The Houses are essential to interpreting birth charts, and their placement influences a person’s life circumstances, personality traits, and tendencies. Your astrological birth chart is made up of 12 houses, which represent the different areas of life that are affected by the movements of the Luminaries, the Sun and moon, planets, asteroids and fixed star constellations.
These houses are divided based on the rotation of the earth around its axis over a 24-hour period, with each House covering a two-hour window, where the luminaries and planets are placed in your natal chart depends on the time, date and place of birth of your birth.
This detailed chart plays a crucial role in providing astrologers with deeper insight into your personality traits and tendencies.
The natal chart is visually represented as a wheel, which spans 360 degrees and is separated into 12 sections or houses.
Houses are one of the most essential concepts in Western astrology, and they are an integral part of any natal chart.
Put simply; houses represent the various areas of life in which we express ourselves.
The position of planets and signs in each House reveals additional details about a person’s life events and personality traits.
Because each of the twelve houses governs a particular area of our lives, it’s essential to understand what each House represents to interpret astrological readings accurately.
In this blog post, I will delve into the fascinating world of western astrology’s houses, exploring what they are and how they are divided.
I will discuss the themes and energies of each House and how they interact with the planets and other factors in a person’s chart.
Whether you’re a seasoned astrologer or just starting to learn about this ancient art, this post aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the houses’ essential concepts and teachings.
1st House of self
2nd House of value- the things that belong to me – your possessions
3rd house now-communication- your local location- the place you are the most
4th House, personal life- family
5th House of pleasure- the love you give
6th House of health and hygiene
7th House of partnerships- your significant others- business or life partner(s)
8th House of transformations- other people, things- possessions
9th House of purpose- beliefs far way places or deeper meanings in life
10th House of status- social and business life
11th House of groups and friendship the love you get from others
12th House of the subconscious your psychological and spiritual health
As discussed, the Houses in Western astrology are crucial in creating a horoscope chart.
The chart represents a circle, divided into twelve sections or houses, each of which signifies different fields of life.
The houses are split into four quadrants, each consisting of three houses- which I will discuss later.
They are labelled with numbers one through twelve, starting with the Ascendant, which is also known as the “rising sign.”
The Ascendant or rising sign determines the cusp of the first House, this arrangement helps to determine the order of the other houses, which follow the same counter-clockwise pattern.
So if the first House is 9 am or pm on a clock, the 2nd House starts at 11 clock and so on.
The rising sign is the astrological rising on the eastern horizon when an individual is born.
The signs and planets that occupy the 12 houses are determined by the earth’s position related to the constellations at the time and place of an individual’s birth.
The placement of the planets in each House at the time of birth provides valuable insight into the individual’s character, potential, strengths, and weaknesses.
Each House has a different meaning and can influence all aspects of human life, such as relationships, career, health, creativity, and spirituality.
The placement of planets and signs within a specific house of a natal chart can also provide insight into the energy and influences affecting that area of life at different times in a person’s life.
Therefore, gaining a good grasp of the houses and their significance can help you gain holistic insight into yourself and your life, leading to positive personal growth and development.
In Western astrology, using the equal House system has an equal portion of the zodiac sign, giving each House thirty degrees of space, although in some houses systems, some houses have more or less than 30 degrees.
Still, the most popular system used in western-tropical astrology is the Placidus house system; this system stands apart from other house systems because the houses are not uniformly sized.
Rather, the dimensions of each House are determined by the latitude of the place and the time of year when the individual was born.
As a result, there can be notable discrepancies in the sizes of the houses, with some being notably larger than others.
As mentioned, each House normally covers 30 degrees of the zodiac and the planets that fall in a particular House influence the areas of life that the House represents.
For example, Venus is in the fifth House; that person may experience love, romance, and creativity in their life.
On the other hand, if Saturn falls is in the eighth House, that person may face challenges related to transformation, death, and finances.
By understanding the placement of planets in different houses, astrologers can provide insights into an individual’s life path and help them navigate specific challenges and opportunities.
"Saturn in the 12th house: You'll be broke, but at least you'll be philosophical about it."
