House Activity and Emphasis
Astrologers agree that astrology is first of all the study of the angular relationships between the planets themselves. But this planetary framework
is seen to shift and modify itself as the planets slowly move across the backdrop of the signs, the so-called 'fixed stars' which make up the
zodiac. As the earth turns daily on its axis, the planets and signs appear to move across our field of vision through what astrologers have termed
'houses'. The sun rises at dawn and can be seen on the eastern horizon, or first house cusp, or ascendant. It reaches 'midheaven' at noon, and
sinks below the western horizon at the descendant.
Like the twelve signs of the zodiac, the twelve houses of the horoscope can be viewed as stages in a complete cycle: From the initial thrust of Aries
and the first house, to the maximum entropy symbolised in Pisces and the 12th house. They provide clues as to which areas of your life can be given
special attention and used depending on the signs and planets residing there. Here is an analysis of the house activity in your chart based on sign
and planet emphasis. As you read along, keep in mind that each house represents a department of life, and the sign falling on each house cusp
indicates the mode of action applied to the affairs of that house. In other words, the sign on each house cusp, along with any planet(s) contained
therein, shows how one deals with the conditions of that house.
The First House
The first house, also called the ascendant or rising sign, is a dharma house and connected with motivation and our approach to life. It also has to do
with how we come across to others, thus our appearance and how we make a first impression. The ascendant is the essential stuff that bubbles up in us
spontaneously - what is obvious to others as our trademark look or approach. The first house shows our ability to be recognised, how we make a
directed effort, and how we exert our will. Cultivate the strategies of this part of your chart to move forward in life.
Aquarius on the 1st House Cusp
Aquarius, the sign of humanitarian goals and altruism. Always impartial and nonsectarian, Aquarian energy is communal (even global). The focus is on
the goal, and the goal is always one that is for the many and not the few. Thus this sign is connected to far-seeing visions, world views and group
work of all kinds. This sign tends towards coolness, independence.
The Second House
The second house is connected with matters of wealth; how we respond to, enjoy and get in harmony with our surroundings. This is how we hold or
acquire things (possessions, material goods, money, and other resources), and how we gain material support and sustenance. The second house refers to
how we secure ourselves, how we make a firm foundation, as well as the kind of response we get from life and those around us. Therefore it has much to
say about our material rewards.
Aries on the 2nd House Cusp
Aries is the sign of pioneers, leaders and 'firsts'. It is impulsive, assertive and spontaneous. It tends to act first, only thinking about what it
may have done later. Rushing in where others fear to tread, Aries energy is attention-getting and always provokes a response from the surroundings and
from others. It takes decisive action and loves self-reliance.
The Third House
The third house shows how we make connections and communicate with the world. This is where we draw parallels, make comparisons, and sort through it
all. A very mental house, it is concerned with finding, gathering, all manner of questioning, articulation and conversation. In short, it symbolises
the functions of the rational mind - linking observations and ideas, and using them to our advantage.
Taurus on the 3rd House Cusp
Taurus is about drawing on the bounty of the earth, and seeking material security and physical safety there. It is the on-going, enduring, unchanging
and preserving element. Hightened sensory input is also important, for it is the mission of this sign to not only find a sense of place within the
material realm, but to enjoy it to the fullest, becoming physically aware of, and bonding with the environment.
Jupiter in the 3rd House
A born investigator and researcher, always inquiring, searching, following things to their logical conclusion. Your career will probably be built
around these qualities of yours -- communication, making connections, thoughts and ideas, and so on.
The Fourth House
The fourth house is a very emotional house, concerned with matters of comfort and security. Here is how we create the right conditions, the matrix or
womb, in which our desires can flourish; the climate necessary for things to grow. It's about receptivity, nurturing and all the self-protective
measures we take to ensure a secure base of operations. This is why the fourth house is related to the mothers, all 'mothering' functions, domestic
issues and feeling 'at home'.
