Divisions of the Chart – The Astrological ‘Houses’
From the blank circular map with its twelve divisions looking like slices of a pie, we begin to mark the unique factors and influences that converge upon the individual in question. These divisions denote areas of the heavens and are known as the ‘Houses’. Although the planetary bodies move position, the House divisions remain constant in the birth chart.
Each House is of 30 degrees or one twelfth of the circle. In the system known as the ‘Equal House Division’ the houses are numbered anti-clockwise from the horizon point on the left of the circle with the first being the 30 degree or part thereof appearing on the horizon at your time of birth. Each House is important as it relates to a different aspect of your life and influences the reading and interpretation of your horoscope.
First the Rising Sign is placed on the left horizon showing the zodiacal signature and its degree. The Rising Sign has influence or rulership over the First House. Then we can enter the rest of the zodiacal Signs in natural sequence which runs anti-clockwise. For example, should your Rising Sign be Cancer and influences matters associated with the First House, the next Sign, Leo, will be ruler over the Second House.
After you have placed all the zodiacal Signs, it is time to enter the placements of planets. If you accept that your place in the universe is represented as the dot in the centre of the chart, each House represents a particular area of the total sky, both above and below the horizon, in which the located positions of the sun, moon and planets at your birth are then recorded. These planetary placements are accurately calculated and recorded in the official astronomical ephemeris that serves as the astrologer’s guidebook.
We begin by entering the Sun symbol in its familiar zodiacal Sign. This may occur in any of the twelve houses. It establishes a firm beginning to know, if it turns out that the Sun, which is considered a bountiful influence, is placed in your Second House it will certainly have a positive affect upon your possessions and material circumstances as it will have a strong influence upon partnerships if placed in the Seventh House.
Into its appropriate position is placed the Moon, followed by all the other planets. The planets occupying each of the houses influence matters traditionally associated with that House. This will have a direct affect in modifying or intensifying some of the assessments to provide yet another important factor in a complexity of influences. All factors are taken into consideration in the very demanding and complex art of ‘reading’ a horoscope a task that at its best, is both a science and an art.
Only experienced astrologers trained to interpret the so called ‘progressions’ can indicate the changing circumstances and possible forecasts of future conditions to which we will respond.
For quick reference regarding the concerns of each House –
1st refers to appearance and personality
2nd possessions and finance
3rd family, mental interests and travel
4th domestic and property
5th pleasures and education
6th health and service
7th marriage and partnerships
8th life plans and legacies
9th philosophy and religion
10th career and worldly status
11th social life and friendships
12th limitations and karmic difficulties
Ask your astrologer to tell you more!
