Let’s continue with our explanation of the astrological houses. This week we’ll be looking at the first quadrant of the chart.
Most astrologers agree the degree of the sign that is on the eastern horizon, as viewed from earth, is the Ascendant in the chart. The ascendant is the start of the first house. What exactly does the first house have to do with the birth of a person?
Follow me below the orange squiggle for an explanation of the first, second and third houses.
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The natural order of houses is thought to start with the sign of Aries and continue through to the sign of Pisces. The sign of Aries rules the first house, meaning no matter what sign is rising, the first house will always have some of the qualities of Aries and Mars. Sometimes the signs are compatible with the natural house signs and sometimes they are not. Aries is assertive, ready for action and creative. Taurus is slow to start, but methodical, fixed and persistent. Add in the archetypes of the planets and a whole other flavor is introduced.
The Ascendant is the point where a person is brought into the world as a separate human being from her mother. This house can tell us whether the birth was a life and death experience (Pluto in the first). Or, a difficult birth (Capricorn rising or Saturn near the Ascendant). It also tells how our vision of the world is colored. If Sagittarius is on the Ascendant, life is an adventure waiting to be experienced. If Cancer is rising (on the Ascendant) life may be scary and we want to retreat somewhere safe. The way we come into the world colors how we start things for the rest of our life. It is both how we imagine the world and how the world forms around us according to our expectations. It is how we approach every new phase, experience and area of our live.
The planets in and near the first house give us the archetypal energy we need to develop in order to master self-discovery. There are multi levels to each archetypal energy. Capricorn or Saturn, for example, can exemplify doubt and hesitation on one level; on another level, it can signify responsibility and overcoming all obstacles. The signs and planets in each house are important, but the first house signs and planets are the most crucial for self-knowledge.
The second house is frequently known as the house of money and possessions, values and skills. Venus and Taurus are naturally associated with this house. The second house is where we start to differentiate ourselves as individuals. I’m told (though I don’t remember) the age of about six months is where we start to differentiate our bodies from those of others. We recognize that we are separate from our parents. We begin to feel vulnerable and mortal. We start in this house to look for things that differentiate us, our dexterity, our intelligence, and also, we look for those things that give us security and comfort. Many times, that may be money or possessions. What will serve us is finding out the planets and signs that are in or rule the second house. While I’m still undecided about fate and free will, self-knowledge is a good thing. Knowing what your natural talents are can be very helpful.
It’s like knowing what natural talents can be mined for the greatest value in life. For instance, Mercury or Gemini in the second house could make someone feel secure by possessing knowledge. Those with Mars or Aries in the second house might actualize the qualities of courage and directness. The second house can also give clues as to how to earn money. Pisces or Neptune might indicate a preacher or spiritual leader.
Basically, the second house shows what we value and desire in life. These are very powerful motivators. Changing values can alter our lives. We attract those things to us which we desire. Much better to be aware of shifts through transits and progressions.
We have entered our new life in the first house, differentiated ourselves by body and natural talents in the second house and now we enter the third house. The third house is the natural house of Gemini and Mercury. This is where we discover our true individuality. This is about the time we learn to crawl and walk. We interact with the world, explore, run into boundaries, and recognize our immediate environment.
The keywords for this house include siblings and other relatives, except for parents, neighborhoods, short journeys (within one’s own country), and early education.
How we think is represented by the signs and planets on and in our third house. Are we curious, quick thinking, foggy, or rational. This is the time of life when we are able to think in abstract terms. We are able to mimic speech and then to talk on our own. Our immediate environment is frequently composed of siblings and other relatives. We start to have relationships with others. Those patterns frequently repeat themselves with others later in life. Jupiter in the third house may show us as having positive, open relationships with our immediate family members. Or, at least that is what we see in others, and those are the qualities we bring out in them. Those with the Moon in the third may feel moody or vulnerable or feel they have to parent the sibling(s).
The years from childhood to early adolescence are shown by this house. We learn rules of behavior and our personal code during these years from school and teachers, and also from our friends. What we are drawn to and focus on is shown by the third house.
Mercury rules this house; as in the myths, Mercury rules all forms of communications – reading, writing, speaking. Planets in this house may show career paths in the media, publishing, writing, etc. The signs and planets on and in this house give an idea of how the person reacts to short journeys. With Sagittarius on this house, there may have been many long distance journeys or moves. The most valuable take away from this house is how one assesses the immediate environment. Is it friendly or hostile? Easy going or lots of drama? The signs and planets on and in the third will give you the answers.
You’ve probably figured out by now the chart is a representation of the circle of life – from birth to death. Hope to see you here next week for the second quadrant.
Have a great weekend!
Sources: Sasportas, Howard, The Twelve Houses
Avery, Jeanne, The Rising Sign