforward.  Aries rising loves action, and is often trying to stir up some activity. Their strengths lie in their enterprising ways. Finishing things they start does not always come as easily, unless the ruler, Mars, is placed in a more tenacious sign, such as Taurus or Scorpio.  Aries Ascendant often gives a rather swift walk, with the head leaning forward slightly. This walk is surprisingly distinctive. Headaches, and sinus and eye problems are the usual physical complaints of this position. Rashes and acne on the face and shoulders sometimes occur. Broad shoulders and slim hips are common. Often, Aries rising people are quick to smile, and they possess a youthful charm throughout life. Probably early on in life, Aries rising people got typecast as the "independent" child. As adults, people with Aries Ascendants often stick to that role in life. People don't run to help them out -- they appear quite fine doing things on their own. These people have learned to be self-reliant, and this generally stems from their early experiences. Despite a rather brusque and independent manner, these natives are usually very willing to compromise in their relationships, and are very attached to the people they hold dear.

Taurus Ascendant

Slow, steady, and capable are adjectives that we can safely attach to individuals born with a Taurus Ascendant. These natives have tremendous stamina and staying power. They're often quite loyal to those they care about. Although they generally don't come on strong, they have personal presence; and they fairly radiate stability. The sign on the Ascendant generally reveals how people start anything new. Taurus, by nature, is resistant to change. It can be difficult to sway Taurus rising natives--they're often rather stubborn and fixed in their ways. Their first responses are to feel things out, not in the way a Pisces might attune to their environment, but in the realm of the five senses. They have well-developed sense of smell and touch, and respond to the material world. Theirs is a practical approach to life. Security is one of their foremost considerations before undertaking anything new. Taurus rising natives are often quite cautious and careful. With a fixed sign on the Ascendant, they are not known for their flexibility. Rather, they possess  determined single-mindedness. More than most, Taurus rising prefers the "good things" in life. Self-indulgence can be a weakness for many with this Ascendant. Often collectors in some way, Taurus rising natives place a lot of value on their material possessions. Taurus rising individuals prefer to dress in quality clothes with a comfortable feel to them. They are rarely ostentatious in their presentation. Many have strong and sturdy physiques.    Often rather possessive in partnership, these natives won't easily break up their relationships. Although they are not particularly jealous, they view their partners as their personal property. Intensity and loyalty are especially important to Taurus rising natives. These are highly sensual people who prefer the comforts that a one-to-one, stable partnership offers. Although Taurus rising individuals value harmony and calm, their partnerships may be on the passionate side. Taurus rising natives are often very comforting to be around. They have a stability about them that is soothing, and an inner harmony that is attractive.  \

Gemini Ascendant

Those born with Gemini rising see the world as a place to learn. They are curious about the people around them. Sounds similar to Sagittarius rising? Well it is, but there are some important differences. While Sagittarius seeks to expand their mental and physical horizons in a broad sense, Gemini is mostly interested in moving about in their social circles. These are people who love to ask questions, to move around freely, and to mingle. Definitely restless and often quick in physical expression, natives of the Gemini Ascendant exude an air of impatience even if they don't mean it. In fact, there is a cleverness to Gemini Ascendants that can intimidate some, especially sensitive folk. Their facility with words can be a wonderful asset, although sometimes Gemini rising individuals identify too much with their mental agility and forget, in their personal interactions and communications, to nurture the people around them. A certain lack of warmth in presentation can be the result, and although this style is generally a facade, it is not immediately apparent to most. People with, for example, predominant Water signs may feel a little ill at ease with Gemini rising people (that is, before they get to know them more personally), while strong Air types more fully appreciate the fun and cleverness of these individuals. I have found two styles of presentation most common with Gemini rising people. One style is bubbly, changeable, talkative, and a little quirky. These natives are interesting and fun. They constantly explain things, whether it's their own behavior and opinion or those of the world around them. Another distinct "style" is a rather cool and intellectual demeanor. These natives are often quite witty and clever, but they present themselves in a less cheerful and changeable way than the first group. Their observations are sharp and the overall manner is a tad brusque. No matter the style, Gemini rising natives are given to analysis and making sense of their world. Their powers of observation are well-developed, they are mentally active (more often than not, their minds are racing!), and they almost always have something bright or witty to say. It is easy for individuals with this position to get sidetracked, as their curiosity is large, their minds are quick, and their attention spans rather short! As children, natives born with a Gemini Ascendant are often labeled as the intellectual, inquisitive, and perhaps odd child. Many feel their upbringing lacked some warmth.  In one-to-one relationships, Gemini rising people often seek a certain amount of personal freedom and space. They enjoy intellectual debates and exchanging ideas. Although they often demand a fair amount of freedom, they are often just as willing to give their partners room to breathe.   Famous people with Gemini Ascendants include Drew Barrymore, Bruce Springsteen, Steffi Graf, Charlie Sheen, and Ricky Martin.

