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Houses

Houses

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Author: Alison Price   –   Updated: January 2026 

 ❤️ Basic Natal Astrology

This article is part of my Basic Natal Astrology category and brings all the beginner components of interpreting a natal chart together. This includes signs, planets, houses, aspects and more. Alison

The Astrological Houses

Introduction

Houses pertain to different areas of life. They are like the backdrop or stage of a play. There are twelve houses in every chart. The houses are numbered from one to twelve anti-clockwise starting from below the ascendant.

Houses can be any width; some are as small as twenty degrees wide and some are as large as forty-five degrees wide. It all depends on the house system being used and the place of birth for which the chart is set.

 

House Systems

Placidus

All the charts on this website use the Placidus house system. It is recommended that you stay with one house system (these days most astrologers use the Placidus house system mainly because there have been Placidean Tables of houses available for years, which may not be the ideal, but it is the reality).

For the first year of your astrology study or until you can make an educated decision by exploring other house systems to decide which one you may feel resonates better with your own chart. Other house systems in common use are Equal house, Koch, Morinus, Porphry and Regiomantanus.

House Cusps

House cusps are measured in degrees and minutes and are the dividing line between two houses. The house flows anti-clockwise and ends at the next house cusp. A house has a cusp at both sides, but the anti-clockwise cusp is the one that pertains to the house. A planet is in one house or another it is never in both although it can be very close to a cusp (within one degree).

House cusps are derived from the birth time. It follows that a correct birth time is required for exact house cusps. If you do not have a firm birth time, then the houses cannot be used.

House Rulers

Every house has a ruler. The ruler of a house is the planet which rules of the sign found on the house cusp. For example: The ascendant sign’s planetary ruler is the ruler of the first house. This is a special case as the ruler of the ascendant is also the chart ruler.

Sun and Moon

The Sun and the Moon usually rule one house as the rulers of Leo and Cancer. Mercury and Venus usually rule two houses each Gemini and Virgo for Mercury and Taurus and Libra for Venus. Mars, Jupiter and Saturn usually each rule one house and co-rule another (traditional) house.

Other Planets

Mars rules Aries and co-rules Scorpio, Jupiter rules Sagittarius and co-rules Pisces and Saturn rules Capricorn and co-rules Aquarius. Uranus, Neptune and Pluto usually co-rule one house each. Uranus rules Aquarius, Neptune rules Pisces and Pluto rules Scorpio. Chiron does not rule a house because it does not rule any sign.

Thin and Fat Houses

If a house is thin (less than thirty degrees wide) then one planet may rule two consecutive houses as the same sign may be on both adjacent house cusps. A house ruler (by its sign, house and aspects) imparts its energies onto the affairs of the house.

Intercepted Signs

If a house is very wide (more than thirty degrees) there is the possibility that one sign is on the house cusp, the next sign is fully within the house and the third sign is on the following house cusp. The middle sign does not have a house cusp. This is known as an intercepted sign.

If the intercepted sign is Cancer or Leo it means that one of the luminaries does not have a house to rule. Intercepted signs are always in pairs and are found opposite each other.

The planetary ruler of the intercepted sign is a moot point for that house’s interpretation. It is as though it has no voice in the chart. That planet does not have as much weight.

intercepted-sign-chart

Three Types of Houses

There are three types of house; angular, succedent and cadent.

Angular Houses

The angular houses are the 1st house, 4th house, 7th house, and 10th house. They are found anti-clockwise from each angle. (Ascendant 1st, IC 4th, Descendant 7th and Midheaven 10th). Planets in angular houses are dynamic, front and center and are present.

angular-houses

Succedent Houses

The succedent houses are the 2nd house, 5th house, 8th house, and 11th house. They fall behind the angular houses. They are also known as support houses as they support the angular house next to them, usually financially. Planets in succedent houses are paused, on hold and are pending.

succedent-houses

Cadent Houses

The cadent houses are the 3rd house, 6th house, 9th house and 12th house. They fall behind the succedent houses. Planets in cadent houses are passive, retiring and are mute.

cadent-houses

More on Houses

Here are a few more articles about the astrological houses.

