An Expert Guide to Rising & Ascendant Sign Compatibility

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Astrologer Haley Delgado shares the best and worst rising sign matches

Co-authored by Haley Delgado and Sophie Burkholder, BA

Last Updated: November 14, 2025 Fact Checked

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• Rising Signs & Compatiblities
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• What is a rising sign?
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• Is the sun or rising sign more important?
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What is your rising sign, and how does it factor into astrological compatibility? While you’ve probably heard a lot about sun signs and moon signs, your rising sign says a lot about the first impression you give off, the people you tend to attract, and what you might be looking for in a partner—in other words, it says quite a bit about you. So, with the help of expert astrologers, we’ll tell you who you’re compatible with based on your rising sign, and we’ll dive deeper into what rising signs are and how important they are for compatibility.

Who is each rising sign compatible and incompatible with?

Astrologer Haley Delgado says the most compatible rising signs are those with the same sign (Capricorn & Capricorn Rising) or element (Virgo & Capricorn Rising), or opposite signs (Capricorn & Cancer Rising). The worst are extroverted and introverted signs, like Sagittarius & Virgo Rising or Leo & Capricorn Rising.

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Section 1 of 3:

Every Rising Sign & Their Compatibility

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   Aries Rising Compatibility Bold, assertive, and independent, Aries rising matches best with other rising signs that share their inner fire, like Leo and Sagittarius! People with an Aries rising tend to be natural leaders with a ton of drive and ambition—although they can also be quite impulsive. Like Aries, Leo and Sagittarius are fire signs, so they can mirror Aries rising’s courage, optimism, and energy. In short, they can easily keep up with an adventurous Aries rising!

   • Best Matches: Leo Rising and Sagittarius Rising.
   • Honorable Mentions: Libra Rising, though Aries has good compatibility with any of the air rising signs. Libra rising can teach Aries to chill out from time to time.
   • Worst Matches: Virgo and Pisces Rising. Aries’ self-centered nature clashes with a selfless Pisces rising, and Virgo rising has a tendency to give constructive criticism that might bruise an Aries rising’s ego.

   Meet the wikiHow Experts

   Haley Delgado has over 8 years of experience as an astrologer. She specialties in Western, Synastry, Esoteric, Asteroid, and Starseed astrology.

   Angel Eyedealism is an astrologer and performance artist with nearly three decades of astrology experience as a specialist in relocation astrology and astrocartography.

   Tara Divina is a Vedic astrologer who gives personalized readings to answer her clients' biggest questions about relationships, money, purpose, career, and other big life decisions.

   Tali & Ophira Edut (or the AstroTwins) are astrologers, intuitive advisors, and best-selling authors who work as the long-time resident astrologers at ELLE Magazine and founded the popular horoscope website, Astrostyle.

   Julia Topaz is an astrologer who owns Look Up the Stars, an astrology practice where she provides readings for clients.
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   Taurus Rising Compatibility Patient, practical, and very reliable, it’s almost impossible to find someone more loyal than a Taurus rising! They’re most compatible with rising signs with which they can establish a strong, lasting relationship—namely, Capricorn, Virgo, and Scorpio rising. Scorpio rising’s depth and mysteriousness can easily catch a Taurus rising’s eye, while Taurus, Capricorn, and Virgo are all earth signs; they get along because they share a practical, honest nature.

   • Best Matches: Capricorn Rising, Virgo Rising, and Scorpio Rising.
   • Honorable Mentions: Pisces Rising and Cancer Rising. Water signs, like Pisces and Cancer rising, can help Taurus rising get in touch with their emotional side.
   • Worst Matches: Sagittarius Rising, Aries Rising, and Libra Rising. All 3 rising signs are too impulsive for a calm, methodical Taurus rising; their energies tend to clash.
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   Gemini Rising Compatibility A witty, curious, and energetic air sign like Gemini rising can entertain just about anyone, but their most compatible matches are Libra, Aquarius, and Sagittarius rising. Gemini ascendant individuals are super charismatic, they love making new connections, and they match up best with rising signs that share their free-spirited love of adventure. Open-minded Gemini rising is always hungry for new, interesting experiences, and so are Libra, Aquarius, and Sagittarius rising.

