Signs on the Houses
On this Page:
- The Signs on Each of the Houses in the Natal Chart
Signs on Houses: Overview
The sign on a house cusp reveals the area of life in which the principle of that sign will be learned and expressed.
Sign on the 1st House: Interpretations
Keep in mind the meaning of the first house when interpreting the sign on its cusp. The first house reveals our defense mechanisms and first reactions to new stimuli, how we instinctively react to a new situation, how we appear to others (the “first impression” we make on a personal level), our mannerisms and physical bearing, and our physical form. The sign on the first house is the Ascendant or Rising Sign.
Example: If you see the sign of Aries on the line that begins the first house, then you can say that Aries is on the first house cusp of your chart. The following are brief descriptions of the signs on the first house, but you can also read full descriptions of Ascendant or rising signs here.
First House: Identity, Personality, Image, Physical Body, Manner, Initiatives
Aries on the 1st House Cusp (ASC or Ascendant Sign)
With the sign of Aries on the first house, you are quick to react to external/new stimuli, and you are ready to take on a challenge head-on. Initial instincts may be protective, aggressive, and action-oriented. These traits are emphasized whenever planets transit Aries. These traits are emphasized when planets transit Aries. Your planetary chart ruler is Mars, and where Mars is by sign, house, and aspect further refines these characteristics.
Taurus on the 1st House Cusp (ASC or Ascendant Sign)
With the sign of Taurus on the first house, you are slow and patient to react to new or external stimuli, and you are observant, appearing sure-footed and projecting quiet strength. Initial instincts are protective, defensive, and stubborn or resistant to change. You come across as content, sensual, strong, loyal, and steady. You have a calming and even healing influence on others, and don’t like to be rushed. This trait is emphasized whenever planets transit Taurus. Your planetary chart ruler is Venus, and where Venus is by sign, house, and aspect further refines these characteristics.
Gemini on the 1st House Cusp (ASC or Ascendant Sign)
With the sign of Gemini on the first house, you identify strongly with your ideas, and the intellectual or mental world is particularly important to you. You can be restless and you’re often in motion, even if this is simply expressed through fidgeting. You may appear irresponsible or childlike at times, even if these traits are not true to your nature. You don’t enjoy being tied down by routine or obligation. You’re interesting, fun, and creative. These traits are emphasized when planets transit Gemini. Your planetary chart ruler is Mercury, and where Mercury is by sign, house, and aspect further refines these characteristics.
Cancer on the 1st House Cusp (ASC or Ascendant Sign)
With the sign of Cancer on the first house, you wear your emotions on your face, yet few seem to know you well. You seem rather ruled by your emotions – when you’re happy, you’re a delight, but if unhappy, quite miserable! Some days you’re very talkative and others rather silent, again depending much on your current mood. You are unassuming for the most part, and you can be quite sensitive, kind, and protective. You come across as quite gentle. It takes time to warm up, but you are a loyal friend or partner. These traits are emphasized when planets transit Cancer. Your planetary chart ruler is the Moon, and where the Moon is by sign, house, and aspect further refines these characteristics.
Leo on the 1st House Cusp (ASC or Ascendant Sign)
With the sign of Leo on the first house, you come across as proud, loyal, creative, spirited, proud, warm, generous, and affectionate. You attract attention and often assume the role of leader, as you’re rarely content being just one of the team. You have a strong sense of the dramatic and can sometimes be extravagant. You thrive when you feel appreciated and recognized. Your nature is fiery but also stable and determined. These traits are emphasized whenever planets transit Leo. The Sun takes on special importance in your life, so wherever it is currently transiting in your chart is a powerful area of focus and pulls up the desire to express yourself uniquely in the associated life departments. You take charge in these areas of life. Your planetary chart ruler is the Sun, and where the Sun is by sign, house, and aspect further refines these characteristics.
