In astrology, a house is a slice of your birth chart that represents specific themes in life; the house rulership chart below helps decode each of the 12 houses in astrology. For example, the second house (2H) rules all things related to your self-worth: value system, personal finances, personal belongings/possessions, resources, and resourcefulness.
Physically, you can look at your birth chart as a wheel in the sky, surrounding the 12 zodiac constellations and dividing them into 12 slices. Each slice of this zodiac wheel is called a “house” (ex. first house, second house). To determine which zodiac sign is in each slice (one of the 12 houses), you need to know your rising sign.
There are multiple house systems, from Placidus to Equal. However, the Whole Sign House System is commonly used for birth charts.
Determining which zodiac sign falls into one of the 12 Houses for a person’s birth chart depends on the rising sign. Your rising sign kicks off the 1H (first house); from there, the zodiac signs line up with the 12 houses (e.g., Aries 1H or Aries risings have a Taurus 2H, Gemini 3H, etc.) Capricorn 1H or Capricorn risings have Aquarius 2H, Pisces 3H, etc.
The zodiac sign ruling a house represents the various energies you embody in multiple scenarios. For example, Scorpio risings may experience feelings of being the “black sheep” in their home and upbringing. Those with an Aquarius 4H are the ones who break generational curses in their families and break tradition to embrace new ideals of what family means to them.
The zodiac signs you have in a house, along with any planets in it, will personalize the life themes you experience. When you have a planet (or multiple) in a house, each of those planets adds a layer of characteristics, personality traits, or themes. For example, having Pluto (which rules power, control, and magnetism) in your 1H is a different energy than having Venus (which rules beauty, charm, and sensuality) in your 1H. Pluto and Venus in the 1H represent an extremely charismatic person with strong natural magnetism.
First House (1H)
The first house represents your viewpoint in life, your physical appearance, and your demeanor. The zodiac sign that your first house is in is your rising sign — meaning your behavior and perspective resemble that sign’s archetype. Any planets that are in your first house (1H) also impact your physical appearance. For example, those with Mars (planet of war, fighting, etc.) in the first house (1H – physical appearance; face/head) may have a scar on their face or head, be prone to migraines or headaches, or could be a hot-tempered person. If 1H Mars is in the sign of Leo, the person may have a scar or birthmark on their scalp (Leo rules hair).
Second House (2H)
The Second House rules your value system, self-worth, talents, resources, resourcefulness, personal finances, material possessions, and spending habits. The archetype of the sign ruling your second house can reveal your particular habits and mindset around money, your values, and more. For example, a Leo rising has a Virgo 2H, which speaks to having an analytical approach to finances and budgeting. This person likely thrives with an organized financial structure and is likely organized with their possessions, along with a practical mindset focused on having a secure material and financial foundation.
Third House (3H)
The third house governs communication, intellect, immediate environment/neighborhood, short journeys, habits, peers, early childhood, childhood education, and how you process information. The sign ruling your 3H — and any planets in it — can also speak to your relationship with any siblings, cousins, or lack thereof (due to challenging placements/aspects).
For example, a person with a Capricorn 3H is likely a methodical and goal-oriented individual who knows the power of routine and practical, strategic communication.
Fourth House (4H)
The fourth House is your life’s foundation. Aligned with the Moon, the 4H is related to the home, comforts, family, ancestry, real estate, and maternal figures. The fourth house is also related to your emotional core and influences your overall sense of belonging. Having a well-aspected fourth house (e.g., Jupiter or Venus in 4H) can indicate a positive familial relationship and a stable and secure upbringing. That said, challenging aspects (e.g., Aquarius 4H, Pluto, or Mars) in the 4H can indicate a rocky relationship with your home environment or maternal figures.
