Astrological Houses

Houses

In Western astrology, a chart is drawn in the shape of a circle, with 12 wedge-shaped divisions called "houses." Each house represents a different area of life experience, with the progression of houses following a sequence of development.

Several planets in one house of a chart indicates more opportunities and challenges in that area during the lifetime. It is common to have "empty" houses in a chart, that do not contain any planets. This does not mean that these areas of life will not be important, but merely that the primary areas of growth are found elsewhere.

The theme of each house corresponds with a different stage of nature's life cycle. These are included in the brief descriptions that follow, along with the "natural rulers" of each house -- the sign and planet that most resonate with the issues represented by the house.

1
A seed is planted. An identity is born.
Personal style, ego development, physical appearance and body type,
vitality, personality traits most apparent to others.
(Natural rulers: Aries/Mars)

2
Roots grow. A foundation is established.
Personal resources, finances, material possessions, self-worth,
earning and spending habits, personal values and opinions.
(Natural rulers: Taurus, Venus)

3
Leaves grow. Expansion begins into the environment.
Early childhood education, learning and reasoning, everyday routines and communications, relationships with siblings and neighbors, short-distance travel.
(Natural rulers: Gemini/Mercury)

4
Flowers form. Emotional nurturing is stabilized.
Home environment, emotional patterns and programming, parental influences from childhood, relationship with parent of the opposite sex.
(Natural rulers: Cancer/Moon)

5
Fruit develops. Personal expression gains form.
Self-expression, creativity, play and playfulness, children, risk-taking,
amusements, pleasure, romance.
(Natural rulers: Leo/Sun)

6
Harvesting begins. Taking on responsibilities.
Chores and responsibilities, employment environment, physical health and nutritional needs, skills-building, service to others.
(Natural rulers: Virgo/Chiron)

7
Stasis is achieved. Balancing self and other.
Partnerships, one-on-one commitments, significant others,
cooperation, interdependence, projections onto others of aspects of self not yet claimed.
(Natural rulers: Libra/Venus)

8
Leaves fall and decay. Adapting to that which
cannot be controlled.
Shared resources, others' opinions, powerful emotions, sexuality and intimacy, experiences of death and rebirth, mysteries.
(Natural rulers: Scorpio/Pluto)

9
Seeds are carried on the wind. Expansion of awareness
and sense of meaning.
Philosophy, religion, higher education, wisdom and intuition, long-distance travel and adventures that expand one's world view.
(Natural rulers: Sagittarius/Jupiter)

10
The seeds fall to earth. Participation in a greater purpose.
Career or vocation, visible role in society, personal mission, role models, authority figures, relationship with parent of the same sex.
(Natural rulers: Capricorn/Saturn)

11
Many seeds from many sources find fertile ground. Realization of personal and group needs.
Personal dreams and wishes, social relationships and acquaintances,
support groups, projects and activities with like-minded people.
(Natural rulers: Aquarius/Uranus)

12
Nature at rest. Development of inner spiritual
and creative resources.
Spirituality, mental health, aspects of self usually kept hidden,
solitude and quiet time, dream world, the void, subconscious.
(Natural rulers: Pisces/Neptune)

© 2006 Pam Younghans