House (astrology)
Most horoscopic traditions of astrology systems divide the horoscope into a number of houses whose positions depend on time and location rather than on date. The houses of the horoscope represent different fields of experience wherein the energies of the signs and planets operate—described in terms of physical surroundings as well as personal life experiences.Background
In astrology, houses are a fundamental component of the birth chart that represent different areas of life. There are 12 houses, each associated with a specific zodiac sign and planetary ruler. The 12 houses in Western astrology represent distinct areas of life experience, shaping how planetary energies manifest in an individual's natal chart. Each house reflects a unique aspect of existence, from personal identity to relationships, career, and spirituality. The interpretation of the houses can vary based on different astrological traditions, psychological frameworks, and philosophical approaches.
The houses are divisions of the ecliptic plane, at the time and place of the horoscope in question. They are numbered counter-clockwise from the cusp of the first house. Commonly, houses one through six are below the horizon and houses seven through twelve are above the horizon, but some systems may not respect entirely that division.
Every house system is dependent on the rotational movement of Earth on its axis, but there is a wide range of approaches to calculating house divisions and different opinions among astrologers over which house system is most accurate. To calculate the houses, it is necessary to know the exact time, date, and location. The several methods of calculating house divisions stem from disagreement over what they mean mathematically. All house systems in Western astrology use twelve houses projected on the ecliptic. The differences arise from which fundamental plane is the object of the initial division and whether the divisions represent units of time, or degrees of distance.
If space is the basis for house division, the chosen plane is divided into equal arcs of 30° each. A difference will be made as to whether these divisions are made directly on the ecliptic, or on the celestial equator or some other great circle, before being projected on the ecliptic.
If time is the basis for house division, a difference must be made for whether the houses are based on invariant equal hours or temporal hours.
Regardless of these different methods, all house divisions in Western astrology share certain things in common: the twelve house cusps are always projected on the ecliptic, they all place the cusp of the first house near the eastern horizon, and every house cusp is 180° of longitude apart from the sixth following house.Qualities
The table to the right represents the basic outline of the houses as they are still understood today and includes the traditional Latin names. The houses are numbered from the east downward under the horizon, each representing a specific area of life. Many modern astrologers assume that the houses relate to their corresponding signs, i.e. that the first house has a natural affinity with the first sign, Aries, and so on.First House (House of Self)
Aries - The First House governs self-identity, physical appearance, and the persona—the outward expression of one's inner world. Liz Greene views this house as representing the mask we wear to navigate external life while concealing deeper psychological realities. Deborah Houlding emphasizes its traditional role as the foundation of vitality and character, where the ascendant sign influences temperament and health. Dane Rudhyar describes it as the emergence of consciousness, symbolizing the individual's first interaction with the external world. Stephen Arroyo sees it as the lens through which we approach life's challenges, reflecting our initial reactions and self-image.
'''Keywords: physical appearance, identity and characteristics, resourcefulness, outlook and impressions, ego/personality, goals, determination, beginnings and initiatives.'''Second House (House of Value)
Taurus - The Second House relates to personal resources, material possessions, and self-worth. Greene highlights how this house reflects the internalized value system that shapes not just finances but emotional security. Houlding explains its traditional association with wealth and livelihood, focusing on how possessions contribute to stability. Rudhyar interprets the Second House as the process of building personal foundations, emphasizing the individual's relationship with the material world. Arroyo simplifies it as the house of self-sufficiency, showing how one's attitude toward money and possessions reflects broader psychological patterns. '''Keywords: material and immaterial things of certain value, money, possessions and acquisitions, cultivation, perseverance, substance, self-worth.'''Third House (House of Sharing)