Extend Yourself

General

Referring to your chart and in your astrology journal please do the following:

  • State which house system is used.
  • List the planets that are in angular, succedent and cadet houses.
  • Note houses which have tenants and are vacant.
  • List any pair of intercepted signs.
  • Note which planet(s) rule each house.
  • Note which planet is your chart ruler.
  • Note your chart ruler’s hemisphere, quadrant, triple division and house.
  • Note which planet(s) rules the most houses.
  • Note any planet(s) which do not have a house to rule.

Extend Yourself Further

Interpretation

  • Write a short piece on each of your houses (100 words per house).

 

Author Bio

Alison Price: Professional Astrologer

Alison helps you uncover your individual creativity and lead a fulfilling life using your own astrology. She shares her wisdom from the heart with a touch of humor. She offers Consultations for everyone and Coaching for Aspiring Astrologers.

If you’d like to get in touch with Alison, you can reach out to her via email at starzology@gmail.com.

More Articles

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Hemispheres

Hemispheres

Author: Alison Price   -   Updated: December 2025 Basic Natal Astrology This article is part of my Basic Natal Astrology series, where I explore deeper chart analysis for practicing and aspiring astrologers.In every astrology chart there are four hemispheres. The...

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Quadrants

Quadrants

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Quadrants

Quadrants Layout

There are four quadrants; the first, second, third, and fourth quadrants. They are numbered starting from below the ascendant and in an anti-clockwise direction.

Quadrants are formed by the Ascendant/Descendant axis and the MC/IC axes which cut the chart into four. The quadrants are not usually equal in length when measured in longitude.

However, the two quadrants which are opposite to each other are the same size, that is the first and third quadrants and the second and fourth quadrants.

Houses in Quadrants

The first quadrant has the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd houses which are found between the ascendant and the IC.

The second quadrant contains the 4th, 5th, and 6th houses which lie within the IC and the descendant.

The third quadrant is made up of the 7th, 8th, and 9th houses between the Descendant and the Midheaven.

The fourth quadrant covers the 10th, 11th, and 12th houses contained betwixt the Midheaven and the Ascendant.

 

Quadrant Emphasis

A quadrant is emphasized when it has two more planets than any other quadrant.

First Quadrant

Self-development (private – self) – Life

The first quadrant is known as the fire quadrant as Aries is on this cusp in the natural wheel. When the first quadrant is emphasized you are an independent individual. There is a focus on yourself and your needs. You want to make an impression on the world.

Second Quadrant

Self-expression (private – other) – Endings

The water quadrant is the second quadrant because in the natural chart Cancer a water sign, is on the cusp. When this quadrant is emphasized your identity is based on your family background. You are considered both skilled and capable. You may be sensitive in relationships.

Third Quadrant

Self-expansion (public – other) – Relationships

The air quadrant is the third quadrant because Libra and air sign is naturally in this position.

When the third quadrant is emphasized, you forsake your individuality to merge with a partner. Your philosophies expand through your experience of purposeful partnerships. You are quite happy to play your part in society.

Fourth Quadrant

Self-transcendence (public – self) – Substance

The earth quadrant is the fourth quadrant as Capricorn is on this cusp in the natural wheel. When the fourth quadrant is emphasized through your personal efforts and friends, you may aid humanity. You focus on your career for individual accolades. Having solitary meditation is crucial for your well-being.

The Quadrant Ruler

The quadrant ruler is the planet ruling the cusp of the angle. If the quadrant ruler is in its own quadrant, it gains status. The quadrant ruler needs to be noted if a quadrant is emphasized.

More on Chart Division

Hemispheres

Triple Division Houses

Houses

Author Bio

Alison Price: Professional Astrologer

Alison helps you uncover your individual creativity and lead a fulfilling life using your own astrology. She shares her wisdom from the heart with a touch of humor. She offers Consultations for everyone and Coaching for Aspiring Astrologers.

If you’d like to get in touch with Alison, you can reach out to her via email at starzology@gmail.com.

