| [Diary Notes] The Zodiac -The Ruling Houses:
The text below is taken from Astrology.Com
The Astrological Houses: One way to put the components
of your astrological chart into a real world context is
to look at the twelve Houses of the Zodiac. Each sector
of the Zodiac deals with a different aspect of our life.
By examining the placement of the Planets and Signs in
the various Houses, the image of your 'astrological make
up' is further sharpened.
If, for example, your chart finds Uranus, the Planet
of Rebellion, in the First House, the House of Self, you
may seem a little odd to others because you wear your
individuality on the surface.
Technically speaking, to place the Houses within the
chart wheel, divide the wheel into twelve pie-shaped pieces
(see an example of this here).
The first piece of this astrological pie begins at the
nine o'clock spot and heads south: That is the First House.
The Second House begins at the eight o'clock position
... and so on.
The first Sign of the Zodiac, Aries, is the ruler of
the First House; Taurus, the second Sign, rules the Second
House, and so on around the wheel. Any of the twelve Signs
can visit a particular House and add its own characteristics
to it, based on time, date and place of birth. It would
be correct to infer that the Houses possess similar traits
to the Signs which rule them, as well as taking on traits
of each Planet that travels through them. However, while
the Signs deal with inner traits and qualities relating
to the Self, the Houses speak to the external world and
outer influences.
The First House, at the nine o'clock position, is said
to be on the "ascendant", or horizon. One's
outward image is largely defined by the planetary placement
at the ascendant. For example, if Virgo is on the ascendant
in a particular chart, it will add its own flavor and
characteristics to the First House.
Directly across from the First House is the Seventh House,
at the three o'clock position. This is referred to as
the descendant and addresses how we view our relationships
with others. The high noon position, at the beginning
of the Tenth House, is also occupied by the medium coeli,
or MC. Through the MC, we can glean much about an individual's
social status and public persona.
Opposite the MC on the chart wheel is the imum coeli,
or IC, located at the six o'clock position, which is also
the start of the Fourth House. The IC looks inward and
represents childhood, home and family. The ascendant,
descendant, MC and IC are also known as the angles of
the chart wheel.
Having one's correct birth time available allows for
an accurate placement of the Planets in their corresponding
Houses when drawing up a chart wheel. This placement adds
much texture to the reading -- and meaning -- of an individual's
chart.
The First House
House of Self
The First House is commonly referred to as the House
of Self. The cusp of the First House is the home of the
Ascendant, the Sign which was rising on the eastern horizon
at the precise moment of one's birth. By thinking of this
in terms of sunrise and new beginnings, one begins to
grasp the concepts of the First House. The new beginnings
here are centered around the individual: the self and
the attendant voyage of discovery which defines a person.
Who are you? What will you become? How do you realize
your best self? The First House speaks to the realization
of one's ultimate potential. This process of becoming
a unique individual is one of the greatest contributions
we make to the world in which we live.
The distinct qualities which we possess are often referred
to as personality. The First House addresses the individual,
his or her comportment and approach to life. In other
words, the sum total of one's being. This is the package
we give to the world. The packaging itself, or our outer
being, is also governed by the First House -- think the
physical body and the way in which we present ourselves,
and in particular, the head and face.
Early childhood is also ruled by the First House. Everything
from our earliest steps to our view of the emerging world
is considered here. How will we develop? What is our view
on life? It all begins at the beginning (the First House)
and serves to shape us for all time.
In sum, the First House speaks to the person we are becoming
and will become, both internally and externally. It addresses
our personality and presentation to the world, our essential
qualities, approach to life, demeanor and basic sensibilities.
The inner self and outer body are what the First House
is all about.
The First House is ruled by the Sign Aries and the Planet
Mars.
The Second House
House of Possessions
The scond House is commonly referred to as the House
of Possessions. While this speaks to that which we own,
it's not limited simply to tangible things. We own our
feelings and emotions, as well as our inner selves, abilities,
needs and wants. When we own up to something, we are in
fact claiming ownership of our greatest possession, our
self.
