<Tr> <Td> <Ul> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> </Ul> </Td> </Tr> <Ul> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> </Ul> <P> The ascendant (, Asc or As), is the zodiacal sign and degree that is ascending on the eastern horizon at the specific time and location of an event . According to astrological theory, celestial phenomena reflect or determine human activity on the principle of' as above so below' . Thus astrologers believe that the ascendant signifies a person's awakening consciousness, in the same way that the Sun's appearance on the eastern horizon signifies the dawn of a new day . </P> <P> Because the ascendant is specific to a particular time and place, to astrologers it signifies the individual environment and conditioning that a person receives during their upbringing, and also the circumstances of their childhood . For this reason astrologers believe that the ascendant is also concerned with how a person has learned to present themself to the world, especially in public and in impersonal situations . To astrologers, in some circumstances, it can function as a shield or mask to guard a person's real nature - in other words the' defense mechanism' every person has to cope with unfamiliar or uncomfortable situations . Astrologers believe the ascendant also has a strong bearing on a person's physical appearance and overall health . </P>

What is the meaning of ascendant in astrology
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