The Houses of Astrology + Their Meanings
1st House: Defined by the Ascendant, the First House defines you. It covers the all āfirstsā: first impressions, the self and appearance, leadership, new initiatives, fresh starts and beginnings. The sign on the cusp, or starting edge, of this house, is referred to as your rising sign or ascendant, as mentioned before. (Ruled by Aries)
2nd House: The second house covers all matters related to your immediate material and physical environmentātaste, smells, sound, touch, sights. Natal planets in the Second House tend to seek security through their material world. Planets transiting the Second House reveal changes in resources or self-esteem. The second house also rules income, money, and self-esteem. (Ruled by Taurus)
3rd House: The third house rules all forms of communicationātalking, thinking, gadgets and devices (cell phones, pagers, Instant Messenger, etc.). Natal planets in the Third House are motivated by expression and often build close relationships with their peers, including siblings, coworkers, and classmates. When planets transit the Third House, we often receive important information about our immediate network. The third house also covers siblings, neighbourhoods, local travel, libraries, schools, teachers and community affairs. (Ruled by Gemini)
4th House: The fourth house sits at the very bottom of the zodiac wheel, and thus, rules the āfoundationā of all things. Natal planets in the Fourth House reveal an individualās relationship with the maternal figure, as well as their unique outlook on domesticity. Planets moving across the Fourth House often encourage us to invest in our infrastructure by creating more private, nurturing spaces within. This includes your home, privacy, your basic security, your parents (particularly your mother), children, your own mothering abilities, nurturing, and TLC. (Ruled by Cancer)
5th House: The fifth house is ruled by Leo, and it governs self-expression, drama, creativity, colour, attention, romance, fun and play. Natal planets in the Fifth House are linked to your intrinsic artistic expression, while planets transiting the Fifth House often deliver eureka moments that boost our confidence. (Ruled by Leo)
6th House: The sixth house is the domain of health and service. Whereas the body youāre born with exists in the First House, the choices made over a lifetime create the body found in your Sixth House. It rules schedules, organisation, routines, fitness, diet and exercise, natural and healthy living, helpfulness and being of service to others. Those with natal planets in this zone are often fuelled by organisation and structure and tend to focus on time and calendar management. Planets transiting the Sixth House help us form habits and redefine our schedules. (Ruled by Virgo)
7th House: The seventh house is the sector of relationships and other people. It governs all partnerships, both business and personal, and relationship-associated matters, like contracts, marriage, and business deals. The Seventh House (the Descendent) sits directly across from the First House Ascendant. Up until now, all the Houses explore an individual's immediate world: Their money, home, and friends. In the Seventh House, however, the concept of perspective is introduced. Simply put, the Seventh House symbolises your ācosmic plus one.ā Those with natal planets in the Seventh House tend to be very focused on relationships, gravitating towards partnership in all areas of life. Planets moving through the Seventh House help us close deals, securing our bonds by signing contracts and making things official. (Ruled by Libra)
8th House: The eighth house is a mysterious sector that rules birth, death, sex, transformation, mysteries, merged energies, and bonding at the deepest level. The eighth house also rules other peopleās property and money (real estate, inheritances, investments, et. al. I often refer to the Eighth House as the āhaunted houseā of the birth chart. Those with natal planets in the Eighth House are often attracted to supernatural or occult topics, intense romances, and will likely regenerate often within their lifetime. Planets transiting this area help us understand the underbelly of any situation and serve as a reminder of lifeās complexities. (Ruled by Scorpio)
9th House: The ninth house covers the higher mind, expansion, international and long-distance travel, foreign languages, inspiration, optimism, publishing, broadcasting, universities and higher education, luck, risk, adventure, gambling, religion, philosophy, morals and ethics. Those born with natal planets in the Ninth House are extremely curious and inquisitive, with deep-rooted wanderlust. When planets move across the Ninth House we often begin studying a new topic, move to a foreign location, or adopt a completely different perspective. (Ruled by Sagittarius)
10th House (midheaven): The tenth house is at the very top and most public part of the chart. The tenth house governs structures, corporations, tradition, public image, fame, honours, achievements, awards, boundaries, rules, discipline, authority, fathers and fatherhood. The cusp, or border, of the tenth house is also called the midheaven, and it clues astrologers into your career path. Natal planets in the Tenth House reveal an ambitious individual, and changes in the profession often occur when planets transit this zone. (Ruled by Capricorn)
11th House: The eleventh house rules teams, friendships, groups, society, technology, video and electronic media, networking, social justice, rebellion, and humanitarian causes. It also rules originality, eccentricity, sudden events, surprises, invention, astronomy, science fiction and all things futuristic. Those born with planets in the Eleventh House are often defined by their revolutionary ideas. Transiting planets through this domain help us broaden our reach as we define our role within society. (Ruled by Aquarius)
12th House: In the sky, the Twelfth House exists just beneath the horizon: Itās quite literally the darkness before dawn. Likewise, the Twelfth House is considered the āunseen realm,ā and governs all things that exist without physical forms, like dreams, secrets, and emotions. This house covers the final stages of a project, tying up loose ends, completions, the afterlife, old age, and surrender. Itās also associated with separation from society, institutions, hospitals, jails, hidden agendas, and secret enemies. And it rules the imagination, creativity, arts, film, dance, poetry, journals, and the subconscious mind. We attract karmic people into our lives when planets transit the Twelfth House, but during this time, we must also remember that not all relationships are meant to last. (Ruled by Pisces)
