Astrological Houses 7-12: Relationships With Others

By Kathryn Silverton (continued from a previous article in the August Issue 2004)

One of the many neat things about astrology is that it is a logical science, and the houses are no exception. In our last “lesson,” we talked about the first six houses and how they address our progress as an individual. Here you'll see how the second six houses address our relationships with others.

Seventh House:

Since this house is opposite the first, which rules the self and how we come across to others, the seventh house rules the “not self” or “other.” Therefore it rules one-on-one relationships such as marriage, legal partnerships and those with whom we consult, such as counselors, attorneys or other experts. The sign on the cusp of this house as well as planets within suggests the type of people we attract, who is likely to complement us, and the quality of the relationships we seek. For example, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis had Jupiter in this house – the planet of wealth. It is not unusual for people who are counselors to have planets in this house because it represents the ability to relate to people and to share.

Eighth House:

Opposing the second, the house of one's assets, this house represents the assets of the partnership, what value the other person brings to the table, and the reason we are joining forces. It is classically considered the house of sex, inheritance and death. The act of sex is the joining forces with another on a physical level. In the case of reproduction it represents the merging of the sperm and the egg, creating what is now “ours” as opposed to what was yours and mine. In this setting, the parents lose their identity as that of a single individual and are now defined as one of a partnership. The concept of inheritance also comes in through death. It is the assets belonging to someone else that now become a part of you.

Ninth House:

This house – opposing the third of short-distance travel, neighboring environments and book learning — influences long-distance travel, foreign countries and higher learning including things philosophical. This house affords us the opportunity to expand our horizons. It takes our minds and bodies in broader directions, and in the case of travel, gives us an opportunity to understand how other societies and cultures live. People born with planets in this house may see themselves as eternal students, depending on which planets reside there. It is not unusual for those born with Saturn in this house to have their higher learning delayed. In the long run this may work better for them, as they have more real life experience once they enroll.

Tenth House:

This house, opposing the fourth of our family roots and heritage, influences where we find our roots in the outer world. So it rules our career and those to whom we answer, such as bosses or other superiors. The sign on the cusp of this house and planets within describe the type of career we strive for, what our ambitions dictate. People with the sun in this house at birth tend to be highly career oriented, enjoying that sort of visibility and influence. They define themselves by their professional status. The 10th house cusp, also known as the Midheaven or MC, is heavily associated with one's social status. It is not unusual for this angle to be triggered at the time of a promotion or marriage, as it reflects a change in one's standing as seen through the outside world.

Eleventh House:

Opposite the fifth of that which we create and our personal passions, this house rules how we create our lives in the outer world. Therefore it influences social relationships, such as friendships and our connection to social issues. People with planets in this house may feel the urge to become involved in groups, organizations and politics. They need to impact the larger world around them, hence their interest in society. It is not unusual to see people who are sociopathic having poorly aspected planets in this house. And, conversely, well-aspected planets here make for effective politicians.

Twelfth House:

Opposing the sixth – the house of health, service and coworkers – this is called the house of self-undoing, institutions and secret enemies. How promising! With respect to self-undoing, look at the sign on the cusp and planets within. The negative potential of these influences tells you how you can become your own worst enemy. Vow not to become a slave to them. Instead seek out the most positive expression of this potential. People born with planets here often crave down time or seclusion. They need to reflect upon and absorb their experiences before plunging back into the real world. Being the house of institutions, the 12th also rules hospitals, convents and prisons. It's not unusual for people who are very psychic to have strong planetary activity here. Since this is the “behind the scenes” house, I believe it also represents our spirit guides, those who are “behind” us, yet unseen. Perhaps it is that natural need for seclusion that inspires and enables us to connect with those guides.

Kathryn L. Silverton is an Atlanta area astrologer. She may be contacted for consultations at 770.931.2577 or kls@planetaryperceptions.com