Gemini on the 4th House Cusp
Gemini is concerned with connections, communication and logic -- voice, thoughts, writing, and rational mental processes in general. It is also
concerned with making comparisons, 'twins' and duplications of all kinds. Gemini is the communicator, the gossip of the zodiac, the collector of
trivia. Gemini energy is unattached, independent, very inquisitive and changable.
The Fifth House
The fifth house, another dharma or 'life purpose' house, has to do with creativity and warm out-going self-expression. Here is where we find our
originality and flair, enthusiasm, and even pride in ourselves, building confidence and self-esteem. This is the life area of personal sovereignty,
where we begin to recognise and appreciate our own dynamic and playful nature. All forms of creative expression (including love affairs and offspring)
are connected with this house.
Cancer on the 5th House Cusp
Cancer is the mother of the zodiac, always making a home, protecting and providing a foundation for others. A sensitive sign where feelings and real
experience count more than cold logic, it doesn't get any more physical and emotional than this. Cancer energy is always nurturing, sensitive, tender
and moody. It feeds on emotional comforts, and often has a strong attachment to the past and ancestry.
The Sixth House
The sixth house is the house of physical efficiency. Here we separate the wheat from the chaff; get a sense for what is useful, what is not, and make
the best of it. This is the life stage of 'apprenticeship', where we make a connection between mind and matter, adapt ourselves to a situation and
then seek to improve upon it. Hence the connection of the sixth house with routine; 'practice makes perfect'. The sixth house shows how well we
handle the details of life - our ability to solve problems and get our way.
Cancer on the 6th House Cusp
Cancer is the mother of the zodiac, always making a home, protecting and providing a foundation for others. A sensitive sign where feelings and real
experience count more than cold logic, it doesn't get any more physical and emotional than this. Cancer energy is always nurturing, sensitive, tender
and moody. It feeds on emotional comforts, and often has a strong attachment to the past and ancestry.
Saturn in the 6th House
Your critical faculties are very keen, and once you turn your analytical light on, you tend to be relentless in your appraisal. This could make
working with others difficult because they find you too scrutinizing. But they also know they can rely on you to carry the heaviest load.
The Seventh House
The seventh house, the descendant - opposite of the ascendant - is connected with partnerships, relationships and 'significant others'. Here is
where we learn to strike a balance - the art of give and take. All that carries us beyond our personal self (and into an awareness of contradictory or
complementary points of view) is symbolised by the seventh house. This is where we respond to the personal needs of others. Therefore marriage and
union (yoga) are indicated by this house, as well as one's ability to respond to a marriage partner.
Leo on the 7th House Cusp
Leo energy is expressive, vital and exuberant. Often very artistic, and always theatrical and dramatic, this is the sign of creativity and the arts.
Warm and big-hearted, Leo lives in full appreciation and celebration of the finer elements of life, bringing a dynamism and enthusiasm to everything
it touches. This is the fearless 'becoming' stage, where things are done for their own sake, playfully and with pleasure.
Sun in the 7th House
You love the social life and relationships play a major role in your makeup. Close bonds and partnership activity are very important to you. You are
at your creative best when you can feel a sense of 'togetherness' with another.
Mercury in the 7th House
You love to communicate and discuss ideas with other people. Your ideas are always fair and impartial, especially when it comes to other people, the
social scene. You are at your mental best when you are bouncing ideas off others.
Venus in the 7th House
You love social life and relationships of all kinds -- partners, marriages, teachers, and such. You are very responsive yourself and value this in
others. You don't play favorites and are quite impersonal when it comes to your responsibilities.
Mars in the 7th House
You are highly motivated when it comes to relationships (social or private) and strive to rise above personalities. An urge to see unity in
everything, to marry or join all disparities, may find you going overboard now and again.
Pluto in the 7th House
Change and inner growth tend to come through your relationships with both friends and lovers. Marriage, union (yoga) will be very intense and not at
all superficial. You get to the heart of a relationship each and every time.
Houses continued...