House (astrology)

Most astrological systems divide the astrological chart (or natal chart) into twelve houses, which depend more on the time and place of birth (or initiation) than on the date. To calculate the houses of a chart it is necessary to know the exact time of birth. If the time of birth is unknown some astrologers will assume a birth at noon or sunrise, but an meaningful interpretation of such a chart cannot be expected.

Related Topics:
Astrological chart - Natal chart

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The houses are departments of life, described in terms of man's physical surroundings as well as personal life experiences, and have some correspondence with their natural sign, i.e. the first house has a natural affinity with the first sign, Aries, and so on.

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In quadrant systems houses are classified as angular (1st, 4th, 7th, and 10th), succedent (2nd, 5th, 8th, and 11th), and cadent (3rd, 6th, 9th, and 12th). Angular houses represent the potential for action, succedent houses give stability and purpose, cadent houses are communicative and enable change or adaptation.

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In old astrological writers (e.g. William Lilly), house could also be used as a synonym for domicile or rulership, as in the sentence "The Moon has its house in Cancer" - meaning that Cancer is ruled by the Moon.

Related Topics:
William Lilly - Domicile

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