Houses in Astrology: The Complete Guide to Understanding the 12 Houses of the Zodiac

In astrology, a horoscope is divided into twelve segments known as houses. Each house is associated with specific areas of life, and their positions in a person’s birth chart are determined by the time and place of their birth. The houses are numbered counterclockwise, starting from the Ascendant or Rising sign, which is the cusp of the 1st house.

Understanding the houses in astrology is essential to interpreting a birth chart accurately. Each house governs a specific area of life, from identity and finances to relationships, travel, career, and even past life karma. The twelve houses form a 360-degree circle, known as the zodiac wheel, divided into twelve equal segments. Each house carries its own symbolic meaning, archetypal themes, and real-life manifestations.

This guide offers a complete, in-depth look at all twelve houses in astrology. It integrates both Western and Vedic perspectives, helping you understand not just what each house means, but how it operates in the broader system of astrology. You’ll also learn how planets placed in a house, house rulers, and house lords influence your personal narrative.

Whether you’re new to astrology or looking to deepen your interpretation skills, this guide will serve as a definitive reference for understanding the twelve houses in astrology.

What Are the Houses in Astrology?

The houses in astrology are twelve segments of the birth chart that divide the sky from the eastern horizon to the western horizon, and from the zenith overhead to the nadir beneath the Earth. Each house corresponds to a specific domain of life and is associated with one of the twelve zodiac signs.

1. First House (Lagna): Self, body, health.
2. Second House: Finances, family, speech.
3. Third House: Siblings, courage, short journeys.
4. Fourth House (Cancer): Mother, home, emotional foundations.
5. Fifth House: Children, creativity, education.
6. Sixth House: Enemies, health, daily work.
7. Seventh House (Libra): Marriage, partnerships, relationships.
8. Eighth House: Longevity, inheritance, transformation.
9. Ninth House: Philosophy, religion, long journeys.
10. Tenth House (Capricorn): Career, reputation, public life.
11. Eleventh House: Gains, friendships, social circles.
12. Twelfth House: Spirituality, losses, hidden enemies.

Unlike zodiac signs, which are fixed in the celestial belt, the houses are dependent on the Earth’s 24-hour rotation. This is why an accurate birth time is crucial in astrology. It determines which zodiac signs fall into which houses.

Each house is ruled by a particular zodiac sign and has natural planetary associations. For example, the first house is naturally linked to Aries and ruled by Mars, while the seventh house corresponds to Libra and is ruled by Venus. However, your personal chart may contain a different sign in each house depending on your Ascendant.

Modalities of Houses in Astrology

In astrology, there is a concept called Angular, Succedent, and Cadent houses, which are called modalities of the houses. These house types describe the different roles that houses play within an astrological chart and how they relate to the individual’s life experience.

1. Angular Houses: These are the 1st, 4th, 7th, and 10th. They are the most potent and influential houses in the chart, similar to cardinal signs. Angular houses are associated with action, initiation, and self-expression. Planets located in angular houses tend to have a stronger impact on the individual’s life and personality.
2. Succedent Houses: These are the 2nd, 5th, 8th, and 11th houses. Succedent houses follow the angular houses and are associated with stability, consolidation, and accumulation, similar to fixed signs. Planets in succedent houses represent resources, values, and personal assets.
3. Cadent Houses: These are the 3rd, 6th, 9th, and 12th houses. Cadent houses follow the succedent houses and are associated with adaptability, learning, and transitions, similar to mutable signs. Planets in cadent houses may indicate areas of change, learning, and adjustment in the individual’s life.

Understanding the angular, succedent, and cadent houses provides insights into the different areas of life where the individual is likely to focus their energy and attention. Planets in different house types can manifest in various ways, influencing the individual’s experiences, challenges, and opportunities in different areas of life.

Triplicities

In astrology, triplicities refer to the division of the twelve zodiac signs into groups of three based on their elemental qualities. There are four triplicities, each representing one of the four classical elements: fire, earth, air, and water. Each triplicity consists of three signs belonging to the same element.

