What is Lagna in Astrology: The Ascendant in the Horoscope is determined considering the exact date, time, and place of a person. This is the first house of our horoscope and it is calculated based on the position of the Sun at the time of birth. The sun stays in one sign of 30 degrees for one month or 30 days. Ascendant is also called Lagna, which is the rising sign of the eastern horizon of the sky.

How Lagna is Formed

If a person is born in April, the position of the Sun in April is in the sign of Pisces. So this means, at the time of sunrise, around 5 – 7 am, the Sun is in the sign of Pisces.

Next, we have to consider the exact birth time. So if a person is born at 6:00 am, then the Lagna will be Pisces only. And as time proceeds, the Lagna will change. (See the picture below for a complete understanding of how Lagna is formed)

If a person is born at 8: 00 am then the position of the sun will change to the 12th house. Now this means, the Pisces sign and sun moved to the 12th house. So in this case, Aries will be taken as Lagna.

If a person is born at 9: 00 am then the position of the Sun will change to the 11th house. Now this means, Pisces sign and Sun now moved to the 11th house. So in this case, Taurus will be taken as Lagna.

You can calculate the Lagna, as per Sun position. As the day proceeds, the Sun also advances, as every day it covers one degree in a sign of 30 degrees.

Lagna changes after every two hours. It is very important to know the exact time in hours and minutes to get the correct Lagna or Ascendant. Based on the correct Lagna, other divisional charts will be formed for further analysis.

Ascendant in Astrology

The 1st house in the Horoscope is the rising sign at the time of your birth. Therefore it represents the physical appearance, facial features, and basic approach of the person. The Lagna answers all your questions related to self, like your basic inclinations, your primary tendencies, and even health. 

This explains your likes, and dislikes, and the purpose of your life. Lagna states your passion, inclinations, and your physical and mental health, so your overall personality is displayed by 1st house.

12 Lagnas/ Ascendants in Astrology

There are 12 zodiac signs, and as the position of the Sun changes every 2 hours, the Lagna also changes. There are 12 Lagnas formed, and every Lagna has specific features and physical and mental traits. So let’s learn about the basic characteristics of 12 different kinds of Lagna/Ascendants. But further analysis would be incomplete without considering the position of 9 planets and the Ascendant Lord.

Aries: Lagna in Astrology

If one has Aries Lagna, so this means that at the time of birth, the Lagna formed was Aries, considering the Sun’s position.

Aries, the first sign of the natural zodiac, is ruled by the planet Mars. It’s characterized as a movable, masculine sign with fiery attributes. Individuals born under Aries tend to show traits associated with Mars, such as force, energy, and a pioneering spirit.

Aries Traits: Aries represents movement and spontaneity. They are courageous, energetic, aggressive, and authoritative.

Taurus: Lagna in Astrology

Taurus, the second sign of the natural zodiac, is governed by the planet Venus. It’s considered a fixed, feminine sign with earthy qualities. Individuals born under Taurus often manifest characteristics associated with Venus, such as a love for beauty, sensuality, and a grounded approach to life.

Taurus Traits: Venus represents luxury, beauty, artistic things, and relationships. Being an earthy and 2nd sign of the zodiac it emphasizes more on stability. This can be related to career, finance, and even relationships. They operate with a sense of values and traditions and work persistently with a method.

Gemini: Lagna in Astrology

Gemini, the third sign of the natural zodiac, is ruled by the planet Mercury. It’s characterized as a dual, masculine sign with airy attributes. Individuals born under Gemini typically exhibit traits associated with Mercury, such as curiosity, versatility, communication skills, and intellectual skills.

Mercury Traits: Mercury represents communication and youthfulness of mind. They have an analytical mind and are very social, flexible, and scholarly.

Cancer: Lagna in Astrology

Cancer, the fourth sign of the natural zodiac, is governed by the Moon. It’s described as a movable, feminine sign with watery characteristics. Individuals born under Cancer often display traits associated with the Moon, such as emotional sensitivity, nurturing instincts, intuition, and a strong connection to their home and family.

