Astrological Houses and their

Deeper Meanings
By TarotC
In this article we will describe the houses of the Horoscope as
presented to us in the contemporary Western astrology.
Special emphasis will be given to their psychological meaning
and connotations.
The astrological houses (or sectors), as present in the
astrological chart, can be understood as representing various
aspects of our life. This is the place where the various planets
of our Solar system, as well as the other aspects of the zodiac
are expressed. The division of houses in the horoscope is
made in such a s way that there is a vertical and horizontal
partitioning (see the photo below). The vertical line divides
the Horoscope into personal "I" and non-personal "You"
sectors, while the horizontal line separates the conscious and
unconscious regions. At the ends of these lines we place the
four crucial, determining factors of each individual chart: the
Ascendant, Descendant, IC and MC points.

Ascendant (AC) - the Eastern Horizon

The Ascendant in the horoscope symbolizes our outward
appearance and our language. Here we can find out how we
are perceived by our surroundings. This aspect of the chart is,
so to speak, a window or a door to our personality. The
Ascendant is like a mask that we wear all the time. Very often
we feel the need to identify with this mask and it is being
accepted by others as part of our persona.

Descendant (DC) - the Western Horizon

Positioned face-to-face with the Ascendant in the astrology
chart is the Descendant. While in the ascendant our ego is
expressed, here we find all those properties and personal
characteristics that we repress in ourselves, or maybe some
of those that come alive only when we compare ourselves
with others. It can be something we admire in other people,

but it can also be a habit or a character feature we find

annoying in others.

Immum Coeli (IC) - "Heaven"

The IC (heaven depth) in the horoscope is the place where we
are rooted. Here we turn our attention looking for comfort
and warmth of the nest. Here we want to feel secure. It is
also the point that can provide information on our family
relationships and general situation of our childhood. At the IC
we see how well we can manage our homes in order to feel
warm and comfortable.

Mid Heaven, Midheaven (MC)

In contrast to the IC, which is the

place of our origin and our home, the MC (Midheaven) has to
do with our goals. The MC is here to tell us what our
professional and social goals are. This house can tell us what
we strive for; what our position in the society is and how we
are to realize our individuality in our public affairs. The MC is
also about stating what our role models and idols are.

Environmental imprint
The horoscope houses also show how we have been shaped
by education and though various influences stemming from
our environment. It is in this sense that a division is made,
creating motivational and temperament groups. These are - in
contrast to the zodiac signs - not inherent, but instilled
properties.

1st Horoscope Quadrant

This area of the chart (1-3) is where the ego finds its
unconscious expression.
The first house of astrology reflects our personality and our
characteristic style of expression. We demonstrate to our
environment that we exist and show them who we are. We
face the challenges and look for obstacles we can overcome.
In the second house, we secure our existence by creating
material or spiritual values. Here we define our own esteem,
we establish a territory and treasure our possessions.
The third house is a place of communication, and our
intellectual development. Here we are interested in our local
area and meet our relatives, our friends and neighbors.

2nd Horoscope Quadrant

The area of the second quadrant of the horoscope chart is
where the houses 4-6 are located. Here we unconsciously
react to other people.
In the fourth house of astrology, we turn inwardly. In this
group we feel secure and rooted. This is our home and here
we find our home.
In the fifth house , we enjoy and express ourselves through
play and creativity. We tend to act in a way to impress other
people.
In the sixth horoscope house , we take responsibility and
develop skills. We deal with health, strength and life energy
and we do our work the best we can.

3rd Horoscope Quadrant

In this area of the chart (7-9), we confront ourselves
consciously with other people and with the society.
In the seventh house, we develop supportive partnerships.
This house is oriented toward establishing a relationship with
our partner. In addition, we also develop close and friendly

contacts, such as for example business partnerships. It is not

uncommon for hostility to arise here as well.
In the eighth house, we deal with all the basic human
instincts, such as for instance, sexuality and mortality. Also,
all occult and mysterious things find their expression here.
Here we are forced to give up the conscious control of our
rational mind.
In the ninth house, we specify our moral and ethical values.
Here we deal with religious and spiritual issues. It is here that
we gain impulses to learn about other cultures, look for new
ideas and develop our own personal point of view.

4th Horoscope Quadrant

In this area of the horoscope (10-12) we confront our
conscious ego with our role in the society.
In the tenth astrology house , we see our role models. We
strive to develop our individuality, realize our profession and
our social role.
In the eleventh horoscope house we define our friends and
our social networks. Here we look for allies and like minded
people with whom we can achieve common goals and build a
better world.
In the twelfth horoscope house, we close ourselves,
reaching inwardly into our super consciousness and collective
consciousness to find inner peace and centering. Here is also
where our mystical states of consciousness find their
expression.