Here are the triplicities:

1. Fire Triplicity: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius
   • These signs are associated with enthusiasm, creativity, passion, and action.
2. Earth Triplicity: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn
   • These signs are associated with practicality, stability, productivity, and material concerns.
3. Air Triplicity: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius
   • These signs are associated with intellect, communication, social interaction, and mental agility.
4. Water Triplicity: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
   • These signs are associated with emotions, intuition, sensitivity, and empathy.

Triplicities provide a framework for understanding the inherent qualities and tendencies of each zodiac sign based on their elemental nature. They also play a role in astrological interpretation and compatibility analysis.

Now let’s explore each of the twelve houses in astrology in depth.

The 1st House: The House of Self

The first house, also known as the Ascendant or Lagna in Vedic astrology, represents your outer personality, appearance, and physical body. It’s the most personal house because it marks the moment of your birth—the zodiac sign rising on the eastern horizon at that time.

This house governs your sense of identity, vitality, basic temperament, and how you initiate action. Planets in the first house strongly influence how others perceive you and how you navigate the world. A strong first house brings confidence and clear self-expression; an afflicted one can bring insecurity or confusion about one’s place in the world.

In Vedic astrology, the first house is the most crucial angle, forming the foundation of the birth chart. Its ruler (Lagna lord) influences the entire chart and is considered the key to physical health and destiny.

If you want to understand who someone really is at their core, always start with the first house.

The 2nd House: The House of Wealth and Values

The second house in astrology is traditionally known as the house of money, possessions, and personal values. It reveals what you consider valuable—both materially and emotionally—and how you go about earning, managing, and spending resources. But this house extends beyond money alone. It also governs your sense of self-worth, inner stability, and how secure you feel in the world.

Planets in the second house shape your financial habits and influence your attitudes toward abundance and scarcity. For example, Venus in the second house may bring a love of luxury and a refined approach to managing money, while Saturn might bring caution, frugality, or even financial delays that teach long-term discipline. In Western astrology, this house aligns with Taurus, emphasizing grounded values and the pursuit of comfort and beauty.

In Vedic astrology, the second house is also known as the Dhana Bhava—the house of speech, family lineage, and stored wealth. It indicates early childhood influences and the resources you inherit, both materially and karmically. A well-supported second house can bring eloquence, wealth, and strong family support. If afflicted, it may indicate speech disorders, strained family ties, or financial instability.

When interpreting this house, it’s important to examine not just the planets within it, but also its ruling sign, the dignity of its planetary lord, and the aspects it receives. These factors together reveal how the themes of value, wealth, and self-esteem will unfold in your life.

Among the twelve houses in astrology, the second house offers crucial insights into your relationship with the material world and your ability to manifest and sustain personal resources.

The 3rd House: The House of Communication and Courage

The third house governs communication, learning, siblings, neighbors, and short-distance travel. It’s where we develop skills, gather knowledge, and interact with our immediate environment. This house represents how you think, speak, write, and learn—and how courageous or curious you are in pursuing new ideas.

In Western astrology, the third house corresponds with Gemini and is ruled by Mercury. It highlights your intellectual agility, your voice, and your ability to adapt in fast-moving or complex situations. Someone with a strong third house may be a gifted writer, speaker, or connector. This house also rules early education, email, phone calls, social media, and mental restlessness.

Vedic astrology regards the third house as the house of Parakrama—valor, initiative, and personal effort. It shows how much drive and willpower a person brings to their undertakings. Mars placed here can create a fighter’s spirit, while Mercury may gift verbal brilliance. This house also reveals the karma between you and your siblings, especially younger ones.

Planets placed in the third house modify how one absorbs and shares information. Jupiter brings wisdom and a thirst for philosophical understanding, while the Moon might create emotional communication or fluctuations in learning focus. Malefics may cause nervous energy or strained sibling dynamics.

