Just as the zodiac signs are classified into three types based on their qualities, the astrological houses also fall into similar categories, although they are named differently.
Angular Houses, numbered 1, 4, 7, and 10, correspond to the Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn). These houses signify the initiation of activities and how individuals start things in their lives.
Succedent Houses, numbered 2, 5, 8, and 11, correspond to the Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius). The term “succedent” derives from Latin, meaning “to follow” or “to succeed.” In astrology, the succedent houses follow or succeed the angular houses in the astrological chart. While the angular houses initiate action and represent the starting points in a person’s life, the succedent houses build upon and support the activities and experiences initiated by the angular houses. These houses represent the results or outcomes of the actions initiated by the Angular Houses.
Cadent Houses, numbered 3, 6, 9, and 12, correspond to the Mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces). They are referred to as “cadent” because they fall at the end of each quadrant. Cadent Houses focus on communications, daily tasks, and service, providing support to the Angular Houses to facilitate their actions.
1st House
The Rising Sign, also known as the Ascendant or Ascending Sign, marks the sign that was ascending on the eastern horizon at the time of your birth. It holds significant importance in astrology, influencing your physical appearance and the initial impression you make on others. In some cases, a person may resemble their Ascendant sign more than their Sun sign. The First House, associated with the Rising Sign, represents your outer personality and the impression you leave on people upon first encounter. It also reflects how you approach beginnings and take initial actions. For example, individuals with an Aries Ascendant tend to be assertive and direct, while those with a Taurus Ascendant prefer to proceed cautiously and steadily. A Leo rising individual might delegate tasks to others, especially those with a Virgo rising. The planets positioned in the First House are also significant. Each planet, especially if it aligns with the sign of the Ascendant, imbues you with traits characteristic of that sign. For instance, Mars in the First House can make you assertive and dynamic, similar to an Aries Sun sign. Saturn’s presence may instil a sense of caution and prudence, akin to a Capricorn Sun sign. When there are multiple planets in the First House, the one closest to the cusp typically exerts the most influence, unless another planet in the house is stronger due to its sign placement. The number of planets located in angular houses, including the First House, can also hold significance in astrology. It may indicate a particular emphasis on initiating action and making significant strides in life.
4th House
Absolutely, upbringing and environment play crucial roles in shaping an individual’s character, and astrology acknowledges this through the Fourth House of the chart. The Fourth House represents one’s early life, family background, and home environment, serving as the foundation upon which one’s personality is built. It influences how a person behaves in private and domestic settings, reflecting their roots and deepest emotional connections. Interestingly, the Fourth House also has significance in the later stages of life, indicating how one’s character may evolve as they age. For instance, if Aries is on the cusp of the Fourth House, indicating an active and energetic approach to domestic life, this trait may persist and even intensify with age. While others may be slowing down, individuals with this placement might continue to remain dynamic and engaged in various activities. Moreover, the Fourth House rules the parent of “lesser influence,” which often refers to the father in contemporary societies. By examining the Fourth House in a birth chart, one can gain insights into the qualities and characteristics associated with their father. A neat technique involves reorienting the horoscope wheel so that the Fourth House becomes the First House, allowing one to read the father’s influence from their own chart. This technique, known as derived houses, offers a unique perspective on family dynamics and can provide valuable insights into how parental influences shape an individual’s personality and life path.
7th House
The Seventh House in astrology serves as a mirror to the First House, representing “other people” in one’s life, particularly those regarded as equals. This includes not only marriage and business partners but also open enemies or adversaries, reflecting the dual nature of this house. While some might find it curious that both marriage and enemies are ruled by the same house, others see it as fitting, considering the complexities of human relationships. One aspect often overlooked in traditional astrology texts is that the Seventh House primarily signifies the first marriage. Subsequent marriages are indicated by different houses: the Ninth House for the second marriage and the Eleventh House for the third marriage, if any. This sequential pattern allows astrologers to interpret the dynamics of multiple marriages within a person’s life. For instance, someone with multiple marriages, such as Elizabeth Taylor, would need to navigate the horoscope wheel multiple times, moving counter-clockwise and skipping every other house to delineate each marriage. By analysing the corresponding houses for each marriage, astrologers can gain insights into the unique qualities and dynamics of each marital relationship. A fascinating technique involves flipping the horoscope wheel upside down, so the Seventh House occupies the space usually reserved for the First House. Then, re-numbering the houses allows one to read the chart as if it were the horoscope of their marriage partner, providing valuable insights into their partner’s character, traits, and potential compatibility.
10th House
The Tenth House in astrology, often associated with one’s career, holds deeper significance beyond professional pursuits. It symbolizes the goals and purpose of one’s life, reflecting the trajectory of their aspirations and ambitions. While philosophical debates may linger on the concept of life’s purpose, research suggests that individuals with a clear sense of purpose tend to experience greater happiness and longevity. At the helm of the Tenth House lies the Midheaven, positioned at the zenith of the Sun’s apparent journey across the sky. The zodiac sign occupying the Midheaven exerts a significant influence on one’s career path, as does the planet ruling that sign. Planets positioned within the Tenth House further shape vocational inclinations and tendencies. For instance, consider a hypothetical scenario where Aries, a sign synonymous with action and initiative, resides on the Midheaven. If Mars, the ruler of Aries, is also positioned in the Tenth House, alongside Saturn and Uranus, it paints a vivid picture of a dynamic career trajectory. Mars infuses the individual with a drive for action, while Saturn’s influence suggests a career demanding discipline and meticulous preparation, such as that of a research scientist or doctor. Simultaneously, Uranus underscores the need for independence, potentially manifesting in entrepreneurial ventures or innovative career paths. In a real-life example, I recently conducted a reading for a surgeon whose astrological chart aligned closely with this configuration. His career path exemplified the blend of action, discipline, and independence symbolized by the Aries-Mars-Saturn-Uranus combination, as he embarked on entrepreneurial endeavours while maintaining his surgical practice. This demonstrates how the alignment of zodiac signs and planetary positions in the Tenth House can offer valuable insights into an individual’s career trajectory and life purpose.
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