March 19, 2024
Ask Astrology

The Houses of an astrology chart are the twelve “pie pieces” that define the areas of life for humanity. They have natural Sign and Point rulers, shown in the image above. However, an individual chart is cast using the time of birth, which rarely places the Signs and Points in their natural Houses. One person can be born with Gemini “managing” the 1st House while another person is born with Scorpio there. That Gemini 1st House individual might have his Sun in the 4th House, while the Scorpio 1st House individual might have her Sun in the 10th House.

What Area of Life Does Each House Rule?

Each House, also known as a Domicile, rules a certain aspect of human life. In short:

House Systems

Throughout the history of astrology, numerous methods have been developed to calculate the starting degree of a House in a Sign, including specific degrees contained within. Although the twelve Houses are considered as twelve distinct data units, there exist several different House systems. These systems represent varied approaches to calculating the Houses when casting a chart. Notably, here is a list of twelve different House systems: Alcabitius, Campanus, Equal, Koch, Meridian, Morinus, Placidus, Porphyry, Regiomontanus, Topocentric, Vehlow, and Whole Sign.

Next after this publicity

If you purchase a contemporary book on beginning astrology or use an online program to get your chart cast, such as our Birth Chart Calculator, the chart will likely be cast using the Placidus system. Interestingly, as more astrologers, including notable figures like Chris Brennan and Demetra George, delve into and write about Hellenistic astrology, the Whole Sign system is experiencing a resurgence. Additionally, Regiomontanus is the preferred choice for astrologers who specialize in horary astrology, such as Ema Kurent. Importantly, regardless of the system used to cast the chart, the values assigned to the Houses do not vary with the different House systems.

Influence of the Signs on the Houses?

As implied by their name, these chart segments “house” (or contain) various aspects of human experience, which we will explore further below. Upon examining a chart, you’ll notice the Houses are arranged counter-clockwise, starting with the 1st House on the left, followed by the 2nd House below it. The Houses not only symbolize facets of human experience but also possess inherent elements, Zodiac Signs, ruling points, and types. For instance, the 1st House is governed by the fire element, the Sign of Aries, the planetary influence of Mars, and falls under the “angular” type category.

Crucially, the alignment of Signs to Houses varies with the time of birth, an essential detail for accurately determining the Houses’ positions in your personal chart. Both the time and date of birth are pivotal, revealing the Sun’s Sign at the time of birth and its position relative to the horizon (whether it will rise for births before dawn or the Sign it occupied for births after dawn).

Getting to Know More about the Houses

Below are descriptions of each House, with links to more detailed information.

House 1 Self

First House – The Quest for Identity

The First House is the House of the Self. It is “home” to your personality, character, manners, style, temperament, and (in classical astrology) physical characteristics. Since this House leads the chart, it has a special designation and is also known as the Ascendant and/or Rising Sign. If Scorpio “rules” your First House, then you have a Scorpio Ascendant or Scorpio Rising. As a result, the Point that rules the Sign of your First House is known as the Chart Ruler. In the case of the Scorpio Ascendant, the Chart Ruler is Pluto (modern) and Mars (Hellenistic).

Next after this publicity

The First House in astrology reveals the individual, the Self that goes out to meet the world. Thus, the Sign of your Ascendant informs astrologers’ understanding of your self-presentation and others’ perceptions of you. Air Signs harness intellect and communication in their identity search. In contrast, Fire Signs opt for creativity and action. Earth Signs, being practical and conservative, ground themselves. Water Signs, meanwhile, delve into emotional energy and nurture close connections to discover their true selves.

Since the Sign of the First House determines the Signs for all the other Houses, this House receives extra attention in astrology.

House 2 possessions

Second House – The Quest for Resources

The Second House in astrology reveals your energetic disposition to safety, security, and your home. Thus, the Sign of your 2nd House shapes astrologers’ insights into your methods, actions, and choices to ensure security and fulfill your needs. Air Signs draw on their intellect and communication for satisfaction. Conversely, Fire Signs engage creativity and action. Meanwhile, Earth Signs adopt a practical and conservative stance. Lastly, Water Signs channel their emotional energy and forge close connections for safety.

astrology houses 3 communication

Third House – The Quest for Understanding

The Third House in astrology reveals your energetic disposition to communication and knowledge. Thus, the Sign of your 3rd House guides astrologers in understanding your approach, actions, and decisions to make sense of your surroundings and seek comprehension from others. Air Signs employ intellect and communication for clarity. Meanwhile, Fire Signs bring in creativity and action. Conversely, Earth Signs take a practical and conservative route. Finally, Water Signs leverage their emotional energy and deep connections for effective communication.

