Home, Family and Ancestors
Home and Family, along with psychological roots and ancestry, are the areas of life represented in the Fourth House. Naturally ruled by the sign of Cancer and the Moon, matters of inner security, comfort, nurturing and mother is found here. This is a “water house” and so one can naturally assume there is a great deal of emotion reflected with many of the undercurrents present in family, representative of our ancestral roots and flavoring our individual experiences.
The cusp of the Fourth House is at the base of the chart, where our past and our roots are anchored. It is from this location that everything in one’s life tends to flow, or at least begin. Just as the first three Houses of the Horoscope reflect our personal identity, the next three, starting with the Fourth, represent our personal expression. We all have a starting point and this place of home and family is where we experience early psychological development influenced, most often, by our parents and, through them, our ancestral family.
Expression of the Energy of the Fourth House
As mentioned, the element associated with the Fourth House, along with the 8th and 12th Houses, is water. One of the differentiating factors however, is the Angular quality of the 4th, increasing the power and significance of any planets residing here, particularly if they are close to the cusp.
While the Moon is the natural ruler of the house, and its influence apparent, the sign on the cusp along with its ruling planet will have a definitive effect on the flavor and tone of the areas of life represented here. For example, Leo on the cusp can suggest pride in one’s home and/or family and perhaps the need to protect the physical structure and related emotional elements associated with the house. If one considers home a physical or emotional sanctuary then Leo will be fiercely protective of ensuring that state. Conversely, Pisces (a water sign) on the cusp of the house might suggest a door that is open to everyone, welcoming and inclusive, though potentially lacking in discernment between helpful guests and unhealthy interlopers.
Evolving energy of the Fourth House
When we think of home and family images of where we feel the most safe and secure often spring to mind. As children and young adults, “home” is generally the environment established by our parents, or guardians, and the influence of our surroundings and upbringing helps to shape the people we become. Generally considered the nurturing parent, mother is often directly associated with this House. However it is important to recognize that there are many examples where one’s father, or another, is the most nurturing influence and, thus, this distinction reflected in the life of the individual.
As one gets older and establishes their own home, independent from the home of our parents, that home is also contained in this area of the chart. One might build an environment based on capturing the same feelings of safety and security they enjoyed in their parent’s home, or perhaps they may look to establish a vastly different feeling particularly if one’s definition of comfort and security was not met in the home of their youth.
Sanctuary of home
I have learned that “home” is many different things to many different people, and one’s definition or needs can change over time. Fortunate to have enjoyed a nurturing and loving home as a child, my definition of home was always Mum and Dad. It was a safe place to be, or run to, and I knew that no matter where I was or what I encountered my parents were always there ready to listen and help, or encourage me if needed. I felt safe. With many years behind me, and both my parents having passed, I now define home as where I feel comfortable and safe, it is my sanctuary. So, even though the physical location, structure, and occupants of home are vastly different today, the feeling I always seek to capture is one of “sanctuary”.
Exploring Ancestry
Ancestry and family traditions are a significant part of the 4th House and one’s feelings about family and ancestors can be very complex. Many of us look to continue certain traditions of family and feel very connected to ancestral roots or locations, while others seek to learn exactly how they are connected and, more importantly perhaps, understand particular family patterns of behaviour.
The study of genealogy can be defined as the line of descent traced from one’s ancestors. In this regard, not only is the “what” important in the 4th house, but the “why” is equally so. One’s sense of belonging comes into sharper focus here with an understanding not just that one belongs to a family line or group but what that belonging actually means. This is demonstrated quite specifically with activities around ancestral research which, with improved records (and advertising), has increased significantly in recent years.
Generational belonging
Humans place a great deal of importance on belonging, both consciously and unconsciously. We need to know where and how we fit in, what our role is within our own generation of the family line, and perhaps even what responsibility we have to either continue that lineage or change patterns that have been unhealthy or unhelpful within the generations before us.
As an example, consider the present day British Royal Family frequently in the news. We can trace the ancestry of the House of Windsor back generations along with the various traditions, patterns and roles drawn down through the centuries. “Royalty” and “Monarchs” specifically are represented in different areas of the chart, however the family elements, roles and patterns are very much 4th House. Considering historic facts and current events, it would be safe to assume that the current Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (Prince William and Kate) are making significant efforts to establish a different kind of family environment than would have been the norm for the young Prince Charles, or even the young Princess Elizabeth in the early 20th century. William and Kate seem to be introducing a less formal and more nurturing pattern of family life in contrast to the highly structured, more prescribed and restrictive environment experienced by previous generations of royals.
There is a great deal to consider about one’s 4th House. Understanding what is most significant to you with respect to how and why you relate the way you do to your family and home, can offer a very helpful and valuable foundation on which to build your own family story. We all contribute in some way to the tapestry of our family’s ancestry. I invite you to consider how your story will influence the generations that follow.
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