As one of the cadent houses in astrology, the third house helps transition ideas into action. It links thought with movement—making it a pivotal house for anyone involved in journalism, marketing, education, or digital communication.

Together with the first and second, the third house sets the stage for how your identity (1st house), values (2nd house), and voice (3rd house) come together to shape your experience of the world.

The 4th House: The House of Home and Emotional Foundations

The fourth house in astrology is the root of the chart. It represents home, family, emotional security, and one’s private life. This is where your innermost sense of comfort and belonging originates. Unlike the outward-facing first and third houses, the fourth house invites you inward—toward your personal sanctuary.

Traditionally associated with the sign Cancer and ruled by the Moon, the fourth house governs your connection to your parents (especially the mother in Western astrology and the father in many Vedic interpretations), your upbringing, ancestral heritage, and literal home or property. It shows what makes you feel emotionally safe and how you nurture yourself and others.

In Vedic astrology, this is called the Bandhu Bhava, or house of happiness. It reflects your emotional well-being, your inner peace, and your ability to form roots in life. A strong fourth house suggests a supportive family background, real estate stability, and a deep emotional intelligence. An afflicted fourth house may point to emotional instability, trouble with parents, or difficulties maintaining a stable home environment.

Planets in the fourth house color your relationship with domestic life. For example, Mercury can indicate a communicative household or frequent moves. Mars might suggest a passionate or even turbulent home atmosphere. The Moon here strengthens maternal ties and amplifies emotional sensitivity. Saturn can bring karmic lessons through family duties or real estate responsibilities.

In the context of houses in astrology, the fourth house is crucial because it forms the foundation of the chart axis (opposite the 10th house of career). It is the base from which public success grows. No matter how far you go in life, the fourth house shows where you return—emotionally, spiritually, and physically—for rest, restoration, and grounding.

The 5th House: The House of Creativity and Romance

The fifth house in astrology represents creative expression, romance, joy, and the legacy of what we produce—whether that’s art, ideas, or children. It governs your ability to express your uniqueness, pursue passions, and experience pleasure for its own sake. This house also speaks to dating, love affairs, entertainment, hobbies, and speculative ventures such as investing or gambling.

Associated with Leo and ruled by the Sun in Western astrology, the fifth house is a center of vitality and personal radiance. It describes where and how you shine most naturally. Planets here illuminate your creative style and romantic tendencies. For instance, Venus may bring charm and artistic flair, while Mars can create boldness in love and competition.

In Vedic astrology, the fifth house is known as the Putra Bhava, the house of progeny, intellect, and past-life merit (purva punya). It indicates not only your ability to have children but also the karmic fruits you’re born with, especially related to intelligence, talent, and spiritual inclinations. A strong fifth house blesses the native with creativity, recognition, and a love of learning. An afflicted one may result in creative blocks, romantic setbacks, or challenges with children.

This house also plays a role in education, especially in fields like literature, performing arts, or speculative sciences. Jupiter or Mercury placed here often indicate academic or artistic excellence, while Saturn may bring delayed but enduring achievements through hard work.

Within the twelve houses in astrology, the fifth stands out as the place where joy, creation, and legacy converge. It shows where you take risks, not just for gain, but for the thrill of expressing who you truly are.

The 6th House: The House of Health and Service

The sixth house in astrology governs health, routine, service, and daily responsibilities. It reflects how you handle work, maintain wellness, and engage in acts of service or duty. Unlike the creative expression of the fifth house, the sixth house is grounded in reality and emphasizes structure, accountability, and discipline.

In Western astrology, this house corresponds with Virgo and is ruled by Mercury. It’s where we cultivate self-improvement and manage the small tasks that make up a functional life. A strong sixth house often brings organizational skill, attention to detail, and a desire to serve others. This house also rules pets, diet, hygiene, and your relationship with co-workers and subordinates.

In Vedic astrology, the sixth house is known as the Shatru Bhava—the house of enemies, debts, diseases, and obstacles. It signifies the challenges one must overcome in this lifetime. But these challenges are not purely negative. They are karmic assignments that, when handled with responsibility, foster growth and resilience. A strong sixth house grants the ability to confront adversity, defeat opposition, and maintain good health through discipline.