More Articles

If you enjoyed this post, you may like some more astrology related articles from our blog.

 

The Sixth House and Herb Gardens

The Sixth House and Herb Gardens

The 6th House and Herb Gardens Herbs and herb gardens are shown in your sixth house.   Uranus conjunct Neptune During the Huge Conjunction of 1991/93. Uranus conjoined Neptune for the first time in 170 years this time in Capricorn. At the time I was a mamber of...

Hemispheres

Hemispheres

by

Author: Alison Price   –   Updated: December 2025

Basic Natal Astrology

This article is part of my Basic Natal Astrology series, where I explore deeper chart analysis for practicing and aspiring astrologers.

In every astrology chart there are four hemispheres. The hemipsheres are north, south, east and west. The hemispheres are the second broad stroke after polarity when interpreting a chart. Alison ⭐

Hemispheres

Hemisphere Emphasis

Visible Planet Count

Bearing in mind that you only count the seven visible planets, which are the Sun, the Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn. A hemisphere is emphasized when it contains more than five planets.

 

The Hemisphere Ruler

Four Rulers

The hemisphere ruler is the planet that rules the sign on the cusp of the angle of the hemisphere.

  • The northern hemisphere ruler is the planet that rules the sign on the Ascendant.
  • The southern hemisphere ruler is the planet that rules the sign on the Descendant.
  • The eastern hemisphere ruler is the planet that rules the sign on the Midheaven.
  • The western hemisphere ruler is the planet that rules the sign on the IC.

If the hemisphere ruler is found in its own hemisphere that planet gains status.

Northern Hemisphere

Spans from the first house to the sixth house. The northern hemisphere shows your personal matters it is the private hemisphere).

When the northern hemisphere is strong

If the northern hemisphere is emphasized, your identity and personal resources bring success. You are probably a private person and like to keep it that way. Your family is behind you in all you do. You may sometimes be distracted by worldly commitments or demands made on you by your career or society. Strong northern hemisphere people are often introverted.

Southern Hemisphere

From the seventh house to the twelfth house. The southern hemisphere indicates your outside world it is your public hemisphere.

 

When the southern hemisphere is strong

You are an extrovert if the southern hemisphere is emphasized in your chart. Your outside life is the highlight of your life. It is likely that you relish public acclaim. You probably strive for career and status. You may be distracted and even annoyed by the demands of your family and their needs.

Eastern Hemisphere

The eastern hemisphere encompasses the six houses from the tenth house to the third house. The eastern hemisphere is known as your self-hemisphere.

 

When the eastern hemisphere is strong

You are subjective, and everything is really about you. You are a self-motivated and self- oriented and much can be achieved in life. You value independence and may forsake marriage. You enjoy your own company and have many personal projects on the go. You demand personal freedom to come and go at will which does not sit well with the demands of a marriage or partnership unless your partner is flexible as well.

Western Hemisphere

The western hemisphere includes all houses from the fourth to the ninth. Interaction with other people (the “other” hemisphere).

When the western hemisphere is strong

Your interaction with others is the main focus of your life. You value personal relationships and marriage. You prefer to negotiate with others to find a win-win situation where possible. You learn about yourself through your interactions. There is a danger that you can become buried in a dead-end relationship.

More on Chart Division

Author Bio

Alison Price: Professional Astrologer

Alison helps you uncover your individual creativity and lead a fulfilling life using your own astrology. She shares her wisdom from the heart with a touch of humor. She offers Consultations for everyone and Coaching for Aspiring Astrologers.

If you’d like to get in touch with Alison, you can reach out to her via email at starzology@gmail.com.

More Articles

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Saturn

Saturn

In astrology SATURN rules things you can master, your ambition, worldly achievement and your grasp in life.

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Triple Division: Houses

Triple Division: Houses

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Author: Alison Price   –   Published: January 2021

Triple Division Houses

The twelve houses can be divided into three groups.

This is known as the triple division of the houses.

 

There are Three Divisions

  • The first division
  • The second division
  • The third division
triple-division

Triple Divison Location

In astrology, the first triple division originates from the point called the Ascendant, which marks the beginning of the first house in a birth chart. This division divides the astrological wheel into segments, with each segment containing four houses.

