House Activity & Emphasis

The twelve houses of the horoscope, particularly when they are occupied by a planet, provide a clue to areas of special activity in the child's life and development. They paint a picture of the environment in which he will work out the challenges and talents signified by the planets and aspects. Here is an analysis of house activity based on planet emphasis:

First House: Appearance, Approach

The 1st house is the house of "Me!" How I see myself, the "me" I would like to be, and how others see me: in short, my identity. The key phrase of the first house is "I AM." This house rules our personal self and everything about us that draws a reaction from our surroundings or from others. The 1st house describes the early childhood environment (or the child's perception of it). Much of the child's identity will be a reflection of the environment in which he grows up. The child's projected image (personality) will reflect his experience and assimilation of his interaction with others. The sign on the Ascendant (1st house cusp) and its ruler (see intro.) are key components to understanding your child's emerging personality. Any planet "rising" in the 1st house is going to color the personality considerably. For example, if Neptune is in the 1st house, the child will be sensitive and impressionable, no matter what sign is on the Ascendant. A child with Venus in the 1st house is likely to be attractive and charming. Mars in the 1st house is common in the charts of athletes. Astrologers will often blend the characteristics of the Sun sign with the sign on the Ascendant.

For example, a child with an Aries Sun is usually somewhat self-centered. If the child, however, has Pisces Rising then he is likely to be assertive but compassionate and interested in serving others. Sometimes, however, the child may experience a conflict; in this case, for instance, part of the child may want to jump right into new experiences (Aries) whereas another part may be shy or afraid (Pisces). The child could feel overwhelmed (Pisces) by the stern parental rebuke given in response to a typically Arian impulsive action! All this may seem very complex, but you can take it step by step. Are any of us really all that simple to understand? You will have to study well the Sun sign and the Ascendant (and the sign and house the Ruler is in) plus the nature of any planet in the 1st house. Learn the keys, be sensitive and observe the child. You will see how it all comes together.

Aquarius on First House Cusp

Aquarius is the sign of brotherly love. Aquarian energy is futuristic, prophetic, communal. The focus is on the goal, and the goal is for the many, not the few. This sign tends toward independence. The house with Aquarius on the cusp sometimes indicates areas of special talents.

Second House: Possessions, Reactions

The key phrase of the 2nd house is "I have." The 2nd house, then, deals with our material security, our means of livelihood, our resources and talents, and how we utilize the resources of this world. The 2nd house also reveals much about our values, what is valuable to us. We study this house for clues as to the child's basic attitudes and sense of self-worth. The sign on the second house cusp and any planets in the 2nd house will tell you how your child is most likely to deal with things. Here we see his attitude toward his belongings. Responsibility, stewardship, and sharing all come into play here. If your child does not have any planets in the 2nd house, look to the sign, house and aspects of the planet ruling the sign on the cusp, and to the planet Venus, for clues as to money making potential and spending habits.

Aries on Second House Cusp

Aries is the sign of the pioneer and leader. Aries energy is attention-getting and assertive, tending to provoke a response from the surroundings, from others. The house with the Aries cusp shows you in what area of life your child is most apt to be assertive, and even a bit impulsive. Here is where he can learn the lessons of patience.

Third House: Inquiries, Communications

The key phrase for the 3rd house is "I think." At no time is the 3rd house more important than during childhood. This is because the 3rd house is the house of early education. The astrologer looks to the sign on the 3rd house cusp, its ruler and any planets abiding there (and to the planet Mercury) to get a picture of the child's approach to learning. The 3rd house is a very mental house, concerned with finding, researching, communicating, and all manner of questioning. Traditionally this house rules brothers and sisters. Planets in the 3rd house can tell you something about your child's interaction with his siblings, and with neighborhood pals. Children with personal planets (Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus and Mars) in the 3rd house tend to be very active at school.

Taurus on Third House Cusp

Taurus energy is stable. Here is where your child is likely to be resourceful, where talent may lie! He could perhaps make money from the issues related to this house. Taurus is the way we "have" things, how we possess and acquire things. The house cusp can tell you where the child might need to learn the lessons of obedience or non-attachment.