Moon Traits: Traits associated with the Moon include representing love, care, and comfort. Those influenced by it tend to be sensitive, nurturing, and traditional. Being a water element, they can display strong emotions and often seek attention and support from others.

Leo: Lagna in Astrology

Leo, the fifth sign of the natural zodiac, is governed by the Sun. It’s characterized as a fixed, masculine sign with fiery attributes. Individuals born under Leo typically exhibit traits associated with the Sun, such as confidence, charisma, leadership qualities, and a desire for recognition and admiration.

Leo Traits: The Sun symbolizes authority, confidence, self-importance, and vibrancy. Those influenced by it can sometimes appear dominating and arrogant, attributed to the fire element. However, the Sun also presents leadership qualities and the potential for recognition and acclaim.

Virgo: Lagna in Astrology

Virgo, the sixth sign of the natural zodiac, is governed by the planet Mercury. It’s characterized as a dual, feminine sign with earthy attributes. Individuals born under Virgo typically exhibit traits associated with Mercury, such as attention to detail, analytical thinking, practicality, and a penchant for organization and efficiency.

Virgo Traits: Mercury represents perfection, criticality, analytics, calculation, service, attention to detail, and practicality. It also instills a sense of self-criticism and an instinct for self-improvement.

Libra: Lagna in Astrology

Libra, the seventh sign of the natural zodiac, is governed by the planet Venus. It’s characterized as a movable, masculine sign with airy attributes. Individuals born under Libra typically exhibit traits associated with Venus, such as a love for harmony, beauty, diplomacy, social grace, and a desire for balanced relationships.

Libra Traits:  Venus represents love, romance, relationships, beauty, and luxury. It also signifies balance, harmony, justice, and pleasure.

Scorpio: Lagna in Astrology

Scorpio, the eighth sign of the natural zodiac, is governed by the planet Mars. It’s characterized as a fixed, feminine sign with watery attributes.

Scorpio Traits: Mars in Scorpio indicates hidden elements, including mysteriousness, modification, and distress. Individuals influenced by this placement are often deep thinkers who meticulously follow a plan of action.

Sagittarius: Lagna in Astrology

Sagittarius, the ninth sign of the natural zodiac, is governed by the planet Jupiter. It’s characterized as a dual, masculine sign with fiery attributes.

Sagittarius Traits: Jupiter represents higher knowledge and ideologies. Individuals influenced by Jupiter are typically goal-oriented and possess the vision to expand worldwide.

Capricorn: Sign/Ascendant

Capricorn, the 10th sign of the natural zodiac, is governed by the planet Saturn. It’s characterized as a movable, feminine sign with earthy attributes.

Capricorn Traits: Saturn represents a person’s karma, often leading them to be materially inclined. Individuals influenced by Saturn typically work in a disciplined and structured manner to attain status and recognition.

Aquarius: Lagna in Astrology

Aquarius, the 11th sign of the natural zodiac, is also ruled by Saturn. It’s characterized as a fixed, masculine sign with airy attributes.

Aquarius Traits: In Aquarius, the karmic planet Saturn drives individuals toward goals aimed at the betterment of society. People born under this influence typically exhibit a progressive attitude and actively work for social welfare.

Pisces: Lagna in Astrology

Pisces, the 12th sign of the natural zodiac, is ruled by Jupiter. It is characterized as dual, feminine, and watery.

Pisces Traits: In Pisces, Jupiter’s watery influence imbues individuals with profound knowledge. They tend to be research-oriented, spiritual, and exceptionally empathetic.

Conclusion

Keep in mind, that the 12 signs of the zodiac correspond to 12 Lagnas, with each Lagna changing approximately every two hours. While individuals sharing the same Lagna may have some similar traits, their life goals and inclinations will vary greatly.

For more specific insights, it’s essential to consider the planetary positions and divisional charts. Each event should be analyzed with the corresponding divisional chart; for instance, the Navamsha Chart or D-9 for marriage and the Dasamsha Chart or D-10 for career-related matters.