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Astrology is an amazing tool to help you understand the ‘data’ of who you are.
It can be a tool for self-understanding, and with that true, genuine self-love.
One of the most important elements of astrology in understanding your birth chart are the houses.
The houses are what give the planets meaning in your life, in the sense of what ‘category’ events can play out.
Astrology houses influence all areas of our life, including our personalities (our 1st house), our relationships (3rd, 7th, and 11th house), our career (10th house), and our spiritual journeys (12th house).
Don’t forget to grab your birth chart before we dive in! You can grab yours for free here.
What are houses in Astrology?
When you look at a birth chart, you’ll see a circle divided in 12 sections.
Each of those sections is known as a ‘house’ – each correlating to a different area of your life.
The zodiac is split between 12 signs and 12 houses.
Wherever planets are placed by sign and house in your birth chart will impact the story of your life.
Planets also move through each of these houses over time, influencing the corresponding areas of your life as it passes through it. These passages of time are known as ‘Transits’
Houses a crucial element if you want to learn how to ‘predict’ things using Astrology, and understanding them is essential to get to know yourself, and the people around you, on a deeper level.
The Twelve Houses of Astrology
When reading a chart, I use the ‘Whole Sign’ Houses system. You will need to make this change when you calculate your birth chart. In the Astrograph Calculator, simply click ‘More Chart Settings’ and update the House Calculations to Whole Sign Houses.
Now let’s dive into what area of your life each house represents.
The 1st House: The House of Self
This house represents the individual’s personality, physical appearance, and approach to life. It shows how one presents themselves to the world and their overall demeanor.
When using Whole Sign houses, it’s also the house of your rising sign, or your Ascendent sign.
It is ruled by the sign Aries and the Planet Mars.
Read more about the First House here.
The 2nd House: The House of Possessions
This house represents individual’s values, finances, and material possessions. It show how one accumulates wealth and manages resources.
It is ruled by the sign Taurus and the Planet Venus.
Read more about the Second House here.
The 3rd House: The House of Communication
This house represents communication, learning, and immediate surroundings. It shows how one communicates, their relationship with siblings, and their intellectual pursuits.
It is ruled by the sign Gemini and the planet Mercury.
Read more about the Third House here.
The 4th House: The House of Home & Family
This house represents family, home life, and roots. It shows our emotional foundation, ancestral heritage, and sense of belonging.
It is ruled by the sign Cancer and the Moon.
Read more about the Fourth House here.
The 5th House: The House of Fun
This house represents creativity, romance, and self-expression. It shows our hobbies, love affairs, and the pursuit of pleasure and enjoyment.
It is ruled by the sign Leo and the Sun.
Read more about the Fifth House here.
The 6th House: The House of Service & Health
This house represents health, and service. It shows our approach to daily routines, health habits, and our role in serving others.
It is ruled by the sign Virgo and the planet Mercury.
Read more about the Sixth House here.
The 7th House in Astrology: The House of Relationships
This house represents partnerships, marriage, and significant others. It shows the qualities sought in a life partner and the dynamics of one-on-one relationships.
It is ruled by the sign Libra and the planet Venus.
Read more about the Seventh House here.
The 8th House in Astrology: The House of Transformation
This house represents shared resources, and deep psychological processes. It shows our approach to change, intimacy, and matters related to joint ventures.
It’s the house that is the ‘result’ of the 7th house, of our relationships.
It is ruled by the sign Scorpio and the planet Mars (traditional astrology) or Pluto (modern astrology).
Read more about the Eighth House here.
The 9th House in Astrology: The House of Expansion
This house represents expansion, higher learning, and spirituality. It shows our philosophical beliefs, educational pursuits, and experiences with foreign cultures.
It is ruled by the sign Sagittarius and the planet Jupiter.
Read more about the Ninth House here.
The 10th House in Astrology: The House of Legacy
This house shows career, reputation, and achievements. It shows our ambitions, public image, and the legacy we leave behind.
It is ruled by the sign Capricorn and the planet Saturn.
Read more about the Tenth House here.
The 11th House in Astrology: The House of Communities
This house represents friendships, social groups, and aspirations. It indicates our involvement in communities, social causes, and long-term goals.
It is ruled by the sign Aquarius and the planet Saturn (traditional astrology) or Uranus (modern astrology).
Read more about the Eleventh House here.
The 12th House in Astrology: The House of the Hidden
This house represents the subconscious mind, spirituality, and solitude. It shows our hidden strengths, karmic patterns, and experiences with seclusion or confinement.
It is ruled by the sign Pisces and the planet Jupiter.
Read more about the Twelfth House here.
FAQs: The 12 houses in astrology
Q: What do the 12 houses in astrology mean?
The 12 houses in astrology represent different areas of life and aspects of the self.
They provide the framework that astrologists use to interpret or ‘predict’ the areas of your life that planets will affect.
Q: How do I find my houses in astrology?
To find your houses in astrology, you need to first calculate your birth chart.
You will need to know your exact birth time, date, and place. Then, you’ll plug that information into a birth chart calculator. You can grab yours for free here.
You’ll get a picture of a circle divided into 12 different sections. Each of those houses will have a number on the outside of it, which is the number of the house.
Q: Can your houses change over time?
No. Once your natal chart is calculated based on your birth information, the positions of the houses remain fixed throughout your life.
While the planets within the houses may move due to progressions and transits, the houses themselves do not change.Â
