Significations of the Twelve Houses - Part 1: Houses 1–6

The Astrology Podcast・2 minutes read

Astrologers Kelly Surtees and Austin Coppock discuss the significations of the twelve houses, emphasizing the importance of understanding the houses in astrology and their impact on various areas of life, relationships, and planetary placements. Different house division systems are explored, with an emphasis on whole sign houses as the primary system used, highlighting the crucial role houses play in determining planetary influences and interpretations in birth charts.

Insights

  • Understanding the houses reveals various areas of life and people in one's life, offering a holistic view.
  • Whole sign houses are emphasized as the primary system, influencing planet placements and their effects.
  • Angular houses (1st, 4th, 7th, 10th) are powerful and answer fundamental life questions.
  • The diurnal rotation and angles in the chart hold philosophical connections to life aspects.
  • The breakdown of angular houses provides insights into self, partnerships, public and private life.
  • Equating zodiac signs with houses has led to oversimplification, affecting accurate chart interpretations.
  • Planetary placements in houses impact energy levels and influence a person's traits and experiences.
  • The ruler of the first house guides life direction and influences key aspects of a person's character.
  • The 6th house signifies health, work, and daily tasks, requiring effort for potential growth and well-being.

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Recent questions

  • What are the primary significations of the first house in astrology?

    The first house in astrology represents the self, body, character, and appearance of the native. It symbolizes the animating spirit and machinery of the body, where spiritual, psychological, and bodily significations intersect. Planets in the first house influence physical vitality and character traits, with the planet ruling the first house critical for understanding the person's mind, character, and body. The first house ruler acts as the steersman or captain of the ship, guiding the individual's life path and influencing decision-making. Understanding the first house is crucial for interpreting a person's initial impression, appearance, and overall personality.

  • How do angular houses differ from succedent and cadent houses in astrology?

    Angular houses in astrology, including the first, fourth, seventh, and tenth houses, are considered more powerful and influential. They are used to answer basic questions about a person's life and have immediate astronomical significance, impacting symbolic interpretations in astrology. Planets in angular houses are more prominent and have a global effect on the chart, indicating a strong presence and ability to make things happen. Succedent houses, like the second, fifth, eighth, and eleventh houses, are rising towards prominence and associated with resources that can be drawn upon. Cadent houses, such as the third, sixth, ninth, and twelfth houses, are considered problem-solving houses, with the sixth and twelfth houses traditionally viewed as the most challenging. The energy levels of planets in angular, succedent, and cadent houses differ, with angular planets being the most energetic and prominent, succedent planets rising towards prominence, and cadent planets declining from prominence.

  • What is the significance of the fourth house in astrology?

    The fourth house in astrology signifies parents, home, family, and private life, contrasting with the public life represented by the 10th house. Understanding the fourth house helps describe a person's childhood environment, family connections, and emotional baseline. Planets in the fourth house influence how conflicts are handled based on upbringing and impact emotional development. The fourth house is associated with roots, ancestry, and hidden aspects of life, revealing genetic inheritance and shaping character early in life. It symbolizes support, nurturing, and the private aspects of life, influencing emotional matters significantly. The fourth house also represents property acquisition, real estate, and professions like interior decorating, reflecting the impact of home and family on an individual's life.

  • How do planets in the sixth house affect individuals in astrology?

    Planets in the sixth house in astrology often signify dealing with various responsibilities, tasks, and health matters. The sixth house represents work, daily tasks, and subordinates, impacting how individuals handle their obligations and maintain their health. It is crucial for understanding the power dynamics with employees and the effort required for potential career growth. The sixth house can also relate to pets, reflecting issues or importance associated with them. Planets transiting through the sixth house can increase daily responsibilities without immediate rewards, leading to exhaustion and the need for constant effort. Individuals with a strong sixth house may excel in finding talented employees or managing health-related issues effectively. The ruler of the sixth house influences experiences related to health, work, and pets, providing unique insights into individual experiences and connections between different areas of life.

  • How do astrologers differentiate between angular, succedent, and cadent houses in chart interpretation?