Gemini - The Third House governs communication, learning, and relationships with immediate surroundings. Greene emphasizes the development of cognitive skills and how early interactions shape mental patterns. Houlding focuses on its traditional role in local travel, siblings, and the sharing of ideas within communities. Rudhyar views this house as the emergence of the thinking mind, reflecting curiosity and the desire to connect through knowledge. Arroyo describes it as the house of everyday learning and practical communication, governing both casual conversations and intellectual exploration. '''Keywords: communication, distribution/generosity, intelligence/development, siblings, cousins, locomotion and transportation, ephemera.'''Fourth House (House of Home and Family)
Cancer - The Fourth House represents home, family, and the emotional roots that provide stability. Greene sees this house as the foundation of the inner self, where unconscious family patterns and childhood experiences shape adult life. Houlding highlights its traditional role as the house of ancestry and heritage, reflecting physical property and familial lineage. Rudhyar interprets it as the inner sanctuary where personal identity is nurtured away from the public eye. Arroyo focuses on the emotional security found in home life and how family relationships influence psychological well-being. '''Keywords: ancestry, heritage, roots, foundation and environment, mother or caretaker/nurturer, housing/shelter and the household, neighborhood matters, comfort, security/safety, tidiness, pets.'''Fifth House (House of Pleasure)
Leo - The Fifth House governs creativity, romance, and self-expression. Greene views this house as the arena for authentic expression, where individuals explore their unique identity through love, art, and play. Houlding emphasizes its traditional association with children, entertainment, and gambling, focusing on risk and pleasure. Rudhyar describes it as the creative impulse that drives individuals to leave a personal mark on the world. Arroyo interprets it as the house of personal fulfillment, where joy, passion, and artistic pursuits thrive. '''Keywords: recreational and leisure activities, things which make for enjoyment and entertainment, games/gambling/risk, romance and limerence, children/fertility, self-expression.'''Sixth House (House of Health and Service)
Virgo - The Sixth House relates to health, daily routines, and service to others. Greene highlights this house as the space where individuals balance personal needs with responsibility, integrating work and health into a cohesive routine. Houlding notes its traditional role in governing illness, servitude, and labor, focusing on the obligations that structure daily life. Rudhyar interprets it as the process of self-improvement through discipline and attention to detail. Arroyo views it as the house of practicality, emphasizing wellness, work habits, and self-care. '''Keywords: routine tasks and duties, skills or training acquired, employment, service and being served, strength, vitality, wellness and healthcare.'''Seventh House (House of Balance)
Libra - The Seventh House governs relationships, including marriage, business partnerships, and legal contracts. Greene describes it as the mirror of the self, reflecting the qualities we seek—and often project—onto others in close relationships. Houlding emphasizes its traditional role in governing alliances and open enemies, highlighting the balance between cooperation and conflict. Rudhyar sees it as the point where personal identity meets the "Other," symbolizing the evolution of self through meaningful connections. Arroyo interprets it as the house of committed partnerships, emphasizing harmony, negotiation, and balance. '''Keywords: partnerships, marriage and business matters, diplomacy, agreements, contracts and all things official, equilibrium.'''Eighth House (House of Transformation)
Scorpio - The Eighth House is associated with transformation, shared resources, and intimacy. Greene delves into its role in deep psychological transformation, where themes of power, control, and emotional vulnerability surface. Houlding connects it to traditional topics like inheritance, death, and joint finances, emphasizing the merging of resources and identities. Rudhyar interprets it as the house of regeneration, where crisis and rebirth lead to profound growth. Arroyo sees it as a space for emotional depth and intimacy, focusing on the transformative power of close bonds. '''Keywords: cycles of deaths and rebirth, sexual relationships and commitments of all kinds, joint funds, finances, other person's resource, karma and debt, regeneration, self-transformation.'''Ninth House (House of Purpose)
Sagittarius - The Ninth House represents higher education, philosophy, and long-distance travel. Greene highlights the house as the realm of the search for meaning, where individuals explore spirituality, culture, and belief systems. Houlding focuses on its traditional role in religion, law, and foreign affairs, emphasizing the expansion of one's worldview. Rudhyar views it as the stage of intellectual and spiritual exploration, where personal experience broadens into universal understanding. Arroyo interprets it as the house of personal growth through exploration, whether intellectual or physical. '''Keywords: travel and foreign affairs, culture, expansion, law and ethics, education/learning/knowledge, philosophical interests, belief systems, experience through exploration, things long-term.'''