The Astrological Houses
In astrology, birth charts are also referred to as natal charts or wheel charts. In every single birth/natal chart, there are 12 houses each containing the energy pertaining to an aspect of life. This may come as a shocker to some people, but we all have all 12 signs in our charts. As an astrologer, I love hearing people proclaim their hate for a particular sign just for them to discover it was their moon/rising sign. When you slander a sign you’re talking bad about yourself. No self hate here!
Your birth chart is basically your life’s story. It represents your entire life and not just yourself, but everyone you will meet in your lifetime. If you would like your chart fully interpreted for you for a better understanding of your own placements, book a birth chart reading with us! The house our sun is in and out rising sign is what makes us different from people with the exact same sun sign as us. I recommend creating your chart on astro.com or astroseek.com for best possible accuracy. My personal preference is astro.com because of the amount of chart types you can create. I love to create all natal charts from the ‘extended chart selection’ and in the ‘astrodienst with asteroids’ chart drawing style.
We all have different planets in our houses which can influence how the energy of that house manifests. For example people with planets in their 1H have captivating, unique personalities. They will always have attention on them. Depending on which planet it is and whether it’s benefic (harmonic, easy flowing) or malefic (tension, strain) this energy could be pleasant or aggressive. It’s best to not counteract the energies present in your chart, rather work to embrace them. I cannot stress enough how special your chart is. Take your time learning yours because you may not find every single interpretation you’re searching for online. I wouldn’t recommend sharing or posting your entire chart online publicly. There are a lot of weird people in this world who understand astrology to use it for wicked intent and it’s not the smartest idea to put your business out there like that. I don’t read charts for anyone without their consent & quite frankly I don’t have time to read stranger’s charts that hard. It’s fine to discuss specific placements you have to learn or get your chart read by a professional astrologer you trust. Guard your chart the same way you would any other sensitive information. This is not to scare you away from getting your chart read, just make sure you do your research. I know a lot of people are eager to read about themselves, but taking your time to ensure you’ve picked the right astrologer will make this process a lot smoother for you. Having your chart read is a very eye opening experience. Our intention for birth chart readings is for clients to be inspired and motivated to step into their best selves after reading Sugar Tarot’s report.
Note: For Aries risings, house cusps are usually in order with natural rulings however this is dependent on the exact degrees when using any other house system then whole sign. I recommend viewing with the default system if you're learning degree theory.
Empty Houses:
Empty houses in your chart isn't a bad thing. It does not mean that you will not experience any of the subjects related to that house. To get a further understanding each house has a sign on its cusp & we look at where the ruling planet is to learn the nature of the house. Certain houses become active at different points during our lives regardless if there are planets! Transits affect how each aspect is currently influencing you!
Note: Pay attention to any houses that appear much larger than the other houses even if it's empty. The themes correlated to these houses may be more significant for you in this lifetime.
Look For Your Sun:
You may be familiar with the traits of your sun sign. The house our sun is in represents where we seek to feel recognized/special (think the sun & how much it wants to shine). The natural sign ruling the house your sun is in can also manifest traits of that sign within you. Think of what that house represents as what you’re known for. For example: I am a 3H Libra sun. Reading and writing have always been my strongest skills and now I run my own blog which thank you so much for taking the time to read right now. Depending on what degree your sun is at, your sun could land in 3 possible decans that are combinations of signs from the same element. For example, if your sun is at 0 degrees your sun is the purest expression of that sign. Your sun sign is your outward personality, the literal persona you take on in public. This also serves as the basis of your personality & who you are. The house our sun is in also shows us what we struggle with and where others lack boundaries when it comes to us. For example: 6H suns could struggle maintaining jobs or a particular weight.
1H- House of Identity & Personality
Ruled by Aries (head, face, eyes, brain)
Also referred to as “ascendant” or “AC”
Your physical body & appearance
Your aura & presence
Outlook on life
Self awareness
Vitality, sense of individuality
Personality including any mannerisms/quirks you have
How people perceive you (physical attractiveness)
First impressions
How you approach life
Who you are at social engagements
Lots of planets here make someone super magnetic energy, everyone gravitates towards them. No planets doesn't mean you're boring. People with no planets here blend in with the crowd really well as their personality is perceived to be neutral because nothing immediately stands out about them.
