The 12 Houses in Astrology
The 12 houses in your natal chart represent different areas of your life—from your identity and home to your career and relationships. Think of them as the "stage" where the planetary "actors" perform.
What Are Houses in Astrology?
If the planets represent what energy you have (Sun, Moon, Mars, etc.) and the signs represent how that energy expresses itself (Aries, Taurus, Gemini), then the houses represent where that energy shows up in your life.
For example, Venus in Libra in the 7th house means your love energy (Venus) is diplomatic and partnership-oriented (Libra) and shows up strongly in your romantic relationships (7th house).
How Houses Are Calculated
Houses are determined by your birth time and location. Your rising sign (ascendant) marks the beginning of your 1st house, and the other 11 houses follow counterclockwise around the chart.
Important: Without an accurate birth time, your house placements won't be accurate. This is why birth time matters so much in astrology!
The 12 Houses: A Quick Guide
1st House: Self & Identity
Also called: The House of Self
Your outward personality, physical appearance, first impressions, and how you approach life. Your rising sign is always the start of your 1st house.
2nd House: Money & Values
Also called: The House of Possessions
Your relationship with money, material possessions, personal values, and self-worth. How you earn, spend, and save.
3rd House: Communication & Learning
Also called: The House of Communication
How you think, communicate, and learn. Also governs siblings, neighbors, short trips, and your immediate environment.
4th House: Home & Family
Also called: The House of Home
Your roots, family, ancestry, home life, and private self. Also represents your mother or nurturing parent and your emotional foundation.
5th House: Creativity & Pleasure
Also called: The House of Pleasure
Romance, creativity, self-expression, hobbies, children, and fun. Where you play, create, and experience joy.
6th House: Health & Routine
Also called: The House of Health
Daily routines, health, wellness, work environment, and service to others. Your habits and how you maintain your well-being.
7th House: Partnerships & Marriage
Also called: The House of Partnerships
Romantic partnerships, marriage, business partners, and one-on-one relationships. How you relate to others and what you seek in a partner.
8th House: Transformation & Intimacy
Also called: The House of Transformation
Deep transformation, shared resources, intimacy, death, rebirth, and the occult. The mysteries and intense experiences of life.
9th House: Philosophy & Travel
Also called: The House of Philosophy
Higher education, philosophy, spirituality, long-distance travel, and expansion. Your beliefs and quest for meaning.
10th House: Career & Public Image
Also called: The House of Career
Career, public reputation, achievements, and legacy. How the world sees you professionally and your life direction.
11th House: Friendships & Community
Also called: The House of Friendships
Friends, social groups, community, hopes, dreams, and your role in collective movements. Where you belong.
12th House: Spirituality & The Unconscious
Also called: The House of the Unconscious
The unconscious mind, hidden fears, spirituality, solitude, and endings. Your inner world and connection to the divine.
Angular, Succedent, and Cadent Houses
The 12 houses are grouped into three categories based on their position and energy:
- •Angular Houses (1, 4, 7, 10): Action-oriented, powerful, where major life events occur
- •Succedent Houses (2, 5, 8, 11): Stability-focused, where you build and maintain
- •Cadent Houses (3, 6, 9, 12): Transitional, where you learn and adapt
Explore Your Houses
Ready to see which planets are in which houses in your chart? Calculate your free natal chart to discover where your cosmic energy is focused.
Calculate Your Free Natal Chart