Virgo on the 1st House Cusp (ASC or Ascendant Sign)
With the sign of Virgo on the first house, you are detail-oriented, coming across as quite objective, modest, unassuming, and helpful. You tend to analyze and sort things out, and you’re quick to solve problems. Watch for being overly self-critical to the point that you limit your opportunities and happiness. Your first instincts or instinctive approach to life is practical. You are uniquely resourceful. These traits are emphasized when planets transit Virgo. Your planetary chart ruler is Mercury, and where Mercury is by sign, house, and aspect gives you further information about how you approach the world.
Libra on the 1st House Cusp (ASC or Ascendant Sign)
With the sign of Libra on the first house, you are very concerned with creating harmony, peace, and gentleness. You are especially aware of the image you present to others, and you want your image, too, to be easy, kind, good, and pleasant. You come across as fair and just. You’re sensitive to imbalances, and you’re also receptive, gracious, and charming. These traits are emphasized when planets transit Libra. Your planetary chart ruler is Venus, and where Venus is by sign, house, and aspect further refines these characteristics.
Scorpio on the 1st House Cusp (ASC or Ascendant Sign)
With the sign of Scorpio on the first house, you approach new situations with ardor and confidence. Others see you as in control but intense. You are observant, magnetic, and strategic with a powerful personal presence. Some people are intimidated, while most are intrigued! You follow your strong gut instincts. Your heart has to be in whatever you’re doing. These traits are emphasized when planets transit Scorpio. Your planetary chart rulers are Pluto and Mars, and where Pluto and Mars by sign, house, and aspect further refine these characteristics.
Sagittarius on the 1st House Cusp (ASC or Ascendant Sign)
With the sign of Sagittarius on the first house, your approach to the world is optimistic and exuberant. You come across as faithful and friendly. You are inspiring, refreshingly frank, straightforward, brave, bold, and direct. You can be commitment-shy as you place a high value on freedom and spontaneity. You dislike instruction. You may come across as irresponsible as a result. You’re likely to have high aspirations, needing to be inspired by a vision. There can be restlessness or wanderlust with this Ascendant. These traits are emphasized when planets transit Sagittarius. Your planetary chart ruler is Jupiter, and where Jupiter is by sign, house, and aspect further refines these characteristics.
Capricorn on the 1st House Cusp (ASC or Ascendant Sign)
With the sign of Capricorn on the first house, you see the world as something to master. You take on a practical approach to most everything you do. You seek to rise above vulnerability. You can appear quite responsible, disciplined, and sensible. You enjoy having a distinct goal in mind and prefer to follow the rules or to have distinct structures within which to work. You seek to appear good and you’re acutely aware of the impact you make on others. You’re steadfast, insightful, patient, and wise. These traits are emphasized when planets transit Capricorn. Your planetary chart ruler is Saturn, and where Saturn is by sign, house, and aspect further refines these characteristics.
Aquarius on the 1st House Cusp (ASC or Ascendant Sign)
With the sign of Aquarius on the first house, you seek to stand out from the crowd and can be a non-conformist. You tend to express yourself in original ways. You are independent, humanitarian, and somewhat rebellious against all that is traditional, standard, or considered the norm. You come across as detached, objective, impartial, but friendly. You can be rather resistant and stubborn when pushed. You are highly idealistic, often capable of rising above selfish needs if you feel it’s for the benefit of many. You are ahead of your time. These traits are emphasized when planets transit Aquarius. Your planetary chart rulers are Uranus and Saturn, and where these planets are by sign, house, and aspect further refines these characteristics.
Pisces on the 1st House Cusp (ASC or Ascendant Sign)
With the sign of Pisces on the first house, you come across as gentle, kind, observant, and helpful. You’re adaptable and willing to understand people and situations, seeing all sides to a story. In many ways, you are perceptive and wise. You can be slow to form an opinion, to define yourself, and to take action until you have “felt out” the situation completely. You can be a good listener. You can be a bit of an enigma to many, as your nature is dual–different people can have widely different first impressions of you. These traits are emphasized when planets transit Pisces. Your planetary chart rulers are Neptune and Jupiter, and where Neptune and Jupiter are by sign, house, and aspect further refines these characteristics.
Continue reading for the additional houses below by clicking on the house’s corresponding number. Example, click on 6 for the sixth house sign interpretations.
