How to Understand a Scorpio Rising Sign
Learn the special qualities of this placement so that you can better understand yourself or others.
What Is a Rising Sign and What Does It Mean?
The rising sign, also called the ascendant, is the zodiac sign or constellation that was rising over the eastern horizon at the exact time of your birth. It is indicated as the first house of your natal or birth chart. (The natal chart is a map of the sky at the exact moment you were born in the exact place you were born. It is divided up into twelve "houses," or sections.)
This sign is just as important as your moon and sun. In ancient astrology, the ascendant was used as your personality guide, but in modern times, we often look to the sun for that. (For instance, when someone asks for your sign, they're generally asking for your sun.) Today, the rising sign is more likely to be used to describe others' first impressions of you or how you might initially present in social situations. You might say the rising sign is what the world sees in you. Learn more about astrological houses and the distinctions between sun signs and rising signs in this article about birth charts and ascendants.
How Do You Know Your Ascendant?
If you know your birthday, you can easily find your sun sign. For example, if you were born on March 3rd, your sun sign is Pisces. But to determine your ascendant, you'll also need to know the time you were born, as this placement changes around every two hours. You can simply enter your birth date and exact birth time into this rising sign calculator. The time zone is a key factor, so the location of your birth is important as well.
Here are some fast facts to remember about this sign.
What Does This Ascendant Mean?
Scorpio is a fixed water sign with two of the most powerful and active ruling planets: Pluto and Mars. It also is the eighth sign of the zodiac, representing the eighth house of sex, transformation, death and rebirth, mysteries, taboos, and other people's money. Those with this ascendant tend to make wise financial investments, including purchases of real estate. Career-wise, they may make terrific firefighters, law enforcement officers, attorneys, and detectives.
How to Spot a Scorpio Rising
Of all the water signs, Scorpio represents ice. Fittingly, these people may seem cold and hard in appearance, but with an underflow of turmoil and choppy waters—they are extremely deep-feeling creatures. This sense of emotional intensity underneath the surface can be apparent in their eyes, which may narrow as they assess their environment (or you!). They may seem quite mysterious and magnetic at first glance.
What Are the Personality Traits of This Placement?
- Cautious/Secretive: Those with this placement are deliberate and careful communicators, always using caution when they choose their words. They will never give up a secret, especially when it involves them. However, this means they can also be a bit on the paranoid side.
- Strong/Temperamental: Because these people have such strong feelings, they seem calmer or less intimidated in overwhelming situations than others. Their strength can also be physical: This sign is a fighter. However, they can also have quite an explosive temperament when they are unable to get what they want or are threatened.
- Self-Contained/Self-Destructive: Due to their intense and secretive nature, they may like to care for themselves and have respect for privacy. However, they may have tendencies of self-destructive behavior that they keep hidden. Most others will rarely, or sometimes never, know if a person with this placement is “self-medicating” with drugs or alcohol.
- Passionate/Vindictive: These people are loyal and devoted to their loved ones, and they put their whole heart and soul into whatever captures their laser-sharp focus. However, this means they are quite dominant in personality and can be downright mean at times, unless there are other planetary placements in their birth charts that are more influential in calming their mean streaks. They make ruthless enemies, so it isn’t advisable to cross them.
- Intelligent/Suspicious: Those who were born at a time when the Scorpio was rising in the Earth’s eastern sky are inquisitive and like to research to get to the absolute truth. These folks are also very smart and usually excel in academics. Good grades in school are in abundance for children born with this rising. They do not, however, necessarily expect the same from their own children.
Scorpio Rising Compatibility and Relationships
This ascendant enjoys partners who are very good-looking. Those married to one of these people would do best if they are strong and determined in their opinions; otherwise, they won’t earn much respect from their spouse. Those with this ascendant allow their children to be creative and encourage them to pursue whatever it is they are good at. They will deeply love and protect their spouse and family. If you want a life of passion and adventure, by all means, find yourself a mate with this ascendant—if you dare.
Attracted to a Scorpio Rising Woman or Man?
Since the ascendant is often about first impressions, the implications for men and women are quite similar. If your love interest has Scorpio in the first house, they are likely to have Taurus in the seventh house of partnerships or a Taurus descendant (though this can vary, depending on the exact chart). They may find it natural to have close, one-on-one connections with people who have Taurean qualities or those who are practical, stable, and sensual.
Pluto and Mars are the two ruling planets of this sign.
Scorpio Rising, Aries Sun
With this combination, the fiery, forthright sun mixes with the icy strength of the ascendant. These individuals may seem simultaneously reserved and energetic.