    In astrology, angular houses, including the first, fourth, seventh, and tenth houses, are considered more powerful and influential, answering basic questions about a person's life. Planets in angular houses have a strong presence and global effect on the chart, making things happen and indicating prominence. Succedent houses, like the second, fifth, eighth, and eleventh houses, are rising towards prominence and associated with resources that can be drawn upon. Cadent houses, such as the third, sixth, ninth, and twelfth houses, are problem-solving houses, with the sixth and twelfth houses traditionally viewed as the most challenging. The energy levels of planets in angular, succedent, and cadent houses differ, with angular planets being the most energetic and prominent, succedent planets rising towards prominence, and cadent planets declining from prominence. Understanding the distinctions between these house groupings is essential for accurate chart interpretation and insights into various life areas.

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Summary

00:00

Exploring Astrology: Houses and Life Insights

  • The Astrology Podcast, hosted by Chris Brennan, features astrologers Kelly Surtees and Austin Coppock discussing the significations of the twelve houses.
  • This episode is the first part of a series on the houses, covering houses one through six, with the next episode planned to cover houses seven through twelve.
  • The astrologers emphasize the importance of understanding the houses, as they reveal areas of life and the people in one's life.
  • Different house division systems are discussed, with whole sign houses being the primary system used by the astrologers.
  • The houses play a crucial role in determining the functioning of planets in a chart, indicating whether a planet is auspiciously or inauspiciously placed.
  • Houses are not inherently good or bad, but some are more challenging than others, affecting a planet's ability to manifest its significations.
  • The angular houses (first, fourth, seventh, and tenth) are considered more powerful and are used to answer basic questions about a person's life.
  • The breakdown of the angular houses includes the first house representing the self, the seventh house representing partnerships, the tenth house representing public life, and the fourth house representing private life.
  • The astrologers discuss the philosophical connections between the diurnal rotation and the angles in the chart, relating to life, visibility, and setting.
  • Understanding the houses provides a holistic overview of a person's life and relationships, offering insights into various aspects such as family, career, and health.

13:18

Astrology: Houses and Planetary Influences

  • The fourth house is likened to the midnight position, representing home, family, and private aspects of life.
  • Planets in the fourth house are below you, either supporting or dragging you down.
  • The first house is associated with the Eastern horizon, the 10th house with the midday sky, the seventh house with the West at sunset, and the fourth house with midnight.
  • The diurnal rotation involves the Sun rising, culminating, setting, and anti-culminating, with all planets following similar motions.
  • The Sun moves through the houses in a clockwise motion during the day, while planets move counterclockwise through the zodiac signs.
  • The 10th house signifies career, with interpretations varying based on planets and signs present.
  • The four angular houses (1, 4, 7, 10) have immediate astronomical significance, influencing symbolic interpretations in astrology.
  • The houses create a consistent framework in every birth chart, with interpretations varying based on planetary placements.
  • Understanding the topics of the houses allows for diverse interpretations in individual birth charts.
  • The modern concept of signs equaling houses and the older idea of planetary joys are two preliminary conceptual structures in astrology.

25:56

"House Meanings Separate from Zodiac Signs"

  • The fourth house symbolizes the native's private life, home, family, and privacy, contrasting with the 10th house representing reputation and career.
  • Astrologers have assigned significations to houses based on various rationales over time, with a recent popular method linking the first house with Aries, the second with Taurus, and so on, aligning with zodiac signs.
  • Traditional astrological texts do not support the modern concept of linking zodiac signs with houses, which gained popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
  • The modern approach of equating signs with houses has led to oversimplification and inaccuracies in interpreting astrological charts.
  • Understanding houses independently from zodiac signs is crucial for accurate astrological readings, as signs and houses have distinct meanings.
  • The equalization of signs and houses has diluted the understanding of both, leading to misinterpretations and errors in astrological readings.
  • The market motive for equating signs with houses is driven by simplifying complexity for mass appeal, making it easier to sell astrological concepts.
  • Learning the meanings of houses without borrowing from zodiac signs is challenging but essential for a deeper understanding of astrology.
  • Unlearning the association between signs and houses is necessary to grasp the true meanings of each house, requiring effort and dedication.
  • Assigning each traditional planet to a specific house, known as the planetary joy scheme, offers a more accurate way to interpret houses than relying on zodiac sign associations.