Using our possessions, including material goods, to maximum
advantage is also within the realm of the Second House.
Our possessions should enhance our lives and those of
others in addition to fostering a general sense of well-being.
This brings forth the concept of value which is key to
the Second House. What do we value, both tangibly and
intangibly? Why do we value it? Who do we value? What
do we really own? What do we want to own? Why? Our effective
resolution of these questions is a large part of what
the Second House is all about.
Specific possessions covered by the Second House include
earned income and our ability to influence it, investments
and moveable property (cars, clothing, jewelry and the
like). Debt is also part of the equation here, since we
own the responsibility to pay our bills. How we view money,
the acquisition of wealth (and debt), financial reversals,
savings, budgeting and financial status are all ruled
by the Second House.
For those of us who believe that money will set us free,
it's interesting to note that this maxim finds a home
in the Second House. Personal freedoms as established
by financial capability and sensibility are addressed
within this House. To a great extent, our possessions
and what we do with them help to define us as viable human
beings. Taking it a step further, will these material
goods help us gain social standing, recognition, friendship
and love? Used properly, they very well might. Therefore,
the goal implicit in one's possessions could be defined
as the ability to use those possessions honestly and to
our best advantage and for the greater good. If our possessions
work for us and those around us, what more could we ask?
Well, one more question does come to mind: what goes around
comes around? Sounds about right!
The Second House is ruled by the Sign Taurus and the
Planet Venus.
The Third House
House of Communication
The Third House is commonly referred to as the House
of Communication. In this House, much of the communication
is going on between the individual and those he or she
holds close: brothers and sisters, as well as neighbors.
While communication here can be both written and verbal,
it also has a conscious quality to it. Think about kindred
spirits and mental connections. This serves to highlight
the role of intelligence within the Third House.
Intelligence, as viewed in this realm, is the analytical
ability one possesses within his or her environment, specifically
a basic grasp of things and a practical sensibility. We
use this intelligence to help us work effectively within
our world and with those in it. The Third House reminds
us that it's okay to use our conscious skills, as well
as a more reflective intelligence, in order to make our
way. A symbiotic relationship with those we hold close
is also part of the plan. Let's not forget that our minds
are powerful, quick and dexterous. Some things will be
well-thought out, others nearly automatic. Maximizing
our sum potential is the key.
Early education, effectively teaching us how to think
and communicate, is also covered by the Third House, as
are short trips. Again, the proximate nature of travel
speaks to the intimate nature of the Third House: those
we know well, in our environment, keeping that environment
tight.
Harnessing our intelligence and sharing it effectively
with others is the essence of the Third House. How do
we best state our case with others, often those we love
the most? Will our actions be true to our environment,
and our planet, for all time? This brings to the fore
emerging forms of intelligence-gathering, such as computers.
Will they make or break communication as we know it? The
questions posed by the Third House can be answered by
listening to that House: think, process, share.
The Third House is ruled by the Sign Gemini and the Planet
Mercury.
The Fourth House
House of Family and Home
The Fourth House is commonly referred to as the House
of Home. When we think of home, we think of that place
where we put down our roots. We lay our foundation and
plant ourselves firmly into the Earth, as it were. One
day, we will return to that very same Earth. The Fourth
House brings things full circle by also addressing old
age, endings and our final resting place.
Much of the emphasis of the Fourth House, however, is
on the concept of home. By laying down roots, we make
a home for ourselves, or more specifically, the self.
It's worth noting that in addition to the external home
(all the bricks and mortar around us), we have really
brought the essential self home. 'I'm home.' The words
themselves have a peaceful ring to them. The self is now
centered, grounded, one and at peace with the Earth. We
seek to come home both physically and psychically, for
ourselves and for those we love. By creating home, we
create a meeting place, a sanctuary, a sacred place for
ourselves and for others.
In our home, we integrate the self with all that has
come before us and helped to shape what we are today.
