If we are looking specifically for the symbology with the outward personality in astrology, we look to the Ascendant or "Rising Sign" as it is popularly called. The Ascendant is the 1st house cusp of the natal chart and the sign there will symbolize the person's persona. This is our own mythology and symbology; the face we show to others. First we look at the sign. We will take into consideration the traits of that sign. There are 12 signs available to fall on the Ascendant, but that is only the beginning to find further information. Let's use Virgo as an example. We will be able to tell that part of the person's persona will have a Virgo flavor, i.e., analytical, meticulous, picky. An astrologer will not stop there however, as there is a path we can generally take to reach a richer understanding than with just the one symbol/sign. Look next to any planets in conjunction to the Ascendant. Any planets in the first house within 6-8 degrees from the Ascendant will "color" the flavor of the personality. For example, Mars will add a sense of urgency or excitement, or the Moon will add an emotional depth to the personality that otherwise is not indicated by the sign alone.
Then we will look at other planets that are in the same sign in the first or twelfth house to give us an idea of which traits assigned to the sign on the Ascendant is just the individual's mask, and how much they run deeper into the personality. If someone has a lot of planets in the same sign as the Ascendant, you can be certain that the way the present her or himself is more than just a mask, especially if personal planets like the Sun, Moon, Mercury, etc, are in the same sign.
Wait! Don't stop there! Then we look to the planet that rules the sign on the Ascendant. If we stick with our original Virgo example, Mercury would be Virgo's ruler. So, we find Mercury in the chart. We ask ourselves, what sign and hose Mercury falls in and what are the aspects to it. The overall "feeling" mercury has in the chart will add dimension to the Ascendant. If Mercury is well placed and being used well, it will be easier for this person to show the best sides of their personality. If it is heavily aspected or badly used, it will be harder for the person to express him or herself well.
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