Ready to Make the First Move? Lead With Your Rising Sign
By Amelia Quint
Crafting the perfect opening message on Bumble can be as nerve-wracking as it is exciting. How do you stand out and let someone know you’re into them with just one line? Luckily, the stars can help you navigate this! In astrology, your rising sign lets you know the first impression you make on other people—so, if you’re ready to make the first move, knowing yours can help you write an opening line that’s both true to you and sets you apart.
Here’s how it works: your rising sign (also called your ascendant) is the sign that was rising on the horizon at the moment you were born. It reveals your outlook on life and how you present yourself to the world, as well as how the world sees you. It’s a deep and ingrained part of your personality, so letting that shine through early on in the conversation will make for a more authentic connection.
Not sure how to find your rising sign? Pull up your favorite astrology app or site and grab a copy of your birth chart. Got it? Read on for your sign’s opening line!
Aries Rising
As the first sign of the zodiac, making the first move is your strong suit. You’re confident and unafraid to show it, striking up conversations with matches and anyone else you’re excited to meet with ease. You’re independent and a natural leader, so you’ve probably got a few entrepreneurial ventures (or at least ideas) in the works at all times. You’re a competitive spirit and want to win everyone over, and luckily for you, it’s hard to resist your innate enthusiasm for what you love—whether it’s a new project, beloved cause, or favorite film.
Your first move is: Direct. You shine when you get straight to the point and make your pitch! A straightforward opener like “Love that [insert band name from their profile photo] tee! Hopefully you’ll wear it on our first date?” This lets them know exactly where you want things to go.
Taurus Rising
If there’s one thing your rising sign excels in, it’s feeling good. With sensual Venus as your ruler, luxury is your main motive. You’re a connoisseur of good food and great company, and you’re looking for other people who can appreciate the experiences you curate so well. That level of indulgence is great for a first date, but it’s important to find sustainable ways to treat yourselves as the relationship unfolds. Fortunately, you’re up to the task and are never short on invitations for the best restaurants, galleries, theaters, and more.
Your first move is: Delicious. Everyone loves to eat, so ask your match a culinary question like “What’s your go-to takeout order?” or “What’s the best meal you’ve ever eaten?” That’ll get things cooking.
Gemini Rising
You’re ruled by Mercury, the zodiac’s messenger, so sparkling conversation is your specialty. No one has a better back catalog of memes for every situation than you, or can tell a story about their day like it was written for “Saturday Night Live.” That clever sense of humor puts people at ease in your presence and helps you build vibrant communities full of kindred spirits related to your favorite interests, whether it’s a book club or game night group.
Your first move is: Funny. A silly pickup line that’s one part charm, one part dad joke—think “I’m here! What were your other two wishes again?”—can diffuse any tension and let your match know that you don’t take yourself too seriously.
Cancer Rising
No one knows comfort like a Cancer. You’ve got an innate sense of other people’s needs, and your emotional intelligence is off the charts. That’s why you care so much about being of service, whether it’s through your work or by supporting organizations taking action to make the world a better place. You’re ruled by the moon, which means your energy levels can go up and down at times, but you’ve also got an impressive self-care practice.
Your first move is: Empathetic. Questions like “Be honest. How are you *really* feeling today?” or “What’s your happy place?” This lets your match know that you’re looking for someone who can let their sensitive side show.
Leo Rising
With the sun as your patron, you’re always in the spotlight. There’s a natural warmth to your personality that attracts people into your orbit, and you aren’t afraid to let your talents shine. Leo is the zodiac’s performer, so there’s a good chance you’ve got some serious chops when it comes to music, comedy, acting, or just getting the whole room singing at karaoke night. You want love to feel spectacular, like something out of a movie, and won’t settle for anything less—nor should you.
Your first move is: Creative. Sharing the same taste in movies and music is a necessity for you, so test that compatibility early with an artistically-minded question like, “What’s the best concert you’ve ever been to?” or “What’s the last show you binged?”
Virgo Rising
When it comes to romance (and pretty much everything else), you’re looking for a meeting of the minds. There’s nothing you love more than a deep conversation that delves into a topic that piques your curiosity. Nerding out is your love language, and finding someone who’s ready to learn alongside you is the best feeling in the world. As the zodiac’s editor, you’re naturally gifted at noticing patterns in people and the world at large. You’ve got wildly high standards for your partner, but it’s more about finding the right match than being picky.