If you have this placement, don’t worry, it’s not all doom and gloom. According to astrologers, you may not have much money, but at least you’ll have a philosophical outlook on your financial struggles.
Perhaps you’ll find solace in the words of ancient philosophers as you eat your ramen noodles for the third night in a row.
And who needs a fat bank account anyway when you have an abundance of deep thoughts, right? Just keep telling yourself that.
On the bright side, you can always blame your broke status on the stars, which is a perfectly legitimate excuse, in our opinion. So, embrace your Saturn in the 12th House and let your inner philosopher shine through your empty pockets.
Moon in the 2nd House, be prepared to have a full bank account because money flows easily to you.
But, hold on to your cheeseburgers and pizzas, as this placement suggests you’ll spend it all on food.
Yes, you heard it right – all your hard-earned money will be spent on delicious, mouth-watering meals that don’t necessarily align with your fitness goals.
So, if you’re planning on losing weight, you might want to stay away from this placement.
On the bright side, at least you won’t have to worry about going hungry, and you’ll be the life of the party when the pizza arrives!
Venus in the 7th House apparently means you’ll be the hot friend everyone wants to hang out with, but the catch? You’ll never find true love.
Oops! So I guess enjoy being the life of the party, but don’t expect to find your soulmate anytime soon.
Who needs love when you look so good, right? But don’t worry; this is just one interpretation of Venus in the 7th House. Take it with a grain of salt, and keep living your fabulous life.
The stars may not have it all figured out, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have a laugh about it.
Houses 1-6 in Western astrology are known as personal houses.
Each of these six houses represents different aspects of an individual’s life.
The first House, also known as the Ascendant, represents the person’s identity, how they see themselves, and their physical appearance.
The Second House represents personal finances and material possessions.
The Third House represents communication, siblings, and short-distance travel.
The Fourth House represents home and family, including the individual’s roots and the role of the mother in their life.
The fifth House represents creativity, romance, and self-expression.
The Sixth House represents work, health, and daily routines.
As mentioned, the first 6th House are the building blocks for the final six houses; hence the 1st House is improved in the 7th House.
The 2nd House is mastered in the 8th, the 3rd House refined in the 9th, and the 4th House is perfected in the 10th.
The 5th House is balanced in the 11th House, and the duties of the 6th House are understood in the 12th.
The 1st House represents the basic skills we must learn to navigate life; we start building our identity in the first House.
In the 2nd House, we start to learn ethics, build our inner values, and gain access to the material information and things, i.e. money we need to survive.
In the 3rd, we start to know ourselves and the world in depth, still superficially, learning the first rules of realistic and practical thinking, even in the realms of the irrational.
In the 4th House, we learn to build security and a stable base- internal and external; in the 5th, we learn about creativity; in the 6th, we learn about work and other responsibilities, plus how we can improve ourselves through service and hard work.
These houses deal with the social and relational aspects of an individual’s life, focusing on how they interact with others on a personal and intimate level.
House 7 deals with one-to-one relationships, partnerships, and marriage.
It reflects how you relate to your significant other or close friends. House 8 deals with joint resources and values, including sex, death, and shared finances.
It reflects on how you give and receive support from others.
House 9 deals with higher education, philosophy, and long-distance travel. It reflects on how we learn and how we expand our beliefs.
House 10 deals with public image and career. It reflects on how the world sees you and how you represent yourself to society.
House 11 deals with community and social networks, including friendships and groups. It reflects on how you contribute to society and the groups you belong to.
Lastly, House 12 deals with the unconscious aspects of the psyche, including secrets, hidden enemies, and self-undoing. It reflects on how we deal with unresolved issues from the past and how we self-sabotage our growth.
The remaining houses are social and community houses, ending with the universal House, which is the 12th; here, we learn to lose ourselves to be ourselves, one of the many paradoxes of life.
Houses seventh through twelfth houses of astrology offer insight into how individuals respond, operate, and adjust to the greater societal demands.
These houses delve into the intricacies of human behaviour and provide a glimpse into the ways in which we navigate our roles within the community.