 

Houses in Each Triple Division

In each triple division, you’ll find four houses. These houses correspond to the twelve natural houses represented by the zodiac signs. The four houses within a triple division are always associated with one of each of the four elements: fire, earth, air, and water.

 

Elements and Houses

  1. Fire Houses: These houses are associated with action, passion, and enthusiasm.
  2. Earth Houses: These houses relate to practical matters, stability, and material concerns.
  3. Air Houses: These houses focus on communication, intellect, and social interactions.
  4. Water Houses: These houses deal with emotions, intuition, and deeper emotional connections.

In each triple division, you’ll find a mix of these elemental energies, which adds a unique flavor or focus to that segment of the astrological chart.

 

Triple Division Strength

Triple divisions are strong when they contain five or more planets, or they are weak when they have no tenants.

When assessing the strength or weakness of each triple division, you can count the planets within that segment.

For this count, consider only the visible planets: Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn. These planets are traditionally considered the most influential in astrology.

 

Strong Triple Division

If a segment has more planets from the visible seven, it indicates strength, vitality, and activity in the areas represented by that division.

 

Balanced Triple Division

An equal distribution of planets across the seven visible planets suggests a harmonious balance of energies in that division.

 

Weak Triple Division

A lack or absence of planets in a segment may indicate challenges or less focus in the areas governed by that division.

 

First Triple Division: Me Divison

The first division includes the first, second, third and fourth houses.

It is the me division.

Second Triple Division: We Division

The second division includes the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth houses.

It is the we division.

Third Triple Division: They Division

The third division includes the ninth, tenth eleventh and twelfth houses.

It is the they division.

 

By examining the planetary count in each triple division, you can gain insights into the dominant energies, challenges, or strengths in different areas of a person’s life as indicated by their birth chart. This method offers a structured way to understand the dynamics and energies at play within each segment of the astrological wheel.

More on This Topic

Book Recommendations

Author Bio

Alison Price: Professional Astrologer

Alison helps you uncover your individual creativity and lead a fulfilling life using your own astrology. She shares her wisdom from the heart with a touch of humor. She offers Consultations for everyone and Coaching for Aspiring Astrologers.

If you’d like to get in touch with Alison, you can reach out to her via email at starzology@gmail.com.

More Articles

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The 12 Houses

The 12 Houses

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The chart basics are four basic building blocks of knowledge. as a student of astrology you need to get a grip on some basic principles and this post is about the houses. The other building blocks  are:

The Meaning of the Houses

An astrological chart is divided into twelve sections, or houses, and each house is a different size.

The chart looks like a pizza where each house is a segment.

Each house represents a separate area of life and planets in houses suggest that a particular area of life, like family or work, is important to you.

The houses are like a slice of life.

 

First house

The first house shows you, your body, what you look like, your complexion, fashion style, gait, haircut and first impression.

Second house

The second house is all about money, credit and acquisitions. It shows your values and what you value more than money. It suggests your self-worth and self-esteem.

Third house

The third house shows your brothers and sisters, school, neighbors, local area, short journeys and community involvement.

Fourth house

Your home, hearth and family life is shown by the fourth house in your chart.

Your dominant parent (who is the one was there on a daily basis providing care and nurtured you) is shown by the fourth house.

Fifth house

The fifth is the fun house.

It shows your children, your leisure activities, your romantic dates, play dates, sport, concerts and your creative expression.

It suggests where you find entertainment and this includes risk activities like riding on a roller coaster, playing the stock market and gambling.

Sixth house

The sixth house is the house of your day-to-day work, pets, small plants, health and service to others.

It shows your diet and exercise appetite.

The sixth house in your chart shows your daily rituals, meditation and other habitual practices.

More on the sixth house.

Seventh house

The seventh house indicates your marriage, your partner/spouse, business partners and your relationship with other people.

It shows the general public, your relationship with others and open enemies.

Eighth house

The eighth house suggests your secrets, sex life, money from others, donations from others, support from others, inheritance, insurance, debt, death and taxes.