Celebrities With These Placements
- Charlie Chaplin (Sun in Aries, Moon in Scorpio)
- Joan Crawford (Sun in Aries, Moon in Pisces)
- Bette Davis (Sun in Aries, Moon in Gemini)
- Diana Ross (Sun in Aries, Moon in Taurus)
- Gloria Steinem (Sun in Aries, Moon in Leo)
Scorpio Rising, Taurus Sun
When this steady, earthy sun combines with the dark mystery of the ascendant, you may notice these stubborn types taking a special interest in physical expression and sexuality.
Celebrities With These Placements
- Sigmund Freud (Sun in Taurus, Moon in Gemini)
- Katharine Hepburn (Sun in Taurus, Moon in Taurus)
- Janet Jackson (Sun in Taurus, Moon in Aries)
- Al Pacino (Sun in Taurus, Moon in Sagittarius)
Scorpio Rising, Gemini Sun
Here, the ascendant can lend a seductive yet steely look to the airy, playful, and changeable Gemini, creating quicksilver, almost catlike shapeshifters.
Celebrities With These Placements
- Clint Eastwood (Sun in Gemini, Moon in Leo)
- Nicole Kidman (Sun in Gemini, Moon in Sagittarius)
- Prince (Sun in Gemini, Moon in Pisces)
Scorpio Rising, Cancer Sun
These people might be known for their intense presence—rapid-fire jokes or an unwavering stare, maybe—but they are drawn to Cancerian roles in which they take care of others or even save the day.
Celebrities With These Placements
- Tom Cruise (Sun in Cancer, Moon in Leo)
- Robin Williams (Sun in Cancer, Moon in Pisces)
Scorpio Rising, Leo Sun
In this case, the power and passion of the ascendant can further emphasize the regal (even dictatorial) energy of this lion-like sun sign.
Celebrities With These Placements
- Napoleon Bonaparte (Sun in Leo, Moon in Capricorn)
- Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis (Sun in Leo, Moon in Aries)
- Benito Mussolini (Sun in Leo, Moon in Gemini)
- Martha Stewart (Sun in Leo, Moon in Sagittarius)
Scorpio Rising, Virgo Sun
This combination can create a no-nonsense, committed character. These individuals may have a uniquely cozy kind of gravitas, with a down-to-earth, "tell it like it is" attitude.
Celebrities With These Placements
- James Gandolfini (Sun in Virgo, Moon in Capricorn)
- Bernie Sanders (Sun in Virgo, Moon in Aries)
Scorpio Rising, Libra Sun
Libra is an urbane, social sign—they are attuned to what's considered appropriate in society. With this intelligent and suspicious ascendant, these individuals may be interested in the ways we can wield manners (or lack thereof) to make things happen.
Celebrities With These Placements
- Michael Douglas (Sun in Libra, Moon in Capricorn)
- Groucho Marx (Sun in Libra, Moon in Gemini)
- Vladimir Putin (Sun in Libra, Moon in Gemini)
- Margaret Thatcher (Sun in Libra, Moon in Leo)
Scorpio Rising, Scorpio Sun
Double and triple Scorpios may feel vulnerable and exposed in public life—don't forget that this is a private, sensitive water sign—so they might choose to work behind the scenes, adopt personas, or wear costumes.
Celebrities With These Placements
- Bjork (Sun in Scorpio, Moon in Scorpio)
- Hillary Clinton (Sun in Scorpio, Moon in Pisces)
- Frank Ocean (Sun in Scorpio, Moon in Capricorn)
- Katy Perry (Sun in Scorpio, Moon in Scorpio)
Scorpio Rising, Sagittarius Sun
This is an interesting mix of fiery optimism and dark emotional intensity. These individuals may have a flair for the dramatic, or they may like to live life to the fullest.
Celebrities With These Placements
- Maria Callas (Sun in Sagittarius, Moon in Libra)
- Ozzy Osbourne (Sun in Sagittarius, Moon in Capricorn)
- Keith Richards (Sun in Sagittarius, Moon in Virgo)
- Taylor Swift (Sun in Sagittarius, Moon in Cancer)
Scorpio Rising, Capricorn Sun
Capricorns are known for being serious, but they're often darkly funny people. This combination may take a special interest in physical decay or transformation, and they might use an intense style of humor to approach the topic.
Celebrities With These Placements
- Jim Carrey (Sun in Capricorn, Moon in Gemini)
- David Lynch (Sun in Capricorn, Moon in Virgo)
- Tracey Ullman (Sun in Capricorn, Moon in Capricorn)
Scorpio Rising, Aquarius Sun
These individuals may seem quite inventive due to the creative and rebellious energy of the sun sign. They may have a drive to figure out not only how things work but also how to approach them in new ways.
Celebrities With These Placements
- Kid Cudi (Sun in Aquarius, Moon in Capricorn)
- Thomas Edison (Sun in Aquarius, Moon in Sagittarius)
- Johnny Rotten (Sun in Aquarius, Moon in Virgo)
Scorpio Rising, Pisces Sun
Here, the sensitivity of both signs can give those with these placements a mystical, spiritual approach to life or a "go with the flow" relaxed quality.