2H- House of Money, Wealth, and Value
Ruled by Taurus (throat, neck, vocal cords, mouth)
How you make money (income) & spending habits
Self worth, self confidence/self esteem
Material possessions, resources
Relationship with money
Financial background
Wealth potential
Your voice & singing ability
Food preferences (aversions, allergies, dietary restrictions)
Food intake
Sense of taste
Lots of planets here increase someone’s potential for increasing their wealth in this lifetime. Most millionaires and billionaires are Libra suns with 2H placements or favorable aspects to this house. People with no planets here seem to manage their finances well depending on which sign the cusp is in. Jupiter, Pluto, Mars, and Saturn are best here for wealth. Venus or Jupiter here would make someone have a very attractive speaking or singing voice.
3H- House of Communication & Intellect
Ruled by Gemini (hands, arms, shoulders, lungs)
Conscious mind
How you process information
Your immediate surroundings (usually your bedroom)
Emails & texting style
Communication skill, style, and ability
Intelligence level
Writing and public speaking skills
Siblings & Neighbors
Driving (Gemini rules cars) & short distance commutes
Early childhood education
High school experience
Lots of planets here could indicate someone who is a writer, driver, or works within the communication or media fields. They could also work in early childhood education. An empty 3H is someone who processes information fairly well and has adequate writing and communication skills. You had an okay experience in elementary, middle and high school. Jupiter or Mercury here would make someone an excellent voice talent or successful author/speaker.
4H- House of Home & Family
Ruled by Cancer (stomach, chest, breasts)
Also referred to “IC” or “Imum Coeli”
Your home life
Your mother and feminine lineage
Childhood living situation
Home you create (the energy & literal space)
Foundations, Traditions
Cultural background
Ancestral roots
Real estate you own
How to self care best
4H placements can also represent the family you choose for yourself i.e, friends. The sign on the house cusp and planet that rules it could describe traits of your friends as well. Someone with a lot of 4H placements tends to be very present in their home usually because they are responsible for managing the home. Lots of activity in this house and prominence increases the chances to become head of your household someday. An empty 4H usually had a stable environment provided for them growing up or experienced a happy childhood and home life. Moon in 4H or Moon in Cancer means you're either really close to your mother or very distant, like there's no in between.
5H- House of Creation
Ruled by Leo (chest, upper back, heart)
Entertainment, hobbies/interests, pleasures
Romance, casual dating partners, love interests
Sexual energy
Creativity
Personal self expression
How you dress
Musical artists & genres you prefer
Your first child
Attitude towards children and parenting
Leisure time
Talents
Lots of energy in this house makes someone super fun to be around. You can usually spot those with 5H placements in a crowd easily because they're usually looking the best and making everyone around them feel their best. Leo energy is the most potent because it's ruled by the Sun which is the planet everyone gravitates towards. People with lots of 5H placements are super creative and great with children. An empty 5H doesn't mean you will not have kids. Check to see whether the house cusp is masculine or feminine. Earth (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) and Water (Cancer, Pisces, Scorpio) signs are feminine. Air (Aquarius, Libra, Gemini) and Fire (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) signs are masculine.
6H- House of Service
Ruled by Virgo (abdomen, intestines, immune system, digestive system)
Daily routine, habits, tasks
Type of jobs you’ve had/will have
Diet, Eating habits
Hygiene, cleanliness
Illnesses
Healing, Wellness
Work environment, conditions
Pets
Co-workers
People with lots of planets in this house tend to work in the fitness, biology, medical, science, service or veterinary fields. Their health is either really good or really bad. An empty 6H may not struggle with their weight or face as many major health issues. Someone with an empty 6H tends to not struggle forming habits or changing jobs.
