The 12 Houses of Astrology & What They Mean For You

It’s easy to mistake the twelve houses of astrology for the twelve Zodiac signs. However, the two are completely different. We won’t be talking about the negative traits of Leo or the most loyal Zodiac signs here.

No, here, we will be talking about the twelve different houses of astrology. Simply put, every house has a purpose in astrology and a meaning. Just like every Zodiac sign and ruling planet. The complicated part that gets most people is when we start on what houses rule.

Generally, houses rule over different areas of our lives but planets rule over each house. Just check your natal chart to see which planet rules which house. Outside your natal chart, astrological glyphs are on the border of the wheel.

These follow the Zodiac’s order, so it isn’t complicated to know which planets rule which houses. A simple example would be if your sign is Aries rising. That means that your First House ruler is Aries. People born under Taurus belong to the Second House ruled by Taurus.

First House

The First House is otherwise the House of the Ascendant Mask. Think of this house like a cosmic first impression. Whatever happens to live in this astrological house is how people are likely to perceive you.

The First House is also generally responsible for your physical looks, your body, and your general approach to life. Think about how you look in the mirror and your general body form. That’s down to what’s in your First House.

Second House

Time to make it rain! The Second House has everything to do with material possessions and money. Personal resources for you aren’t just stacks of cash in a bank or a safety deposit box. They’re important aspects in your life that secure and support you on your journey.

As the House of Resources, it includes your life skills, self-esteem, and confidence. Planets that transition through this house often denote a change in your personal resources or skills. When that happens, keep an eye on your self-esteem and your resources, like money.

Third House

The House of Open Perception is the Third House and it’s all about how we communicate with the world. Often, we communicate with people and the world around us in subtle ways we don’t realize. Communication can transmute to the people in our immediate community.

It can also encompass how we interact and communicate with other things and people in general. Of course, like any other house, the Third House’s subject changes with planetary transitions. So when planets transit through the House of Open Perception, we may learn valuable information about the people around us.

Fourth House

A quick look at the natal chart will show you that the Fourth House is at the very bottom. As the foundation of the chart, the House of Nadir represents homes and roots. Everything that makes you feel safe and cozy is right here. Think of it kind of like what reveals your comfort zones.

The home environment you are most likely to create will probably draw a lot from here. Whatever makes you feel relaxed and comfortable is right here. You’ll find it right there, at your natal foundation where you’re most comfortable.

Fifth House

Ever see a bouncy castle? Of course you have. It’s a pretty basic image of a fun house! The Fifth House is also the House of Joy and Bliss, so it’s all about things that make you happy. Finding the joy and enthusiasm inherent in childhood is the crux of this house.

Think about your natural creativity as a child and your free spirit. Your inner child thrives at this part of your natal chart. Everything that has to do with your inner child and what made your childhood good is here.

Sixth House

Uniqueness may seem like a myth in a world with seven billion of us. However, we all still do have unique gifts that we can use to serve our world better. Being helpful in a way only you can is what the Sixth House is all about.

As the House of Legacy, Health, Lineage, and Service, it also rules your health and exercise. Doesn’t seem like it makes sense together, does it? This house essentially focuses on how you show up physically in the world. A lot of planets often transit through this house for fitness geeks.

Seventh House

The Seventh House helps you understand nuances in intimate relationships. There’s information here from the House of the Descendant, Relationships, and Other People. Transits from planets in this house will often affect your interactions with your intimately loved ones.

Eighth House

The Eighth House is also the House of Transformation and Death. That sounds ominous, I know. However, this house is Scorpio’s home. All things about birth and death, sex and transformation live here. Planets that transit through here imply that change or mystery is coming to your life.

Ninth House

All things about personal evolution come right through here; the Ninth House. The House of Paradigms houses journeys and philosophy. In that vein, it represents your literal and metaphorical journey through life. Transits through this house imply a big trip you’ll take to another place or in your life.

Tenth House

The House of Midheaven sits at the very top of the chart, right with Sagittarius. Your ideal purpose and destiny in life sit right here, obvious and apparent to anyone who sees it. Traits and characteristics you have in this house are often what people see about your first. Check here if you’re looking for clarity on your career path in life.

Eleventh House

All things that govern friendship sit here in the Eleventh House. As the House of Friendship and Future, teams and communities you’re in are here. Strangely enough, the future part also rules things like later electronics and technology.