We create a domestic space which comforts and nurtures
us and serves to keep safe those we love. Also important
here are family history, cultural and societal norms,
and ways of being. All of these are ruled by the Fourth
House, as are our ancestry, roots and heritage. These
qualities are brought 'home' through us and integrated
into the place we call home.
Helping to create the home we make are our parents, for
it is they who greatly nurture and shape our being. Therefore,
the Fourth House can also be thought of as the House of
the Mother, the Parent or the Nurturer.
Looking at things from a strictly tangible point of view,
we can see that the Fourth House also encompasses physical
structures (houses) and real estate. The Fourth House
represents family, history and traditions. All of these
contribute to the process of becoming a true, actualized
and individualized self. This is how we come home.
The Fourth House is ruled by the Sign Cancer and the
Moon.
The Fifth House
House of Pleasure
The Fifth House is commonly referred to as the House
of Pleasure. Oftentimes, pleasure is the result of a creative
act. The simple act of creating is, essentially, giving
of oneself and making something -- making another? Yes,
the Fifth House does speak to procreation and children,
but it also addresses the creation of art and culture.
The creative life is one from which we can derive much
personal pleasure and self-satisfaction. Do I like this?
Does it make me feel good? Does it bring me pleasure?
The answers therein are the domain of the Fifth House.
Taking this pleasure principle a step further, one can
give it a more human face, even two faces. Romance and
romantic affairs, both emotional pleasures, are within
the realm of the Fifth House. Emotional satisfaction can
be gained in many ways, and yet another way addressed
by this House is gambling. While this implies a financial
risk, it can also be viewed as the willingness to take
a risk -- on love, with money or in life. A gut risk in
the hopes of a pleasurable outcome is how the Fifth House
sees it. This House is actually quite rich with pleasures
since it also lords over fun, games and hobbies. Life
is more than just being or doing, it also includes finding
-- finding the pleasure in the acts in which we engage.
Children as a source of pleasure are also important in
the Fifth House. This brings us back to creativity, since
through our children, we create an extension of ourselves
and then watch it grow. Giving our children all the good
we had (and have), and then some, is certainly a pleasurable
pursuit. How will this manifest itself? What form of pleasure
and emotional release is best for our children? Music,
dance, theater, art, science, literature -- these fancies
are for them and for us. Play for the purpose of emotional
enrichment and pure pleasure is what the Fifth House is
all about.
The Fifth House is ruled by the Sign Leo and the Sun.
The Sixth House
House of Health
The Sixth House is commonly referred to as the House
of Health. Implicit in maintaining good health is the
ability to cope in the face of adversity, and this theme
rings truest in the Sixth House. As human beings, we naturally
have shortcomings. What will we do with them? How will
we react in the face of a personal crisis? Crises, illnesses
and reversals of fortune are all part of our Earthly trek.
How we confront these situations and deal with the lessons
they invariably teach us helps to define the person we
become.
Our fears may hold us back, but if we can meet them head-on
and come out stronger on the other side, we may learn
the valuable lesson of service or what our life's work
should be. Work and service are central to the Sixth House.
The focus here is on employment (employers and employees),
training, those who serve us (along with those we serve)
and those who depend on us. Keeping ourselves strong throughout
these efforts is also important here, which is why this
House further focuses on health (good and bad), diet,
fitness and hygiene.
Essential to the work we do in life is the work we do
on our self. Duty, responsibility and personal growth
all contribute to the creation of a fully-realized being.
We work for others as well as for ourselves; we are at
service to those who need us, including our own being.
There will be times when crises of health or faith will
stand in the way of our best self. At those times, we
must endeavor to heal ourselves (again, the focus of this
House is on health) so that we can return to the work
of realizing our sum potential, of serving our world.
The Sixth House also addresses the daily dailiness of
life: what will I wear today? Do I need a haircut? Has
the dog been fed? These simple matters keep our engines
humming and enable us to do the more important work of
our choosing. It's a patchwork quilt: the ability to serve
others in health and through work which is both valuable
and fulfilling.