37:59

"Planetary Houses: Angular, Succedent, and Cadent Energies"

  • The original conceptual structure for assigning planets to the twelve houses is based on the association of Mars with the house of Bad Fortune and Saturn with the house of Bad Spirit.
  • The traditional assignment of planets to houses differs from the more recent construction based on the twelve-letter alphabet.
  • The concept of angularity introduces the idea of angular triads, consisting of sets of three houses grouped around the four angles and repeating four times.
  • Cadent houses, including the third, sixth, ninth, and twelfth, are those falling away from angular houses, while succedent houses, like the second, fifth, eighth, and eleventh, are rising up towards angular houses.
  • Angular triads are formed by grouping sets of three houses together, such as the 12th, first, and second houses.
  • Houses aspecting the first house are considered positive, including the third, fourth, fifth, seventh, ninth, tenth, and eleventh houses.
  • Cadent houses are known as problem-solving houses, with the sixth and twelfth houses traditionally considered the most difficult.
  • Angular houses are powerful and make things happen, while succedent houses are steady and rising towards prominence.
  • Planets in angular houses are more prominent and have a global effect on the chart, while succedent houses are associated with resources that can be drawn upon.
  • The energy levels of planets in angular, succedent, and cadent houses differ, with angular planets being the most energetic and prominent, succedent planets rising towards prominence, and cadent planets declining from prominence.

50:35

"First House: Mercury, Self, Character, Appearance"

  • The first house is an angular house associated with Mercury, representing the self, body, character, and appearance of the native.
  • Planets in the first house are enacted and embodied by the person, influencing physical vitality and character traits.
  • The first house signifies the animating spirit and machinery of the body, where spiritual, psychological, and bodily significations intersect.
  • The presence of a planet in the first house dictates the person's constant enactment of that planet's traits.
  • Multiple planets in the first house result in a complex personality, with the planet nearest the Ascendant degree having the most influence.
  • The planet ruling the first house is critical for understanding the person's mind, character, and body.
  • Empty houses in a birth chart are not devoid of significance; each house has a planetary ruler responsible for its topics.
  • The ruler of the first house is the planet ruling the rising sign, influencing how first house topics manifest in the native's life.
  • Analyzing the position and aspects of the ruler of the first house provides insights into the individual's character, body, and personality traits.
  • Paying attention to the ruler of the first house is crucial in chart interpretation, as it acts as the steersman or captain of the ship, guiding the individual's life path.

01:03:08

"The First House: Life Direction and Appearance"

  • The first house ruler is crucial in astrology, indicating the native's life direction and how they navigate life.
  • The ruler of the rising sign influences decision-making, reflecting factors considered and tendencies towards caution or impulsiveness.
  • Physical characteristics like body shape, health, and appearance are associated with the first house and its ruler.
  • Physical disabilities or health issues can be linked to the first house or its ruler.
  • The first house symbolizes the native, while other houses represent different aspects of their life.
  • The first house signifies emergence and birth, symbolizing the moment of becoming a separate entity.
  • In ancient astrology, the moment of birth is significant as it marks the beginning of an individual's independent existence.
  • Electional astrology involves casting charts for significant moments like starting a business or a journey, with the first house representing the initiation.
  • Appearance, body shape, and physical traits are influenced by planets in the first house.
  • Planets in the first house strongly impact a person's qualities and are immediately visible, affecting all aspects of life.

01:16:25

Astrology: Houses and Personal Impression

  • The first house in astrology is crucial as it represents a person's appearance and initial impression.
  • When observing someone from a distance, like in a movie, you may be seeing other houses, but meeting them in person reveals their first house.
  • Filters, cinematography, and makeup can alter perceptions, but meeting a celebrity in person can show a different side.
  • Planetary transits through houses can temporarily activate topics associated with that house in a person's life.
  • Saturn transiting through the first house can slow things down and impact mental and physical health.
  • Saturn's nature is to go slow and create a long-lasting effect, leading to frustration in clients during transit work.
  • Mars transit through the first house can bring physical energy, confidence, restlessness, and potential accidents or injuries.
  • Venus transit through the first house can lead to makeovers, changes in style, and increased concern with aesthetics and social interactions.
  • Synastry in astrology can reveal how relationships impact a person's body and mind, with positive and negative effects.
  • The second house in astrology focuses on material things like finances, possessions, and income, serving as the main money house.

