Astrology Houses

So you are here to learn more about the astrology houses?

For years I have been interested in the different types of astrology houses. Studied them, read many books about them. Briefly, I will define what they are and how they can help you. You may read on the internet many house divisions and there is many many ways to divide up the houses. The common way was by Placidus in 1688. His system did not correspond with the births in North latitudes as it was difficult to determine the rising degree. You may read other webpages that have Regiomontanus and Campanus systems. Here, I am using the Equal House system. This is the most accurate of learning about the houses. I forgot to say, there are a range of different home systems, and you are probably wondering - which one should I pick?

Then there's an additional issue. Back in Placidus, the MC/IC axis consistently defines the cusp of those 10th/4th homes. Should you utilize Equal Houses, the MC/IC axis may fall inside a pair of homes, by the 8th/2nd into the 11th/5th. How do you handle this?

Over the years, I have worked with just two systems these are the Equal House and Placidus. I normally use Equal House but have used Placidus back in 2001. 

Just so you know the astrological houses are one of the most important elements of the horoscope. They represent a certain area of space relative to the horizon and the celestial meridian.  ecliptic that fall into this space. What is the ecliptic in astrology? The ecliptic is basically a circular line that runs through planets. This line is connected by stars and commonly known as the “constellations” of astrology. It moves and  this is segmented into 12 signs of the zodiac! The zodiac has twelve houses, the best way to describe them is to picture them on a circle. Now, each of our personality characteristics is focused on each of the houses, depending on when we were born. When we look at your chart we see planets visiting the specific “house” and this can bring about certain elements in life itself.

The counting of houses is usually conducted from the Ascendant. Each house has a beginning, which is also called the top of the house and the end. The end of one astrological house coincides with the beginning of the next house. The houses are counted counter-clockwise along the zodiac signs. The area between the top of the first house and the top of the second house is the first house.

The position of the houses in the horoscope depends on the time and the geographical place of birth. For the correct calculation of astrological houses, this data should be known as accurately as possible. In the event that the time or place of birth of a person is unknown, no horoscope houses are calculated and only a cosmogram is built. In special cases, the position of the Sun, Moon or another planet in the horoscope can be taken as the start of the first house.

The houses of the horoscope are responsible for external, visible, eventual manifestations. Astrological houses in the birth horoscope show how a person relates to that sphere of his life, which is indicated by the house, the house speaks about how things are in this area, what events will take place in it, and even answer the question when they will occur.

Houses can contain planets. The planet is located in the house if it is in the area of the house. We see that the Moon, for example, in the horoscope that is depicted in the figure is in the tenth house. Venus is also located there.

The top of the house is always in one of the zodiacal signs. The position of the top of the house in a particular sign is very important. We see that, for example, the top of the second house is in the sign of Libra, the top of the third house is located in the sign of Scorpio, and, for example, the cusp of the ninth house in the sign of Taurus. The position of the top of the house in the sign of the zodiac is determined by the steward of the house. The ruler of the house is the ruler of the sign on the top of the house. In addition to the steward, each house has a planet-significator. The planet-significator of the house is a planet that controls the sign corresponding to the number of this house. For example, the significator of the first house is Mars (since the first sign of the zodiac is Aries and its ruler Mars), the second is Venus.

The ruler, the significator and the planets in the house exert a great influence on the house itself and are necessary should be taken into account when trying to interpret the personal horoscope.

Every house is focused on the human, our lives and we can uncover which area of our life where effort will be manifested.

One of the main rules of the houses is that they must personally apply to matters that remain external. For example, the first house is focused on something “personal” so the seventh house is associated with the attitude of others. The next house related to our own wealth and possessions, and the eighth house is connected to our home life, whereby the tenth house is focused on things that happen outside our own home - things we cannot control.

A house in summary is associated with what we “experience” in life. it is the “atmosphere” in which we live. The house is the areas where the planets themselves pass through. The houses have planets that pass them. the planet “is the actor” in life. Each planet as we have already concluded travel “anti-clockwise” The planets are as follows:

1. The sun and moon.
2. Mercury, Mars and Venus.
3. Saturn and Jupiter.
4. Uranus, Pluto and Neptune.
5. Chiron.

The planets are basically orbit the sun at different intervals. The moon obviously, orbits Earth in twenty eight days. Now, we know that each planet in the solar system encompasses a backdrop of stars. Each planet and house is associated with our motivation, direction and general there of life. The constellations, as we have already mentioned make up our 12 signs of the zodiac. So, to conclude what I am trying to say is that every planet moves around our solar system and different speeds. These planets are our our birth / natal chart as they move around the sun. Thus, every day a planet provides us with different positions and they can also reverse. The signs off the zodiac are also associated with each planet. 

What are Empty houses in astrology?

