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.

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

Two
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)

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

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

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

Six
Harvesting begins. Taking on responsibilities.
Chores, employment, physical health, skills, service.
(Natural rulers: Virgo/Chiron)

Seven
Stasis is achieved. Balancing self and other.
Partnerships, one-on-one commitments, significant others,
cooperation, interdependence.
(Natural rulers: Libra/Venus)

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

Nine
Seeds are carried on the wind. Expansion of awareness
and sense of meaning.
Philosophy, religion, higher education, long-distance travel.
(Natural rulers: Sagittarius/Jupiter)

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

Eleven
Many seeds from many sources find fertile ground. Realization of personal and group needs.
Personal dreams and wishes, social relationships,
group projects and activities.
(Natural rulers: Aquarius/Uranus)

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

© 2006 Pam Younghans