The Houses

Every horoscope is divided into 12 sections, called houses. Each of the houses is ruled by (associated with) a certain planet and sign of the zodiac. Some houses can be ruled by more than one planet. Astrologers use the houses as a way of examining your relationship with the environment, and more specifically, with the places in which the events of your life unfold. The houses have the following key traits:

Most houses are unequal in size.
Houses typically do not line up evenly with the 12 signs on the horoscope, though they’re often nearly aligned.
Each house may contain one or more signs of the zodiac; some houses may contain none.
The houses have no physical reference points in the actual sky, with the following exceptions:
- The cusps of the first and seventh houses represent the horizon.
- The cusps of the fourth and tenth houses represent the highest and lowest points that the Sun reaches in the sky each day.

There is no universal method for dividing the horoscope into 12 houses. Instead, astrologers use various approaches, known as house systems. In all of these systems, the houses are numbered from 1–12, starting with the house immediately below the ascendant and proceeding counterclockwise around the horoscope (see How to Understand Horoscopes). Here’s a portion of a horoscope that shows what a typical house looks like and contains:

The Qualities of Houses

Each of the houses of the horoscope has unique qualities, which astrologers use to predict the kinds of environments in which you’ll be most comfortable working, living, and loving. The 12 houses break down into three main types: angular, succedent, and cadent.

Angular Houses

The first, fourth, seventh, and tenth houses are the angular houses. They correspond to the cardinal modalities of the zodiac (Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn) and share the cardinal signs’ qualities of groundbreaking leadership and action (see Signs of the Zodiac). If planets appear in angular houses in your horoscope, you’ll relish environments and situations that offer room for activity and autonomy.

First house: Represents your outward personality, physical appearance, approach to new situations, and ability to get what you want. Associated with the sign Aries and the planet Mars.
Fourth house: Represents your early home environment, your current home, the surroundings at your death, and the ability to protect what you have. Associated with the sign Cancer and the Moon.
Seventh house: Represents your important partnerships with others, including spouses, business partners, and enemies. Associated with the sign Libra and the planet Venus.
Tenth house: Represents your career orientation, ambition, relationships with superiors, and ability to attain respect and stature in society. Associated with the sign Capricorn and the planet Saturn.

Succedent Houses

The second, fifth, eighth, and eleventh houses—the succedent houses—correspond with the fixed modalities of the zodiac (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius) and share the fixed signs’ fondness for organization and routine. If planets appear in these houses in your horoscope, you’ll relish situations and environments that provide structure and order.

Second house: Represents your earning potential and attitude toward money. Associated with the sign Taurus and the planet Venus.
Fifth house: Represents your attitudes toward children, entertainment, and creativity. Associated with the sign Leo and the Sun.
Eighth house: Represents your attitudes toward sexuality, shared resources, and control. Associated with the sign Scorpio and the planets Mars and Pluto.
Eleventh house: Represents your associates and friends and your ability to plan for the future. Associated with the sign Aquarius and the planets Saturn and Uranus.

Cadent Houses

The third, sixth, ninth, and twelfth houses, or cadent houses, correspond to the mutable modalities of the zodiac (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces) and share the mutable signs’ qualities of facility and flexibility. If planets appear in these houses in your horoscope, you’ll relish situations and environments that emphasize teamwork and allow flexibility.

Third house: Represents your ability to communicate and acquire knowledge and skills, your early schooling, and your neighbors and siblings. Associated with the sign Gemini and the planet Mercury.
Sixth house: Represents your approach to work, health, and the details of daily life. Associated with the sign Virgo and the planet Mercury.
Ninth house: Represents your attitudes toward higher education, travel, and foreign cultures. Associated with the sign Sagittarius and the planet Jupiter.
Twelfth house: Represents your spirituality, dreams, and attitude toward faith. Associated with the sign Pisces and the planets Jupiter and Neptune.

Acknowledgments & Disclaimer

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