The Sixth House is ruled by the Sign Virgo and the Planet
Mercury.
1st House 2nd House 3rd House 4th House 5th House 6
The Seventh House
House of Partnerships
The Seventh House is commonly referred to as the House
of Partnership. With this House, we see a shift away from
the self toward another -- a partner. By cooperating with
and relating to another we unite for the purpose of achieving
something. Purpose is important to the Seventh House --
the act of accomplishing something great or small for
the self, the partnership and even society as a whole.
In uniting with another, we also become a more valuable
member of our world: we make a contribution, one small
cog in the wheel of life. We have purpose. Cooperation
and partnership help to expedite our purpose in life.
Through a partnership, we fill out our essential being.
Suddenly, we see ourselves in context. Through a partnership
in which we work, play, love and/or create, we are fully
formed and completed. The other half helps to make us
whole. Ultimately, how we relate to others will help to
define the success we have as a human being and as a member
of humankind.
The Seventh House shows us that partnerships can take
many forms: marriage, business relationships, contracts,
legalities, negotiations and agreements. We will cooperate
to a greater or lesser extent in these varied partnerships.
The quality of that cooperation, in essence how we relate
to the other, is key to the Seventh House. Why do we choose
this partnership? Is it for love or money? Practical reasons?
Social considerations? There are many reasons for uniting
with another. We may choose to fill voids we see in ourselves.
We may simply want the company and companionship of another.
The partnerships we form say a great deal about ourselves
and also serve to teach us much. This House wants us to
know that the quality of our partnerships will enhance
our lives, make them fuller, more special and better for
everyone.
Tensions within a partnership also serve to teach us
lessons. For this reason, the Seventh House also focuses
on the darker side of our unions. Divorce, lawsuits and
treaties all fall within this House. At its worst, a partnership
may create enemies -- and on a more global scale, these
rifts can deteriorate into war. It is our reaction to
this adversity which will shape the partnerships yet to
come.
The Seventh House is ruled by the Sign Libra and the
Planet Venus.
The Eighth House
House of Sex
The Eighth House is commonly referred to as the House
of Sex. This House delves into relationships -- interactions
with another and how certain aspects of those interactions
can take on a more communal nature. It speaks to what
our relationships will bring us and how we can get the
most out of them.
Returning to this House's emphasis on sex, it's important
to note that the French refer to an orgasm as 'le petit
mort' or 'the little death.' When we reach that exalted
state of communion, we leave a little of ourselves behind
-- die a small death. One can also choose to view this
as growth, a new beginning, the rebirth of the soul or
a gain for the partnership. The Eighth House is an equal-opportunity
House, placing sex, death and rebirth on the same level
playing field and acknowledging the viability and importance
of all three. We will all experience death and rebirth
as part of our lives: failed relationships leading to
new ones, career changes, a new hairstyle. We are regenerated
and reborn with each new phase and should welcome them.
Shared resources also fall within the Eighth House: inheritance,
alimony, taxes, insurance, support from another. Financial
support as well as spiritual, emotional and physical support
are addressed by this House. While our relationships share
many of the aforementioned things, they also have their
own dynamics and grow from within (we grow through our
sexuality as well as through other more tangible means).
That said, much as our relationships are expansive, they
also have certain constraints, many which are placed on
them by society. Again, taxes, alimony and the joint nature
of assets come to mind. Yes, with every opportunity we
have, we may face a restriction along with it. Once again,
death and rebirth.
In keeping with the transforming nature of this House,
rituals are highlighted. Every group has its own way of
peering in and looking deep into the soul and the past,
if only to get a sense of what we truly are. What quality
will our rituals take on? Exalted states or metamorphoses?
What secrets do we keep and why? How we manage our interactions,
relationships and rituals is important to the Eighth House
-- will we be honest, effective and responsible? Will
the riches generated by our relationships benefit the
group (company, humankind) as a whole? Our legacies are
key to this House: how we conduct ourselves now, and how
that will play out for all time.
