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Astrology for all -

Many people roll their eyes at astrology when they hear their friends talking horoscopes and saying things like “oh my god you’re such a Gemini.” That may be fair! However, when you dig a little deeper, there’s a fascinating world of esotericism to explore.

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The 12 Houses -

The 12 Houses are an important part of the rather complex-looking birth chart. They divide the wheel into 12 sections, creating the grid within which an astrologer will map the sky at the moment of your birth.

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The houses and the birth chart -

Each house is associated with a particular set of traits and has a particular focus. Knowing the house associated with your star sign can help you understand how other elements of your birth chart will manifest in your life.

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Personal and interpersonal -

The first six houses are known as ‘personal’ houses and relate to parts of life that affect you personally. The second six houses are known as ‘interpersonal’ houses and relate to your relationships with others and the world around you.

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The first house: self -

The first house is the one that defines you. It represents your body, your appearance, and your general temperament. The planet or planets that were located within the first house at the moment of your birth will have a big impact on your life.

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Aries - The first house is ruled by Aries. As the first house and the first sign of the zodiac, they are both associated with new ideas, innovation, and the manifestation of goals.

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The second house: possessions -

The second house is associated with our material possessions, finances, and the concept of value in our lives. It deals with money, but also much less tangible elements of our physical surroundings. It can extend to how our environment stimulates our senses in terms of sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell.

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Taurus - The second house corresponds with Taurus, a sign that deeply values its environment. The Taurus appreciates tranquility, luxury, comfort, and sensuality.

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The third house: communication -

The third house governs communication, transportation, and local community. It encourages us to express ourselves and develop our bonds with others. It is the basis of all relationships and an area of your chart that’s definitely worth nurturing.

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Gemini - Gemini is the star sign most associated with communication, so it’s no surprise that it rules the third house. When planets pass through the third house, it often means we’ll receive important information in our lives.

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The fourth house: home and family - The fourth house sits at the bottom of the chart, and as such it represents our foundations. Home and family, whether they’re the ones you’re born with or the ones you created, tend to nurture us and make us feel safe. If you were born when a particular planet was in the fourth house, it may reveal something about your relationship with a maternal figure in your life.

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Cancer - The fourth house is ruled by Cancer, a sign that is often associated with a tough exterior but nurturing and compassionate heart. Cancers tend to be domestically orientated and are often maternal figures, whether that be at home, at work, or with friends.

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The fifth house: Pleasure - The fifth house is a fun one, associated with creativity, romance, and children. It is linked to creative expression, as well as all things that make you feel good and boost your confidence.

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Leo - Leos tend to be vivacious and romantic, so they fit perfectly with the fifth house. They are known for being the life of the party. They revel in celebrations, friendships, and love.

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The sixth house: health - The sixth house is associated with health, well-being, and our daily routines. While the first house might correspond with the body you’re born with, the sixth house corresponds with the body you create through the choices you make throughout your life.

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Virgo - The sixth house reminds you to take care of your mental and physical well-being, as well as your work-life balance and routine. The organized Virgo rules the sixth house, and they naturally nail all of this!

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The seventh house: partnership -

The seventh house is the first of the ‘interpersonal’ houses. It governs the most significant partnerships in our lives. While things like love and family relationships have already been explored in the first six, the seventh is the first house to consider the perspective of others. It’s about creating bonds with others and making them work.

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Libra - The seventh house is ruled by Libra, a sign known for its stability, particularly in relationships. Libra is also ruled by Venus, the planet of love. Balance is important to them and they find it in harmonious companionship.

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The eighth house: sex, death, and transformation -

The eighth house is a biggie! But what do sex, death, and transformation all have in common? They relate to our more animalistic instincts. It reminds us that we can give in to our desires sometimes as we’re all going to die someday, but we also have to be able to adapt and evolve in order to live.

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Scorpio - The eighth house is ruled by Scorpio. Scorpio is a passionate and powerful sign, often misunderstood. They have a deep intuition that often leads them to connect with the world on a more spiritual, or even occult, level. They’re also the star sign most closely linked with sex.

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The ninth house: philosophy -

The ninth house is associated with philosophy, travel, and higher education. It pushes us to experience all kinds of exploration, both intellectual and other. Those born with planets in the ninth house tend to be curious and inquisitive.

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Sagittarius - The ninth house is governed by Sagittarius, a sign that is associated with wanderlust and expansion of the mind.

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The 10th house: social status -

The 10th house is positioned at the top of the chart in the most public location. It governs public image, ambition, and career goals. It is also considered to be the house of popularity.

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Capricorn - The 10th house is ruled by Capricorn. Capricorns are known for being intently focused and driven, skilled at overcoming challenges and achieving long-term goals. They are driven by success, but may need to remember that compassion is also important.

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The 11th house: friendship - Following on from the 10th house, the 11th house reminds us to put our success and hard work in perspective. What’s it all for if we have no one to enjoy our rewards with? This house is linked to our personal networks of friends and family, as well as our humanitarian pursuits.

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Aquarius - The 11th house is appropriately governed by Aquarius, the most humanitarian sign in the zodiac. They are driven by a desire for social change and enjoy teamwork and community.

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The 12th house: the unconscious -

The 12th house is considered to be the “unseen realm,” everything that exists below consciousness. It represents all the things that exist without a physical form, such as emotions, dreams, and secrets.

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Pisces -

The 12th house is ruled by the most esoteric of all the signs: Pisces. Pisces is signified by two fish swimming away from each other, representing its division between reality and fantasy. They have an almost psychic level of empathy and are very sensitive to the emotions of others.

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The benefit of astrology -

If you've never known the significance of the houses in astrology, then hopefully now you know! Whether you're deeply spiritual or a skeptic, exploring the zodiac is an excellent medium for self-reflection and improvement. 

Sources: (Allure) (Astrostyle)

See also: What ascendant means in astrology, and what this means for you

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