On occasion there are houses that do not have any planets at all. This is known as the “empty house.” When creating your own birth chart it is normal to see some houses full and others empty. If we see an area that is full of houses then this is connected to key areas of our life. An empty house is normally associated with something that is not as “important” in the person's life. 

What are the 12 Houses in Astrology?

The 12 astrology houses have different meanings in your life. They indicate how you function, your love affairs, your work and your interactions with other people. Each of the 12 zodiac signs represents 12 astrological houses with each house corresponding to the analogy with another sign. Unlike the other signs on the zodiacal circle which spread invariably over 30 degrees, the house sizes might vary from each other. The calculation of the houses depends on ones exact birth time. 

The house system is the name given to the cutting of the chart into the 12 houses, and it varies from one astrologer to the next. There are several methods which are used to split the houses with Placidus being the oldest of them all which dates back to the 17th century. 

It is important to remember that, most astrologers believe that, any time the planet is near to the house cusp, then it automatically falls that, it belongs to that house. The author’s approach will determine the degree from one house to the next, varying between 1 degree and 6 degrees or even extending up to 10 degrees. 

Houses being a representation of specific areas of life, here is what you should expect of each one of the 12 houses.

1st House also known as the Ascendant; represents demeanor, the self, and vitality. The house of Aries and Mars. Keywords:

Connection, motivation, feeling well in life, birth, health, happiness, temperament.

House one describes the personality, the physical appearance, and the natural demeanor. If you want to interpret the natal chart, then this house is very important. It has one of the four angles of the natal chart, which are the four houses that are most important. On the chart, it is located on the left-hand side of the natal chart and corresponds to the sun’s rising place.  It is the first house that corresponds to the first sign of the zodiac, Aries. This is the first house and it covers birth, health, happiness, temperament and wellbeing. Since the first house is associated with the rising sun, this house is associated with  your own characteristics in life. It is you! The planets are associated with personality and influence. The focus should be on your own personality and strength. Yes, also your appearance and behaviours. The moon for example can suggest a new cycle in life, this can mean that things will focus on a personal level in life. The first house normally is associated with the question itself, the person and individual. The “self” is represented by this house. 

This house is connected to our armour in life, how we protect that inner, sensitive person within. Many astrologers say that this is basically the “whole self” it focuses on not only our leadership qualities but also our assertiveness in life. This is the first house in that its the way we show ourselves to the world at large. it is really the “mask” we wear in life. 

2nd House: Represents material goods and money earned

It shows how money is earned and all the material goods in possession. It is the house that includes all financial matters, and also, it has the greed and all sorts of possessions. It corresponds to the zodiac sign, Taurus. This house is focused on material well being and looks at your attitude to “making money” it normally demonstrates if we are 

3rd House: Represents Siblings, immediate surroundings, studies, and short trips

The third house deals with primary and secondary education, communication, apprenticeship, and the close environment that includes colleagues, siblings, schoolmates.  Other things included in-house three are modern means of communication, short trips, and all practical things. Gemini is the astrological sign that corresponds to house 3.

4th House referred to as the Imum Coeli; Representing origins, family, heredity, and the father

The fourth house represents the home both where you are set up and where you come from, native’s family, roots, and ancestors. It is a house which also describes in details the emotions, real state of patrimony and childhood. When checking the chart, you will find it at the bottom, and it is angular in shape. Some authors say the house also represents the mother instead of the father.  Cancer, the fourth sign of the zodiac, is a representation of this fourth house.

5th House: Represents Pleasure, love matters, pleasure, creations, leisure, and children

It is a house which represents recreational and creative activities, love affairs as well as hobbies; lack in gambling, relationship with children. In a native’s life, this is a house which covers all the pleasant things that you can dream of. It corresponds to Leo, the fifth sign of the zodiac.

6th House:  corresponds to daily life, colleagues, and daily work, lower ranking coworkers, and health

House 6 is a representation of behavior at work, your daily work, minor obligations, lower ranking, servitudes, and pets. Your medicines, health, and minor illnesses are also included here. The sixth astrological house corresponds to the sixth zodiac signs, Virgo.

7th House also known as Descendant; represents marriages, unions, associations, other people, and contracts

House 7 is the opposite of house 1, representing other people, your partner or associate, your behavior towards other people. It concerns marriages, contracts, associations, and open enemies. It is this house that you will be able to perceive other people. It is located on the right-hand side of the natal chart, corresponding to the place where the sun sets. It is an analogy with Libra, the seventh sign of the zodiac.

8th House: Represents crises and passions, death, transformation, sexuality, and financial investments

Birth and death are represented by this house but doesn’t mean the physical death but synonymous with transformation and evolution. It represents money earned by other people, inheritance, power, sexuality, hidden things, and occultism. It is an analogy with Scorpio, the eighth sign of the zodiac.

