Leo and the Fifth House

Around the 23rd of July each year, the Sun moves into Leo, which is ruled by the Sun itself. The qualities of this sign reflect the glory of the high summertime. Leo is generous, exuberant, and fun loving. There is a tendency to self involvement and self centeredness which can be misunderstood.  Self nurture is a value that we often dismiss. The Leonine tendency to "look out for number one" has it's place. There is a reason we are instructed in airplane safety drills to place the airbag over our own face before assisting other passengers. Leo loves to be the center of attention-yes- but only because it wishes to love us, to entertain us and to share his passion for life with us. Leo cannot help but be like his ruling planet, the Sun, the center of our universe.

 The Fifth House in an astrology chart is where we find that which delights us, tells what we do for fun and the nature of our relationship with any children we might have. Skill in sports or in the arts can be indicated by planets which reside here.

Cancer and the Fourth House

On the Summer Solstice the Sun enters the sign of the crab- Cancer. Like other water signs, Cancer is all about deep emotion- it represents the Mother, selfless love and vulnerability. Beneath that hard shell lives a delicate creature, Cancer has a need to protect herself and puts up walls to shield herself from the harshness of society. Sometimes that shield is a natural shyness, and sometimes a biting sarcasm- whatever is necessary to drive away anyone or thing that comes too close. Cancer is ruled by the Moon, as mysterious and numinous as the sign itself.

In the natal chart, the Fourth house represents the home, the mother and subconscious thought. It's about finding out what it is that we really want, what makes us feel safe and what we are most afraid of. Accessing the energies of the planets occupying these houses can put the native in touch with their deepest feelings. As astrologer Steven Forrest states in The Inner Sky "the material locked here must be made conscious if we are to feel complete and whole".

Gemini and the Third House

Around the 22nd of May the Sun moves into Gemini, the third sign of the Zodiac. The Twins, ruled by the planet Mercury, are all about communication in the sense of taking in and disseminating information. More than that- they define perception. Gemini wants to know. A native of this talkative sign wants to absorb information through her very pores! Traditionally, Gemini is associated with siblings, short trips, neighbors and early education. It is considered also to be the sign of youth. Indeed, Gemini is said to be blessed with eternally youthful good looks. Personally, I think it has to do with their endearing, almost child-like quality of always wanting to know more that keeps the Gemini looking and feeling young.

The Third House concerns itself with the issues and values of Gemini itself. We can find clues here from the signs and planets in this house as to the communication style of the native. For example, gentle Venus in the Third House adds refinement to the native's words. Sagittarius adds a philosophical quality. 

Taurus and the Second House

Around the 22nd of  April the Sun enters Taurus the second sign in the Zodiac and ruler of the Second House. In turn, Taurus is ruled by the planet Venus. This is appropriate as Taurus is all about wealth, possessions and beautiful objects. As stated before in this series, the concerns of Taurus are the concerns of the Second House. Understand the sign and you'll understand the meaning of the house.

 A keyword for Taurus is "I HAVE" for Taurus has everything to do with the security that money and personal possessions bring. Taurus will work slowly and steadily to ensure that what she has will not be taken away. No "get rich quick" schemes for this sign. Although Taurus loves beautiful objects she can wait- like no other sign- for the perfect thing. The best is worth waiting for.

Above all, what Taurus really wants is peace. Like the storybook character Ferdinand the Bull- who loved to laze under the cork tree- Taurus is never happier than when enjoying the simple pleasures of life. Being out in Nature, enjoying a good meal and the love of partner and family, this is what feeds the Taurean Soul.

Aries and the First House

A natal chart is a map of the planet's positions in the sky at the moment of birth. In the chart there are twelve houses. Astrology correlates the twelve areas of human experience in the natal chart with the energy of each of the twelve signs.

The zodiacal year begins with Aries at the moment of the Vernal Equinox- that day we know as the first day of Spring. The energy that Aries brings is initiating, enterprising, and full of force and vigor. Aries is a Fire sign and those born under the Aries Sun are blessed with a fiery will to be that which they must be. It's about the Self, about becoming and being.

The first house is ruled by Aries and the issues of the first house are the issues of Aries itself. The personality and asserting one's will. The energy of planets found in this house will be evident in the native's personality. Is Venus there? A beauty. Mars? Someone spoiling for a fight.

Neptune? (that's me!) A dreamer.