Celebrities With These Placements
- Justin Bieber (Sun in Pisces, Moon in Libra)
- George Harrison (Sun in Pisces, Moon in Scorpio)
Best of Luck in Your Astrological Journey
If you have this placement or if you were hoping to learn more about the people in your life, I hope you found this article to be helpful and encouraging. Your opinion is always welcomed and appreciated, so please share your own story or suggestion in the comments section below.
Additional Resources
- The 7 Symbols of a Scorpio
Which of the seven symbols has your or your loved one evolved through so far? - How to Understand a Scorpio Man in Love
How well do you know your man? Read this article to find out more about him. - How to Understand a Scorpio Woman
These women can be mysterious, but with this guide, you'll finally gain some insight.
© 2013 Mmargie1966
Comments
Suzanne on August 19, 2020:
I'm an Aries Sun, Taurus Moon, with Scorpio Rising Sun.
Kiki Morgan on March 19, 2020:
I'm a Scorpio rising, Pisces sun, Scorpio moon. I feel like my sun use to shine when I was younger, I was bubbly and positive. When I got older after experiencing many turmoils and setting many boundaries along the way I read up on Pisces and it doesn't seem anything like me. I resonate more with Scorpio which kind of gets to me, sadly.
Anna on January 11, 2020:
I'm a Cancer sun, Libra moon, and Scorpio rising. So I've always felt really mixed up in side, so I obssesively try to fix other people mixed up problems. Hence my OCD lol
Jude on September 28, 2019:
My sun is in Pisces, I have a moon in Virgo and Scorpio rising. I am a walking contradiction
Juliana on August 25, 2019:
Hi Libra is my sun
Raising is Scorpion and moon in Aquarius.
Please tell me more about myself and how to use it for my advantages.
Thanks
Stephanie on January 11, 2019:
I am a Taurus/sun and Scorpio/rising and Capricorn/moon like Adolph Hitler, but do not feel like throwing up. I am a healer and psychic/medium! I had a transformation in 1994 from a near death experience!
Teri. on October 30, 2018:
This is my first time and I am trying to understand all of this
Bee on May 22, 2018:
This is a great read with lots of good info.The info in the video is good, too, and scary how accurate it is. Honestly makes me sad to think Scorpio rising can be so diabolical. Just playing devils advocate, how can anyone possibly calculate that because an individual is a Scorpio rising = parents are doctors or religious? Trying to understand how that's put together.
Mel on April 04, 2018:
George Harrison doesn’t have a Scorpio rising he as a Libra rising
pamela mcmillan on February 01, 2018:
Leo sun and moon with scorpio rising
P on December 21, 2017:
double gemini with Scorpio rising
yes indeed i can read and fast as ....
haha
E on November 28, 2017:
Really enjoyed this post. As a scorp rising it’s pretty spot on. Knowing your chart really helps give a complete picture...I’m a sun gem and for the longest I couldn’t understand the heavier side of my personality but I learned the scorp rising influences and sometimes overlaps the more airy gem tendencies!
Kathy Thornton on August 21, 2017:
Does a person's rising sign determine if and when they will buy a house? Or is it all about personality?
Jomanji on July 29, 2017:
Test
b on July 24, 2017:
Need help. I'm really really new to Astrology. I had no idea about rising
signs and planets, etc., up until about a year ago.
I'd really appreciate it if someone can answer my question.
My chart shows I'm Scorpio rising, Uranus in Sagittarius in the 1st house, and Jupiter in Scorpio
in the 12th house.
If the 1st House is the Ascendant's house,
and I'm Scorpio Ascendant, does that mean that the house of my
Scorpio ascendant is in Sagittarius (since I have Sagittarius in the 1st House)?
That sounds like a sign (scorpio) occupying another sign (sagittarius).
Or...
If Scorpio is my 1st House owing to it being my Rising sign, then why is my Jupiter in Scorpio in the 12th?
It would seem then that Scorpio is occupying 1st and 12th in my chart.
A'Lethia on July 04, 2017:
I am a 29.55 degree Scorpio rising. I am also past 60. I've had a long time to learn from experience about this aspect and what it does. It's a continuing journey. Even though I have an 26 or so degree Aquarius sun in the third, it is Scorpio that has the most influence. Learning patience and giving others the benefit of the doubt have been the biggest lessons and forgiveness of self as well as others. Scorpio ascendant is about continual transformation. Letting go, forgiving, moving forward. Love yourselves, forgive yourselves, be patient and take time alone.
Jigna on June 25, 2017:
maam can you please help me to get my insight I have a Scorpio sun a Capricorn moon and pisces rising sign
ThePaganSun on June 19, 2017:
Actually Leo Rising is said to be the strongest and most violent. Leo is the only sign that's both feral and bestial.