Planets placed here show how you deal with pressure and routine. Mars brings a combative spirit, often useful in competitive environments. Saturn may create slow but steady work ethic. The Moon can make one sensitive to work stress, while Mercury thrives in analytical tasks. Venus here might find beauty in routine or service-oriented professions.

Among the houses in astrology, the sixth house reveals how you manage the less glamorous but essential parts of life. It’s where spiritual practice meets everyday effort, where you build strength through habits, heal through discipline, and grow through service.

The 7th House: The House of Relationships and Partnerships

The seventh house in astrology governs committed relationships, marriage, business partnerships, contracts, and legal agreements. It sits directly opposite the first house of self, emphasizing that personal identity is shaped not only by who we are individually but also by how we relate to others.

In Western astrology, the seventh house is ruled by Libra and Venus. It represents harmony, equality, and diplomacy in interpersonal connections. This house reveals the qualities you seek in a partner and how you behave in long-term relationships. A strong seventh house often brings relationship-oriented individuals who thrive through cooperation and mutual support. When afflicted, it may indicate challenges such as co-dependency, betrayal, or difficulty finding lasting partnerships.

In Vedic astrology, the seventh house is considered one of the most important houses for assessing marriage potential, spouse characteristics, and the timing of significant relationships. Known as the Kalatra Bhava, it also governs sexual union, contractual commitments, and business alliances. The strength and dignity of the seventh house lord, along with planetary aspects, reveal whether relationships bring fulfillment or karmic lessons.

Planets located in the seventh house add nuance to how partnerships unfold. Venus here often brings charm and loving unions. Mars may lead to passion but also conflict. Saturn might delay marriage but bring longevity and seriousness once commitments are made. Rahu or Ketu may introduce unconventional or fated connections that defy expectations.

Among the houses in astrology, the seventh house acts as a mirror. It shows how you attract and maintain balance with others and how relationship dynamics reflect deeper truths about yourself. Whether romantic or professional, this house governs the bonds that shape your external world.

The 8th House: The House of Transformation and Shared Resources

The eighth house in astrology is one of the most mysterious and misunderstood. Often associated with taboo topics like death, sex, and other people’s money, it deals with deep transformation, psychological depth, and the merging of energies and assets with others. This house is not about surface-level experiences—it takes you into the depths of emotional and spiritual evolution.

In Western astrology, the eighth house is ruled by Scorpio and Pluto. It represents the cycles of death and rebirth, inheritance, joint finances, taxes, insurance, and even occult studies. This house shows how you deal with control, loss, intimacy, and vulnerability. It can also point to financial dependence or entanglements, such as alimony, debts, or family wealth.

In Vedic astrology, the eighth house is known as the Ayu Bhava, the house of longevity, hidden knowledge, sudden events, and ancestral karma. It reveals secrets and events that are beyond our control but carry significant karmic weight. A strong eighth house can bless a person with resilience, research ability, and healing gifts. An afflicted one may bring sudden losses, surgeries, or chronic fears that need to be confronted and transmuted.

Planets placed in the eighth house color your experience of transformation. Jupiter can bring wisdom through crisis and spiritual insight. Mars might bring battles over control or inheritance. Venus here may indicate deep emotional intimacy or financial ties to a partner. Saturn may impose lessons through loss, austerity, or intense soul work.

Of all the houses in astrology, the eighth house serves as a gateway to personal alchemy. It challenges you to confront what lies beneath the surface and to emerge stronger, wiser, and more authentic than before. This is where healing begins, not in comfort, but in conscious surrender to life’s hidden currents.

The 9th House: The House of Philosophy, Travel, and Higher Learning

The ninth house in astrology is the realm of expansion—of the mind, the soul, and one’s understanding of the world. It governs long-distance travel, higher education, religion, philosophy, ethics, and one’s quest for truth. While the third house concerns everyday learning, the ninth house reflects deep inquiry and the search for meaning beyond immediate experience.

