The Fundamental Structure of the Houses in Astrology

The houses are, arguably, the most important part of horoscopic and predictive astrology. Without the houses, we have no topical assignments or significations. Without the houses, the planets have no areas of responsibility, no distribution of their resources and skills. Or at least, we as astrologers don't have a schematic and systematized way to apply the underlying rationale broadly.

When we talk about the planets ruling a particular sign, we're talking about essential dignity. When we talk about what that means played out in the life of any particular person, we're applying an analysis of the houses.

The houses are truly an enormous topic. From the basic meanings of each of the twelve, to the additional (and incredibly important, tbh) meanings that are revealed from exploring the derived houses... that's already at least 144 different articles. Then there's the different house systems – Bear uses BOTH whole sign and quadrant houses every time he looks at a chart, fyi.

It's a lot to cover and a topic of consistent controversy since very early in the tradition. It's been at least 1,000 years of debate about which house system to use, and that's just as far as we can tell from the material that's survived. So, this is hardly a colonial or internet-induced phenomena.

Hence Bear dragging his... paws, about building out this section of the website.

If you'd like, you can read a few of Bear's thoughts about houses in this article published by Co-Star by clicking this link.

In-Depth Exploration of the Houses

1st House
2nd House of Material Means and Supportive Skills
3rd House
4th House
5th House
6th House
7th House
8th House
9th House
10th House
11th House
12th House

As of November 2023 the process of writing the in-depth houses articles has begun. There isn't a particular timeline for subsequent posts, and they likely won't be sent out with the newsletters. Check back here to see if new links have popped up.

Have a question for Bear? Want to connect with other astrologers and astrology enthusiasts?

As always, I hope these words find and serve you well.

If you'd like to start a discussion or pose a question to your fellow members (and/or Bear) feel free to post down below!

If you'd like to reach out to Bear directly you can reach him at: contact@bearryver.com

Bear Ryver is a professional astrologer helping his clients hone strategies for grounded growth and embodied empowerment by bringing them back to the BASICS. Winner of OPA’s Most Promising Astrologer in 2018, Bear has lectured at conferences like NORWAC and ISAR. He holds certifications in Hellenistic, Electional, and Horary astrology, and specializes in Intersectional Astrology. He was a teacher for the Portland School of Astrology, and has volunteered as a mentor for AFAN. When he’s not talking stars, or pulling cards, you can find him climbing rocks and playing guitar.