Twelfth House

Twelfth House

The Twelfth House of the horoscope represents the areas of life associated with things that we cannot see, such as secrets, hidden friends and enemies, faith, the unconscious and karma. It also includes our inner strengths and weaknesses, the path to self-undoing, spiritual renewal and things lost.

Often considered the ‘closet’ or ‘storehouse’ of the chart, anything that does not fit into the previous eleven houses seems to turn up here. Contrary to the 11th House, where everything is visible and ‘out there’, here in the 12th everything is considered either hidden, out of sight, or behind the scenes. The idea of confinement and disassociation with society is prevalent, so the 12th contains prisons, hospitals, monasteries, and convents.

The types of people that fall into this realm include: spiritual teachers, gurus, psychics, and guardian angels; prisoners, and captives; and, those whom many would consider representative of the ‘underbelly of society’ such as gangsters and criminals.

The Influence of Neptune and Pisces

MysticalThe sign of Pisces is the natural ruler of the 12th and the concepts of faith, spirituality and healing are at work here in some way, shape or form, as are the ideas of sacrifice and charity. Neptune is the modern ruling planet, and, consistent with the influences of Pisces, the 12th House often reflects compassion, vision, empathy, creativity, imagination and resourcefulness, along with less desirable aspects such as dependency, addiction, and deception.

On this side of the “Axis of Helping (or Service)”, the 12th House denotes the type of service for which there is little or no reward. Thus there can emerge self-sacrificing qualities within the life which may include: public leadership and service, where one sacrifices something of themselves for the greater good of others; complete surrender such as the type of commitment to serve made by a Nun or a Monk; or even situations of martyrdom. This is a collective house where the energies are not reflective of one’s ego or choice, but they surface in a way that is outside of the individual’s control and with impact that has a broader scope.

What Are We Hiding?

HiddenPlanets in the 12th House, as well as signs which appear on the cusp, suggest what we are inclined to hide from ourselves as well as those things we hide from others, thus references to the unconscious. As always, there are both positives and negatives associated with this House, as illustrated with Mars in the 12th. This placement can indicate significant inner strength and resilience, providing valuable resources available during difficult or particularly challenging times.

However, it can also suggest difficulty in expressing one’s anger which may result in a potential for the sudden eruption of temper as an expression of pent up anger…the expression ‘latent anger’ applies here. Another potential quality of a 12th House Mars is a highly competitive nature which can often mean one’s competition with the self, where the individual always seems to be driven forward to do better, go faster, achieve more, setting the bar ever higher and taking on a challenge just for the exhilaration of accomplishing something difficult.

With the planet Mercury residing in this house, the indication can be for one who keeps their thoughts to themselves and is not very forthcoming with ideas or opinions. This type of individual can be extremely good at keeping secrets and considered highly confidential.

Look to the Sign on the Cusp

The sign on the cusp of the 12th describes the nature of one’s approach to, or participation with, the areas of life represented by the house. Gemini on the cusp suggests the potential for intellectual pursuits that do not require involvement or interaction with others, often describing someone with qualities of self-reflection and contemplation.

An individual with this sign placement might enjoy pursuits or occupations that involve reading or writing, such as an independent or behind the scenes contributor, an editor working from a home-based office for example. Pisces on the cusp can reflect an inclusive and compassionate individual who may be drawn towards a spiritual path surrendering to a live of service for others.

On the negative side however, Pisces can suggest a propensity towards addictions, of which there are many types, for escaping things which are tremendously difficult for the individual and situations they would rather not face.

The Mystical and Illusive

The 12th House is considered by some as mystical and often illusive in terms of understanding, consistent with the qualities of its natural rulers, Pisces and Neptune. It is worthwhile, some might say essential, to understand this area of one’s chart. I invite you to consider your own 12th House and note any planets residing there as well as the sign on the cusp. What is suggested about the nature of the house and how these energies have manifested in your life? You may find it beneficial to reflect on how, or whether, you are accessing the benefit of the spiritual and healing potential available within this realm, then perhaps consider ways you might improve related experiences for yourself, as well as others.