The Houses of an astrology chart are the twelve “pie pieces” that define the areas of life for humanity. They have natural Sign and Point rulers, shown in the image above.
When making a birth chart for a person, the time of birth is taken into account. This may cause the Signs and Points to not always match up with their usual Houses. One person has Gemini “managing” the 1st House while another person has Scorpio there at birth.
A person with Gemini in the 1st House may have their Sun in the 4th House. On the other hand, someone with Scorpio in the 1st House may have their Sun in the 10th House…
What Area of Life Does Each House Rule?
Each Astrology House, also known as a Domicile, rules a certain aspect of human life. In short:
Throughout the history of astrology, numerous methods have been developed to calculate the starting degree of a House in a Sign, including specific degrees contained within. Several different House systems exist, considering the twelve Houses as twelve distinct data units. These systems represent varied approaches to calculating the Houses when casting a chart. Notably, here is a list of twelve different House systems: Alcabitius, Campanus, Equal, Koch, Meridian, Morinus, Placidus, Porphyry, Regiomontanus, Topocentric, Vehlow, and Whole Sign.
If you purchase a contemporary book on beginning astrology or use an online program to get your chart cast, such as our Birth Chart Calculator, the chart will likely be cast using the Placidus system.
Interestingly, as more astrologers, including notable figures like Chris Brennan and Demetra George, delve into and write about Hellenistic astrology, the Whole Sign system is experiencing a resurgence. Additionally, Regiomontanus is the preferred choice for astrologers who specialize in horary astrology, such as Ema Kurent. Importantly, regardless of the system used to cast the chart, the values assigned to the Houses do not vary with the different House systems.
Influence of the Signs on the 12 Houses?
As implied by their name, these chart segments “house” (or contain) various aspects of human experience, which we will explore further below. Upon examining a chart, you’ll notice the Houses are arranged counter-clockwise, starting with the 1st House on the left, followed by the 2nd House below it.
The Houses not only symbolize facets of human experience but also possess inherent elements, Zodiac Signs, ruling points, and types. For instance, the 1st House is governed by the fire element, the Sign of Aries, the planetary influence of Mars, and falls under the “angular” type category.
Crucially, the alignment of Signs to Houses varies with the time of birth, an essential detail for accurately determining the Houses’ positions in your personal chart. Both the time and date of birth are pivotal, revealing the Sun’s Sign at the time of birth and its position relative to the horizon (whether it will rise for births before dawn or the Sign it occupied for births after dawn).
Getting to Know More about the Astrology Houses
Below are descriptions of each Astrology House, with links to more detailed information.
First House – The Quest for Identity
The First House is the House of the Self. It is “home” to your personality, character, manners, style, temperament, and (in classical astrology) physical characteristics.
Since this House leads the chart, it has a special designation and is also known as the Ascendant and/or Rising Sign. If Scorpio “rules” your First House, then you have a Scorpio Ascendant or Scorpio Rising. As a result, the Point that rules the Sign of your First House is known as the Chart Ruler. In the case of the Scorpio Ascendant, the Chart Ruler is Pluto (modern) and Mars (Hellenistic).
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The First House in astrology reveals the individual, the Self that goes out to meet the world. Thus, the Sign of your Ascendant informs astrologers’ understanding of your self-presentation and others’ perceptions of you. Air Signs harness intellect and communication in their identity search.
In contrast, Fire Signs opt for creativity and action. Earth Signs, being practical and conservative, ground themselves. Water Signs, meanwhile, delve into emotional energy and nurture close connections to discover their true selves.
Since the Sign of the First House determines the Signs for all the other Houses, this House receives extra attention in astrology.
Second House – The Quest for Resources
The Second House in astrology reveals your energetic disposition to safety, security, and your home. Thus, the Sign of your 2nd House shapes astrologers’ insights into your methods, actions, and choices to ensure security and fulfill your needs.
Air Signs draw on their intellect and communication for satisfaction. Conversely, Fire Signs engage creativity and action. Meanwhile, Earth Signs adopt a practical and conservative stance. Lastly, Water Signs channel their emotional energy and forge close connections for safety.
Third House – The Quest for Understanding
The Third House in astrology reveals your energetic disposition to communication and knowledge. Thus, the Sign of your 3rd House guides astrologers in understanding your approach, actions, and decisions to make sense of your surroundings and seek comprehension from others.
Air Signs employ intellect and communication for clarity. Meanwhile, Fire Signs bring in creativity and action. Conversely, Earth Signs take a practical and conservative route. Finally, Water Signs leverage their emotional energy and deep connections for effective communication.