Uranus in Third House

The child born with the Great Awakener (Uranus) in the house of mind (3rd) is more often than not, a free thinker! Make sure that your child is intellectually challenged at home and at school. His ideas may be different, perhaps misunderstood. Your child has real insight when it comes to anything connected to research, study, and the world of ideas. His independent mental approach to problem-solving and communication finds him coming up with connections that are new and different. Computers and anything modern and electronic will have a special appeal. Many creative scientists have Uranus in the 3rd house. He will, however, need to learn to tether his mind and to test his notions for practicality. Sometimes, Uranus so placed indicates an unusual brother or sister.

Fourth House: Home, Family, Security

The 4th house is the house of the home and family. The 4th house represents our roots and also relates to our perception of our mother. The sign on the 4th house cusp and any planets abiding here describe the early home environment. Young children yearn to feel secure within the arms of mother and father, within the walls of home. The small child fears abandonment. This house tells about the emotional foundation upon which the rest of the chart can stand or collapse. Traumatic childhood scenes take years to resolve. A memory of a nurturing and secure experience helps the adult get through many a storm. Since many of the early patterns are repeated, the fourth house (and the sign, house position and aspects of the Moon) describes how your child is likely to manage his own family one day. Land and property also come under the fourth house domain.

Gemini on Fourth House Cusp

Gemini is concerned with connections and communication of all kinds; letters, wires, telephones, voice, thoughts, writing, and mental processes in general. Gemini is the gadfly, the communicator, the busy-body of the zodiac. The Gemini cusp can reveal in what area of life your child is apt to show curiosity, mental interest and diversity.

Saturn in Fourth House

This position calls for reinforcement at home from loving parents. Communication and trust need to be established from day one, else your child may feel emotionally cut off from family members. Avoid being excessively strict with this child. Sometimes Saturn's presence in the house of home (4th) points to considerable family responsibility, whether during childhood or in adult life, or both! Later (teen years) your child will profit by an afternoon job, or some responsibility outside of the home. This placement is favorable for the manufacture of domestic products, hotel management, real estate work, farming, construction, factory jobs, ecology and home businesses.

Fifth House: Expression, Creativity

The 5th house is the house of dramatic self-expression; its key phrase is "I create." Many actors have planets here. The 5th house relates to fun and recreation: planets in the 5th house plus the sign on the cusp provide clues as to what kind of recreation your child might enjoy. Fire signs may like sports, competitive games and outdoor exploration. An Earth sign on the cusp could take to nature walks, hiking, building, mechanics. For these children, work can be fun! Children with Air signs on the 5th house cusp are going to enjoy mixing with other people. A Water sign on the 5th house cusp may enjoy family outings, be attached to loved ones, find their niche through the arts. The giving and receiving of love is also connected with this house. Children with personal planets in this house (Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, and Mars) feel most fulfilled when they are actively creating, sharing, expressing their emotions.

Gemini on Fifth House Cusp

Sixth House: Responsibility, Work, Health

The key phrase of the 6th house is "I work." That which was conceived in the 5th house is applied and produced in the 6th! In an adult chart, this house indicates employment, attitude toward work, and relationship with employees and/or co-workers. In the child's chart, we study the 6th house to understand his daily habits. How he handles his chores, how he approaches his school work. Is his handwriting sloppy or neat? Is he happy to help others when asked or does he complain? The 6th house rules dress and appearance. This house also tells us about eating habits, diet and basic health. Obviously, eating habits and diet will affect health for better or for worse, as the case may be. A water sign on the cusp, or the Moon or Neptune in the 6th indicates that emotions will affect health and vice-versa. The sign on the cusp and planets in the 6th house can show you health areas that may require your attention.

Cancer on Sixth House Cusp

Cancer is the mother of the zodiac, always making a home, protecting and providing for others. The house with Cancer on the cusp is where your child is likely to look for security. The child could be particularly sensitive to the issues of that house.

