Often deemed millennial silliness these days, the 12 signs of the zodiac have some pretty ancient roots, with their modern forms attributed to the ancient Greeks. We’re talking thousands of years here, so maybe there’s some truth to be found in the night sky, after all. Although astrology is an extremely complex study, the most fundamental principle centers on the 12 familiar star signs of the zodiac.
Our ascendant sign, also known as our rising sign, comes from what sign was rising on the Eastern horizon the moment you came into this world. The ascendant sign represents the way you appear to others. This includes your physical appearance, your mannerisms, the type of first impression you give to others, and overall how you project yourself. Because the ascendant sign deals with appearance, the sign that your ascendant is in can influence your physical traits, including your facial features and body shape.
Your ascendant sign can identify physical characteristics. A Cancer ascendant might have a heart-shaped figure and an Aries ascendant broad shoulders. Ready, to find out how your ascending zodiac sign influences your physical appearance?
ASTROLOGY & YOUR HEALTH: 12 ZODIAC SIGNS - PHYSICAL BODY & ENERGY CENTERS
The Rising Signs and Their Physical Traits
Aries (March 21 - April 19)
Aries, being the first of the zodiac, are known to be natural born leaders. Aries rising people usually have distinct facial features: birthmarks, scars, and are often considered to be “baby faced”, looking much younger than they are. Aries usually have a strong nose, a flashing smile, and sparkling eyes. Aries risings often have broad shoulders and slim hips on a muscular figure. They are often perceived as confident, loud, and independent. They value honesty, but are also known to be quite stubborn and blunt.
Read also: Understanding Lucifer's Role
Taurus (April 20 - May 20)
Laid-back and stable, Taurus is a sign that enjoys simple comforts of life and relationships. Taurus rising usually have large round eyes and small ears. Their hair and eyes tend to be dark and have naturally curly hair. Ruled by the neck, Taurus ascendants often have a distinct neck that makes them stand out, either very delicate or very thick. They’re hard workers, and they know what they want, typically being unwavering in their pursuit of their goals and ideals.
Gemini (May 21 - June 20)
Geminis may be known as the sign with two faces, but that doesn’t have to be a bad thing. The first thing you’ll notice about a Gemini ascendant is their mouth because it’s always moving! Their face is an open book-extremely easy to read. Gemini ascendants are often very tall with lithe bodies. Intelligent and socially apt, Geminis are strong communicators with dynamic personalities. They are often considered the most emotionally intelligent of the signs thanks to their ability to see things from different perspectives.
Cancer (June 21 - July 22)
Read also: Divine Blessings & Zodiac
What is it about Cancers that so many bodybuilding legends fall under this star sign? Cancer ascendants are famous for their full round faces, similar to the full moon they are ruled by. Along with their round face, Cancer ascendants usually have fuller, heart-shaped figures. They typically have soft features, high cheekbones, and very expressive faces. Cancers are deep, emotional signs, not what you’d typically expect from a stereotypical man of iron. Maybe it’s because Cancers are resilient signs; they get knocked down seven times, and you’d better believe this water sign is getting up eight.
Leo (July 23 - August 22)
Is anyone surprised that Arnold, one of the most iconic and legendary bodybuilders of all time, is a Leo? Leos, like the lions that represented them, are proud individuals who love to be the center of attention. The first thing you’ll notice about a Leo ascendant is their hair. Just like their symbol, Leo risings always have a full mane of hair that makes them distinct. Their hair is usually full and thick and rests on a well-shaped face. Leos are natural leaders, which goes to show why Schwarzenegger was able to change the game of professional bodybuilding in the ways he did. Schwarzenegger’s illustrious career in bodybuilding, film, and politics speaks for the sign’s courage, showmanship, and strength.
Virgo (August 23 - September 22)
Virgos are a force to be reckoned with in their own right. Virgo ascendants typically have gentle features, including a delicate nose, curvy lips, and bright, clear eyes on an oval face. Virgos are intelligent, organized, and will always get the job done.
Read also: Celebrating Tia Mowry's Career
Libra (September 23 - October 22)
This sign’s symbol says it all: Libras need balance. Ruled by Venus, Libra ascendants are usually blessed with attractive features, including a good complexion, pouty lips, defined noses, and heart-shaped or ovals faces. They are socially intelligent and natural negotiators, and they don’t cause drama. Libras are a sign driven by aesthetics, and if you’ve learned anything from bodybuilding, there’s no shame in being vain.
Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)
We found more IFBB Professional League bodybuilders to be Scorpios than any other sign and, honestly, no one is surprised. The first thing most notice about a Scorpio rising is their eyes. No matter the color or shape, their eyes are always magnetic, piercing, and hypnotic. Scorpio risings have a very serious demeanor and have a natural poker face that is tattooed on. Scorpio ascendants have powerful physiques despite their often short or stout stature. Scorpios are famous for their passion, drive, and individuality, as well as being the most sexually charged of all the star signs. They are often seen as dark and intimidating to those outside of their inner circle (like all the people who think the pro-bodybuilding physique is “scary”), but once you’ve earned their trust, they’ll fight for you until the end.
Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21)
You can’t hold a Sagittarius back, which explains why Phil Heath won’t be held back in the world of bodybuilding and is already gearing up for the next Olympia. Like their open minds, Sagittarius ascendants have very open faces with broad foreheads and cheerful expressions. Their eyes are very expressive and always look with curiosity. Sagittarius ascendants often have an athletic build with long arms and legs that are strong and toned with little effort. Sagittarius are creative and strong-willed individuals-and are always down for adventure, as long as they can go their own path.
Capricorn (December 22 - January 19)
The true workaholic of the zodiac, Capricorns will put all other bodybuilders to shame with their dedication to their diet and physique. Capricorn ascendants usually appear older than they look. Even as children, they looked and acted like little adults with their serious expressions, and deep-set eyes. Capricorns don’t have dreams, they have goals, and they are most likely to achieve those goals because that’s just what Capricorns do. Practical and frugal, Capricorns will be raking in those brand deals and flexing on Instagram in their product-placement athleisure, but looking like the GOAT while doing it.
Aquarius (January 20 - February 18)
Aquarius can be a strange bunch, and if you’ve ever watched Chris Bumstead goofing around on YouTube, you’d know this to be totally true. Aquarius ascendants usually have very unique facial features making them truly one-of-a-kind. Aquarius ascendants are usually very tall, with long torsos, broad shoulders and hips, and shapely legs. The Aquarius is an independent, thoughtful sign, but you wouldn’t guess that by looking at them. They can often be quiet and focused.
Pisces (February 19 - March 20)
Pisces is the most artistic of the zodiac, so they would definitely have a deep appreciation for the craftsmanship of bodybuilding. Pisces ascendants typically have a dreamy expression on their soft, round faces and eyes and usually looking off, lost in their daydreams. Pisces ascendants are usually shorter than average with a pear-shaped body and smaller feet. Pisces are empathic, intuitive signs, and they take it particularly hard when their work is criticized or dismissed.
The Man of the Signs
Ancient astrologers believed that each astrological sign of the zodiac influenced a specific part of the body, e.g., the sign of the feet, the sign of the knees, the sign of the head, etc. The Man of the Signs was created to represent this belief visually.
Early Almanac readers were thoroughly familiar with The Man of the Signs. It was not mere superstition, but a trusted guide that they consulted before undertaking any important task.
Specifically, they looked for when the Moon was in the astrological sign associated with a certain body part to direct them, sometimes also taking into account the Moon’s phase. These readers deeply understood the connection between celestial bodies and earthly matters. They saw the signs of the Zodiac and the phases of the Moon as powerful forces that could profoundly influence their lives; by paying attention to the Moon’s changes, readers felt a sense of harmony with the universe and a greater hope of success in their endeavors.
How to Follow the Man of the Signs
The first sign of the zodiac-Aries-is attributed to the head, with the rest of the signs moving down the body, ending with Pisces at the feet. Consult the chart below to see which body parts are associated with which signs and dates. According to astrology, it is considered a poor time to do an activity that involves the given body part within the associated range of dates.
For example, because Aries is connected to the head, it would be considered unfavorable to have an eye examination during Aries (March 21 to April 20).
| Sign | Symbol | Body Part |
|---|---|---|
| Aries | ♈ | Head |
| Taurus | ♉️ | Neck |
| Gemini | ♊️ | Arms |
| Cancer | ♋️ | Breast |
| Leo | ♌️ | Heart |
| Virgo | ♍️ | Belly |
| Libra | ♎ | Reins |
| Scorpio | ♏ | Secrets |
| Sagittarius | ♐ | Thighs |
| Capricorn | ♑ | Knees |
| Aquarius | ♒ | Legs |
| Pisces | ♓ | Feet |
Just as in earlier times, Almanac readers today use our astrological tables to determine the timing of various events.