Sonia on May 31, 2017:
I'm a Cancer sun, Taurus moon, and Scorpio rising. I also have Virgo midheaven and I'm very proud of that. lol
I noticed that I very much act like a Scorpio/Virgo outwardly.
Elizabeth on May 09, 2017:
I am a Virgo Sun, Scorpio Rising, Cancer Moon. After 36 years on this planet, I wouldn't have it any other way. Every Scorpio trait rings true with me, except the one about regrets. At least point in life, I have developed enough courage combined with analytical technique, self control, and intuition, that I see no disadvantage to being a Scorpio Rising. My Scorpio traits protect me from people that would take advantage of me. And gives me a level of relentless pursuit that won't allow me to be distracted from my targets. I embrace my intensity. I notice that only via intensity can I make quality connections and relationships.
Guy on March 11, 2017:
Ashton Kutcher is a Gemini rising you dolt.
Barbara Solomon on February 20, 2017:
I am a Gemini in the 1st decant and have Scorpio Rising and Cancer Moon. I also have a Pisces descendant. All together I have 6 planets in water signs, 3 in air, 2 earth and 1 fire, although Scorpio rising is on the cusp on Sagittarius and Scorpio, which most astrologers do not recognize (cusps in a rising sign, I mean) I have a natural interest in astrology and new age concepts,I find it all very fascinating and interesting. I would like to learn more about the planet that has been added recently, as some of the things I have read, do not make a lot of sense for various reasons.
jaske dovich on February 08, 2017:
the planets are in retro-grade- gravitational pull makes every body act weird-
Sincerily- Virgo Stallion
Sophia on February 06, 2017:
Can you talk on Scorpio rising,Gemini sun, and moon in Leo. :)
maggie on February 05, 2017:
Scorpio rising can be intimidating for other lesser signs as they do have a very intense gaze and keep their emotions very closed. To express them could be explosive and they would feel exposed. It's not an easy sign to live with as they prefer to keep their emotions hidden and their lives private, even with friend's. I have Libra Sun/Scorpio rising and Taurus Moon with( Saturn in Scorpio) which can be a heavy aspect to deal with and Neptune in my 12th house (just for good measure) I don't go out much!!!
Monika on January 19, 2017:
Dear God I have the same sun moon and ascendant as Hitler . I think I'm going to throw up
Drea on December 30, 2016:
I'm a Female Virgo (Sun), with the Moon sign of the Aquarius, and the Rising Sign of the Scorpio.
Esmeralda Miguel on December 16, 2016:
Ellie face my crush has the same chart like yours! I have sun in Sagittarius with cancer in moon and Aquarius rising. First time we saw each other we made eye contact and I felt so confident I felt like a whole new person just because we made eye contact lol. We both are very shy and we try to talk to each the only word he said was hey and he smile. I blushed of course lol and just smile. I just don't know when I should go up to him. I know he wants to talk to me but I don't give him signs because I'm just to SHY! I don't know what to do? I'm thinking of just texting him first.
Maya on March 10, 2016:
Spot on. I know people see me as a pushover because I come across as sensitive, gentle but what they don't seem to understand is that I am very self protective of myself and those I love and WILL take revenge, if provoked. Only if provoked. I feel only people with a death wish do this. If people want to destroy themselves, they seem to subconsciously seek me out. Of course, I'm happy to oblige. It is however, tedious when people blame me for what they instigated. Very insightful article.
Jean Bakula from New Jersey on September 06, 2015:
I have a Scorpio Ascendant, and so did my late husband. I am Cancer with a Capricorn Moon, and he was Taurus with an Aries Moon. My Venus is in Gemini, and his was in Pisces. I think with the Venus and Moon squares, I sometimes hurt his feelings without meaning to, but it also gave us interesting challenges. Everyone always said they felt we were the "perfect couple." Of course, with those Scorpio Ascendants, we could appear as if things were going wonderfully, even if they weren't! It's always great to see another Astrology trying to educate the public about what it really entails.
Mmargie1966 (author) from Gainesville, GA on July 04, 2013:
I'm glad you enjoyed the read, Ellieface. I have other hubs on Astrology as well if you'd like to check them out. Enjoy and thanks for commenting.
Ellie from Houston, Texas on July 04, 2013:
Hey,
I really enjoyed reading this hub! As a Scorpio Rising, I find that a lot of this fits me to a "T." I'm not one to really cross (and have an explosive temper when I'm pushed to the breaking point,) which usually surprises people because I am usually so calm and nice. I think having my Sun (and numerous other planets) in Sagittarius helps lighten me a up a bit. However, I do think my rising helps to add more emotion to myself (since I have a Capricorn Moon.) It's true....I do love VERY deeply and have feelings that run very deep. :)