01:28:08

"Money Attitudes and Astrology in Charts"

  • Different people have varying attitudes towards cash flow, with some hoarding, others spending everything, and some struggling to hold money.
  • The concept of income, expenditure, and retention of financial power is crucial in assessing one's financial situation.
  • The second house in astrology signifies the "substance" of a person's life, including possessions, money, and to some extent, the body.
  • The sign on the second cusp influences one's attitude towards possessions, with different signs having hoarding or spending tendencies.
  • Planets in the second house impact what a person spends on, beyond basic necessities like food and shelter.
  • Saturn in the second house tends to withhold spending, while Mars in the second house leads to impulsive or free spending.
  • Psychological patterns related to money can stem from early experiences, such as growing up feeling a sense of lack or abundance.
  • The quality of the zodiac sign on the cusp of the second house characterizes one's relationship with material goods.
  • Birth charts reflect both common and unique aspects of a person's life, with a focus on extremes rather than average traits.
  • Reading charts for older clients may involve describing known life experiences, while readings for younger clients may predict future developments.

01:40:46

"Financial Success Through Planetary Placements"

  • Saturn is referred to as the "turkey planet" by AC.
  • A favorable Saturn signifies a turkey that needs all afternoon to cook and should not be eaten prematurely to avoid sickness.
  • Analyzing significant configurations in a chart helps determine when positive events in life may occur.
  • The placement of the ruler of the second house in other houses can indicate how money is earned or connected to other life aspects.
  • Examples like Amy Poehler show how planetary placements can influence financial success through friendships or partnerships.
  • Planets in the second house and the ruler's condition reveal a person's attitude towards possessions and how much stuff they should have.
  • Inheritance and family wealth can be indicated by the ruler of the second house and its placement, as seen in examples like the Gucci heir.
  • The condition of the ruler of the second house, including its aspects with benefic or malefic planets, determines financial success or challenges.
  • Mars connections to the second house can lead to impulsive spending, while Saturn delays earning potential and promotes preservation of money.
  • Clients' financial forecasts can be influenced by long-term transits through the second house, such as Jupiter bringing abundance or Saturn prompting financial discipline.

01:52:43

Financial advice and Saturn's influence in astrology.

  • KS mentioned her father picking her up, clarifying a misunderstanding with AC.
  • AC apologized for unintentionally causing irritation with language corrections.
  • KS and AC discussed the concept of rewards being positive consequences.
  • Saturn visiting the second house indicates a low-risk profile and conservative financial decisions.
  • Advice related to not borrowing beyond one's means and saving from a young age was highlighted as Saturn in the second house's teaching.
  • Saturn transits and placements were likened to stern grandparent advice by AC and KS.
  • Various timing techniques, including annual profections, were mentioned to activate different houses each year.
  • Specific ages like 25, 37, 49, 61, and 13 were noted as significant in financial matters.
  • The impact of eclipses on the second house and financial matters was discussed, with the north node generally being more favorable for money.
  • The second house was emphasized as the primary area in a chart for understanding financial patterns and material goods in one's life.

02:04:15

"Jupiter in Pisces: Adventures in the Third House"

  • Jupiter in Pisces in the third house is described as always floating around, having adventures, and meeting interesting people.
  • Some individuals have siblings or neighborhoods that play significant roles in their lives, while for others, these are not major topics.
  • The third house is associated with organizing events, parties, and gatherings within neighborhoods.
  • The presence of siblings can be clearly seen in the third house or what rules the third house in a birth chart.
  • The third house also represents regular interactions with sources of information like websites, magazines, or podcasts.
  • Communication and writing, such as astrology columns, are considered typical third house activities that require consistent effort.
  • Planets in the third house may have less energy due to the busy nature of the activities associated with this house.
  • The third house's polarity is discussed, highlighting the contrast between regular writing and one-time publications like books or dissertations.
  • The third house is linked to a person's experience of primary education, including elementary and middle school.
  • The ninth house is often associated with further education beyond primary schooling, such as high school, university, and post-high school education.