In Western astrology, the ninth house is associated with Sagittarius and ruled by Jupiter. It governs universities, publishing, foreign languages, legal systems, and spiritual exploration. People with strong ninth house placements are often drawn to education, teaching, travel, or religious and philosophical study. They value wisdom gained through lived experience and may carry a global or multicultural perspective.

In Vedic astrology, this house is called the Dharma Bhava—the house of righteousness, good fortune, and spiritual merit. It reflects one’s moral compass, devotion, and relationship with teachers, gurus, and divine law. A well-placed ninth house lord or benefic planets here can indicate a life blessed with luck, spiritual insight, and elevated status. If afflicted, it may result in dogma, restlessness, or disconnection from one’s guiding beliefs.

Planets in the ninth house shape your worldview. Jupiter enhances wisdom and tolerance. Saturn may bring disciplined learning but also skepticism or religious conservatism. The Moon makes one emotionally tied to beliefs or cultural identity. Rahu or Ketu can spark interest in foreign lands or unconventional ideologies.

Among the twelve houses in astrology, the ninth house shows where you expand—through travel, teaching, or spiritual elevation. It’s the domain of vision, where faith meets knowledge and adventure meets enlightenment. It encourages you to step beyond borders, ask big questions, and embrace life as a continuous journey of growth and discovery.

The 10th House: The House of Career and Public Life

The tenth house in astrology represents your career, public reputation, achievements, and long-term ambitions. Positioned at the top of the birth chart—known as the Midheaven or MC—it symbolizes your highest potential and the legacy you aim to build through your profession and public efforts.

In Western astrology, the tenth house is associated with Capricorn and ruled by Saturn. It reflects your drive, discipline, and public standing. A strong tenth house often correlates with ambition, leadership, and a deep sense of purpose in one’s work. This house also governs authority figures, including bosses, mentors, and even one’s relationship with the dominant parent (often the father).

In Vedic astrology, the tenth house is called the Karma Bhava—the house of action. It reveals how your karma unfolds in the material world and what roles you’re destined to fulfill. It shows the nature of your work, your professional influence, and the responsibilities you’re meant to carry. A powerful tenth house in a chart often brings career recognition, leadership roles, or a strong sense of duty.

Planets in the tenth house color the way you pursue success. The Sun brings leadership and recognition. Mars adds ambition and drive. Saturn grants long-term achievement through persistence but may delay early success. Venus may bring popularity in artistic or diplomatic fields, while Mercury favors communication-based careers.

Among the houses in astrology, the tenth house marks your outer impact on the world. It’s not just about job titles or income. It’s about contribution, structure, and the pursuit of a legacy that reflects your deeper purpose. This is the house that defines how the world sees you and what you are remembered for.

The 11th House: The House of Community, Goals, and Friendships

The eleventh house in astrology represents friendships, networks, long-term goals, and the groups or communities that support your aspirations. This is the house where individual effort expands into collective involvement—your dreams begin to connect with social purpose and shared ideals.

In Western astrology, the eleventh house is associated with Aquarius and ruled by Uranus (or Saturn traditionally). It governs the people you associate with—friends, mentors, social circles, professional networks—and the dreams you work toward as part of a group. It also relates to innovation, technology, and humanitarian interests.

A well-supported eleventh house suggests a strong network of allies, successful collaborations, and a drive to create meaningful contributions within a community. Afflictions may bring challenges with belonging, unstable friendships, or difficulties aligning personal ambition with group values.

In Vedic astrology, this is known as the Labha Bhava—the house of gains, income from career, and fulfillment of desires. It shows the rewards of effort and karma, especially those that come through others. It also governs elder siblings and influential patrons who can help you rise in life.

Planets in the eleventh house shape how and where you find support. Jupiter brings wise, expansive social connections and good fortune through friends. Mercury enhances communication and teamwork. Mars may create energetic social leadership or conflict within groups. Venus here supports popularity, social charm, and artistic collaboration.