Moon in Sixth House

All children need sound diets. Its no mystery that a child's behavior can directly reflect back to what he puts in his mouth! The child with the Moon (emotions) in the 6th house (diet and nutrition) especially illustrates the above. By offering your child balanced meals and teaching him correct dietary habits, you will help him balance his temperament and better concentrate on his schoolwork and chores. To be at peace, he needs a neat and orderly environment. These early habits of corporeal and domestic harmony can lead to success in his adult work later on. You may discover that your child is attracted to health, food, nutrition, and areas where service or attention to detail are in high focus. This position favors work in restaurants, markets, farms and food co-ops as well as the healing arts. Especially if the Moon is in a water sign, the child may be musically gifted. The child with the Moon in the 6th house may be excessively critical and demanding, of self and of family members. Teach him to look for good in himself and in others. Some children with this placement enjoy sewing and working with cloth.

Jupiter in Sixth House

This placement indicates a love for work and service. Your child needs to know that his contribution counts at home and at school. He may find himself automatically taking care of the needs of others. Indeed, he develops his personal philosophy through his area of work. He may require advanced degrees or specialized training to fulfill his career requirements. When he in elementary school, your child would probably enjoy caring for the family pet. Apart from satisfying his desire to render service, he would enjoy grooming, feeding and training his little animal friend. Remember, your child wants to help out and it's up to you to get him the right tools. He enjoys finding better, more efficient ways to get the job done. Teach your child good health habits. Sometimes, this Jupiter placement points to a tendency to overeat. A career in one of the social services, in education or health is possible. His occupation may involve health, food, and/or recycling. Unless afflicted, Jupiter in the 6th indicates that your child will get along well with his classmates and later with co-workers.

Pluto in Sixth House

Individuals born with Pluto in the house of service experience spiritual regeneration in serving and caring for the needs of others.

Pluto's presence here could point to a very hard worker. The child with this placement is apt to get totally involved in the project at hand, whether it be building blocks or high school papers! He will be interested in self-analysis, and may show particular interest in health care, food, and physical well-being. he may be sensitive to criticism. He needs to build a strong physical constitution based on sound dietary principles since sometimes this placement indicates a health crises during the life. Afflictions to Pluto could point to spats with classmates, and later co-workers or the necessity to apply the will to improve their health.

Seventh House: Relationships, Other People

The 7th house is the house of partnerships, relationships, social life, and all that carries us beyond our personal self into an awareness of other people, community, and the like. Children with planets in this house seek to understand themselves through others. They are rarely alone. How does your child deal with competition? Is he able to hold his own in a match? Can he stand up against peer pressure? To succeed with 7th house issues, the child needs to feel secure within himself (1st house polarity.) Planets in the 7th house and the sign on the cusp can also provide clues about your child's interaction, as he matures, with the opposite sex. For instance, a child with Mars in this house or Aries on the cusp would likely be bold in relationships, and hence, make friends easily. Nevertheless, he could incline toward arguments and contention (Mars) in close friendships (and later in marriage). He may, however, be willing to work hard (Mars) to make a relationship (7th house) work. The wise parent would teach this child the dangers of entering into relationships impulsively.

Leo on Seventh House Cusp

Leo energy is expressive and concerned with dramatic self-awareness and a sense of pride and ownership. Here is a sense of confidence from which the emotive and outgoing Leo energy operates. Often very artistic, and always theatrical and expressive, this sign is good for creativity and the arts. Your child may seek creative means to express himself through the affairs of the house with Leo on the cusp.

Neptune in Seventh House

At its best, this placement gives a heightened or spiritual understanding of others. Is your child giving away free advice to all his friends? If so, you may be witnessing the workings of a future counselor, psychologist or public relations manager! His imagination comes alive when he is relating to others. Your child could tune into other people, or be easily influenced by their moods. He may tend to idealize his close friends (and later romantic partners), not wanting to look realistically at their faults. If afflicted, he will need your help in learning discernment in relationships (you might be able to save him from some heartbreak later on!) Sometimes this Neptune placement indicates karmic ties in marriage or partnerships. Teach your child to always be honest and reliable in dealing with others (and to avoid associating with people who lean toward deception). A well aspected Neptune could indicate an ideal or spiritual marriage.

