12 Astrological Houses and Their Meanings
One way to put the components of your astrological chart into a real world context is to look at the twelve Houses of the Zodiac.
Each sector of the Zodiac deals with a different aspect of our life. By examining the placement of the Planets and Signs in the various Houses, the image of your 'astrological make up' is further sharpened.
If, for example, your chart finds Uranus, the Planet of Rebellion, in the First House, the House of Self, you may seem a little odd to others because you wear your individuality on the surface.
Technically speaking, to place the Houses within the chart wheel, divide the wheel into twelve equal pie-shaped pieces (see an example of this below).
The first piece of this astrological pie begins at the nine o'clock spot and heads south: That is the First House. The Second House begins at the eight o'clock position ... and so on.
The first Sign of the Zodiac, Aries, is the ruler of the First House; Taurus, the second Sign, rules the Second House, and so on around the wheel.
Any of the twelve Signs can visit a particular House and add its own characteristics to it, based on time, date and place of birth.
It would be correct to infer that the Houses possess similar traits to the Signs which rule them, as well as taking on traits of each Planet that travels through them.
However, while the Signs deal with inner traits and qualities relating to the Self, the Houses speak to the external world and outer influences.
The First House, at the nine o'clock position, is said to be on the "ascendant", or horizon. One's outward image is largely defined by the planetary placement at the ascendant.
For example, if Virgo is on the ascendant in a particular chart, it will add its own flavor and characteristics to the First House.
Directly across from the First House is the Seventh House, at the three o'clock position. This is referred to as the descendant and addresses how we view our relationships with others.
The high noon position, at the beginning of the Tenth House, is also occupied by the medium coeli, or MC. Through the MC, we can glean much about an individual's social status and public persona.
Opposite the MC on the chart wheel is the imum coeli, or IC, located at the six o'clock position, which is also the start of the Fourth House.
The IC looks inward and represents childhood, home and family. The ascendant, descendant, MC and IC are also known as the angles of the chart wheel.
Having one's correct birth time available allows for an accurate placement of the Planets in their corresponding Houses when drawing up a chart wheel.
This placement adds much texture to the reading -- and meaning -- of an individual's chart.
The First House - House of Self
The First House is commonly referred to as the House of Self.The cusp of the First House is the home of the Ascendant, theSign which was rising on the eastern horizon at the precisemoment of one's birth. Read More
The Second House - House of Possessions
The Second House is commonly referred to as the House of Possessions. While this speaks to that which we own, it's not limited simply to tangible things. We own our feelings and emotions, as well as our inner selves, abilities, needs and wants. Read More
The Third House - House of Communication
The Third House is commonly referred to as the House of Communication. In this House, much of the communication is going on between the individual and those he or she holds close : brothers and sisters, as well as neighbors. Read More
The Fourth House - House of Family and Home
The Fourth House is commonly referred to as the House of Home. When we think of home, we think of that place where we put down our roots. We lay our foundation and plant ourselves firmly into the Earth, as it were. Read More
The Fifth House - House of Pleasure
The Fifth House is commonly referred to as the House of Pleasure. Oftentimes, pleasure is the result of a creative act. The simple act of creating is, essentially, giving of oneself and making something -- making another ? Read More
The Sixth House - House of Health
The Sixth House is commonly referred to as the House ofHealth. Implicit in maintaining good health is the ability to cope in the face of adversity, and this theme rings truest in Sixth House. Read More
The Seventh House - House of Partnerships
The Seventh House is commonly referred to as the House ofPartnership. With this House, we see a shift away from the selftoward another -- a partner. By cooperating with and relating to another we unite for the purpose of achieving something. Read More
The Eighth House - House of Sex
The Eighth House is commonly referred to as the House of Sex. This House delves into relationships -- interactions with another and how certain aspects of those interactions can take on a more communal nature. It speaks to what our relationships will bring us and how we can get the most out of them. Read More
The Ninth House - House of Philosophy
The Ninth House is commonly referred to as the House of Philosophy. In keeping with that theme, it's our search for meaning which is the focal point here. By virtue of exploring our world, we start to grasp everything that is available to us. Read More
The Tenth House - House of Social Status
The Tenth House is commonly referred to as the House of Social Status. It is about the place we have attained in our social (or work/career) grouping and in society as a whole. Read More
The Eleventh House - House of Friendships
The Eleventh House is commonly referred to as the House of Friends. Through our friends, we find strength in numbers - we see the power of the collective, the group. Groups addressed by this House include clubs, organizations, social groups, networking organizations and professional associations. Read More
The Twelfth House - House of Subconscious
The Twelfth House is commonly referred to as the House of the Unconscious. The unconscious state can help engender our successes, as well as assist us in coping with our failures. Success vs. failure : do we consciously confront our lives or subconsciously sweep things under the proverbial rug ? Read More