By examining the planetary placements within these houses, we can understand how we interact with others and the world around us, shedding light on our ability to contribute to the greater good.
In the 7th, we build on the first House by learning how to relate to others while being ourselves, working within boundaries, and learning cooperation.
In the 8th House, we start to let go, learning more about endings, letting go of relationships, behaviours and thought patterns that do not serve our higher purpose in life, or simply block us from moving forward.
In the 9th House, we improve the things we learned in the 3rd House, going deeper into information so it becomes knowledge; we do this by higher education, seeking spiritual, intellectual, philosophical or religious meaning; it is here we learn to aspire to be more.
Question our outdated beliefs and break the biased thinking we may have learned over our lifetime.
In the 10th House, we seek recognition for the security we found in the 4th House; here, we are rewarded or shunned for our efforts or lack thereof.
In the 11th House, we learn to use our creativity we awakened to in the 5th House more humanely and consciously, learning to work for a bigger purpose than ourselves. In contrast, in the 5th, we only look for advantages for ourselves; in the 11th House, we do tasks that can help the disadvantaged.
In the 12th House, our service turns selfless, and we learn to master our subconscious mind, doing the work to understand, heal and manage the unresolved trauma there directly affects our daily life, which the 6th House controls.
Also, in the 12th House, we train ourselves to view all aspects of our lives on a more collective – interpersonal level.
Here we learn our strengths and weakness and learn to manage them; we face our shadow- not-so-good behaviours, our self-destructive habits, addictions and thoughts, as well as the secrets we keep from ourselves and others.
So we can live a more balanced life and meet the obligations of the most critical thing we all are here on earth to learn- knowing and accepting ourselves, warts and all.
When it comes to an understanding the different ways energy is expressed in the zodiac signs in Western astrology, it is valuable to consider the concept of modalities.
Modalities refer to the quality of energy and how it is expressed, and they are divided into three categories: cardinal, fixed, and mutable.
The cardinal modality is energetic and initiatory, and it is associated with the start of new projects and activities.
Fixed energy is more stable and consistent, associated with perseverance and sticking to plans.
Mutable energy is adaptable and flexible, associated with change and the ability to shift gears.
Fire represents passion, creativity, and spontaneity. Those with strong fire placements in their birth chart are enthusiastic, courageous, and take risks.
Earth represents practicality, stability, and material possessions. People with many earth elements are grounded, reliable, and focused on tangible results.
Air embodies communication, ideas, and mental agility. Those with many aspects of plants in the air element are intelligent, analytical, and quick-witted.
Finally, water symbolises emotions, intuition, and spiritual depth. Those with a lot of water placements are compassionate, sensitive, and empathetic.
The concept of triplicities organises the twelve zodiac signs into four groups of three based on their shared element: fire, earth, air, and water.
Each group, also known as a triplicity, has three zodiac signs that share common fundamental qualities and behavioural traits that are associated with the element.
Fire signs are Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius, and they are passionate and quick-witted.
Earth signs are Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn, and they are practical and grounded. Air signs are intellectual, social, and Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius.
Lastly, water signs are Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces; they are emotional and intuitive.
So just like the zodiac signs have their elements, modalities and triplicities, so do the houses each zodiac sign lives in.
The zodiac signs and House share the same elements, modalities and triplicities.
But the houses also have their own divisions that provide extra information for understanding your natal chart.
As discussed, the placement of houses in astrology has significant implications on an individual’s personality and life purpose; the 12 houses represent different experiences and aspects of your personality- such as your strengths and weaknesses.
Each House is a piece of the astrology puzzle, and understanding their meanings can offer a newfound understanding of yourself and your journey through life.
So anyway, as I was saying just as astrological signs are divided into categories based on their modality (Cardinal, Fixed, and Mutable), houses are also grouped based on their mode of expression, Angular, Succedent, or Cadent.