The Eighth House is ruled by the Sign Scorpio and the
Planets Mars and Pluto.
The Ninth House
House of Philosophy
The Ninth House is commonly referred to as the House
of Philosophy. In keeping with that theme, it's our search
for meaning which is the focal point here. By virtue of
exploring our world, we start to grasp everything that
is available to us. It all boils down to understanding:
understanding that which we see and feel and probing further
in the hopes of realizing true meaning.
Through higher education, we have the hope of understanding
concepts and theories which will enhance our world. Whether
it's philosophy or psychology, the Ninth House reminds
us that we are on a voyage of discovery. Along that road,
we will come face-to-face with our ideals and further
shape the ethics by which we live. Another approach to
clearer meaning and understanding of that which we see,
and more importantly, that which we do not see, is through
religion. Understanding and accepting that which is greater
than us and our world is key to the Ninth House.
Sadly, we might not always be humble in the face of what
we have. A concrete understanding of the possibilities
in life may well lead to ruthless ambition and greed and
an over-expansion of the self. To face these demons most
effectively in society, we institute laws. These laws
provide for the orderly and positive growth of that society.
In much the same way, philosophy and religion help add
focus and purpose to a productive society. How members
of a society relate, and knowing and respecting the laws
by which they live, are core tenets of the Ninth House.
The way in which we expand our inner and outer lives
is also addressed by the Ninth House. Travel and interaction
with other peoples and cultures are a means to this end.
Our dreams, those which illustrate our past as well as
those which speak to future events, also help to mold
our being and our relationships. Taking this a step further,
psychics as the bearers of relevant information also come
into play.
Additionally, the Ninth House addresses publishing and
multinational ventures such as import/export businesses.
This House also has a multigenerational view, taking into
account grandchildren, as well as in-laws. At the end
of the day, however, the Ninth House is best described
as philosophically inclined in the search for meaning
and truth.
The Ninth House is ruled by the Sign Sagittarius and
the Planet Jupiter.
The Tenth House
House of Social Status
The Tenth House is commonly referred to as the House
of Social Status. It is about the place we have attained
in our social (or work/career) grouping and in society
as a whole. Think status, the authority it conveys, and
consequently, the role we take in our community. It also
speaks to any promotions we receive, any fame we may have
or will come to have and the types of business and social
activities in which we partake. With respect to achievement,
this House focuses on how we see ourselves and how the
community as a whole sees us (and our efforts). Through
this House, we work on manifesting ourselves.
Vocation is important in the Tenth House. What role will
we choose and how will we best fill it? How much do we
want to achieve? Career, professional goals, ambition
and motivation all come into play here. In a more practical
context, employers and their rules are covered here, as
are any other organizations (specifically the government)
which have the ability to rule over us. Along with our
life's work comes the challenge of ruling over others,
although there will generally be someone who lords over
us.
The prestige and social status we accrue by virtue of
our careers and vocations can be seen, intangibly, in
the form of ego gratification. How we manage this is addressed
by the Tenth House. It may be most difficult to tire of
financial rewards in our consumerist society; surprisingly,
ego massage may grow old more quickly.
The question of how we will manage these gifts, and the
status that comes along with them, is important to this
House. Will we use our power to truly help society, or
will we be willful and reckless? Not all of us are cut
out for grand scale social success or equipped to help
society significantly. It's also worth noting that many
of our successes are achieved with the aid of society,
not in a vacuum.
The relationship of the individual to a group and to
society is also highlighted in the Tenth House. To improve
things and to make an impact, we must feel a real kinship
to the cause; a fervent resolve to change things is necessary.
In this way, we will achieve that social status which
is truly worthwhile. Lastly, in keeping with its focus
on rulers, the Tenth House addresses the father, who is
generally the more authoritarian parent.
The Tenth House is ruled by the Sign Capricorn and the
Planet Saturn.