Cancer Ascendant

These people come across as gentle creatures. There's something familiar about them -- they're the guy or gal next door. When they enter a room, they don't walk in with a splash. Instead, they move to the sides and weave their way inwards. These people have a familiar feel to them. Because they are rather sensitive to their environment, they can get flustered easily, especially in public.  Their first instinct, when threatened or on unfamiliar ground, is to protect themselves. When new situations present themselves, they can immediately withdraw or act shy. Generally, these people come across as caring people. They seem quite sweet -- even innocent. Usually, these people appear unassuming enough to be quite approachable. Some Cancer Ascendants, however, have retreated into themselves so much as to be quite the opposite. Since Capricorn is on the Descendant, Cancer Ascendant people are looking for structure and security in their partner and their relationship. These people function best when their partner displays strength, financial and emotional stability, and know-how. In fact, many Cancer Ascendants prefer it when their relationship has well-defined rules. Security is the basic need, and they are generally more than willing to give up some personal freedom in order to get it. In some cases, Cancer Ascendant people can surprise their partners. Why? Because they come across as rather unassuming, family-oriented people. When it comes to marriage, they have a rather matter-of-fact, practical approach.  Some famous people with Cancer rising include Steven Spielberg, Stephen King, Julia Roberts, and Ben Affleck. Angelina Jolie has Cancer rising with Venus tightly conjunct the Ascendant.

Leo Ascendant

Leo rising people cannot help but be noticed. They radiate a special energy and magnetism that gets others' attention. Sometimes it's because they are loud people who pay a lot of attention to their personal appearance (especially their hair!); other times it's due to a regal manner that simply demands interest from others. Leo Ascendant people are very self-aware and body-conscious. They are acutely aware of others, and how they come across. In fact, these people are especially aware of their personal "backdrop"--they consider what the people they're with, and the environments they are in, do to their own image. Often, Leo rising natives feel as if they are on stage, even in the privacy of their own homes!  They are given to rash decisions, temper tantrums, and excesses. However, they have plenty of staying power, drive, and their idealism keeps them from getting into too much trouble. The desire to oversee the goings-on in their circle can sometimes amount to bossiness. If this desire doesn't go too far, however, it can just mean a person who wants to make sure the people they love are all right. Many Leo rising people are managers, either by profession or character.  The tendency to overestimate things, and themselves, is generally present. This is due to a natural enthusiasm and optimism about any new undertaking. Sometimes, they are walking commercials. In fact, Leo rising people make excellent promoters.  Leo rising people are generally demonstrative, and given to grand gestures. Drama comes naturally to these natives. In fact, some are so caught up in fiction, they're a little blind to fact. They have an unusual need to be admired. Leo Ascendants often have a strong physical constitution. They pay special attention to their personal appearance and mannerisms. Usually, they choose clothing and hairstyles that are youthful. Their manner is authoritarian and strong. No matter their age in real-world terms, Leo rising people are kids at heart. They are fun-loving and warm; generous and spirited. Just how magnanimous and outgoing a Leo rising individual is will be modified by the placement of the Sun by sign and house. This is because the ruling planet of a Leo Ascendant is the Sun. For example, a Leo rising person with Sun in Virgo may not come across as strongly as a Leo rising person with Sun in Aries. No matter the placement of the Sun, however, Leo rising natives are quite self-aware and optimistic. They have a natural flair for presentation, an eye for quality, and a hard-to-resist warmth of style. They want to make things happen, and create a stir.  Famous people with Leo Ascendants include George Bush Jr., Robert Downey Jr., Justin Timberlake, Muhammad Ali, Celine Dion, Donald Trump, Elton John, and Marilyn Monroe.

