The Houses indicate the areas of life in which the planets easily play their roles. To clarify, the planets exert their influence in all areas of life and have additional energy in the particular houses they are in.
This area of astrology can get a bit confusing because the original house system used was known as the whole sign system in which each house completely encompasses a single zodiac sign. The charts shown in this tutorial use this whole sign system. Over the past century, new methodologies were developed for the calculation of houses which did not line up with the zodiac signs. So a particular house number could contain two or even three zodiac signs. The impetus for these new house systems came from a translation of ancient scripts which appeared to indicate that a different system was used for the calculations. Recent research by Robert Hand, a world renowned researcher in ancient and Hellenistic astrology, indicates that these scripts were not translated correctly and that the whole sign system is the correct one to use. In actuality, which ever house system an astrologer uses is not a big deal because the energy associated with the planets clearly play their roles in all houses. It’s just the emphasis that may not be correct. A person receiving an interpretation can pretty easily figure out based on her experience where the particular energy is emphasized.
Here is a summary of the houses.
First House – This is the area of first impressions – how the person initially shows up to other people. Once a person gets to know another person better, they will see more of that person’s other facets – i.e. their planets in play. In a way, this is like the mask that a person wears to either consciously or unbconsciously portray themselves to the world. Portraying a personality to the world in a way that allows the inner person to shine is the fulfillment of the first house.
Second House – This is the area in which you collect your possessions whether it be money or the possessions you surround yourself with. To some extent, you accrue possessions that reflect your self image and self worth, so this house also represents . your expression of self worth. Being comfortable with and accepting oneself is the fulfillment of the second house.
Third House – This is the area of day to day thinking and communicating. Included is the daily short term travel that is part of your pattern. Clarity in thinking and exchanging information, ideas and concepts with others is the fulfillment of the third house.
Fourth House – This is the area which represents your safe place which you retreat to, often at the end of each day. For most people this is their home. Since the home is where you originally absorbed your family patterns and autopilot modes, this house also represents your psychological roots. Creating a safe environment where one can open up to and explore one’s inner self is the desire of the fourth house.
Fifth House – This is the house which represents your arena for pleasure, play, creativity, fun, and your favorite sports. When people are in this arena they are often less inhibited, more creative, take more risks and explore areas that are less accepted by the norms of society. For example, a person may equate the pursuit of love affairs as a form of fun and challenge. Another person may see gambling or speculating as a sport. Life is much easier to navigate when taking the time for fun, creativity and pleasure which is the fulfillment of the fifth house.
Sixth House – This is the area of your daily habits including how you take care of your health, how you set and follow routines to achieve your goals, how you approach problem solving and the service you provide for others. Having and using meaningful skills which are of value to others fulfills the needs of the sixth house.
Seventh House – This is the area of your very close relationships whether they be spouses, very close friends, or business partners. The ability to truly empathize with another, provide nurturing and support, and have a balanced interdependent relationship fulfills the needs of the seventh house.
Eighth House – This is the area of transformation which includes personal transformations as well as transformations resulting from outside events and circumstances. Fundamentally transformation is about having one facet of life die which then makes room for a new facet to be born. Because parts of life include the actual death of people close to them as well as the birth of lifetime relationships (marriage), this house also includes inheritances and the sharing of the resources of others. Surrendering and accepting change in order to make room for new understanding and growth fulfills the needs of the eighth house.
Ninth House – This area includes expansive travel, both physical (long trips), mental (higher learning) and spiritual (philosophy, ethics). This is where the wide ranging facets of life show up. Experiencing and embracing world models and philosophies to make room for new and bigger ideas is the fulfillment of the ninth house.
Tenth House – This is the area of reputation and accomplishment in the world we live in. It is also associated with a person’s career as our society values status, and a significant part of our life is associated with work. Finding a productive role which is consistent with our inner desires so we can get paid for being ourselves is the fulfillment of the tenth house.
Eleventh House – This is the area where we get together with others who share our dreams and aspirations – where together we create something bigger than ourselves through mutual support and giving back in meaningful ways – which is the fulfillment of the eleventh house.
Twelfth House – This is our inner sanctuary where we connect with who we really are, what we are here to do, where we appreciate life’s gifts and where we find solace from the craziness of the world. When this inner urge is explored, we find our way to compassion, forgiveness, surrender, and acceptance. When we block out this area, we lose our spiritual bearings and often numb ourselves through alcohol and drugs – resulting in anxiety, depression, hidden secrets, and dissatisfaction. Fulfillment of this house requires that we periodically visit our inner sanctuary and nurture a place of peace, love, appreciation, joy and oneness.
Next: Details: House Activity
