ASCENDENT

ASCENDENT, in Astrology, the Horoscope: or the Degree of the Equator intersecting the Horizon at the Time of the Birth of anyone. See HOROSCOPE. This is supposed to have an Influence on his Life and Fortune, by giving him a Bent and propensity to one thing more than another. See NATIVITY, &c. In the Celestial Theme, this is also called the First House, the Oriental Angle, and the Significator of Life. See HOUSE, THEME, SIGNIFICATOR, &c. Such a Planet ruled in his Ascendant.—Jupiter was in his Ascendant, &c. Hence the Word is also used in a moral Sense, for some Supremacies which one Man has over another, from some unknown Cause.