Virgo Ascendant

People with Virgo rising are often a little understated in their personal mannerisms and appearance, although a lot depends on the position of Mercury (the ruling planet of Virgo) in the chart. Generally, there is an intelligent and reserved aura about Virgo rising individuals that is unmistakable. These are actually somewhat shy people who need time to analyze things around them before they warm up to both situations and people. This quality can be received exactly as that, or it can be received as a rather stand-offish, cool, and even critical manner (depending on the audience). One of the biggest personality traits of this position is body-awareness. People with Virgo ascendants are sensitive to any discomfort or other signals their body gives them. Many are especially interested and concerned with physical health, and some are attracted to mind-body awareness exercises such as yoga. Virgo rising people are often rather particular about food. Although some have good appetites, there can be an unmistakable pickiness about what they put in and on their bodies. Virgo ascendant natives have a tendency to worry a lot, especially when confronted with new situations. They notice the tiniest details that others overlook. Many people with this position have a tendency to attract (or be attracted to) people who need help. Their relationships may be confusing as a result. Despite the Virgo rising tendency to appear rather collected and professional, relationships can sometimes be messy simply because these natives don't always see their partners and partnerships clearly.  There's a quiet charm to many Virgo rising people. Once they have the chance to warm up to new people and situations, you'll find they have a lot to offer. They'll help you out of a jam, go out on a limb for you, and surprise you with a natural modesty under a somewhat critical and standoffish manner.  Famous people with Virgo Ascendants include Madonna, Kurt Cobain, Tiger Woods, and Warren Beatty.

Libra Ascendant

Everybody seems to like Libra Ascendant natives. They just come across as nice, pleasant, and fair. Look a little closer at their lives, and these nice people may have had quite a few problems in their relationships. Some of them have had a string of relationships, and it can be hard to imagine why! These natives attract others to them effortlessly. Besides, they simply don't know what to do with themselves without a significant other.  Libra rising generally appear to be smoothing everything over. They have charming smiles, a gentle approach with others, and an easygoing image. Even if they were not endowed with good looks, they are attractive. Most pay a lot of attention to their personal appearance -- the colors they wear, their hair, the way they walk.  Libra rising people can be enormously persuasive, although they will almost always use a "soft sell" approach when they want to win others over, which is all of the time! A tendency to pass the buck and keep up that "nice guy/gal" image are their worst qualities. However, they can make excellent mediators and will generally be the first to accommodate you.   Libra rising natives are usually attracted to competent, active partners. Their relationships are often characterized by bickering or competitiveness until they learn to drop their sweet image once in a while and to stop blaming their partners for everything that goes wrong. Britney Spears and Anne Heche are celebrity examples of the Ascendant in Libra. Also, Freddie Prinze Jr. has a Libra Ascendant with Pluto rising.

Scorpio Ascendant

Scorpio Ascendant people have a lot of presence. There is something about them that tells the world that they are not to be pushed around. Their manner commands respect, and in some cases, fear. Scorpio rising people can be quiet or loud, but they always seem powerful and determined.  You either love or hate Scorpio rising people— they are rarely people who go through life unnoticed. In fact, some of them are confused when faced with the fact that they get such strong reactions from others. They seem to look right through people, seeing through superficiality. This can be quite intimidating to some, and intriguing to others. Scorpio rising people, in their dealings with others, look for answers by reading between the lines. Surface details are discarded when they are getting a feel for people and situations around them.  Scorpio rising people value their privacy so much, it can border on paranoia. They have a strong need to control their environment and are experts at strategy. Rarely people who will blow their chances with impatience, they plan out their moves carefully and deliberately, relying on their awesome ability to feel out others and situations. Scorpio rising natives are drawn to down-to-earth, natural partners. Reliability in their partner is very important. They generally look for complete commitment and have little patience with flighty partners.  Celebrity examples of Scorpio Ascendant include Sean Penn, Martha Stewart, Prince, Susan Dey, Tom Cruise, Chris Evert, and Penny Marshall.

