the 12 Astrological Houses
Birth charts are typically interpreted by what we call a “house system” - an oracle that Astrologers use to interpret and divine messages based upon the time, date, and place you were born.
A house system flattens the 3-dimensional relationships of the planets and stars into a 2-dimensional concept. It’s within this 2D oracle that we find 12 different houses that each symbolize areas of one’s life like our public life, domestic life, mindset, relationships, and so on.
It's important to know that there are many different types of house systems out there; Some being time oriented (like the commonly used Placidus) and others being space oriented (like Campanus, which is what I use as a Sidereal Astrologer).
Additionally, the meaning of each sector in a house system can differ depending on the type of Astrology. For example, Vedic Astrology contains different meanings from house to house as compared to Western Astrology.
Although the Vedic house systems differ slightly in their interpretation, Western house systems have a similar narrative when it comes to the meanings of each.
Just like the change of Earth’s seasons, you’ll find a cyclical story of evolution, resignation, and renewal. So, grab your birth chart and follow along as I break down the structure of the 12 houses, categorized into 4 zones.
ZONE 1
Ascendant (AC) – Found at the cardinal left point of the chart, it represents the Eastern horizon and shows us what constellation or sign was rising during your time and location of birth. It creates our “rising sign”, symbolizing what is the most visible or immediately understood about us.
1st House – The sector that follows the Ascendant and represents our sense of self, identity, and physical attributes. Planets and signs in this house show us how we relate to ourselves through time and the ways we express ourselves to the outside world.
2nd House – The area that symbolizes how we acquire energy in our lives, specifically within the material realm. Planets and signs in this house illustrate our relationship to money, possessions, and resources as well as the concepts of abundance and scarcity.
3rd House – The house that describes our cerebral processes, mindset, and belief systems. Planets and signs in this house can show us what stimulates our mind the most, how we connect with others intellectually, and the ways we perceive the world.
ZONE 2
Imum Coeli (IC) – Found at the cusp of the 3rd and 4th houses, it represents the northern meridian and the vantage point of the cosmos that were not visible during your time and location of birth. It symbolizes our roots, foundation, and the deep beliefs we learned as young children.
4th House – The domestic sector of our chart that represents our sense of family, home, and security. Planets and signs in this house narrate our deep emotional needs, how we construct our private lives, and our connection to maternal aspects of life.
5th House – The “house of the present” where we can understand our heart’s will and the ways we engage it to create or thrive in the world. Planets and signs here show us how we connect with pleasure, our creativity, and the inner-child.
6th House – A house of structure, discipline, and duty that represents how we show up to our daily lives and to the needs of others. Planets and signs here connect to our disciplines, routines, physical health, and sense of purpose in the world.
ZONE 3
Descendant (DC) – Found at the cusp of the 6th and 7th houses, it represents the constellation or sign that was setting in the Western horizon when and where you were born. Here, we can understand what we seek out or are drawn to in others – specifically in deeply intimate dynamics.
7th House – The sector that follows the Descendant and represents our intimate relationships with lovers, best friends, business partners, and soulmates. Planets or signs here can help us navigate romance, collaboration, and interdependence.
8th House – The area that symbolizes how we utilize both material and immaterial energy in our lives for transformation. Planets and signs in this house show us how we relate to death, taboos, sexuality, and other people’s money or possessions.
9th House – A space of growth, expansion, higher knowledge, and travel. Planets and signs here show us what can set our soul on fire and enlarge our worldview. Additionally, we can understand what’s outside our comfort zone via this house.
ZONE 4
Midheaven (MC) – Found at the cusp of the 9th and 10th houses, it represents the highest part of the chart and the most visible part of the cosmos when we were born. Here we can understand our personal mark of mastery and what others gravitate to us for.
10th House – The public sector of our chart that represents our achievements and career. Planets and signs in this chart can show how much we value social status and recognition, as well as indicate the types of careers we’d find harmony with.
11th House – The “house of the future” that contextualizes our ever-changing values and where they are leading us in life. Planets and signs in this sector can indicate the way we form friendships or subscribe to ideals and technology.
12th House – The last sector of the chart that symbolizes the eternal return: a place where the past, present, and future all exist as one. Planets and signs here connect to spirituality, the subconscious, and past lives. Immateriality rules this house.