An Extensive Guide to the 12 Houses and Signs in Astrology

I always recommend anyone who wants to learn the esoteric science that I’ve grown to love – understand the meanings of the 12 houses and signs in Astrology.

After that, You can already make accurate assessments of people’s lives. Some of which will wow the socks of their feet.

“How did You know that?”

Simple, I learned the meanings of houses and signs.

Please remember the following formula before reading onward.

House = Sign, and Sign = House. Meaning, whatever I write or say about the 1st house, also applies to the sign of Aries for example.

Click here if You also want to read about the meanings of Houses from a Horary Astrology perspective.

Check out my free mini-series here on how to read a birth chart.


Why trust me? I’m a certified astrologer from Astrolada.com, certified coach from Inner-Throne.com, and certified Compassion Key practicioner from Compassionkey.com. With over 10 years experience in astrology, self-development world, and working with people.

— The Freedom Astrologer

1st House in Astrology – the natural home of Aries

  • The 1st house, also known as the Ascendant, is the astrological house that represents the self, the personality, and the outer appearance.
  • It represents how individuals present themselves to the world, their natural defences and coping mechanisms, and their physical body and overall health.
  • The 1st house is ruled by the planet Mars.
  • The 1st house is also related to new beginnings and taking action, as it represents the beginning of the astrological chart.
  • It is associated with the element of fire, which represents passion, enthusiasm, and energy.
  • The 1st house is an important factor in a person’s astrological chart, as it sets the tone for the rest of the houses and can give insight into an individual’s approach to life and their overall personality.
  • Your path in life, Your destiny, Your life force, movement, athletic prowess, Your head, and the first impression You make to others.

2nd House in Astrology – the natural home of Taurus

  • The 2nd house, also known as the House of Possessions, is the astrological house that represents wealth, and financial matters.
  • It represents a person’s values and self-worth, as well as their ability to acquire and hold onto material possessions.
  • The 2nd house is ruled by the planet Venus.
  • This house is also related to one’s sense of security, both financially and emotionally.
  • It is associated with the element of earth, which represents practicality, stability, and a solid connection to material reality.
  • Food, money (and everything that supports You), and luxury items.
  • Where You invest Your money, how You approach Your money, places You store things, and how You can make money.
  • Face, lips, voice, things that bring You pleasure, the five senses, the things You store or collect.
  • Family genetics, history, and the 2nd marriage.

3rd House in Astrology – the natural home of Gemini

  • The 3rd house, also known as the House of Communication and Short Journeys, is the astrological house that represents transportation.
  • It describes a person’s immediate environment and how they interact with it, including their siblings, neighbours and short-term relationships.
  • The 3rd house is ruled by the planet Mercury.
  • This house also represents a person’s mental faculties, including their ability to think and process information and their capacity for learning.
  • It is associated with the element of air, which represents the power of communication and the ability to think and reason.
  • Speaking, writing, internet, social media, blogs, and marketing.
  • Relatives, younger siblings, teammates, classmates, small groups of people, self-made wealth, business, and commerce.
  • What You think about, Your internal voice, how You learn, learned skills, crafts, skills with hands, teaching skills, and left-brain activities.
  • Exams, tests, exchanging information, the throat, the throat chakra, media, TV, PR, sales, marketing, programming, and magazines.

4th House in Astrology – the natural home of Cancer

  • The 4th house, also known as the House of Home and Family, is the astrological house that represents one’s roots.
  • It represents a person’s sense of security and emotional foundation, as well as their relationship with their parents and their early childhood experiences.
  • The 4th house is ruled by the Moon.
  • It is related to the end of a cycle, the end of life and the past in general.
  • It is associated with the element of water, which represents emotions and the unconscious mind.
  • The 4th house is important to consider in a person’s astrological chart because it can give insight into how their early life experiences have shaped their personality and worldview.
  • Vehicles (in Vedic Astrology, in Western they belong in the 3rd house), real estate, home, and deeper emotions.
  • Everything to do with water, lakes, rivers, farms, belonging, nurturing, gardens, and folklore.
  • The country You were born in, patriotism, foundations, breasts, who are You when You are older, the stomach, and emotional intimacy.

5th House in Astrology – the natural home of Leo

  • The 5th house is also known as the House of Creativity, Self-Expression and Children.
  • It represents a person’s hobbies and leisure activities, as well as their romantic relationships.
  • The 5th house is ruled by the Sun.
  • It is also associated with gambling, speculation and the stock market (also attached to Scorpio sometimes).
  • It is associated with the element of fire, which represents passion, enthusiasm, and energy.
  • Fun, having fun, the heart, the first child, romance, and sex.
  • How do You like romance, creative projects, hobbies, riskier investments, drama, and the talents You were born with.
  • Your natural intelligence, parties, restaurants, and everything glamorous.
  • Celebrities, fame, passion for something, self-started businesses, creative arts, acting, politics, charisma, entertainment, theatre, and romantic relationships before marriage.

6th House in Astrology – the natural home of Virgo

  • The 6th house, also known as the House of Health and Service, is the astrological house that represents work and daily routine, and service to others.
  • The 6th house is ruled by the planet Mercury.
  • This house is related to the concept of duty and responsibility, and it’s also related to employees and subordinates.
  • It is associated with the element of earth, which represents practicality, stability, and a solid connection to material reality.
  • Conflicts, work, suffering, illness, enemies, debts, being of service, divorces, pets, blaming, imbalances, disputes, problems, addictions, and criticism.
  • The people You work with, place of work, poverty, everyone who is in an underprivileged position in society, slaves, and prostitutes.
  • Fasting, sinners, working class, addicts, diets, and exercise routines.