Sagittarius Ascendant

The world is filled with adventure, new things to experience, and, most of all, hope, with this Ascendant. There is an unmistakable faith and enthusiasm with Sagittarius rising people. Grand schemes, big promises, and a willingness to explore and experiment are themes, although follow-through is not a strong characteristic of Sagittarius.  These individuals are somewhat restless and often active people. They always seem to be looking for something that is just out of grasp -- and many do this their entire lives. They can be quite direct at times, yet they are likable enough to forgive for their faux-pas. Most have a lot to say and offer. Their insights and opinions are usually interesting and exciting, although sometimes lacking in details. Sagittarius rising people have opinions about everything, and they just love telling others exactly what they are. Not all people with this position are outgoing folk, but they all have a way of moving about that at least exudes a certain level of confidence. Some might even call them naive or overly optimistic. Even the quiet ones don't shrink from life and from experience. One of the most obvious and endearing traits of Sagittarius rising is their willingness to keep up a sense of humor. Even when they're feeling low, they manage to find humor in life and have fun with whatever they do have. The placement of Sagittarius' ruling planet, Jupiter, will give more clues to how they go about expressing themselves. Jupiter in Capricorn, for example, might give a more sarcastic approach, but underneath there lies an unmistakable hope and spirit for living.  Famous people with this position include Catherine Zeta-Jones and Nicolas Cage.

Capricorn Ascendant

There's a seriousness to Capricorn rising people that is unmistakable. Even when they're joking around, it's of the deadpan variety. In fact, plenty of very humorous people have Capricorn Ascendants. It's all in the timing...and the fact that they don't giggle before the joke is over.  Capricorn Ascendant people project competence. They simply ooze it. They're generally very image-conscious people--the clothes they wear and their manner are a big deal to them. They want to appear successful, and they generally succeed!  Often the Ascendant persona is the one that was forced upon us by family conditioning. For example, parents may label their Libra Ascendant child the "nice" one; their Aries Ascendant child the "independent" one; and their Pisces Ascendant child is generally the space cadet of the family. We adopt these roles as familiar ones, and often carry them with us as our defense mechanisms, in some way or another, for the rest of our lives. In the case of Capricorn Ascendants, these were the children who were considered the responsible ones. Sometimes, it was they themselves who looked around them and felt the need to be the structured, dependable, and responsible members of the family. So, often, Capricorn rising people adopted a strong sense of tradition, family, and responsibility at a very young age. Capricorn rising people are generally big on family, and forever worry about security--for themselves and their dependents. They come across to others as hard-working, competent, and dependable people. What others may not see under that cool, even suave, exterior, is an inner struggle: they often ask themselves, "Am I doing enough?", "Do I deserve all of this?", "How can I make things better?" They worry a lot about the future. If success seemed to have come easy to these folks, it hasn't. They just made it look that way with a patient, hard-working, driven personality. Some Capricorn rising people practice some form of self-denial. They know how to do away with the frivolous. Still, they'll spend money on the clothes they really want (the ones with the right labels, that is), and other status symbols. Although they're rarely showy, their quiet air of success is often a result of conscious effort. More often than not, Capricorn rising individuals are success stories. Their childhoods may have been difficult, but they slowly but surely turn their lives around. Saturn rules this Ascendant, and this generally means a kind of backwards way of living--as children, they are serious and bear a lot of responsibility; and as they grow up, they age beautifully, learning how to loosen up.  Celebrity examples of Capricorn Ascendant are George Burns and Alan Alda.