Fifth House (5H)
The fifth house represents life’s fun; playfulness, the arts, pleasure, and romance/flirtation are all ruled by the fifth house. Aligned with the Sun and zodiac sign Leo, the fifth house also represents creativity, self-expression, children, entertainment, and hobbies/activities that bring us joy. For example, someone with a fifth house in Pisces can find fulfillment through art, music, painting, daydreaming, movies, photography, and spiritual pursuits. Challenging aspects (e.g., 5H Saturn in Pisces) may make it difficult for someone to express themselves creatively, like an artist forced into living a mundane life.
Sixth House (6H)
The sixth house rules day-to-day work, co-workers, daily routines, efficiency, service to others, pets, physical health, and wellness. The 6H represents your approach to your day-to-day responsibilities, which is characterized by the sign ruling your 6H and any planets in it. For example, a person with positive 6H placements (ex. Sun or Venus) likely is a well-organized and efficient person who thrives on a structured work life; a challenging 6H placement (ex. Pluto) may manifest as a work- or health-related issue, or difficulty in managing day-to-day tasks.
Seventh House (7H)
The seventh house rules partnerships, one-to-one relationships (both romantic and platonic), marriage, your spouse, legal matters, contracts, and negotiations. Friendships and open enemies (not hidden enemies) are both ruled by the 7H. A positive 7H transit (e.g., Venus transiting through your 7H) may indicate a new romantic relationship, winning a legal battle, or a positive outcome from a negotiation.
Eighth House (8H)
The eighth house rules transformation, death and rebirth, extremes, the taboo, intimacy, sex, psychological exploration, the occult, shared resources, inheritance, power, and control are all ruled by the 8H. A profound house, the 8H is known for “hidden knowledge” and transformative experiences. Having personal planets in the 8H (Sun, Moon, Venus, etc.) will have a powerful impact on your chart, amplifying your experiences related to 8H themes and influence from its ruling sign and any planets.
Ninth House (9H)
The ninth house is an expansive, adventurous house that encourages broadening your perspective on life. The 9H rules higher learning, universities, teachers, philosophy, religion, spirituality, long-distance travel, global cultures, optimism, and good fortune. Your thirst for knowledge and belief systems are also ruled by the 9H. For example, someone with strong 9H placements (ex. Sun or Jupiter) may find fulfillment in being a teacher, guru, or guide for others, especially regarding religious or spiritual matters.
10th House (10H)
The 10th house rules your career, public standing, authority figures, ambition, status, reputation, legacy, and how the public perceives you. The 10H also represents paternal figures and is opposite the 4H, which rules maternal figures. The 10H is also known as your midheaven or MC. Related to Saturnian energy, the 10H speaks to your discipline and determination regarding your career and achieving professional goals. For example, someone with Venus (love, relationships) in their 10H may be attracted to partners with status or respect in their careers; people with this placement may also find love closer to age 27-30 (post-Saturn Return) after finding fulfillment in their careers.
11th House (11H)
The 11th house rules social media, communities, networking, group dynamics, aspirations, the future, technology, and social activism. This progressive and community-oriented house can show how you collaborate and innovate with others. The 11H can show how you act in group dynamics and broader social circles. While the 7H rules interpersonal relationships, the 11H rules larger social circles you’re part of (ex., sororities, online communities, activist groups, etc.).
12th House (12H)
The 12th house is known as the house of the subconscious mind, delving into the deeper aspects of the psyche. The 12H is characterized by the hermit, both sharing a longing for solitude, introspection, reflection, and spiritual exploration. Trailing behind the 1H of self, the 12H rules things hidden from us, including our subconscious mind and hidden enemies (not open enemies). Spirituality, mysticism, dreams, hospitals, prisons, the subconscious mind, healing, and channeling creative/divine inspiration are all ruled by the 12H.
The 12 houses are our cosmic blueprint, mapping out the stars and how they correlate with various life experiences. Each astrological house holds a unique energy, ruling certain themes and providing insight into our experiences through life. As the planets move through the 12 houses, they weave together a narrative of our journeys, stories, and experiences.
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