Modality | Key phases | Houses |
Angular- these houses are accidentally dignified due to the urge to take the initiative- due to their cardinal qualities | Effort to act | 1st,4th,7th and 10th |
Succedent | Sanctuary -Safety and purpose- goals | 2nd, 5th, 8th and 11tth |
Cadent | Flexibility, communication, mindset | 3rd, 6th, 9th and 12th |
Angular houses, associated with the cardinal signs of Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn, are viewed as points of initiation and action.
These houses serve as the foundation for new beginnings and are closely tied to the individual’s drive to create and achieve.
On the other hand, succedent houses, linked to the fixed signs of Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius, represent purpose and stability. They are responsible for grounding individuals and providing a sense of direction and meaning to their actions.
These houses are valuable in ensuring that individuals remain focused and steadfast in their pursuits.
Finally, The Cadent houses symbolise versatility and flexibility, making them connected to the mutable signs of Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces.
These houses serve as significant points of transformation and promote personal evolution. People who have a powerful connection to the Cadent houses are more prone to adapt to change and thrive in new environments.
Each House also belongs to a triplicity understanding theses can help us uncover a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
Triplicity | Key phases | Houses |
Fire | Individuality – self-expression, force, impulse | 1st, 5th, 9th |
Earth | Practicality, Possessions, capital gains, comfort zone, hard work, logic, realistic | 2nd, 6th, 10th |
Water | Feeling, intuition, empathy, moodiness, spirituality | 3rd, 7th and 11th |
Air | Social, logical, communitive, idealistic, abstract—deductive reasoning | 4th, 8th and 12th |
The First House is associated with self-expression, personality, and individuality. The House governs how we present ourselves to the world and how others perceive us.
This House is also known as the House of self-awareness, as it represents our thoughts and feelings about ourselves. The area of life governs our self-image; Aries and the Planet Mars sign rule the first House.
The planet of action and energy, as a result, individuals with a strong first house placement tend to be assertive, confident, and
competitive.
The Second House represents personal finances, values, and how we handle resources; the Second House is often referred to as the House of Possessions, as it is associated with personal finances and the accumulation of material possessions.
This House is also closely linked to our values and how we handle resources, such as money and possessions.
The placement of planets in this House can give us insight into our attitudes towards money and our ability to create financial stability in our lives.
The planet Venus and the sign of Taurus are the natural rulers of the second House
The Third House is associated with communication, siblings, and learning. Moving onto the Third House, this House is heavily connected to communication, siblings, and education.
The Third House governs how we communicate with others, both verbally and in writing, and how we express ourselves creatively.
Additionally, this House is associated with our relationships with siblings, whether they are biological or chosen, and how we navigate those relationships.
The planet Mercury and the sign of Gemini rule this House
The Fourth House is one of the most important houses in astrology, representing the home and family, which are deeply rooted in our lives; this can include your physical home, family relationships, and sense of belonging.
This House is also associated with our emotional foundation and the desire to create a secure and comfortable domestic environment.
People with a strong Fourth House placement often value and have a deep connection to their cultural roots- traditions, family history, and the sense of stability that comes with a secure and loving home.
In astrology, the Fourth House is known as the House of Home and Family, and it is ruled by the Moon and Cancer, the sign of the nurturing and protective mother.
This House represents the physical home and the emotional conditions that shape our family relationships; it is the place where we feel safe and relaxed.
While the Fifth House is about creativity and self-expression, this House is often linked to hobbies, passions, and artistic pursuits.
It can also represent romantic relationships, children, and the joy they bring.
The Fifth House is ruled by the Sun, which is the centre of our solar system and represents our individuality and self-expression.
This placement emphasises the importance of finding joy and fulfilment in our creative endeavours.
It encourages us to explore our passions, whether that be through painting, writing, music, or any other form of self-expression.
The Sun and the sign of Leo control this House
The Sixth House is associated with work and health; It is the domain of daily routine, daily work, and how we maintain our physical and mental well-being.
When analysing the Sixth House, astrologers look at the placement of planets and other celestial bodies to gain insight into how an individual approaches their work and health-related matters.
This House is traditionally ruled by Virgo and Mercury, the planet of communication and mental activity, which highlights how important communication is for maintaining a healthy routine.