   • Best Matches: Libra Rising, Aquarius Rising, and Sagittarius Rising.
   • Honorable Mentions: Leo Rising and Aries Rising. Both of these ascendant signs share the Gemini rising’s childlike sense of fun, passion, and energy.
   • Worst Matches: Taurus Rising and Scorpio Rising. These are fixed signs, meaning that they’re set in their ways. Gemini rising, a mutable sign, is flexible—so Taurus and Scorpio might make Gemini feel a little constrained.
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   Cancer Rising Compatibility The sensitive and sympathetic Cancer rising is most compatible with Scorpio and Pisces rising. Cancer rising individuals can be moody and emotional, but they’re also extremely kind and caring toward everyone around them—which means they’re most compatible with rising signs that can understand and empathize with their deepest emotions. As water signs, Scorpio and Pisces can give Cancer the emotional support that they need.

   • Best Matches: Scorpio Rising and Pisces Rising.
   • Honorable Mentions: Capricorn Rising. “Opposite signs like Capricorn and Cancer Rising … make a whole unit together,” says Delgado. Capricorn rising is more emotionally reserved than Cancer and is often drawn to Cancer rising’s warmth and affection.
   • Worst Matches: Aquarius Rising, Gemini Rising, and Sagittarius Rising. Sagittarius rising is much more independent than Cancer rising, while Aquarius and Gemini rising are very intellectual and may not know how to relate to Cancer rising emotionally.
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   Leo Rising Compatibility Bright, confident Leo rising is most compatible with Aries, Sagittarius, and Aquarius rising. Leo rising is a fire sign; they’re loyal, warmhearted, have tons of natural magnetism, and love to be in the spotlight. Leo rising is most compatible with other rising fire signs (Aries and Sagittarius) because they share Leo’s passion and energy. Aquarius rising is also a good match because Aquarius admires Leo rising’s strength and vigor.

   • Best Matches: Aries Rising, Sagittarius Rising, and Aquarius Rising.
   • Honorable Mentions: Gemini Rising and Libra Rising. Gemini and Leo rising share a playful nature, while Libra rising is enchanted by Leo’s boldness and enthusiasm.
   • Worst Matches: Cancer Rising and Capricorn Rising. Leo rising may be a bit too playful and arrogant for Cancer rising, while Capricorn rising may be too rigid and cold for fiery, passionate Leo.
     • Delgado says that an extroverted sign like Leo may not pair well with introverted signs like Capricorn: “The introverted sign may not like the unpredictability of the extroverted sign.” She compares this match to a child (Leo) and parent (Capricorn).
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   Virgo Rising Compatibility Clever, practical Virgo rising is compatible with Capricorn, Taurus, and Pisces rising. Individuals with Virgo rising are often patient, calm, and intellectual. They also have a keen sense of justice and are very practical. Pisces rising is a strong match because they can coax a reserved Virgo out of their shell and encourage them to express themselves; meanwhile, fellow earth signs Taurus and Capricorn rising share Virgo’s practicality and reliability.

   • Best Matches: Capricorn Rising, Taurus Rising, and Pisces Rising.
     • Delgado says that Virgo and Capricorn Rising are an especially good match because “they are both Earth signs.”
   • Honorable Mentions: Cancer Rising. Like Pisces, Cancer rising is a water sign capable of helping Virgo rising to understand and express their emotions more often.
   • Worst Matches: Aquarius Rising and Leo Rising. Aquarius and Virgo rising are both very intellectual and may not have enough emotion in their relationship. Leo and Virgo rising can learn a lot from one another, but they may clash over their conflicting perspectives.
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   Libra Rising Compatibility Libra rising individuals are charming to the core and tend to be most compatible with Aquarius, Gemini, and Aries rising. Because they know how to win people over, Libra rising tends to be pretty popular with rising signs who have complementary energies. Gemini and Aquarius are fellow air signs, both intellectual and curious, just like Libra, while Aries and Libra both love to be the life and soul of the party.

