Aries. The first sign of the zodiac. v. Signs.
Armillary Sphere. A skeleton sphere suggested by concentric rings which represent the relative
positions of the celestial circles of the equator and the ecliptic revolving within a horizon and
meridian divided into degrees of longitude and latitude. It was invented by Eratosthenes (q.v.),
who by this means computed the size of the Earth, and inclination of the ecliptic to the equator;
also the latitude of the city of Alexandria. The armillary sphere is frequently used as a
decoration, such as the beautiful specimen cast in bronze and supported on the shoulders of
Atlas, which adorns the entrance to Rockerfeller Plaza in New York.
Ascendant. The degree of the Zodiac which appeared on the eastern horizon at the moment for
which a Figure is to be cast. It is often loosely applied to the whole of the Rising Sign and to the
entire First House as well as specifically to the exact degree on the horizon. With reference to a
Birth Figure it signifies properly the east point of the same, placed at the left thereof (v. Map of
the Heavens); hence the Sign and the degree thereof are distinguished as the Rising Sign (q.v.)
and the Rising Degree. A planet between the lower meridian and the eastern horizon is
ascending by virtue of the Earth's rotation, but it does not arrive at the Ascendant until it reaches
the last degree of the nocturnal semi-arc.
Old authority speaks of the Ascendant as the Horoscope, and of all planets in the eastern
segment of the Figure as Ascendant planets since all are actually rising, but in course of time this
term has become obsolete. Only those planets that are within orbs of a conjunction with the
Rising Degree, or that are in the First House, are said to be in the Ascendant. Some authorities
deem that a planet in the last 12 degrees of the Twelfth House should be interpreted as a First
House planet.
Ascending. A term loosely applied to any planet on the eastward side of the line between the
cusps of the Fourth and Tenth Houses, which by the diurnal motion of the Earth is rising in the
heavens. More precisely it applies to a planet on, or near, the eastern horizon, or in the First
House. A planet oriental and matutine to the Sun is said to ascend to the Sun. One that is
occidental and vespertine to the Moon is said to ascend to the Moon. Ptolemy describes the
luminaries, when so placed, as guarded.
A. Latitude. The increasing latitude of a planet moving toward the north pole of the Ecliptic.
A. Signs. v. Signs.
Ascension. The vertical rising of a planet above the Ecliptic, equator or horizon. Right
Ascension, the circle of declination reckoned toward the east from 0° Aries, measured in the
plane of the Equator. Oblique Ascension, measured on the Prime Vertical. The Midheaven is
directed by Right Ascension; the Ascendant by Oblique Ascension.