Eighth House: Business Savvy, Elimination

The 8th house is traditionally the house of death and regeneration. This is the house of surgery: where something must be removed so something else can thrive. Thus, this house also covers initiation: getting rid of excess parts of ourselves that we no longer need so we can get to the heart and deeper meaning of life. The no-nonsense quality of the eighth house makes it good for business ventures since here we are stripping away the dross to reveal the truth or essence of the subject. But what meaning does the 8th house hold for the child? Any planets in the 8th house will give a Scorpio, hence deeply subjective, coloring to the chart. The key phrase here is "We have": for the adult, the 8th house relates to shared money, property, resources. It all begins during childhood. How does your child approach sharing his things with others, in carrying out joint responsibilities. Also, how does the child deal with pain, crises, even the death of significant others? This is the house of sex, and moreover, the house of desire. Planets in the 8th house and the sign on the cusp shed light on the child's ability to attract things to himself through desire, and to let go when necessary or right.

Libra on Eighth House Cusp

Libra energy is always facilitating and responsive, assuming the appropriate reaction or response to any question or statement.

This is certainly the social sign, par excellence. The affairs of the house with Libra on the cusp indicate where your child may enjoy working with a close pal; this may also be where he must learn lessons in cooperation. Libra can tie in the theme of beauty and diplomacy into the affairs of the house whose cusp it is on.

Ninth House: Religions, Philosophy, Ideas

The 9th house covers higher education, long journeys and religion (the longest journey of all). Here is what remains of the purification that takes place in the 8th house - the seed, or essence, of an entire cycle of experience. Religion comes from a Latin word that means to bind back, and thus refers to all things that last or endure, such as the truth. Essential ideas, philosophy, and the courts of law belong here. In your child's chart, the 9th house reveals the influences shaping the child's notions of right and wrong, his search for higher meaning, where he reaches out to know more, the (life-long) evolution of his belief system. As a youth, he is apt to be more concerned with his direct experience than with abstract thoughts. From these, however, he will draw conclusions shaping his beliefs. Priests, judges, historians, college professors, philosophers and explorers often have key planets here. The child with planets in the 9th house enjoys expanding his horizons through travel.

Scorpio on Ninth House Cusp

Scorpio is the most dynamically creative sign and the most abused! Intense, passionate, and very personal, Scorpio rushes past superficialities and right to the heart of any matter. Scorpio relates to sex, death, regeneration and resources we share with others. Scorpio energy will intensify and concentrate the affairs of the house whose cusp it sits on.

Sun in Ninth House

The child with the Sun in the 9th house is often direct and candid. He brushes past appearances and settles on the truth within. He is a seeker; for him, ideas, philosophy and religion are what life is all about! He may be a natural at languages and is likely to enjoy traveling even at an early age. Later in life, he may travel, counsel, and be a teacher to others. A natural explorer, he will be happiest in work that allows him to expand his horizons. Finishing tasks is an important stepping stone to later success! He needs a broad education, and has a natural bent toward history, religion and social studies. When he is older, he may be interested in law. This placement also favors publishing, traveling, teaching, sports, and sales.

Mercury in Ninth House

Questions, questions, questions!! Never tire of answering them, for your child is searching for answers to inner ponderings! His mind and thoughts tend to gravitate to what is lasting, true, or of the essence. Philosophy and religion are subjects that often occupy his attention. His comments are generally to the point and candid, and rarely are superficial. Since the 9th house represents travel, your child will love geography, travel and foreign languages. He may do better at essays than at tests since he leans toward creative work. Especially if Mercury is in a Fire or Air sign, he may be impatient with details and routines. This position favors university professors, travel, law, philosophy, medicine and religion; its also good for export-import type businesses, writing, publishing and communications. If Mercury favorably aspects Uranus, Neptune or Pluto, his vision could border on prophecy! With afflictions, Mercury in the 9th can indicate intellectual snobbery. Teach your child tolerance for the faiths and philosophies of others.

Venus in Ninth House

Your child's love of truth makes philosophy and religious ideas a life-long habit. He appreciates things of a global or universal level and could love to travel. Tales of knights of old, El Cid and other Epic adventures will capture his imagination as will colorful stories of the lives of the saints East & West. Geography and foreign language may be his favorite subjects. Appearances mean little to him, for he values honesty and candidness in friends and partners. A love of horses and riding is common. A favorable position for careers in sales, law, travel, anthropology, philosophy, the clergy, equestrian activities, sales, export-import, and foreign trade. This Venus placement also gives a love of sports or of the outdoors. Sometimes this position indicates marriage to a foreigner!