   • Best Matches: Aquarius Rising, Gemini Rising, and Aries Rising.
   • Honorable Mentions: Leo Rising. Leo rising signs are attracted to Libra’s calm and charm, while Libra rising signs appreciate Leo’s confidence. Overall, this pair is well-matched!
   • Worst Matches: Virgo Rising and Pisces Rising. Libra rising may be a bit too emotionally detached for a deeply emotional Pisces rising, and Virgo rising’s critical nature might hurt a sensitive Libra’s feelings.
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   Scorpio Rising Compatibility Scorpio rising signs want to be able to fully know and trust someone when they make a connection, which is why they’re most compatible with Taurus, Cancer, and Pisces rising. Scorpio rising is very “enigmatic” and “edgy,” says professional astrologer Angel Eyedealism, “and they need a thick-skinned partner.” However, while Scorpio may seem cold on the surface, they’re passionate and strong-willed at their core.​​ Like Scorpio, Taurus rising is super trustworthy and sensual, while Cancer and Pisces rising resonate with Scorpio emotionally.

   • Best Matches: Taurus Rising, Cancer Rising, and Pisces Rising.
   • Honorable Mentions: Virgo Rising. Both Virgo and Scorpio rising are supportive, loyal, and dependable; they’ll easily win each other’s trust.
   • Worst Matches: Libra Rising and Aries Rising. Aries rising can be too blunt and brash for sensitive Scorpio rising, while Libra rising may struggle to win Scorpio’s trust if they don’t open up emotionally to Scorpio rising.
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   Sagittarius Rising Compatibility Adventurous, philosophical Sagittarius rising pairs well with Gemini, Aries, and Leo rising. Sagittarius rising individuals have an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and exploration; they love to travel and are super independent. That’s why they’re a great match for fellow fire signs Leo and Aries rising, who can both keep up with a restless Sagittarius. Gemini rising is attracted to a Sagittarius rising’s energy—and Sag loves Gemini’s curiosity and cleverness.

   • Honorable Mentions: Libra rising. Libra rising individuals are easygoing and fun to be around, which makes them a solid match for Sagittarius rising.
   • Worst Matches: Scorpio and Taurus rising. Sagittarius rising is so fiercely individualistic that it can be tough for Scorpio and Taurus rising to establish trust with them.
     • Delgado adds that this is another case where an extroverted rising sign like Sagittarius (the wanderer) might not work well with introverted rising signs like Virgo.
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    Capricorn Rising Compatibility Responsible, ambitious Capricorn rising is super compatible with Cancer, Taurus, and Virgo rising. Capricorn rising signs are known for their intense discipline and desire to succeed in life, though they’re also very reliable. Rising signs like Cancer, Taurus, and Virgo are good matches because they understand (and appreciate) Capricorn’s seriousness and drive. As fellow earth signs, Taurus and Virgo rising also understand Capricorn emotionally.

    • Best Matches: Cancer Rising, Taurus Rising, and Virgo Rising.
      • Delgado also says Capricorn and Capricorn Risings are a strong match: “Both are very conscious and aware.” She adds that they’re also “more private, classy, grounded, and practical.”
    • Honorable Mentions: Scorpio Rising. Scorpio rising’s depth, mysteriousness, and reliability are all super intriguing to a Capricorn rising individual.
    • Worst Matches: Sagittarius and Gemini Rising. Sag and Gemini rising aren’t very grounded and may find a methodical, down-to-earth Capricorn a little stifling, while Capricorn rising may want a more dependable partner.
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    Aquarius Rising Compatibility A visionary Aquarius rising is most likely to hit it off with Leo, Gemini, and Libra rising signs. Aquarius rising is an air sign dedicated to creating meaningful changes in society. They tend to have bold, revolutionary ideas—and mesh well with signs that respect how their mind works. Air signs Gemini and Libra rising understand (and match) Aquarius’ intellect, while Leo rising can bring out Aquarius’ individuality and shine a spotlight on their grand ideas.