Aquarius Ascendant

How unique and original Aquarius rising natives come across! These individuals are just that -- individuals, and they won't let you forget that fact. Often turned to for advice, these natives possess intellectual poise and savvy. They often are curious, and quite learned, in both science and metaphysics--anything that involves advancement of the human race holds much appeal. It's hard to shock an Aquarius rising. They've seen it all, or at least want you to think they have. In fact, they often enjoy shocking others. Not that they are flamboyant by nature, but they do like to, albeit quietly, get a rise out of others. Some natives born with Aquarius on their Ascendant can be quietly provocative and irreverent. Most people with this Ascendant are quite friendly and likable. Their personality quirks generally go over quite well with others. They generally give others quite a bit of freedom--accepting, as a rule, people from all walks of life as equals. And, their somewhat cool and detached curiosity about all that goes on around them appeals to most.  Curiously, Aquarius rising people can be a little standoffish while also coming across as humanitarian and kind. Often labeled as independent and original children, Aquarius rising natives often feel a little "different" or "special" throughout life. They often feel like they are on the outside looking in, and their ability to observe and deduce is often uncanny. They're also adept at getting things to work, even when the parts that make up the whole seem like a puzzle with unusual pieces--especially when it comes to groups of people. This sets them apart as managers and team leaders. The Ascendant often reveals physical mannerisms and even choice of dress, as it shows how people present themselves to the world. With Aquarius here, natives sometimes have a quirkiness to their manner, and some dress in a slightly offbeat manner--not enough to make them stand out like a sore thumb, but just enough to express their original temperament. Because these people seem so open to new ideas, it may be surprising when you encounter their decidedly stubborn streak. Aquarius is a fixed sign, after all. The ascendant sign shows how individuals react to new situations, and with Aquarius rising, there can be a resistance to change that seems to belie the native's generally progressive nature. There's a distinct inflexibility with Aquarian rising people, and, sometimes, a tendency to want to force their opinions on others. With their eye to the future of mankind as a whole, some people born with an Aquarius Ascendant overlook the more personal needs of the people closest to them. They are often attracted to partners who possess self-confidence and ardor.  Celebrity examples of Aquarius rising are Matt Damon and Michael J. Fox.

Pisces Ascendant

"Go with the flow" seems to be a Pisces rising motto. They move about the world in a vaguely directionless, gentle manner. They come across as artists and lovers of peace; but their open minds and hearts can give them a chameleon-like persona. Others are not always sure who they'll meet from one day to the next with a Pisces rising person. Although often quiet and shy, another day may find them talkative and passionate. They are hugely impressionable, have a dreamy disposition, and project a soft-hearted personality. Pisces rising sees the world the way they want to see it at any given time, so objectivity is not necessarily a strong point. Neither is decision-making!  People with Pisces rising resist any kind of labeling--their characters are changeable, and they don't want to be pinned down or pegged in any way. Theirs is a restless, searching nature that cannot be happy with any one way of living or being. Pisces rising avoids cold, hard facts and harsh realities like the plague. They don't have a decisive plan for tomorrow or even today, preferring to keep things open. Since they change their minds frequently enough, and like to "feel" their way through life, too much organization or structure can be seen as very limiting. Pisces rising people walk around with their heads in the clouds, and even when you do have their attention, their dreaminess is almost always apparent. These people look for a stable partnership--one that is reliable. Pisces rising people gravitate to partners who keep them on their toes, and they often will pass off the little details and reality checks to their significant other. They seem to need a practical, realistic partner. Pisces Ascendants often have a sensitivity to drugs, and sometimes are prone to allergies that come and go. Their physical constitutions seem to be less resistant than most. Pisces rising people often possess an irresistible charm that comes on in a quiet way, with a soft aura about them. Both their appearance and mannerisms are usually quite intriguing to others.  Famous people with this position include George Clooney, Robert Redford, and Gwyneth Paltrow.

Now, to really find your TRUE Ascendant Sign, you're probably going to have to calculate that. All you have to do is go to Google.com and search "Ascendant Sign Calculator" and you'll probably have to put in your birth date, where you were born, and what time you were born. Here's my example (but I'm not really going to put in my correct information).

June 16, 1997

11:30 AM

Chicago, Illinois. 

Truth be told, that's not my correct information, but I will tell you that MY Ascendant Sign is Virgo.

The three components of your character will provide three different views of you and your life ... all of them valid. And here's another tip: If you know your Moon sign and Ascendant ... and read astrology information for all three (real astrology -- not the "daily horoscope" silliness in the newspaper!), you'll see a much more dimensional picture of your life unfold!

Blessed be!