The Eleventh House
House of Friendships
The Eleventh House is commonly referred to as the House
of Friends. Through our friends, we find strength in numbers
-- we see the power of the collective, the group. Groups
addressed by this House include clubs, organizations,
social groups, networking organizations and professional
associations. The focus here is on the activities we undertake
within these groups, how we make a difference and as a
result, how we grow and actualize our true selves. Further,
it's the group, by virtue of its collective strength,
which helps to define what we as individuals will do.
As we grow, we have more opportunities and possibilities
available to us, and the Eleventh House addresses these.
Our interactions and efforts are in keeping with our priorities
in life; these interactions have the ability to enhance
our lives. A labor of love? Yes, in many ways. Through
our friends and group activities we add substance and
meaning to our lives and to society.
The Eleventh House also speaks to destiny -- in simple
terms, our hopes and dreams, what we desire and what we
want to achieve. Our creative vision is highlighted, the
simple act of working toward our maximal selves. The power
of collective creation, as well as the creative sparks
generated by the group, are also important to this House.
By banding together, we can create so much more.
In joining with our friends, we not only accomplish a
great deal, but we can also enjoy the fruits of our labor.
The Eleventh House also addresses the kind of friend we
are: what do we do for others? How do we view our friends?
How do they view us? It is our basic character which,
to a great extent, defines the friends and groups we choose.
Oftentimes, we work with our friends toward a greater
good and in the hope of improving society. This is our
philanthropic side coming to the fore, the ability to
selflessly and eagerly help others. It is also our humanity
manifesting itself most effectively. At times, we may
upset the proverbial apple cart, but the sum total of
our efforts should be to look at the end result. If that's
good, then the process of getting there, for better or
for worse, is worthwhile. Lastly, the Eleventh House also
governs stepchildren, foster children and adopted children.
The Eleventh House is ruled by the Sign Aquarius and
the Planets Saturn and Uranus.
The Twelfth House
House of Subconscious
The Twelfth House is commonly referred to as the House
of the Unconscious. The unconscious state can help engender
our successes, as well as assist us in coping with our
failures. Success vs. failure: do we consciously confront
our lives or subconsciously sweep things under the proverbial
rug? This House might more aptly be called the House of
Reckoning, since it is in the Twelfth that we review what
we have been (and done) and decide where we go from there.
Along with these unconscious musings, we also deliberate
on strengths and weaknesses which are hidden from public
view.
Our subconscious works hard on our behalf, trying to
make sense of our lives. This shadow play is slow and
long, and often fraught with fear and pain. It is in this
context that we are confronted with our sorrows, suffering
and the secrets we keep from ourselves and from others.
Ultimately, we are also confronted with our fate: karma.
Here we meet up with the results of everything we have
done. This further puts the focus on repressed agendas
and restraint. What have we wrought with in our lives?
This is a key question of the Twelfth House, and we will
deal with it both consciously and unconsciously. Will
the answers compel us to be transformed or reborn? This
is another cornerstone of the Twelfth House -- the manner
in which we move forward.
We can learn much from the unconscious. In its most noble
manifestation, we will be prompted to be charitable. If
we learn our lessons, both past and present, we are also
better equipped to move forward. The Twelfth House compels
us to seek closure in a spiritual way as an aid to positive
growth.
The last House of the zodiac also recognizes that we
can feel bound in life -- stuck and confined. For this
reason, this House rules jails, hospitals, institutions,
asylums and any space that inhibits freedom. More gloominess
in the Twelfth comes in the form of danger, secret enemies
and clandestine affairs. Beware!
While some may decry the Twelfth House as the garbage
bin of the zodiac, it's really an unfair term. Ultimately,
this House is the champion of positive transformations.
It is here that we stand on the precipice and determine
how we will proceed. By visiting the unconscious and meeting
with the past, we begin to glean what the future will
bring.
The Twelfth House is ruled by the Sign Pisces and the
Planets Jupiter and Neptune.
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