Your first move is: Intellectual. Pick their brain about something they’ve strategically placed in their photos to show you’re paying attention and find out what they’re into! Something like “Wow, that’s an impressive bookshelf!” is a great opener. (And if they haven’t managed to squeeze their shelves into their profile pics, you could ask who their favorite author is, or let them know yours!)
Libra Rising
As the sign of relationships, love is always at the top of your priority list. But this runs deeper than just crushes, into deep passion for the things, places, and people you adore, including friends and creative collaborators too. For date night, you have a soft spot for old-school romance and glamour, flowers and all. Dressing up for the occasion always sets a romantic mood in your world, whether it’s a date night or running out to get coffee. For you, it’s a way of practicing self-love, which is just as essential as any other kind.
Your first move is: Romantic. There’s nothing wrong with skipping the clever lines and letting your match know that you’re into them, plain and simple! Muster up the courage to let your match know you’re truly interested in them and see what happens next.
Scorpio Rising
There’s nothing you love quite as much as a good mystery. You’re the zodiac’s detective, and you apply those natural instincts to everything from figuring out complicated situations and ideas to research, business, and understanding what makes other people tick. You know better than anyone that everything in life has layers to it. This makes you sensitive to the fact that everyone’s fighting their own tough battles. You’ve probably fought a few of your own, too—but you always come out on top thanks to your fierce determination and sharp intuition.
Your first move is: Daring. You’re always ready to go beyond surface-level conversation, so ask your match to play an ice-breaker game like “two truths and a lie,” and see if they’re up to the challenge.
Sagittarius Rising
As the zodiac’s intrepid explorer, you’re always on the move. The whole world is your playground, and with growth-minded Jupiter as your ruler, you’re always looking to expand your reach by traveling to new places or opening your mind to other cultures, philosophies, and ideals. You’re an unflappable optimist and never let one thing get you down for too long. When it comes to relationships, you love your freedom and need a partner who’s ready to go on the journey with you, not fence you in.
Your first move is: Adventurous. If you spot someone with a photo in an interesting place, ask them about it! Or get them to dream big with you about future trips with a quick question like: “If you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would it be?”
Capricorn Rising
You’re serious and know what you value. That’s because your rising sign is ruled by no-nonsense Saturn, which gives you the intense focus and ambition needed to achieve your lofty goals. Your career is important to you, but not just for the material rewards. You’re building something to last, and you apply that same principle to your relationships too. Your realism is one of your greatest strengths, but make sure it doesn’t veer into pessimism, especially when it comes to love. Once you commit, you’re in it for the long haul.
Your first move is: Straightforward. You care about time and aren’t keen to waste it, especially if you’re really interested in someone. Get straight to the point with this one: “I tried for 10 minutes to craft the perfect first message, but didn’t want to keep you waiting, so hi!”
Aquarius Rising
As the zodiac’s rebel, you break the mold without even trying. You’re always two steps ahead of everyone around you, making you a pop culture genius and excellent problem solver. Even if you’re out of sync with the world at times, you’d rather dance to your own beat than follow someone else’s. You treat life like a big experiment, approaching it with curiosity and open-mindedness. When it comes to romance, the chemistry has to be off the charts to keep your attention.
Your first move is: Unconventional. You want your message to get your match thinking! Ask about a niche interest they mentioned in their profile or lead with an intriguing question like, “If you could be invisible for a day, what would you do?”
Pisces Rising
For you, everything in life is a work of art. You recognize and appreciate the beauty in the world around you, especially when it comes to music and film. Creativity is your natural state of being, and you’re at your best when you have free reign to express your emotions through passion projects. Your profound sensitivity makes you a compassionate partner, but make sure they’re someone who supports your boundaries instead of pushing them. Once you’ve found the right person, your love life can feel like a total fantasy.
Your first move is: Dreamy, literally. You love exploring the spiritual side of life, so give your opening line a magical twist with a question like, “Do you remember your dreams?” Or, check their profile for the zodiac badge to see if your stars align!