The Sixth House governs not only our physical health but also our mental and emotional well-being. It is the House of service, daily routines, and habits
A well-functioning Sixth House positively influences how we approach our daily work and healthcare.
The Seventh House represents partnerships and marriage, and it is an important sector of the astrological chart that provides insights into your approach to relationships, commitment, and cooperation with others.
Understanding the Seventh House can offer valuable information about how individuals approach intimate relationships and what they seek in a partner.
The Seventh House is not just limited to romantic relationships but also business partnerships, collaborations, and contracts.
This House indicates the kind of person we are attracted to and how we behave in relationships. It also reveals what we need from our partners and what they need from us.
A well-placed Seventh House in a birth chart signifies that an individual values relationships and seeks to establish meaningful connections with others.
The planet Venus and the sign of Libra rule the 7th House.
The Eighth House represents the transformative power of life and death, rebirth, inheritance, taxes, and joint resources.
It is the House of profound psychological changes, where we confront our fears, and sexual and other repressions, the lesson of this House is to face our demons, whatever they are and transform ourselves.
The 8th House puts a spotlight on death, both physical and metaphorical, and can reveal the hidden aspects of our psyche that we may have been unaware of.
It is also connected to the concept of shared resources, such as property, finances, and inheritances.
Scorpio and Pluto, the Dwarf planet of intense emotions and taboos, rule this House.
Ninth House is about expansion and higher learning. The Ninth House in astrology is also considered to be one of the most important houses in the birth chart.
It is commonly referred to as the House of Higher Learning and Expansion, as it is associated with the pursuit of knowledge, spirituality, and personal growth.
This House is ruled by the sign Sagittarius and the planet Jupiter, which are both known for their expansive and adventurous nature.
Individuals with a strong Ninth House placement tend to have a natural inclination towards exploring new ideas and philosophies and are often interested in learning about religion, spirituality, law, and other intellectual or meaningful subjects.
In addition to formal education, the Ninth House also governs physical and mental travel.
People with a strong Ninth House influence are often avid travellers seeking out new cultures.
The Tenth House, also known as the Midheaven, represents an individual’s career, public image, and social status.
The Tenth House is ruled by the zodiac sign Capricorn, and the planet Saturn, which governs hard work, discipline, and ambition.
The Tenth House is associated with how a person is perceived by society and their level of success in their chosen profession.
It is an indicator of your reputation, status, and the level of recognition they receive in their field of work.
The Tenth House also reflects the level of responsibility and authority a person holds in their profession.
The Eleventh House represents friends and society; the Eleventh House is another significant part of the birth chart that represents friends and society.
This House is often called the House of Friends, and it is believed to shed light on the individual’s social life and interactions with the people around them.
The Eleventh House is known to be associated with the sign of Aquarius and the planet Uranus which is known for the vibration of humanitarian and innovative nature; some astrologers think Saturn also co-rules this House.
People born with a strong Eleventh House placement are likely to have a large circle of friends and acquaintances and are often involved in social causes and community activities.
This House also plays a crucial role in understanding an individual’s aspirations- dreams, and goals in life.
The Twelfth House is about spiritual growth, secrets, and the unconscious; the Twelfth House is the last House in the astrological chart.
This House is associated with the sign of Pisces and is ruled by the planet Neptune.
It represents the hidden aspects of our psyche that we may not be aware of and our innermost desires and fears.
One of the Twelfth House’s most fascinating things about the 12th House is how it represents our spiritual journey.
This House is often seen as a place of spiritual retreat or sanctuary, where we can connect with our higher selves and the divine.
It is a place where we can explore our spirituality and find meaning and purpose in our lives.
In conclusion, understanding the meaning of houses in Western astrology and how they are divided can provide valuable insight into an individual's personality and life events.
Each House represents a different area of life and is ruled by a specific planet, allowing astrologers to interpret the placement and aspects of each planet in a person’s natal chart.
By exploring the interplay between the planets and houses in a chart, astrologers can provide a nuanced and personalised interpretation of an individual’s astrological makeup.
