Several factors influence how strong or weak the Ascendant is in the chart.

It is generally believed that the closer the Ascendant is to the starting point of a sign, the stronger it will be. This is because most of the first houses willfall into that sign. If the Ascendant descends later in the horoscope, then most of the 1st House will fall into the next sign, thereby diminishing the effect of the Ascendant's power.

The Ascendant is considered to have greater influence when the Sun is in a weak position in the chart. For example, tradition holds that when the Sun is placed at the base of the chart, near the imum coeli, or IC, it is in a weaker position. This is because when the native was born, the Sun was actually on the other side of the Earth, hidden from view.

According to some, if the Sun is not aspect, then its influence may also be weaker; in other words, if it is not in phase with other planets No cardinal aspects are formed (conjunction, opposition, trinity, square or sextile).

The Sun in an intercepted sign means it has no cusp and may be weaker.

Another factor regarding the Ascendant Effect is that people become more like their Sun Sign around age 29, as they age and become more confident, as the Sun embodies basic self-energy and self-esteem, so There may be less need to show a public face to others. There are also theories that when a progressed Ascendant moves into the next sign, it dilutes the influence of the natal Ascendant.