The Twelve Houses

In Astrology, the sky is divided into twelve equal parts or Houses. Each one rules a particular area of life that is affected by the transits and planetary movements. 

The Houses were first created as an astronomical way to divide the ecliptic into stagnant parts. This was formed by observing the ecliptic, which is the orbital path of the Sun from a geocentric perspective. 

While we know now, of course, that the Solar System is just that- heliocentric- several aspects of ancient geocentric astronomy have since evolved into aspects of traditional and modern astrology.

Astronomers used the ecliptic to identify the twelve constellations of the Zodiac which fall among them. Today, the constellation Ophiuchus appears to be along the ecliptic which explains why some astronomers consider it a Zodiacal constellation.

History of the Twelve Houses

This idea of splitting the sky into twelve equal parts dates back to ancient Sumeria and has been replicated throughout several cultures since then. The planets and constellations are constantly moving while the cosmos are continually transforming. The physical ideologies of Uniformity and Entropy apply here.  

Therefore, the Twelve Houses have remained a constant variable for which to offset the rest of a sky chart. 

Different types of Astrology use different stories and historical figures to describe the energies involved. However, over time the long-term study of the effects of planetary bodies on the magnetic, gravitational, and electrical effects of the Earth has been able to confirm and replicate the result of each area of the sky relating to an individual area of life.

Each of the twelve houses correlates to one Zodiac constellation and planet that align with the general baseline of its energy. Separately, each House relates to others in a replicable and synchronistic way.

Locating the Horizon

First, astrologers separate the sky into two parts to indicate the line of the horizon. These parts rule day and night, yin and yang, masculine and feminine energies.

The exact horizon at the time and location in question determines the orientation of an astrological chart. This supplies the Ascendant (First House) and Descendant (Seventh House), which explains why time and location are very important for the precision of an astrological chart. The Ascendant represents the Eastern horizon, while the Descendant shows the Western horizon. 

Chart Hemispheres

As the horizon calculates the Eastern and Westernmost points of a chart, we can then use them to offset the Northern and Southernmost points. These points indicate the Midheaven (Tenth House) and Hypogee (Fourth House). The Midheaven represents the sky above the horizon. Accordingly, the Hypogee represents the sky on the virtual underside of the Earth as relating to the birth or event.

Each of these four sections represents a season and its correlating element. This alone identifies the energy balance of a chart!

Watch our Pick-A-Card Readings on YouTube as another way to identify your energy balance!

Identifying the Twelve Houses

The Twelve Houses divide the sky into 12 parts, based on the Earth’s 24-hour axis. Accordingly, each House rules a particular set of energies and time of the day. Of course, each house also has its associating ruling planet and zodiac sign. 

Each House represents a different Area of Life, whereas the Zodiac represents characteristics and the planets can indicate events and feelings. 

Also, each section represents a direction. This allows astrologers to read the chart like a compass, notating the hemispheres in the sky and the chart.

The Ascendant, or the beginning of the 1st House, shows the exact Eastern Horizon when you were born. This begins your chart, a perfect snapshot of the sky when you came into the world. Accordingly, your Ascendant and First House rule your truest self.  

Reading the Twelve Houses

Each House represents an Area of life, ruled by its correlating number. 

First House: Self, Appearance, Self-Awareness, Higher Self

Second House: Wealth, Speech, Communication

Third House: Siblings, Neighborhood, Communication, Creativity

Fourth House: Mother, Home, Family Life, Privacy, Stillness 

Fifth House: Children, Fun, Play, Romance

Sixth House: Health, Wellness, Daily Routine, Work, Pets, Isolation

Seventh House: Relationships, Spouse, Divine Intervention

Eighth House: Death, Transformation, Sex, Shared Finance, Shadow, Secrets

Ninth House: Travel, Study, Religion, Higher Education, Philosophy, Spirituality

Tenth House: Career, Father, Property, Public Reputation

Eleventh House: Dreams, Aspirations, Community, Luck

Twelfth House: Death, Endings, Unconscious, Releasing the Old 

The Houses and The Zodiac

Each of the houses has a Zodiacal ruler, which allows us to interpret the energetic combinations more thoroughly. Typically, the Zodiacal ruler lands in a different house than its attributed House. Understanding which energy is native to each house and the way they interact with one another allows for a deeper interpretation of a chart.

The Zodiac Rulers of the Twelve Houses are as follows:

1 (First House): Aries

2: Taurus

3: Gemini

4: Cancer

5: Leo

6: Virgo

7: Libra

8: Scorpio

9: Sagittarius

10: Capricorn

11: Aquarius

12: Pisces

Calculate your own Astrological Chart Here!

Additional Points

To understand one House in a chart, we must also observe its opposite. A completely balanced chart would weigh out equally in all parts. To find balance in one area of life, check the polar house or sign. The opposite end of the scale will point to a solution more often than not.

For example, to better understand the energy of the first house in a chart, check the seventh house for more information. Each house’s traits should balance, or polarize, with its opposite. This creates a balanced axis or center of the chart. This point represents the balanced Higher Self of the querent, as the chart acts as an instructional manual for balancing the 3D self.

By understanding the twelve houses in Astrology, one sees life through a holistic approach. This allows for a clearer and more precise understanding of Astrological calculations and their effects on the planet and its natives.