    • Best Matches: Leo Rising, Gemini Rising, and Libra Rising.
    • Honorable Mentions: Sagittarius Rising. Sagittarius rising individuals are very philosophical and likely to appreciate Aquarius rising’s unconventional ideas.
    • Worst Matches: Cancer Rising and Capricorn Rising. Both Cancer and Capricorn rising might be a bit too traditional for forward-thinking Aquarius rising; their worldviews will likely clash.
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    Pisces Rising Compatibility Dreamy, creative Pisces rising is an emotional water sign that’s most compatible with Virgo, Cancer, and Scorpio rising. Pisces rising signs are very connected to their emotions; they’re sensitive, intuitive, and thoughtful. Thus, fellow water signs Cancer and Scorpio rising align well with Pisces, as they share Pisces’ emotional nature. Virgo rising, on the other hand, is very attracted to Pisces rising’s strong imagination.

    • Best Matches: Virgo Rising, Cancer Rising, and Scorpio Rising.
    • Honorable Mentions: Capricorn Rising. The stability and trustworthiness of a Capricorn rising sign are sure to excite and captivate a Pisces rising.
    • Worst Matches: Leo Rising and Aquarius Rising. Both Leo and Aquarius rising are more ego-driven than Pisces rising, so it can be hard for Pisces rising to communicate with these signs.
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Section 2 of 3:

What is a rising sign?

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1. 
   Your rising sign represents how the world sees you. In astrology, your rising sign (also called your “ascendant”) describes the first impression you tend to give off when other people meet you. While your Sun sign is all about your core personality traits, your rising sign is the persona you tend to have around others, especially those you don’t know very well. It’s all about “your [outward] nature, how you look, your personality, and your overall appearance,” affirms Vedic astrologer Tara Divina. Your rising sign can also tell you a lot about the types of people you’re most likely to hit it off with and what you may be looking for in a partner

   • How is your rising sign determined? Your rising sign is determined by the “time, date, and location of your birth,” says astrologer Julia Topaz. On your chart, it “represents the point on the horizon at the time you were born, so it’s very time-sensitive.”
   • Don’t know your rising sign? Use our tutorial to find your rising sign and better understand how rising sign compatibility affects you! You can also get extra reader tips from our forum discussion on rising signs.
     • Keep in mind that rising signs “change about every two hours,” according to Topaz, “so you need a fairly accurate birth time to determine [yours] correctly.”
     • If you aren’t sure of your birth time, Topaz suggests checking with a parent, looking in a baby book, or consulting your birth certificate.

Section 3 of 3:

Is the sun or the rising sign more important for compatibility?

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1. Your sun and rising signs are equally important for determining compatibility. When reading your astrological chart, it’s crucial to analyze all of your placements to consider who you may (or may not) be compatible with—“compatibility is more about the…overall birth chart,” says Topaz. Since your sun and rising sign represent two different parts of who you are, your ideal partner would be able to balance out both of those parts of you—not to mention, they should also balance out your moon sign and descendant placement! So, in a nutshell, our answer is that you need to read your entire birth chart to truly understand your compatibility with other signs.

   • Delgado says that rising signs are “the captain of our entire chart,” helping determine our life direction. “It’s highly valuable to look at for compatibility.”
   • Or, if you have a specific person in mind, you can generate a compatibility chart for your two signs and learn how to read it. You can also hire a reputable, professional astrologer to do that analysis for you!
   • It’s also worth noting that astrological compatibility isn’t a hard and fast rule. “Some of the most seemingly incompatible matches can actually be the most karmic,” explain astrologers Tali & Ophira Edut. “We believe that everyone enters your life for a reason.”
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