Sun or Ascendant: Evolution of Their Influence Over Time

Introduction

In astrology, the Ascendant and the Sun represent two fundamental facets of our personality. The Sun embodies our deep essence, our inner self, while the Ascendant is our social mask, our way of approaching the world and interacting with others.

However, a frequently debated question is whether, as we age, we grow closer to our Ascendant or our Sun. Two opposing viewpoints exist on this subject, each offering a unique perspective on how we evolve over time.

1st Viewpoint: A Shift Toward the Ascendant With Age

Some astrologers believe that we progressively grow closer to our Ascendant as we age. According to this view, the Ascendant represents the character traits we develop to navigate the external world.

As we mature, we learn to better manage social situations and harmonize our inner self with the reality around us. The Ascendant then becomes more authentic, as the masks of youth merge into a version of our personality that is more aligned.

For these astrologers, the Ascendant can be seen as a kind of "destiny" or social role that we are meant to embody and master. For instance, a person with a Libra Ascendant might develop diplomacy and a sense of justice that become essential in their adult life, even if they didn't strongly identify with these qualities in their youth.

In this sense, the Ascendant is no longer merely a facade, but an essential aspect of our being that we fully integrate over time.

In Sigmund Freud's birth chart, the Sun is in Taurus and the Ascendant in Scorpio. The planetary cluster in Taurus suggests that even if there is an evolution over time, Taurus values remain important regardless.

2nd Viewpoint: A Return to the Sun With Age

Conversely, other astrologers believe that as we age, we detach from the social influences of the Ascendant and return to our Sun, the symbol of our true nature. This possibility is based on the idea that, with maturity, we become less dependent on others' perceptions and more focused on what resonates within us.

The Sun, representing our vital energy, ego, and source of creativity, would then take on a greater role, as we no longer feel the need to prove anything or conform to external expectations.

From this perspective, the process of personal evolution involves gradually shedding the "masks" of the Ascendant to express the qualities of the Sun more freely and authentically.

For example, a person with a Sun in Leo might, with age, reconnect with a natural confidence and creativity they may have suppressed in youth to fit in socially. This leads to a kind of self-realignment, a solar authenticity that grows stronger with time.

In Ewan McGregor's birth chart, the Sun is in the vibrant sign of Aries, while the Ascendant is in the diplomatic sign of Libra. Both signs hold significant weight here, with a planetary duo on one side and Uranus along with the Ascendant on the other.

Conclusion

In our opinion on Astrotheme, we tend to favor this second view, that appearance becomes less important over time, and we increasingly seek to be "ourselves," prioritizing authenticity as others' perceptions gradually become less essential.

Both perspectives, in reality, are valid and can coexist. It's likely that a person's astrological development doesn't occur in just one direction but rather integrates the qualities of both the Sun and the Ascendant over time.

The journey toward maturity could thus be seen as an assimilation of these two poles, where the Ascendant ceases to be a rigid mask and the Sun an inner source that's held back. Together, they create a harmony that allows an individual to express their true nature while remaining in tune with others.

Thus, from this balanced perspective, astrological maturity is less about choosing between Sun and Ascendant than about learning to embody both in an authentic and integrated way.

Of course, regardless of these general considerations, certain factors related to the specific configuration of the natal chart will emphasize either the Sun or the Ascendant. For instance, if a cluster of planets is in the Sun's sign or house, or conversely in the Ascendant's sign, or if there are tight conjunctions between planets, this will influence how the balance between the Sun and Ascendant shifts over time.