the houses 1-4
The houses in astrology are what shape the principle facets of our lives. Defined by a specific moment in time and space, they delineate our experiences into twelve distinct yet interconnected realms. Truly, they’re the reason why astrologers harp on the need to know your most accurate birth time. And you likely already know at least one of the houses — the rising sign (aka the ascendant) is what defines the first house, and from that marker, the remaining eleven houses fall into place. Understanding the significance of the houses helps you to know the full scope of topics being activated at any given time, and they also illuminate the themes most prevalent in your own life. Read on to learn the basics of each house, and reflect on your relationship to each set of topics that they contain.
the houses 1-4
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the houses 1-4 ✨
The 1st House
The first house in astrology is the most widely (though, perhaps not overtly) known, in that it is the house that contains the ascendant (aka the rising sign). It’s topics include the physical body, direct and personal experiences, one’s appearance, one’s initial mannerisms and personality, and anything having to do with the identity of the chart or person it refers to. In an individual’s chart, it speaks to how one enters or approaches the world around them, and how they are first perceived or how they might first present themselves. The sign contained within the first house describes the nature in which one addresses and embodies these topics, and any planets in this house denote specific experiences, interests, or energies that may come up in relationship to them.
The 2nd House
The second house in astrology speaks to one’s finances or resources. Its topics include money, values, possessions, tangible security, and the means to support oneself. In an individual’s chart, it addresses how one handles their own finances, what their pocketbook looks like, what they deem valuable or worthy, and their experience of material stability. The sign contained within the second house describes the nature in which one addresses and embodies these topics, and any planets in this house denote specific experiences, interests, or energies that may come up in relationship to them.
The 3rd House
The third house in astrology speaks to one’s communications and local community. Its topics include one’s surrounding environment, exchanges of information, general study, writing, extended family, and daily rituals. In an individual’s chart, it can touch on how one processes information or pursues research, their relationship with siblings or cousins and the like, how they engage with their neighborhood and daily errands, and how they tend to their web of connection. The sign contained within the third house describes the nature in which one addresses and embodies these topics, and any planets in this house denote specific experiences, interests, or energies that may come up in relationship to them.
The 4th House
The fourth house in astrology relates to one’s home and family. Its topics include ancestry and lineage, rest and reclusiveness or privacy, domestic spaces and experiences, and one’s innermost self. In an individual’s chart, it can touch on how one experiences hidden or private parts of themselves, what they find restful and anchoring, how they relate to their family or build new ones, and what feels like home. The sign contained within the fourth house describes the nature in which one addresses and embodies these topics, and any planets in this house denote specific experiences, interests, or energies that may come up in relationship to them.
