Astrology has become such a popular subject in recent years that almost everyone knows his or her sun sign. While the sun sign describes an individual's fundamental character, desires, and needs, it is the rising sign, or ascendant, that describes the part of the personality that is most easily expressed; it describes how a person allows others to see him. Nature has symbolic ways of showing us patterns. Think of a chick breaking through its shell, a butterfly in its cocoon. When that creature can deal with life on its own, it is able to dispense with its protective vehicle. It emerges, and reveals inner life and beauty. Many times an individual's deepest, innermost self is quite different from the picture he presents. If an individual can grow past his facade and barriers, he may find untold riches, but as long as he needs safety devices, he may "hide" behind the outer personality described by the ascendant. The first step toward growth is awareness. With its insightful exploration of the masks we choose to wear, THE RISING SIGN is one such first step. Astrology has become such a popular subject in recent years that almost everyone knows his or her sun sign. While the sun sign describes an individual's fundamental character, desires, and needs, it is the rising sign, or ascendant, that describes the part of the personality that is most easily expressed; it describes how a person allows others to see him. Nature has symbolic ways of showing us patterns. Think of a chick breaking through its shell, a butterfly in its cocoon. When that creature can deal with life on its own, it is able to dispense with its protective vehicle. It emerges, and reveals inner life and beauty. Many times an individual's deepest, innermost self is quite different from the picture he presents. If an individual can grow past his facade and barriers, he may find untold riches, but as long as he needs safety devices, he may "hide" behind the outer personality described by the ascendant. The first step toward growth is awareness. With its insightful exploration of the masks we choose to wear, THE RISING SIGN is one such first step.