It shows the inevitable things of life.

Ninth house

The ninth house suggests your vision, life-path, travel, long journeys, higher education, foreign cultures, publications and religion.

Tenth house

The tenth house is all about your career, public standing, reputation and what the world knows you for.

It is where you are in the public eye.

It indicates your passive parent

Eleventh house

The eleventh house shows your choice of friends, groups and causes.

It is where you are a team player.

It shows your social conscious.

Twelfth house

The twelfth house is the house of your imagination, self-undoing, chronic health issues, institutions, dreams, sleep and your subconscious.

It shows your secret enemies.

 

Starzclass

Aspiring Astrologer Activity: 12 Houses

In your astrology journal, and referring to your natal chart, please do the following:

  • Write a short interpretation on each house. Mention the sign on the cusp, the house ruler, if there is an intercepted sign in the house and any planet in the house (100 words for each house).

 

Share on social with hashtag #starzclass.

The Sixth House and Herb Gardens

The Sixth House and Herb Gardens

by 



The 6th House and Herb Gardens


Herbs and herb gardens are shown in your sixth house.


 


Uranus conjunct Neptune


During the Huge Conjunction of 1991/93. Uranus conjoined Neptune for the first time in 170 years this time in Capricorn.


At the time I was a mamber of the Cape Town Astrologroup.


They had a particular meeting to celebrate the conjunction of Uranus and Neptune.


The activity that night was to get into huddles depending on which house the conjunction occurred in our natal charts.

			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
6th House


For myself it was the 6th house.


I joined with the other astrologers in the clutch who had the Uranus Neptune conjunction in their 6th houses as well.


This is not the most exciting house in a chart because it is about health, daily rituals, service and work.


They began discussing their work and how busy they were, but it did not resonate with all the group members.


Someone said they had started gardening.


Well that was the catalyst for an animated discussion as we all had taken up gardening recently.


Then we got onto herbs… 🌱


 

			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				




			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
My First Herb Garden – Cape Town


I was able to tell them about the new herb garden I had recently designed and had constructed in my garden.


It was down a narrow strip of land behind our house.


I explained how herbs had suddenly had more meaning for me.


That year I had been growing and cooking with fresh herbs and making interesting meals for my family.


Cooking with fresh herbs was something I had never done before.


It was glorious. I loved it.


Small plants are shown in your 6th house.

			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				

				
				
				
				
				

			

				
				
				
				
			

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
My Second Herb Garden – Phalaborwa


We later moved to another house right on the Tropic of Capricorn (that is another story) and again the garden needed care.


My husband and his guys laid out a beautiful 10m x 10m square herb garden with appropriate circles and a birdbath in the middle.


At the time of construction, we made sure that money, yes cold hard cash, was buried below the concrete of the water feature.


This was to provide for the garden.


A nice touch.


I often wonder what those gardens look like today having had thirty and twenty-five years to establish themselves.

			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				

				
				
				
				
				

			

				
				
				
				
			

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
Inspiration


The inspiration for both layouts was based on the designs in Margaret Robert’s book Guide to Growing Herbs in South Africa.


Below is a simple plan for a four square herb garden.


See more about the sign elements and herbs.

			

			

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				

			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				




			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				

				
				
				
				
				

			

				
				
				
				
			

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
			

			

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
Author Bio


Alison encourages you to explore your unique creativity and live a satisfying life through your personal astrology. She offers her insights from the heart and with a sense of humor.


Go here to read more about Alison’s story.


If you want to send Alison a quick message go here.

			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				

				
				
				
				
				

			

				
				
				
				
			

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
More Articles


If you liked this post you may enjoy some other astrology related articles from our blog.

			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				

					
			


				Affiliates
														

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If I don’t deem them worthy (so Leo), I do not affiliate myself with them. Affiliates, Your trust means everything to me. 


			
			

				

				

				 
			

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				

					
			


				Affiliates
														

													Affiliates
											

				
					
If I don’t deem them worthy (so Leo), I do not affiliate myself with them. Affiliates, Your trust means everything to me.