7th House in Astrology – the natural home of Libra

  • The 7th house, also known as the House of Relationships and Partnerships, both romantic and professional.
  • It represents a person’s relationships with others, including marriage, business partnerships, and other one-on-one interactions.
  • The 7th house is ruled by the planet Venus.
  • It is related to the concept of balance, fairness, and justice.
  • It is associated with the element of air, which represents the power of communication and the ability to think and reason.
  • Collaboration, agreements, business partners, counselling, law, and balance.
  • The public, audience, equality, clients, contracts, allies, and promises.
  • How You see and treat others, bargaining, deal-making, contracts, negotiations, the kidneys, 1 on-1 relationships.

8th House in Astrology – the natural home of Scorpio

  • The 8th house, also known as the House of Transformation and Regeneration, is the astrological house that represents the deeper aspects of life.
  • It represents a person’s experiences of loss, death, and rebirth, as well as their ability to transform and evolve.
  • The 8th house is ruled by the planet Pluto (in modern astrology, in a more traditional sense it is ruled by Mars.)
  • It is related to the concept of change, letting go, intimacy, sex, as well as other people’s resources.
  • It is associated with the element of water, which represents emotions and the unconscious mind.
  • Esoteric topics, transformation, astrology, tarot, numerology, tantra, crisis, and psychology.
  • Communication with the dead, healing, being healed, soulmate connection, intimacy, magic, wonders, miracles, superstition, and power.
  • Other people’s money and money from clients, hidden money, taxes, and insurance.
  • Secret groups, rituals, the anus, the uterus, the gate between life and death, getting pregnant, pregnancy, and giving birth.
  • Tragedies, accidents, crises, bankruptcies, rising from the ashes, extremes, traumas, and inheritances.

9th House in Astrology – the natural home of Sagittarius

  • The 9th house, also known as the House of Philosophy and Higher Learning, is the astrological house that represents religion, and long-distance travel.
  • It represents a person’s understanding of the world, their beliefs and values, and their ability to expand their perspective through education and travel.
  • The 9th house is ruled by the planet Jupiter and is associated with the sign Sagittarius.
  • It is related to the concept of understanding, and wisdom, including higher education, and law.
  • It is associated with the element of fire, which represents passion, enthusiasm, and energy.
  • The 9th house is important to consider in a person’s astrological chart because it can give insight into their ability to expand their perspective, their beliefs and values, and their understanding of the world.
  • The connection to something higher, and the connection to God.
  • Mentors, gurus, understanding something deeply, higher purpose, purpose, meaning, the bigger questions in life, metaphysics, ideals.
  • Foreigners, theory, travelling by plane, teachers, academics.
  • People who inspire others, spiritual wisdom, hope, sacred places, churches, culture, universities, the father (in Vedic Astrology), and the hips.

10th House in Astrology – the natural home of Capricorn

  • The 10th house, also known as the House of Career and Public Life, is the astrological house that represents public reputation and social status.
  • It represents a person’s sense of purpose (a different kind than for example the 9th house which is about higher meaning), career goals and ambitions.
  • The 10th house is ruled by the planet Saturn.
  • It is related to the concept of professional achievement, as well as recognition and social standing.
  • It is associated with the element of earth, which represents practicality, stability, and a strong connection to material reality.
  • Your mission, how You are known in society, and business.
  • The deeds You do in the world, order, structure, organization, organizing, experience, respect, regulations, rules, time, duties, difficulties, blockages, limitations, minimalism, and obligations.
  • Leadership, being an example for others, public service, and also the father (in modern Astrology).

11th House in Astrology – the natural home of Aquarius

  • The 11th house, also known as the House of Friendships, Groups and Society, is the astrological house that represents group associations and one’s place in society.
  • It represents a person’s relationships with associates, and their involvement in groups and organizations.
  • The 11th house is ruled by the planet Uranus (in modern Astrology, in traditional it is represented by Saturn).
  • It is related to the concept of community, networking, and humanitarianism, as well as the idea of innovation and change.
  • It is associated with the element of air, which represents the power of communication and the ability to think and reason.
  • Long-term goals, big groups and masses of people, friends, incomes, and wages.
  • Systems, technology, science, bonuses, social causes, material goals, markets, big networks, the skin, and the nervous system.
  • The economy, social contacts, clubs, profits, titles, medals, prizes, popularity, fans, followers, material achievements, internet, big events, concerts, and dreams.

12th House in Astrology – the natural home of Pisces

  • The 12th house, also known as the House of Spirituality and Subconscious, is the astrological house that represents the hidden or unconscious aspects of the self.
  • It represents a person’s connection to the spiritual realm, as well as their experiences of isolation and confinement.
  • The 12th house is ruled by the planet Neptune (in modern astrology, in traditional it is represented by Jupiter).
  • It is related to the concept of compassion, as well as hidden fears and self-undoing.
  • It is associated with the element of water, which represents emotions and the unconscious mind.
  • The 12th house is important to consider in a person’s astrological chart because it can give insight into their unresolved emotions and repressed feelings.
  • Far-away countries, meditation, how You rest, Your time off, and how You sleep.
  • Bed pleasures, angels and supporting beings, other dimensions, ancestors who have left the material plane, spirits, souls, dreams, signs, omens, previous lives, connection with spirits and other beings, invisible worlds, letting go, detachment, liberation, and oneness.
  • Fantasies, dreaming, psychic gifts, sensitivity, creativity, escaping reality, hospitals, spas, remote locations and islands, prisons, numbness, going out of the body, spiritual guides, and the bedroom.

Click here if You also want to read about the meanings of Houses from a Horary Astrology perspective.

If You are ready to learn more, check out my deep dive into psychological and practical astrology here.

Ian Altosaar

The Freedom Astrologer

Work with me: https://linktr.ee/astroian888

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