02:16:33

Astrology: Third House Significance in Education

  • The third house in astrology is linked to primary education, forming a foundational role alongside the fourth house.
  • The ninth house is associated with further education and preparing for one's career.
  • The third house emphasizes teaching beginner-level material, while the ninth house focuses on advanced or specialized teaching.
  • A person with the ruler of the 10th house in the third may work in primary education.
  • The third house also relates to short distance travel, routines, and errands.
  • The third house signifies regular travels, even if they involve international trips for work.
  • Sibling-like relationships may emerge when the third house is activated, leading to close connections with individuals akin to siblings.
  • The third house represents divinity in everyday life, with regular observances like rituals or ceremonies.
  • The third house is considered less permanent than other houses, impacting day-to-day experiences with fluctuating outcomes.
  • The third house is viewed ambiguously in astrology, being neither strongly positive nor negative, but its significance depends on individual circumstances and placements.

02:29:06

Astrology: Siblings, Home, and Family Dynamics

  • Modern astrology views relationships with siblings as reflections of external circumstances, not just internal psyche.
  • The orientation and behavior of siblings towards an individual can significantly impact their attitude.
  • The fourth house in astrology signifies parents, home, family, and private life, contrasting with the public life represented by the 10th house.
  • Understanding the fourth house helps describe a person's childhood environment and family connections.
  • The type of home environment, childhood experiences, and family dynamics can be deduced from the fourth house.
  • Planets in the fourth house influence a person's emotional baseline and how they handle conflicts based on their upbringing.
  • The Moon can provide insights into topics related to the fourth house, but it doesn't equate to the fourth house itself.
  • Assigning planets to specific houses can vary, with some models being more useful than others, like the 12-letter alphabet system.
  • Transits of planets through the fourth house can trigger events related to home and family, such as sudden moves or family drama.
  • The fourth house is also associated with property acquisition, real estate, and professions like interior decorating or property development.

02:42:37

"The Rock's Fourth House Wrestling Legacy"

  • Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has the ruler of the 10th in the fourth, continuing a family tradition of wrestling.
  • The placement of rulers of the fourth and ninth houses can indicate living abroad or foreign connections.
  • The fourth house symbolizes support and nurturing, favoring soft planets for positive influence.
  • Traditionally, the fourth house signifies the end of matters and can be associated with death.
  • The fourth house is linked to inheritance, shaping character early in life and influencing emotional development.
  • The fourth house is considered the most emotional of the angular houses, impacting individuals significantly in childhood.
  • The fourth house represents roots and ancestry, influencing hidden or secret aspects of a person's life.
  • Ancestral concerns and genetic inheritance are tied to the fourth house, impacting individuals even if not directly inherited.
  • The fourth house can reveal hidden or secret aspects of a person's life, influencing private matters.
  • The fourth house is one of the four angles, considered fundamental but the weakest of the angles, affecting life globally and related to the IC.

02:56:08

Evolution of Sex and Creativity in Astrology

  • Valens in the second century associated sex with the seventh house due to the presence of the other and the marriage partner, linking it to intercourse and the union of sky and earth.
  • In the medieval period, the fifth house became the primary place of sex due to the joy of Venus, and by the Renaissance, it was firmly associated with sex.
  • In the modern period, sex is often linked to Scorpio, which is then assigned to the eighth house, becoming the house of sex according to most modern astrologers.
  • The fifth house is also associated with creativity, luck, and good fortune, showcasing a person's ability to shape situations to their liking, known as creative potency.
  • Creative potency is not limited to artists but can be displayed by individuals in various fields, such as corporate environments, where they excel as problem-solvers.
  • The fifth house traditionally represents children, symbolizing the legacy individuals leave behind through their creations, whether physical or metaphorical.
  • The impact of creations, whether art or children, extends beyond the creator's intentions, taking on a life of its own in the world.
  • The fifth house is crucial in determining fertility potential and attitudes towards parenting, with placements like Saturn in the fifth indicating delays or difficulties in conceiving.
  • The ruler of the fifth house plays a significant role in tying children to other areas of a person's life, influencing career, friendships, and siblings.
  • Placements in the fifth house can indicate that children will be a major focus in an individual's life, emphasizing the importance of the creative process and its impact on the world.