Twelfth House

At the end of the Zodiac, the Twelfth House is the House of Spiritual Liberation. Traditional astrology viewed the Twelfth House rather negatively. But unseen things come to light in this house. Imagination and creative arts flow freely here as the realm of the subconscious mind.

Provided by Astrologer & Author Maria Hayes

Initially Token Rock had the following content from Gloria Star for the “The Twelve Houses Defined”. Although very similar, we thought it would be beneficial to our readers if we offered both versions of the Twelve Houses.

Think of it as if you are going to two different websites to get a different point of view, they just happen to be on the same page.

Since the circle of the chart represents the Whole Person, you can think of each house as representative of the facets of the personality and self-expression. While each house stands on its own to some extent, the houses also have particular themes that work together.

Houses are divided into three different categories. Let’s start at the points on the wheel that define the four 90-degree angles. These are the Angular Houses – 1st 4th, 7th & 10th – and these are aspects of yourself where you can be more strongly expressive. Planets in these houses are more easily recognized by others or may be expressed in a more physical manner. Succedent Houses – 2nd, 5th, 8th & 11th – represent more sensitive aspects of your life. Planets placed in succedent houses are likely to trigger a more passionate charge. Cadent Houses – 3rd, 6th, 9th and 12th – represent areas where you may feel less forceful. Planets in cadent houses may operate on a more mental or detached level.

Each House has its function and outstanding features:

First House
This sector represents your personal expression, and can offer insights into your physical appearance, manner of dress and basic personality traits. Your overall physical vitality is also expressed through this house. Your attitudes toward others and toward life are projected through this part of your personality.

Second House
Your Self-worth, values, personal resources, and how you handle your material resources are illustrated by this house. Your spending habits and your approach to money and finance can also be shown by this area of your chart. All manner of resources acquired or earned can be included, whether possessions, money or other acquisitions. By the way, time is also a resource!

Third House
This house represents everyday experiences, and is associated with communication, short travels, general education, writing and mental interests. Your approach to learning and the way you network with others is represented by this House. Additionally, this house represents siblings, neighbors and acquaintances.

Fourth House
Fourth House is your home, and represents what you seek to feel personally secure and safe. Your roots and the traditions that bind your family are here, and your father is represented by this part of your chart. Your home, land holdings and feeling of completion are shown in this part of the chart.

Fifth House
This house represents your needs to express love and creativity, and it is related to love affairs, matters of the heart, children and play. Your ‘inner child’ emerges here. This area also extends to speculative interests (including gambling), and shows your approach to taking on the role of entertainer, or how you like to be entertained.

Sixth House
This is where you discover how to handle everyday tasks. Your sense of duty is expressed in this part of your chart, also called the ‘house of service.’ Work, work environment and those who work under your supervision relate to this house. This area also signifies your general physical health and your body’s ability to adapt to change.

Seventh House
Partnerships, marriage, social relationships and open enemies or competitors are related to this house. Here you also find clues about your ‘inner partner,’ and the aspects of yourself that you tend to project onto others. The focus of the chart to a more outward expression begins in this house. The 7th House also deals with contractual agreements.

Eighth House
This is the house of transformation, personal alchemy, and relates to sexuality, deep emotional attachments, your partner’s resources and inheritance and legacies. Investors, taxes and insurance are connected to this house. The process of death and regeneration occurs in this area, which also is related to the occult, or unseen, forces and interests.

Ninth House
Your mentors and inspirational teachers are connected to this house – which rules abstract thought, higher education, cultural exchange, philosophy, religious and spiritual pursuits and travel. Publishing and legal affairs, as well as the courts are expressed through this house. Relationships with in-laws are 9th House.

Tenth House
This is the most elevated house in your chart, and shows your most public persona, status, fame or notoriety and reputation. Ultimately, this part of your chart symbolizes your Life Path. Your career is expressed through 10th House activities, which also shows your relationship with your mother, authority figures and employers.

Eleventh House
What do you hope to accomplish? This house represents your goals, hopes, and wishes for the future. This house rules those relationships without boundaries — like friendship – and illustrates the way you receive love and support from others. Clubs, organizations, special interests and political activities are related to the 11th House. Your satisfaction with your career is expressed here.

Twelfth House
This is where you dream and connect to your imagination. Also known as the house of ‘hidden enemies and self-undoing’, this segment of your chart shows where you will tend to fall into denial. Secrets, addictions, and confinement are related to this area, along with institutions and activities that occur behind the scenes. This is where you connect to your inner self, and shows your sense of the mystical.