The houses

The 12 houses of the horoscope and what they represent

Like a clock, the zodiac is divided into 12 segments, or houses, each ruled by a different sign. The zodiac begins with the first house and moves counterclockwise.

Each house is associated with a set of characteristics, starting with the self and then extending to society and beyond. At the time of your birth, the planets were all in specific signs and houses. When an astrologer interprets your chart, she mixes the meaning of each planet, the house it is in, and the sign it is in, to determine what obstacles or gifts you will face in your life .

When planets visit a house, they illuminate that part of your chart and energize the characteristics of that house. Astrologers use houses to predict which parts of your life will be highlighted, and where you can take the best possible action. To learn more about a house, read the sign associated with it.

The first six houses are known as the "personal houses", while the last six are known as the "interpersonal houses".

1ST HOUSE:

The first house begins the zodiac, and covers all "firsts": first impressions, self and appearance, leadership, new initiatives, new beginnings and beginnings. The sign on the cusp, or starting edge, of this house is called your rising sign. (Ruled by Aries)

2ND HOUSE:

The second house covers all matters relating to your immediate material and physical environment - taste, smells, sounds, touch, sight. The second house also rules income, money and self-esteem. (ruled by Taurus)

3RD HOUSE:

The third house rules all forms of communication - speech, thought, gadgets and devices (cell phones, pagers, instant messaging, etc.). The third house also covers siblings, neighborhood, local travel, libraries, schools, teachers, and community affairs. (ruled by Gemini)

4TH HOUSE:

The fourth house, ruled by Cancer, is at the very bottom of the zodiac wheel and therefore governs the "foundation" of all things. This includes your home, your privacy, your basic security, your parents (especially your mother), your children, your own maternal abilities, education and tenderness. (ruled by Cancer)

5TH HOUSE:

The fifth house is ruled by dramatic Leo, and it rules self-expression, drama, creativity, color, attention, romance, fun, and play. (ruled by Leo)

6TH HOUSE:

The sixth house is the area of ​​health and service. It governs schedules, organization, routines, fitness, diet and exercise, natural and healthy living, helpfulness and service to others. (Governed by the Virgin)

7TH HOUSE:

The seventh house is the sector of relationships and other people. It governs all partnerships, both professional and personal, as well as relationship issues, such as contracts, marriage and business. (ruled by Libra)

8TH HOUSE:

The eighth house is a mysterious sector that governs birth, death, sex, transformation, mysteries, merged energies and connections at the deepest level. The eighth house also governs other people's property and money (real estate, inheritances, investments, etc.). (ruled by Scorpio)

9TH HOUSE:

The ninth house covers the higher mind, expansion, international and long distance travel, foreign languages, inspiration, optimism, publishing, broadcasting, universities and higher education, luck , risk, adventure, gambling, religion, philosophy, morals and ethics. (ruled by Sagittarius)

10TH HOUSE:

The tenth house is at the top and most public part of the chart. The tenth house rules structures, societies, tradition, public image, glory, honors, achievements, rewards, boundaries, rules, discipline, authority, fathers and fatherhood. The cusp, or boundary, of the tenth house is also called the midheaven, and it tells astrologers your career direction. (ruled by Capricorn)

11TH HOUSE:

The eleventh house rules teams, friendships, groups, society, technology, video and electronic media, networking, social justice, rebellion and humanitarian causes. It also governs originality, eccentricity, sudden events, surprises, invention, astronomy, science fiction and anything futuristic. (Ruled by Aquarius)

12TH HOUSE:

The zodiac ends with the twelfth and final house, which rules endings. This house covers the final stages of a project, working out details, completions, life after death, old age and abandonment. It is also associated with separation from society, institutions, hospitals, prisons, hidden agendas and secret enemies. It governs imagination, creativity, the arts, cinema, dance, poetry, newspapers and the subconscious. (Governed by Pisces)