House 4 family

Fourth House – The Quest for Roots/Family

The Fourth House in astrology reveals your energetic disposition to family and your emotions. Hence, based on the Sign of your 4th House, astrologers can decipher how you function, respond, and decide to manage your origin family and create your own. Air Signs utilize their intellect and communication to unite the family, while Fire Signs engage creativity and action. In contrast, Earth Signs adopt a practical and conservative approach. Lastly, Water Signs channel their emotional energy and foster close connections to strengthen family bonds.

astrology houses 5 pleasure

Fifth House – The Quest for Creativity

The Fifth House in astrology reveals your energetic disposition to creativity and activity. Thus, based on the Sign of your 5th House, astrologers can assess how you operate, behave, and decide to have fun and engage with others. Specifically, Air Signs apply their intellect and communication skills for playfulness. Conversely, Fire Signs harness creativity and take action. On the other hand, Earth Signs adopt a practical and conservative stance. Finally, Water Signs pour their emotional energy into and rely on close connections for enjoyment.

Next after this publicity
House 6 health

Sixth House – The Quest for Service

The Sixth House in astrology reveals your energetic disposition to support, service, and health. Consequently, based on the Sign of your 6th House, astrologers can analyze how you approach work, action, and decision-making to nurture yourself and others. Specifically, Air Signs apply intellect and communication for service. Similarly, Fire Signs incorporate creativity and action. Conversely, Earth Signs adopt a practical and conservative stance. Finally, Water Signs commit their emotional energy and foster close connections to aid others.

astrology houses 7 partnership

Seventh House – The Quest for Guidance

The Seventh House in astrology reveals your energetic disposition to other people. Reflecting on the Sign of your 7th House, astrologers deduce how you navigate, behave, and choose strategies to achieve harmony with every individual you encounter. Importantly, Air Signs deploy intellect and communication for insightful analysis and making connections. Meanwhile, Fire Signs introduce creativity and action. On the other hand, Earth Signs prefer practical and conservative methods. Lastly, Water Signs leverage emotional energy and cultivate deep connections, aiming to sustain relationships effectively.

House 8 sex

Eighth House – The Quest for Transformation

The Eighth House in astrology reveals your energetic disposition to change and disruption. Hence, the Sign of your 8th House helps astrologers understand your approach, actions, and decisions towards transforming your life and impacting others. Air Signs leverage intellect and communication to influence people and situations. Fire Signs employ creativity and action. Earth Signs adopt practical and conservative methods. Water Signs dedicate emotional energy and rely on intimate relationships to initiate or compel changes in circumstances and individuals.

astrology houses 9 philosophy

Ninth House – The Quest for Mastership

The Ninth House in astrology reveals your energetic disposition to scholarship and worldly experience. Therefore, based on your 9th House’s Sign, astrologers can analyze your methods, behavior, and decision-making in becoming an expert in a particular life aspect. Air Signs harness intellect and communication for mastery. Fire Signs apply creativity and action. Earth Signs opt for practicality and conservatism. Water Signs channel emotional energy and cultivate close relationships to establish their authority.

House 10 social status

Tenth House – The Quest for Career

The Tenth House in astrology reveals your energetic disposition to goals, achievements, and success. Thus, based on the Sign governing your 10th House, astrologers can deduce your approach, actions, and decisions in making a meaningful contribution to society. Air Signs leverage intellect and communication skills. Fire Signs draw on creativity and action. Earth Signs adopt a practical and conservative stance. Meanwhile, Water Signs channel their emotional energy and nurture close connections to prove their worth to society.

House 11 friendship

Eleventh House – The Quest for Community

The Eleventh House in astrology reveals your energetic disposition to your role in your community and society. Based on your 11th House’s Sign, astrologers can deduce how you navigate, behave, and decide to carve out your niche, whether locally, nationally, or globally. Air Signs leverage intellect and communication skills to secure their spot. Conversely, Fire Signs draw on creativity and action. Earth Signs adopt a practical and conservative approach, while Water Signs channel their emotional energy and form close relationships to uncover and fulfill their roles.

astrology houses 12 subconscious

Twelfth House – The Quest for Spirituality

The Twelfth House in astrology reveals your energetic disposition in your search for purpose. Therefore, astrologers can deduce how you engage, behave, and make decisions to forge a connection with the divine based on your 12th House’s Sign. Air Signs harness intellect and communication for spiritual understanding. Fire Signs rely on creativity and action, whereas Earth Signs prefer a practical and conservative approach. Water Signs, meanwhile, pour their emotional energy into close relationships to discover their divine link.