Of all the houses in astrology, the eleventh house is where your vision grows beyond personal success to collective progress. It is the house of aspiration and alignment with purpose-driven peers, a space where your contribution ripples outward through the lives you touch and the causes you uplift.

The 12th House: The House of the Subconscious and Spiritual Liberation

The twelfth house in astrology is the final house in the zodiac wheel, and it represents endings, dissolution, the subconscious, and transcendence. It is the house of dreams, isolation, hidden enemies, and spiritual liberation. While often misunderstood or feared, the twelfth house holds the key to deep healing, karmic resolution, and connection with the divine.

In Western astrology, the twelfth house is associated with Pisces and ruled by Neptune (or Jupiter in traditional systems). It governs the intangible realms—sleep, imagination, intuition, altered states of consciousness, and the collective unconscious. This house reflects your hidden fears, unprocessed emotions, and karmic baggage. It also relates to institutions like hospitals, prisons, monasteries, or retreats—spaces where individuals are separated from regular society for healing or seclusion.

In Vedic astrology, the twelfth house is known as the Vyaya Bhava—the house of expenditure, loss, isolation, and moksha (spiritual liberation). It represents the final release of worldly attachments. While it can show losses in the material sense, it also symbolizes the gain of spiritual insight and inner peace. A well-placed twelfth house can indicate a mystic, a monk, or a healer with a strong spiritual practice. An afflicted twelfth may show escapism, addictions, secret enemies, or chronic emotional fatigue.

Planets placed in the twelfth house influence your subconscious drives and capacity for spiritual detachment. The Moon can bring deep intuition or emotional isolation. Mercury may indicate an active dream life or hidden thoughts. Venus here suggests private affections or secret romances. Jupiter often brings a strong inner life, spiritual protection, and philanthropic tendencies.

Among the twelve houses in astrology, the twelfth is both an ending and a beginning. It dissolves the ego’s boundaries and prepares the soul for renewal. Mastering the twelfth house means learning to surrender, to trust the unseen and to find peace not in control, but in release.

How Do Houses Affect Planets?

The placement and movement of planets in the houses of an individual’s birth chart play a crucial role in shaping their horoscope and influencing various aspects of their life. Each planet represents specific qualities, energies, and themes, and when positioned in a particular house, it adds its characteristics to the corresponding area of life. Additionally, the movement of planets over time through transits and progressions can trigger different events and experiences.

Here’s an overview of how planets in houses impact one’s horoscope:

Western Astrology

• Sun:
  • Placement: Illuminates the house with its energy and highlights the themes related to that house.
  • Transits: Can bring attention, focus, and vitality to the house it transits.
• Moon:
  • Placement: Influences emotions, habits, and instincts related to the house.
  • Transits: May trigger emotional responses and fluctuations in the house it transits.
• Mercury:
  • Placement: Enhances communication, learning, and analytical abilities in the house.
  • Transits: Can stimulate intellectual activities and communication within the specific life area.
• Venus:
  • Placement: Brings harmony, love, and aesthetic sensibilities to the house.
  • Transits: May enhance relationships, creativity, and pleasures associated with the house.
• Mars:
  • Placement: Adds energy, assertiveness, and drive to the house’s matters.
  • Transits: Can bring dynamic action and potentially conflicts to the specific life area.
• Jupiter:
  • Placement: Expands and brings growth, abundance, and opportunities to the house.
  • Transits: May signify periods of expansion, learning, and overall positivity.
• Saturn:
  • Placement: Imposes structure, discipline, and challenges to the house’s affairs.
  • Transits: Can bring lessons, responsibilities, and sometimes restrictions to the specific life area.
• Uranus, Neptune, Pluto:
  • Placement: Indicate deeper, transformative, and sometimes unconventional influences on the house.
  • Transits: Represent generational influences and long-term transformational shifts in the specific life area.