7H- House of Connection & Partnerships
Ruled by Libra (skin, bladder, booty)
Also referred to as “descendant”
Long term relationships
Marriage
Your spouse
Business partners
People you’re closest to
Sign on the cusp shows how you tend to meet people & what they bring out of you
Traits you repress within yourself
One on one, interpersonal connections
How you relate to others, concern for others
Relationship dynamics you attract
Your 2nd child
Empty 7H does not mean you will never get married. The sign of your 7H will tell you about both your spouse and the overall nature of your marriage. Planets in this house describe physical or behavioral characteristics of your spouse. Lots of planets in this house attract a lot of people that may not all have their best interest at heart. Discernment is key with this house and being able to establish boundaries. People tend to cling to 7H placements and so the need for freedom in all their connections is emphasized. Empty 7H may or may not care to get married or connection isn't emphasized in this life.
8H- House of Sex, Death, & Transformation
Ruled by Scorpio (genitals, rectum, sex organs)
Sexuality, sex, sexual energy
Intimacy
Trauma, Secrets
Your shadow self
Enemies
Taxes, debt, inheritance, credit, taxes, insurance
Other people’s resources, shared resources
Psychology, Psyche
Occultism (forms of divination such as tarot)
Your spirituality
Planets in this house show what's extremely important to you to the point where you tend to hide this from others. Lots of planets in this house would speak to someone who has been through a lot in their life, but remains dedicated to their own evolution. Having Moon or Venus in this house would make someone struggle with intimacy in relationships.
9H- House of Traveling & Higher Learning
Ruled by Sagittarius (hips, thighs, legs)
Foreign land, language
Your destiny
Your morals, beliefs
Travel experiences
Religion, philosophy, world culture
Attitude towards traveling, higher education
College/University major, experience
In laws
Teaching abilities
Spiritual journey
Astrological beliefs
Your 3rd child
Empty 9H is someone pretty set in their beliefs. They are usually not the ones to start debates. People with many 9H placements identify very closely with their beliefs to the point where it's their entire personality. They will definitely start and finish debates just for the fun of it. They could be very religious or not believe in religion at all. Sun, Jupiter, or Mercury in this house would make someone want to be an astrologer, professor, or someone who travels/learns for a living.
10H- House of Career & Reputation
Ruled by Capricorn (teeth, bones, joints)
Also referred to as “MC” or “Midheaven”
Your career, legacy
Accomplishments, milestones, accolades
What you’re known for in society
How others view you
Father
Mentor, Boss, Guardian
Social status
Professional life, responsibilities
Your ambition/drive in life and how you value life
Empty 10H could have an easier time choosing a career and a neutral reputation in society. Planets in this house influence the type of career you have and how you approach it. For example I have Jupiter and Saturn in my Aries Midheaven . I am a business womyn and I am blessed (Jupiter) to be self employed (Aries) however I had a lot of difficulty (Saturn) choosing my careers. Lots of planets in this house means everyone that knows of you has a VERY different version of you in their head.
11H- House of Social Circles & Consciousness
Ruled by Aquarius (calves, ankles)
Hopes, wishes, dreams, manifestations
Your friends, social circle, acquaintances
How you network best
Your presence on social media
How active you are online
How many pages, platforms you have
Your sense of community
Charities, organizations
Humanitarian tendencies
Gains from 10H
Empty 11H may be more consistent in the type of friends they have and have more long lasting friendships. Lots of planets in this house could cause someone to be a rebel and stand up for what's right. Lots of influencers and people popular on social media have planets in this house especially Sun, Jupiter, or Venus. These planets would also have a similar effect on your friendships making you stand out in whatever group you're a part of.
12H- House of Higher Merging
Ruled by Pisces (feet)
Subconscious mind
Your higher self
Your past life
Psychic abilities
Privacy, confinement
Connection to the Divine and spiritual team (angels, ancestors, guides)
Your sleeping habits
The dreams you tend to have
Mental health
Fantasies, illusions, whats hidden
Prison, asylum
Spiritual consciousness
Empty 12H may not have trouble expressing themselves or major issues affecting sleep. 12H represents the ending of our charts so planets here may appear "hidden" and seem repressed in the individual. Placements in this house could indicate repressed behaviors you've struggled with since childhood and tapping into the energy of this house could help you heal in adulthood. For example: someone with Mars in 12H may struggle to assert themselves because someone has always done it for them & it may be unclear or feel unnatural for them to do so.
