The Importance of The Astrological Houses

The second house is ruled by Taurus and represents the energy of being grounded in the physical. This house represents how we meet our basic security needs of food, shelter, and clothing also called Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. This also shows where we earn income and the resources we gain on our own. It also represents the personal value systems that we have acquired from our family lineage. The second house also governs our relationship with our five senses and feeling grounded with our bodies.

The 3rd House of Communication

The third house is ruled by Gemini and governs communication, early education from K-12, local communities and neighbors, and our siblings and extended family members such as cousins, aunts, uncles, etc. This is the house where we go to learn and also the process by which we communicate. From this house, we are shown possible communication issues such as stuttering or dyslexia. This house also provides some insight into the early K-12 experience. The sign on the cusp of the third house provides information on the type of neighborhoods we are likely to inhabit as well as our relationships with our neighbors.

The 4th House of Home & Family

The fourth house is located at what is referred to as the bottom of the natal chart at the nadir, and it is ruled by Cancer. This is where an individual connects to family experiences. The sign on the fourth house cusp reveals the condition of the early home life and connections to the family roots and especially the maternal side of the family. It also shows what our home life was like growing up and how that influences our current home life. Planets in the fourth house provide additional information into what the home life experience actually was. For example, Mars in the fourth house can show up as having a home life that could have been disruptive, violent, and/or quite active.

The 5th House of Romance & Creativity

The fifth house is ruled by Leo and governs dating and romance, sex for pleasure, procreation, children, and creativity. This house covers all aspects of creativity from our abilities to the physical act of creating life. It is for this reason that the 5th house also governs fertility. From this house, one is able to determine the traits of the children as well as if there are difficulties bearing children. The zodiac sign on the fifth house reveals how we approach love, dating, and sexual encounters for pleasure. For example, Aquarius on the fifth house can show a preference for romantic partners who are “unique” or different from the norm. It also creates a tendency to receive creative inspiration from “out of the blue.”

The 6th House of Health, Wellness, & Routines

The sixth house is ruled by Virgo and covers our health and wellness, daily routines, work environments, and relationships with coworkers. The sign on this house shows how we approach our health and can give a clue into possible illness, allergies, and relationship with food. How we manage daily routines and what we need to create order in our lives is seen from this house. The sixth house also rules work ethic. For example, someone with Aries in the sixth house is likely to prefer an active job with lots of space for independence. There could also be a tendency to compete with coworkers in the workplace.

The 7th House of Contractual Relationships

The seventh house is ruled by Libra and covers contractual relationships such as marriage and business partners. It also reveals one-on-one friendships and open enemies. The sign on the seventh house reveals how we operate in relationships as well as the qualities of the relationship and business partners. It also provides insight into how we handle contractual agreements. For example, someone with Capricorn on the seventh house can show up as a preference for older and/or wise partners. Due to the influence of Saturn, relationships of all types may have limitations and obstacles that offer lessons.

The 8th House of Transformation, Death & Taxes

The eighth house is ruled by Scorpio and covers death, taxes, money that is received through others, sexual intercourse especially as it relates to the orgasm, and transformation and healing. The sign on this house shows our magnetic ability as well as the ability to attract resources from outside sources. It also governs residual income sources where money is earned over time after an initial investment as well as monies earned through wills, inheritances, and alimony. Our relationship with sexuality for the purpose of intimacy and transformation is revealed in the eighth house as well as sexual taboos.

The 9th House of Travel, Higher Education, & Expanded Consciousness

The ninth house is ruled by Sagittarius, and it shows our relationship with places that are abroad, travels that are at least 500 miles, higher education at the collegiate level, and religion and faith systems. The sign on the ninth house shows our relationship to higher education and even the possible specialization. The belief systems are covered under this house as well as wise teachers and gurus and the quest for understanding through philosophical musings.

The 10th House of Career & Outer Reputation

The tenth house is ruled by Capricorn and is traditionally associated with the midheaven. This is the highest point of the astrological chart and shows the career and outside reputation. The zodiac sign on the tenth house gives clues about how we approach professional endeavors as well as possible career prospects, and how we approach achieving success. For example, Cancer on the tenth house reveals a preference for nurturing careers such as nursing or midwifery. The outer reputation is perceived as being a “mother figure” in professional environments. When seeking professional advancement, there is the tendency to approach professional achievements in an indirect manner…moving sideways like a crab.

The 11th House of Society, Friends, & Groups

The eleventh house is ruled by Aquarius and covers society, humanity, goals and wishes, and group associations. Due to the Uranian influence of the eleventh house, this is where we choose to blend in with the group or rebel. This house shows our relationship with friends in group settings as well as sororities, fraternities, and other gatherings of those with “like-mind.” The zodiac sign placement on the eleventh house reveals how we approach our goals and wishes and our position in society. For example, with Taurus in the eleventh house, there is a preference to maintain tradition and adhere to the status quo in society. Friendship groups and associations are preferred with grounded, practical people with traditional values.

The 12th House of Spirituality, Karma, & Self-Undoing

The twelfth house is ruled by Pisces, the last sign of the zodiac. This is considered the house of self-undoing as it corresponds with ego dissolution and releasing boundaries before returning to Source. This house governs secrets and the hidden, the subconscious, spiritual journeys as well as mental health/illness, prisons, hospitals, and asylums, and being set away from society. The twelfth house also governs sabotage as well as hidden enemies. Clues to the end-of-life/transition process can be found in the twelfth house.

Ultimately, the astrological houses provide another layer of interpretation to the natal chart.