The 12 zodiac houses stand majestically, representing the grand story of the universe.
Each celestial House has been assigned to one of the 12 Zodiac signs, with each House exuding its unique energy and power.
These houses are not merely a division of the sky; they symbolise the sacred journey of our soul from the moment of our birth.
The cosmic energy emanating- pouring out from these houses, when combined with the material and ethereal vibrations of the Zodiac sign that governs them, is capable of charting the course of our destinies.
Through this symbolism, we can decode the message of the universe and understand the intricate relationship between the Sun, moon, planets, and our individual lives.
The 12 zodiac houses represent the divine road map that leads us towards fulfilment, self-discovery, and enlightenment.
In astrology, the house system is crucial in understanding a person’s birth chart.
In simple terms, a house refers to one of the twelve parts of the sky–known as sections–in which a planet or astrological sign can be located at the time of an individual’s birth.
Each House is associated with specific qualities and characteristics that help astrologers interpret a person’s unique personality traits, life experiences, and potential future events.
The natal chart is the road map of this system, providing insight into the paths we could take in life, while also highlighting our strengths and limitations.
Understanding the houses in astrology can be a complex and nuanced process, but it is worth investing time and energy to gain a deeper knowledge of our natal charts and ourselves.
Houses in astrology refer to the different areas of life that are influenced by the position of planets and stars at the time of someone’s birth.
There are a total of 12 houses in a typical astrology birth chart, and each one represents a different aspect of a person’s life, such as relationships, career, and health.
The placement of planets in each House can give insight into how these areas of life will play out for the individual.
For example, if someone has many planets in the 10th House, which represents career and life goals, it may indicate that they will have a successful and fulfilling career path.
It is important to note that the interpretation of the placement of planets in each House can vary based on the individual’s unique birth chart and other astrological factors, like the aspects the planets make to each other.
When looking at your birth chart, it is important to understand what each House represents and how it may reflect your personality, experiences, and future possibilities.
The first House is ruled by Aries and is associated with self-image, the second House is ruled by Taurus and represents money; the third House is ruled by Gemini and pertains to communication and siblings; the fourth House is ruled by Cancer and represents home and family, the fifth House is ruled by Leo and pertains to creativity and romance.
The Sixth House is ruled by Virgo and represents health and work; the seventh House is ruled by Libra and represents relationships; the eighth House is ruled by Scorpio and pertains to transformation.
The ninth House is ruled by Sagittarius and represents higher education and travel.
The Tenth House is ruled by Capricorn and represents career, the eleventh House is ruled by Aquarius and pertains to friendships and community, and the twelfth House is ruled by Pisces and represents spirituality and the subconscious mind.
According to astrologers, one of the most important houses in astrology is the 1st House, also known as the Ascendant or Rising sign.
This House represents the self, including the physical body, appearance, and personality.
The sign that occupies the 1st House at the time of a person’s birth is believed to influence his or her overall demeanour, mannerisms, and behavior.
Additionally, the 1st House can reveal insights into a person’s destiny, strengths, weaknesses, and life path.
It is also believed to play a significant role in determining compatibility in relationships, as individuals with compatible Ascendants are thought to have harmonious interactions and emotional connections.
Overall, the 1st House holds a lot of importance in astrology and can provide valuable insights into a person’s character and life journey.
Do you have every House in your birth chart? The houses are the segments of the birth chart wheel. Everyone has all 12 signs in their chart because each House is ruled by one sign (but you may not have planets in each sign/house)
One common question that arises in astrology is whether every person has every House in their birth chart. The houses are the segments of the birth chart wheel, each representing a particular area or aspect of a person’s life. The answer is yes, everyone has all 12 houses in their birth chart. Each of the 12 zodiac signs represents a house, which means that each person has all 12 signs in their chart. However, just because a person has every House in their chart doesn’t mean they have planets in each sign/house. The positions of the planets in a person’s birth chart show which signs and houses are emphasised and play a more significant role in their life. Understanding your birth chart and the different houses can provide valuable insights into your personality traits, life path, and future possibilities.