Houses in Astrology

An empty house doesn't mean that area of life is unimportant or inactive. The house still functions through: (1) Its lord (ruler) - the planet that rules the sign in that house, (2) Aspects from other planets, (3) The natural significations of the house, (4) Transiting planets that move through it. For example, an empty 7th house doesn't mean no marriage - you must check where Venus and the 7th lord are placed, what aspects the 7th house, and the condition of these factors. Often, empty houses indicate areas of life that flow more smoothly without major karmic lessons or obstacles.

Each house is ruled by the planet that governs the sign occupying that house in your chart. For example, if Aries is in your 10th house, Mars becomes your 10th lord. The placement and condition of house lords reveal how those life areas manifest. A house lord in a trine (1,5,9) or angle (1,4,7,10) generally gives positive results. Lords in dusthanas (6,8,12) may create challenges. The exchange of house lords (Parivartana Yoga) creates a strong connection between those life areas. Understanding lordships is fundamental to prediction - for instance, the 7th lord in the 11th house might indicate gains through marriage or business partnerships.

The Rashi Chart shows signs and planets in their zodiacal positions, while the Bhava Chart shows the actual house cusps based on the house system used. In Equal House system, they're often similar, but in other systems, planets near house cusps in the Rashi chart might shift houses in the Bhava chart. For example, a planet at 29° of a sign might move to the next house in the Bhava chart. Traditional Vedic astrology primarily uses the Rashi chart with Equal houses, considering planets within 5° of a house cusp as influencing both houses. The Bhava Madhya (house middle) and Bhava Sandhi (house junction) are important concepts for fine-tuning predictions.

In Vedic astrology, planets cast full aspects (Drishti) on specific houses: All planets aspect the 7th house from their position. Mars additionally aspects the 4th and 8th houses. Jupiter aspects the 5th and 9th houses. Saturn aspects the 3rd and 10th houses. Rahu/Ketu aspect the 5th and 9th houses. These aspects influence the house matters - benefic aspects strengthen and support, while malefic aspects create challenges or transformation. For example, Jupiter's aspect on the 5th house enhances children, education, and creativity. The strength of the aspect depends on the aspecting planet's dignity, house placement, and whether it's natural benefic or malefic for your ascendant.