Fourth House – The Quest for Roots/Family
The Fourth House in astrology reveals your energetic disposition to family and your emotions. Hence, based on the Sign of your 4th House, astrologers can decipher how you function, respond, and decide to manage your origin family and create your own.
Air Signs utilize their intellect and communication to unite the family, while Fire Signs engage creativity and action. In contrast, Earth Signs adopt a practical and conservative approach. Lastly, Water Signs channel their emotional energy and foster close connections to strengthen family bonds.
Fifth House – The Quest for Creativity
The Fifth House in astrology reveals your energetic disposition to creativity and activity. Thus, based on the Sign of your 5th House, astrologers can assess how you operate, behave, and decide to have fun and engage with others. Specifically, Air Signs apply their intellect and communication skills for playfulness.
Conversely, Fire Signs harness creativity and take action. On the other hand, Earth Signs adopt a practical and conservative stance. Finally, Water Signs pour their emotional energy into and rely on close connections for enjoyment.
Sixth House – The Quest for Service
The Sixth House in astrology reveals your energetic disposition to support, service, and health. Consequently, based on the Sign of your 6th House, astrologers can analyze how you approach work, action, and decision-making to nurture yourself and others. Specifically, Air Signs apply intellect and communication for service.
Similarly, Fire Signs incorporate creativity and action. Conversely, Earth Signs adopt a practical and conservative stance. Finally, Water Signs commit their emotional energy and foster close connections to aid others.
Seventh House – The Quest for Guidance
The Seventh House in astrology reveals your energetic disposition to other people. Reflecting on the Sign of your 7th House, astrologers deduce how you navigate, behave, and choose strategies to achieve harmony with every individual you encounter.
Importantly, Air Signs deploy intellect and communication for insightful analysis and making connections. Meanwhile, Fire Signs introduce creativity and action. On the other hand, Earth Signs prefer practical and conservative methods. Lastly, Water Signs leverage emotional energy and cultivate deep connections, aiming to sustain relationships effectively.
Eighth House – The Quest for Transformation
The Eighth House in astrology reveals your energetic disposition to change and disruption. Hence, the Sign of your 8th House helps astrologers understand your approach, actions, and decisions towards transforming your life and impacting others.
Air Signs leverage intellect and communication to influence people and situations. Fire Signs employ creativity and action. Earth Signs adopt practical and conservative methods. Water Signs dedicate emotional energy and rely on intimate relationships to initiate or compel changes in circumstances and individuals.
Ninth House – The Quest for Mastership
The Ninth House in astrology reveals your energetic disposition to scholarship and worldly experience. Therefore, based on your 9th House’s Sign, astrologers can analyze your methods, behavior, and decision-making in becoming an expert in a particular life aspect.
Air Signs harness intellect and communication for mastery. Fire Signs apply creativity and action. Earth Signs opt for practicality and conservatism. Water Signs channel emotional energy and cultivate close relationships to establish their authority.
Tenth House – The Quest for Career
The Tenth House in astrology reveals your energetic disposition to goals, achievements, and success. Thus, based on the Sign governing your 10th House, astrologers can deduce your approach, actions, and decisions in making a meaningful contribution to society.
Air Signs leverage intellect and communication skills. Fire Signs draw on creativity and action. Earth Signs adopt a practical and conservative stance. Meanwhile, Water Signs channel their emotional energy and nurture close connections to prove their worth to society.
Eleventh House – The Quest for Community
The Eleventh House in astrology reveals your energetic disposition to your role in your community and society. Based on your 11th House’s Sign, astrologers can deduce how you navigate, behave, and decide to carve out your niche, whether locally, nationally, or globally.
Air Signs leverage intellect and communication skills to secure their spot. Conversely, Fire Signs draw on creativity and action. Earth Signs adopt a practical and conservative approach, while Water Signs channel their emotional energy and form close relationships to uncover and fulfill their roles.
Twelfth House – The Quest for Spirituality
The Twelfth House in astrology reveals your energetic disposition in your search for purpose. Therefore, astrologers can deduce how you engage, behave, and make decisions to forge a connection with the divine based on your 12th House’s Sign.
Air Signs harness intellect and communication for spiritual understanding. Fire Signs rely on creativity and action, whereas Earth Signs prefer a practical and conservative approach. Water Signs, meanwhile, pour their emotional energy into close relationships to discover their divine link.