03:08:51

"Planetary rulers influence outcomes and opportunities"

  • Planetary rulers in a house can influence outcomes positively.
  • Fortunate circumstances grant more control over one's environment.
  • Good fortune provides opportunities for increased agency.
  • The fifth house can signify students or apprentices.
  • The fifth house represents lineage and children.
  • Having many children historically was considered fortunate.
  • Different professions can be associated with specific houses.
  • The sixth house traditionally signifies illness, work, and subordinates.
  • The sixth house can represent employees or staff in modern contexts.
  • Pets and animals can also be linked to the sixth house as subordinates.

03:21:28

"Sixth House: Impact on Health and Business"

  • The sixth house signifies a power dynamic with employees, where individuals in a subordinate role can impact your business significantly.
  • Having a good sixth house can help in finding talented employees who fit your requirements perfectly.
  • Certain placements in a chart can indicate one-time major events that define a person's life, such as hiring an employee who causes a business to fail or succeed.
  • The sixth house is crucial for health matters, representing both negative health conditions and ways to maintain or treat health issues constructively.
  • The sixth house can also impact financial matters, with transits potentially causing physical disruptions like broken appliances.
  • Taking care of the body and health is essential to prevent negative events related to the sixth house, emphasizing proactive measures like yoga and timely bill payments.
  • The sixth house is associated with bodily issues like injuries and illnesses, contrasting with the 12th house which relates more to mental afflictions.
  • The sixth house is below the horizon in the chart, indicating a focus on tangible, physical experiences, while the top half is more connected to mind and spirit.
  • The sixth house is about embodied experiences like health, family, and physical surroundings, contrasting with the eighth house which represents death.
  • Proactive measures related to the sixth house, like maintaining health and preventing injuries, are crucial for minimizing long-term difficulties and chronic conditions.

03:34:19

"Sixth House: Work, Health, and Pets"

  • The 10th placed in the sixth is a benefic and bonified, ruling both career and the ascendant, leading to a person focusing on patient care as a doctor.
  • The sixth house is associated with work, distinguishing between a job and a career, with the sixth house representing daily tasks necessary for potential career growth.
  • The sixth house is considered challenging but can be beneficial when a planet within it forms a trine angle to the 10th house or is in aspect to the Midheaven degree.
  • Planets in the sixth house often signify dealing with various responsibilities and tasks, requiring significant effort without immediate rewards.
  • The sixth house can also relate to pets, with issues or importance of pets being reflected in this house.
  • The ruler of the sixth house can influence experiences related to health, work, and pets, as seen in examples like a wealthy heiress's dog's lifestyle changes due to planetary transits.
  • The sixth house signifies dissipation of energy, often leading to exhaustion and the need for constant effort to maintain a neutral state.
  • Planets transiting through the sixth house can increase daily responsibilities and tasks without corresponding rewards, akin to dealing with chronic illness.
  • The sixth house is a significant area for those working in the medical or health field, emphasizing the importance of understanding its implications in astrology.
  • Understanding the rulers of the houses and their placements can provide unique insights into individual experiences and connections between different areas of life, enhancing the depth and personalization of astrological readings.

03:45:34

Astrology podcast thanks viewers, sponsors, patrons

  • The podcast episode concludes with thanks to viewers and patrons, including Christine Stone and Nate Craddock, as well as sponsors like the AstroGold astrology app, the Portland School of Astrology, the Honeycomb Collective almanacs, the International Society for Astrological Research hosting a conference in Denver from September 10th - 14th, 2020, and the Northwest Astrological Conference in Seattle from May 21st - 25th, 2020. More details can be found on patreon.com/astrologypodcast, astrogold.io, portlandastrology.org, honeycomb.co, isar2020.org, and norwac.net.
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