Expert: Scott Petullo - 1/11/2009

Question
I've had my chart done a few times and every time It has come up with a different rising sign, it's either Aquarius, Aries, or Capricorn. What I would like to know if someone can ACCURATELY calculate my rising sign! Please!

***At times, I think it's Aquarius because all my life I've felt like I was different and people have always told me I was a bit strange, I don't know if that's bad or good. But, sometimes I think it's Aries because I do have a naturally muscular body and I can be very headstrong sometimes...

My birth info:

2:26am
Minneapolis, Mn
4/21/1980


Answer
Errin,

So you've had "your chart" done a few times, huh. Know
that the basic natal chart, that one page, is just one
of many charts to do on any given person. It's just
the beginning, to give you some perspective.

I believe I can give you an accurate calculation of
your Rising sign (Ascendant). One reason for the
differences among astrologers calculating your
Rising sign is that you can use various zodiacs.
In my opinion, Tropical zodiac offers the most
accuracy.

According to the birth data you supplied, you
have an Aquarius Rising sign (Ascendant). Sun in
Taurus, Moon in Cancer, Mercury in Aries, Venus
in Gemini, Mars in Leo, etc.

Aries ascendant doesn't necessarily equate to
having a naturally muscular body, nor does an
Aquarius ascendant equate to people thinking you
are a bit strange, but I think I sense your
meaning. Know that the energy of any single
indicator is either symbolically strengthened
or reduced by the other hundreds of indicators.

If you see an offer for a "Saturn report," for
example, promising you deep insight about your
love life in minutes based only on your Saturn
transits and other Saturn related activity, run
the other way. That would be like reading a
"Latin report" consisting of a dozen or so verbs
in Latin, promising you a firm grasp of the Latin
language "in minutes." Fat chance.

You can use alternative zodiacs (Sidereal, etc.), but
I'd caution against that. Perhaps some of those who
have done your basic chart might use Sidereal. On
many astrology programs, you can select the Zodiac
System. There are many alternatives to the Tropical
Zodiac, such as Sidereal.

I strongly recommend using the Tropical zodiac, instead
of the Sidereal zodiac.

Some Sidereal zodiac advocates will tell you, "...but
Sidereal is the 'oldest astrology,' it's the basis for
Hindu astrology!"

Well, to be blunt, I have yet to meet an astrologer who
uses the Sidereal zodiac exclusively who offers high accuracy
rates, even so-so accuracy. Using that system, you'll likely
have a different Ascendant, Sun sign, and Moon sign, among other
possible differences. If the adherent is very psychic and
has developed their own unique system using it, then perhaps,
but I haven't met any of them. Even so, nobody else would
be able to effectively use their unique/psychic-based
system.

Sorry, but you won't find your "real Ascendant" by using the
Sidereal zodiac. You'll find your wrong Ascendant.

Using Sidereal stems from a time when they had limited
understanding of the dynamics of the solar system, and
this planet. Sidereal Zodiac system is based on fixed
stars, and this is where the problem is, in my opinion.
I value fixed stars, but not in the way that the Sidereal
system uses them (fixing the degrees of the Ecliptic
to fixed stars).

The Ascendant (Rising sign), in my opinion, is where the
Eastern horizon intercepts the Ecliptic. This is so in
the Tropical zodiac system, but not the Sidereal.

Then the Sidereal astrologers will argue, "but Tropical
has the problem of precession!" It does, but it's not
an issue. Due to precession, there is a discrepancy
between the Tropical and Sidereal zodiacs, but that's
only a problem with transits and other superficial
timing indicators. The natal charts are still absolutely
valid under tropical in my view. Besides, you can also
still adjust tropical solar return charts and transit
charts (and other precession-effecting methods).

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Sincerely,
Scott Petullo
http://www.mystictwins.com
http://www.holisticmakeover.com
http://www.scottpetullo.com