ascendant

Concise Oxford English Dictionary © 2008 Oxford University Press:
ascendant /əˈsendənt/ (also ascendent)

▶adjective

• 1 holding a position of increasing status or influence.

• 2 Astrology (of a planet, zodiacal degree, or sign) on or close to the intersection of the ecliptic with the eastern horizon.

▶noun Astrology the ascendant point.

– phrases
in the ascendant rising in power or influence.

– derivatives
ascendancy noun.