Houses
The natal chart represents the houses, planets, and signs and where they are located in the heavens at the exact moment of birth. The chart is divided into 12 individual sections dividing an astrological chart into houses. Depending on the chart system used, the houses may appear slightly different. When the divisions of the houses are equally distributed, this creates an equal house system. In the equal house system, all houses are the same size. Alternatively, houses may also be divided in more complex ways that are related to the axis of the Earth.
The line across the center of the chart (from left to right) represents the horizon. The Eastern horizon is represented on the left of the wheel and is called the Ascendant. The Western horizon on the opposite (right) end of that line and is called the Descendant. The point on the horizon changes every three minutes, as the planet rotates on its axis. Each house represents a department of life. For example, the first house provides clues to the self, whereas the seventh house holds clues to partnership and relationships.
Ascendant or Rising Sign
The point on the horizon at the time of birth, known as the ascendant (rising), creates the separation between the first and twelfth houses. In those awake to their higher spiritual self, this sign holds essential clues to the purpose of the soul. The opposite point on the circle (between the sixth and seventh houses) marks the descendant. The sky that lies beneath this horizontal line identifies the planets beneath the horizon. Conversely, the planets and signs above the horizontal line are above the horizon at the time of birth.
There are two additional significant points on the chart to note. These are the midheaven MC, which lies between the ninth and tenth houses, and the IC (imum coeli), which separates the third and fourth houses. Imagine that the chart signifies a tree. The tree symbolizes the individual’s lifetime energetic potential. Think of the IC as the roots of the tree, or the foundation of the individual’s life. The MC is the point of the highest expression of the lifetime. Considered this as how the energy of life flowers.
Zodiacal Affinity
Each house has an affinity or correspondence with a sign of the zodiac. The first house has an affinity with Aries (the first sign of the zodiac). The second house has a correspondence with Taurus, the second sign of the zodiac. And so, this moves forward through each house and zodiacal sign. This module explores the details of the houses.
Houses help to identify “where” the energies of the planet or sign manifests. The house placement indicates where in life the effect is most likely to be expressed.