Hindu (Vedic) Astrology:

In Vedic astrology, the impact of planets on houses is analyzed through a combination of their placement (Bhava) and their strength, dignity, and aspects (Drishti).

• Benefic and Malefic Planets:
  • Benefics (Jupiter, Venus, Moon, Mercury): Generally bring positive influences and growth to the house.
  • Malefics (Sun, Mars, Saturn, Rahu, Ketu): Can introduce challenges, obstacles, and lessons to the house.
• Dasha (Planetary Periods):
  • Specific time periods, or Dashas, ruled by different planets can significantly influence the events related to the house they rule.
• Transits (Gochra):
  • The movement of planets in the sky and their transits over specific houses in the birth chart can trigger events and experiences related to those houses.
• Aspects (Drishti):
  • The aspectual relationship between planets can influence the houses they aspect, creating a dynamic interplay of energies.
• Yogas:
  • Certain planetary combinations (Yogas) formed by the placement of planets in specific houses can enhance or diminish the effects of those houses.

Understanding the interplay of planets in houses requires a holistic approach, considering not only the individual planet’s characteristics but also their interactions with each other and the overall dynamics of the birth chart. Skilled astrologers analyze these factors to provide insights into an individual’s personality, relationships, career, and other life areas. Keep in mind that astrology is a complex and interpretive field, and individual experiences may vary.

It’s important to note that while both Western and Hindu astrology use the concept of houses, there are differences in the zodiac systems, house divisions, and interpretations between the two traditions. The Western system is primarily based on the tropical zodiac, while the Hindu system uses the sidereal zodiac. Additionally, there are variations in the methods of house division.

Which Planets Rule Which Houses?

In astrology, each of the twelve houses in a natal chart is associated with certain areas of life, and different planets are said to rule or have an affinity for specific houses. The traditional rulerships of the houses are as follows:

1. First House (Aries Ascendant): Ruled by Mars
2. Second House (Taurus): Ruled by Venus
3. Third House (Gemini): Ruled by Mercury
4. Fourth House (Cancer): Ruled by the Moon
5. Fifth House (Leo): Ruled by the Sun
6. Sixth House (Virgo): Ruled by Mercury
7. Seventh House (Libra Descendant): Ruled by Venus
8. Eighth House (Scorpio): Ruled by Mars and Pluto
9. Ninth House (Sagittarius): Ruled by Jupiter
10. Tenth House (Capricorn): Ruled by Saturn
11. Eleventh House (Aquarius): Ruled by Saturn and Uranus
12. Twelfth House (Pisces): Ruled by Jupiter and Neptune

It’s important to note that while these traditional rulerships are widely used, some astrologers may also consider modern rulerships, which incorporate Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto as rulers of certain houses, particularly the ones beyond Saturn’s orbit. Additionally, the exact influence of a planet on a house can vary based on factors such as aspects, placements, and other astrological configurations within an individual’s chart.

How Do I Find My First House?

To find the first house in your astrological chart, you need to determine your Ascendant (also known as the Rising Sign). The Ascendant is the zodiac sign that was rising on the eastern horizon at the time of your birth. It is one of the most important points in your natal chart as it represents your outer personality, physical appearance, and the way you present yourself to the world.

Here are the steps to find your Ascendant and consequently, your first house:

1. Get your birth chart: You’ll need an accurate birth chart calculated for the date, time, and place of your birth. You can obtain your birth chart from various astrology websites or by consulting an astrologer.
2. Identify your Ascendant: Look for the symbol that represents the Ascendant on your birth chart. It’s typically denoted as “AC” or “ASC” and looks like an arrow pointing to the left (a triangle with a horizontal line).
3. Determine the zodiac sign: The zodiac sign associated with your Ascendant is your Rising Sign, and it represents your first house. For example, if your Ascendant is in Aries, then your first house is ruled by Aries.

Once you’ve identified your Rising Sign and first house, you can explore further by examining the planets and aspects within this house to gain insights into your personality, self-image, physical appearance, and early childhood experiences.