Houses in Sun Sign

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 is 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 Second 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 for these

questions are 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 is 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, and 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.

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.