At the very moment you were born, the planets were in specific signs and houses. Similar to a clock, the Zodiac is divided into twelve houses – each ruled by a different sign in your birth chart. The Zodiac begins with the first house, and goes counter-clockwise around.
Each house is associated with a specific set of traits, so when analyzing a birth chart, it’s important to take into consideration both the meaning of each planet, the house it’s in, as well as the sign it’s in (along with other things such as aspects). In doing this, you can map the obstacles and/or gifts you might face in your life.
Houses are used to predict what areas of your life will be affected as well as how you can take action accordingly. Generally, the first six houses are called “personal houses” while the final six are “interpersonal houses.”
The First House of Self
The First House defines you, and covers all things “first” – first impressions and how you appear to others, fresh starts and beginnings, and new initiatives. Your first house represents the body you were born with, your physical appearance, and overall temperament. This is the first stop in the cycle, so when planets in the sky enter into this house, your goals are easily manifested, and new projects, ideas, or perspectives will noticeably take shape. Whatever sign is called your “rising sign” or “ascendant.” This House is ruled by Aries, and corresponds with archetypal Aries energy.
The Second House of Possessions
When you think of the second house, consider your five senses (taste, smell, sound, touch, and sight). It rules over your personal finances, material possessions, and what you consider valuable. It covers your internal emotional state and self esteem, which can often affect you on a much greater scale than money ever could. Planets in this house typically look for security in the material world: income, money. This House is ruled by Taurus, and corresponds with archetypal Taurus energy.
The Third House of Communication
Communication is central to the third house. Planets in this house tend to be motivated by expression, with communication being the best solution to most problems (and, of course, the pillar of every healthy relationship). As such, it’s imperative to take note of this part of your chart. When planets transit the third house, you can expect to receive important information, particularly about your inner circle. This house also covers siblings, neighborhoods, local travel, libraries, schools, teachers and community affairs. This House is ruled by Gemini, and corresponds with archetypal Gemini energy.
The Fourth House of Home and Family
Sitting at the base of the chart, the fourth house is the “foundation” and symbolizes home and family. Your planet in the Fourth House can reveal what your relationship with your mother (or maternal figure) looks like. It also can show what your outlook on domestic life might look like such as your own ability to be a mother or if you’d like to have children at all. This house encourages you to create more private, nurturing spaces that make you feel safe and cared for. This House is ruled by Cancer, and corresponds with archetypal Cancer energy.
The Fifth House of Pleasure
When you think of the fifth house, think of fun! This is a playful zone that governs creativity, romance, and children. This is focusing on what makes you feel good: is it an orgasm? attention? fulfilling creative projects? Whatever it is, express yourself accordingly! This House is ruled by Leo, and corresponds with archetypal Leo energy.
The Sixth House of Health
The Sixth House governs your overall health, wellness, and daily routine. While the body you were born with exists in the first house, the choices you make in your life create the body found in your sixth house. Your environment and life choices affect your health: in other words, self care, balance, and mental health are all things to keep top of mind. This house rules over schedules, organization, diet and exercise, healthy living, and being of service to others. This House is ruled by Virgo, and corresponds with archetypal Virgo energy.
The Seventh House of Partnership
The seventh house (also known as the “descendant”) sits directly across from the First House Ascendant. This house governs your life-changing partnerships. Before this, the houses have explored your own immediate world: money, home, friends, etc. Now, it’s more than just yourself. In other words, the Seventh House acts as your “cosmic plus one” (the romantic partners in your life). This spans other partnerships (such as business) as well as relationship-associated matters, like contracts and business deals. This House is ruled by Libra, and corresponds with archetypal Libra energy.
The Eighth House of Sex, Death, and Transformation
Ruled by the intense sign of Scorpio, the eighth house rules birth, death, sex, transformation, mysteries, and merged energies. If you have natal planets in the eighth house, you might find yourself attracted to supernatural or occult topics, have intense romances, and have or will likely go through many makeovers during your life. This house encourages you to give in to your desires, but to always be flexible and ready to let go of the past. This House is ruled by Scorpio, and corresponds with archetypal Scorpio energy.
The Ninth House of Philosophy
The ninth house governs international/long-distance travel, religion and philosophy, higher mind, expansion and inspiration, optimism, publishing, broadcasting, luck, risk, and adventure. This house encourages you to explore, in both a literal and intellectual sense. If you have natal planets in the Ninth House, you’re likely curious and inquisitive, with wanderlust you can never seem to fully quench. This house reminds you to keep an open mind – be open learning as your world will inevitably change and grow. This House is ruled by Sagittarius, and corresponds with archetypal Sagittarius energy.
The Tenth House of Social Status
Located at the top of the chart, the Tenth House acts as the “apex” of your story and is associated with popularity. The border of the tenth house represents your midheaven, which is a helpful placement to look into for a career path best suited for you. This house also covers your public image, professional aspirations and achievements. If you have planets in this house, you’re likely quite ambitious. This House is ruled by Capricorn, and corresponds with archetypal Capricorn energy.
The Eleventh House of Friendship
The eleventh house represents typical Aquarian traits of originality, eccentricity, invention, and all things futuristic. This house reminds you of the purpose of hard work. It also invites a question: who are you sharing the joy of your achievements with? What friendships and teammates are important to you? It is linked to humanitarian pursuits and networking, including your dear friends and support system who help you move forward in life. If you have natal planets in the Eleventh House, you likely have had many revolutionary ideas. This House is ruled by Aquarius, and corresponds with archetypal Aquarius energy.
The Twelfth House of the Unconscious
The Twelfth House is often called the “unseen realm” as it exists just beneath the horizon in the sky. In other words, the twelfth house is the literal darkness before the dawn. This house represents all things that exist without physical forms, such as your dreams, secrets, and emotions. Since it is the final house, it also represents endings, like the final stages of a project, tying up loose ends, the afterlife, old age, and surrender. If you have natal planets in the twelfth house, you are a highly intuitive being, perhaps even psychic. When planets transit the twelfth house, karmic people are attracted into your life. Remember: not all relationships are meant to last. This House is ruled by Pisces, and corresponds with archetypal Pisces energy.