Mars in Ninth House

One day he may end up traveling the world. Especially if the rest of the chart indicates refinement and good breeding, your child may experience an inner urge to discover the very heart of truth in all things. This quest could propel him to search near and far. Your child is very motivated when it comes to ideology, religion, and all things essential and lasting. Especially if Mars (or Mercury) are in a Fire sign, your child may "tell it like it is." Naturally adventurous and zealous, he is an explorer at heart! He may enjoy a subscription to National Geographic. Point out new horizons to him as he grows. Teach him to finish what he begins and to take care of the details, even if he be bored by routines! He may love horses and riding. Sometimes this position points to religious fervor. With afflictions, and particularly when the religious/moral upbringing is narrow, this placement can manifest negatively as a prejudiced mentality or fanatical or intolerant religious/intellectual stance. If afflicted, the child may need to acquire the humility to swallow his pride and accept corrections.

Tenth House: Practical Vision, Vocation

The 10th house is the point of crystallization, what we give back to the world in concrete form: hence, the 10th house deals with career, and subsequently status and reputation. The 10th house is connected with authorities: father, government, employer, Guru. In studying the planets in the 10th house plus the sign on the 10th house cusp in the child's chart (and Saturn), we discover clues about the nature of the child's ambitions (what he wants to do and who he wants to be when he grows up), how he deals with authorities, how he handles responsibility, and his relationship with his father or dominant parent. The child's way of dealing with his elders during childhood obviously will be transferred to dealing with his boss later on! Children with planets in the 10th house may be thinking ahead. Children with the Sun, Jupiter or Saturn or many planets in the 10th house often want to be someone of consequence in this world! The 10th house relates to Saturn and hence to maturation through time. Sometimes planets in the 10th house (especially the Sun or Saturn) indicate a need for much training before reaching the career goal.

Sagittarius on Tenth House Cusp

Sagittarius is associated with religion, philosophy and travel. Your child may seek to "expand his horizons," or to express his highest ideals and personal philosophy through the affairs of the house on whose cusp Sagittarius is found.

Eleventh House: Dreams & Visions, Community

We have been on the mountain and had a vision (10th house). In the 11th, we bond with others who share our vision and can help us realize it. Thus, this is the house of friends and community life. The young child is greatly influenced by his companions. As he matures (and particularly during pre-adolescence and teen-age years), peer pressure and conformity may take precedence over parental guidelines in his mind. Planets in this house and the sign on the 11th house cusp indicate what traits your child may admire in a friend and the kind of friends he is likely to attract. For example, if Uranus is in the 11th house or if Aquarius is on the cusp, the child would attract friends who are unique, unusual, somehow different. If Gemini is on the cusp, he may enjoy having many friends, but could be fickle. Traditionally, the 11th house is called the house of "hopes and wishes." The 11th house provides clues as to how to tune into the child's aspirations; how to teach him goal-fittedness; how to measure our projected aspirations for him against his own! The 11th house also addresses the child's willingness (or lack of it) to cooperate with others in group projects.

Sagittarius on Eleventh House Cusp

Twelfth House: Sacrifice, Psychology, Acceptance

The 12th house is called the house of endings. This house is considered "karmic" in that here, within the layers of the subconscious, are buried the records of the past. The 12th house relates to fears and "hidden enemies": fears born of past memories. Here to we also uncover hidden strengths and the courage and illumination to transcend our fears. The 12th house relates to the imagination. A child with many planets in the 12th house could be extremely imaginative but could be so sensitive as to withdraw. Music, meditation, dance and art are good ways to bring 12th house children out of the "retreats." The sign on the 12th house cusp can tune you into potential areas of vulnerability in your child's psychic make-up, hidden fears, as well as hidden talent waiting to be drawn out! The 12th house shows the inclination to sacrifice for others. Many or key planets in this house could signify a career in medicine, social work, or behind the scenes production.

Capricorn on Twelfth House Cusp

Capricorn is the business energy of the zodiac. Given to clear-headedness and practical insight, this sign takes a distanced perspective, a cool appraisal. Lessons in power may be indicated in the affairs governing the house hosting Capricorn on its cusp. Or this may be where your child is particularly willing to work hard for earned results.