9th House: Represents abstracts, travels, and higher concepts, foreign matters, and spirituality

It is the house of philosophy and spirituality which also includes faraway travels both physical and inner ones, and higher ideals. In contrast to the 3rd house, the 9th house represents universities and higher education, including the understanding of abstract topics. It also covers laws and legalities, and religion. It is an analogy to the 9th zodiac sign, Sagittarius.

10th House also known as the Midheaven: represents the mother, professional destiny, and social success

The 10th house is the opposite of the 4th house.  It corresponds to your professional career, your social elevation as compared to your family background. It symbolizes all your ambitions and achievements. It also relates to your potential fame, the general public, and the influence of the mother. It is at the top of the natal chart and located in the south.  It is in analogy to Capricorn, the 10th sign of the zodiac.

11th House: Represents support, protection,  collective projects, and friends

The 11th house represents your projects, your protectors, and your friends in general. It is the house which describes your friends, the activities you are involved in, and your position in the group which you are involved in and it contradicts the 5th house. It comprises of all human factors and topics. It is in analogy to Aquarius, the eleventh zodiac sign.

The 12th House; represents secrets, enemies, hidden ordeals, difficulties, and solitude

The 12th house corresponds to your inner self, all the ordeals you have gone through, serious illness and hidden enemies.  It relates to confinement places such as prisons, hospitals, convents., including sacrifice, solitude, and self-sacrifice.  The 12th house is an analogy to the 12th sign of the zodiac Pisces.

Since the dawn of time, humans have been telling stories about the stars. This dramatic image depicts Orion's Horsehead Nebula. It is 1,340 light-years away and named after the shape that its whirling streams are made of gas and dust.

Humanity began to understand its environment and started to measure, evaluate and assess the things that were responsible for their survival, comfort, and sustenance. The rising sun brought warmth, while the Moon's shape affected tides and women’s menstrual cycles. As the seasons changed, the positions and patterns of the sun and stars also changed. This was how we knew when the times were good and bad.

Astrology history

Since the dawn of time, humans have been telling stories about the stars. This dramatic image depicts Orion's Horsehead Nebula. It is 1,340 light-years away and named after the shape that its whirling streams are made of gas and dust.

Dr Nicholas Campion, a highly respected author of "A History of Western Astrology" reports that early homo sapiens (c. 350,000-250,000 BCE) were found with bones from animals that appear to have 28 notches. These bones may have been used to mark the days of the lunar months. A 29-notch baboon bone, which dates to around 35,000 BC, provides more evidence of prehistoric timekeeping.

As we get closer to the time of cave paintings, an increasing number of these bone "calendars", are also being found. A carving of a woman called the Venus of Laussel, c. 20,000 BCE, can be found in the Museum of Aquitaine. It shows her holding a horn that looks like a crescent moon. Each notch corresponds to a lunar month. The Lascaux cave paintings, c. 15,000 BCE, are said to include representations of the night sky which include the Pleiades. These depict the constellation's relationship with the seasons.

In the olden times, they began to understand its environment and started to measure, evaluate and assess the things that were responsible for their survival, comfort, and sustenance. The rising sun, of course, brought warmth, while the Moon's shape affected tides and they discovered was connected to a women’s menstrual cycle. As the seasons changed, the positions and patterns of the sun and stars also changed. Ancient civilizations believed these would affect life itself.

Evidence exists of ancient structures that are related to astrology. Amazingly similar myths and stories of the Pleiades involving sisters or brothers being chased by Orion-like stars through the sky exist in cultures such as Greece. There is so much we can learn about the history of astrology and there is evidence that exists of an ancient common culture in the heavens. Amazingly similar myths and stories of the Pleiades involving sisters or brothers being chased by Orion-like stars through the sky existed thousands of years ago.

Four stone circles were discovered in Gdbekli Tepe (Turkey) near the city of Şanlıurfa. Excavated from the ground, they measure up to 100ft (30m), in length and have carved reliefs depicting animals. In May 2020 there were about 20 circles in total, they are believed to date back to the ninth century. In addition, there is Stonehenge, a circle and tomb made of stone has been discovered throughout Europe and the Middle East. Their construction is estimated to have taken place between 5,000 and 2000 bce. Many were clearly laid out to solstices and equinoxes. Other stone circles have been seen that helped in the calculation of eclipses and the lunar calendar. These megalithic structures were a result of a lot of hard work! There is still a mystery around how they were actually created. It is clear that prehistoric people believed their lives were a reflection of the heavens' cycles, or at least to be connected to them. We don't know if they knew the heavy cycles, due to having little written records.

Conclusion

Before you become an expert in interpreting what the planet has placed in your house, make sure that you understand what each house represents.