Understanding the Twelve Houses in Horary Astrology
When it comes to Horary Astrology, one of the most essential foundations you must master is the concept of the twelve houses.
William Lilly, the great 17th-century astrologer, puts it plainly: once you've learned how to cast a chart correctly, your next priority is to understand what each house means. Without this knowledge, even the best astrological technique will lead you astray.
Why is this so critical? Because everything in a horary question belongs to a house. If you assign a matter to the wrong house, your entire judgment is likely to be wrong. That's why a clear grasp of the houses is absolutely key in horary astrology.
What Are the Houses in Horary Astrology?
A horary chart is divided into twelve segments called houses. These are different from the twelve zodiac signs (which are sometimes confusingly referred to as "celestial houses"). In horary astrology, however, when we say "houses," we mean mundane houses — earthly divisions of the chart, each one linked to specific areas of life.
Think of these houses as containers: each house holds certain kinds of people, places, events, and possessions. Everything that exists in our world can be assigned to one of these twelve houses.
Why We Use the Regiomontanus House System
For this course — and in most traditional horary practice — we use the Regiomontanus house system. This was the preferred system of William Lilly himself, and it has stood the test of time because of its precision in horary work.
If you're coming from modern astrology, where Placidus is often the standard, don't worry. Regiomontanus is similar in structure but is generally considered more accurate for the specific demands of horary questions.
Important rule on house cusps
Here's a key principle to remember with Regiomontanus (and also with Placidus):
If a planet is within about 5 degrees before a house cusp, and in the same sign as that cusp, we treat it as being in the next house.
Example 1
Suppose the Moon is at 16°50′ Scorpio, and the 5th house cusp is at 18°47′ Scorpio.
Because the Moon is within 5 degrees of the cusp, and still in Scorpio, we consider it to be in the 5th house, not the 4th.
Example 2
However, if the 5th house cusp is at 3°16′ Sagittarius, and the Moon is still at 29°30′ Scorpio,
then even though it's close, the Moon is in a different sign. So we do not move it to the 5th house — it remains in the 4th house.
To be counted in the next house, the planet must be both close to the cusp and in the same sign.
What Do the Twelve Houses Represent?
Each of the twelve houses corresponds to a unique set of meanings. Together, they cover every area of life — though no list can ever be completely exhaustive.
We'll explore each house in detail in later lessons, focusing on the kinds of questions and topics that typically belong to each.
For now, just keep this vital principle in mind:
When assigning something to a house, separate what it is from what it does.
A simple example
If you own a piano, it is a movable possession. Therefore, it belongs to the 2nd house, which governs your personal possessions.
Even though someone might use a piano for performance, pleasure, or creativity — themes of the 5th house — that's irrelevant here. You might not even play it. It could simply be holding up a flower pot.
What matters is what it is — a personal possession. So it belongs to the 2nd house, not the 5th.
This distinction between what a thing is vs. what it does is a core principle you must carry throughout your horary practice.
Final Thoughts on the Houses in Horary
To sum up:
- The chart is divided into 12 houses.
- Each house represents a specific area of life.
- Using the wrong house will lead to the wrong judgment.
- In this course, we use the Regiomontanus house system.
- Planets near cusps can shift houses, but only if they're in the same sign.
- Always focus on what something is, not on what it might be used for.
Get this part right, and everything else — rulerships, receptions, aspects — will make much more sense.
What's Next?
Check our next article series, and explore each house one by one, diving into the kinds of questions and matters that properly belong to them.
See you there as we continue your journey into mastering horary astrology!
Horary Houses Q&A
Why is the Regiomontanus system preferred in horary astrology?
The Regiomontanus system is preferred in traditional horary astrology because it provides more precise house divisions that align well with the specific nature of horary questions. William Lilly and other classical astrologers found it particularly accurate for timing events and making precise judgments, which is crucial in horary work.
How strict is the 5-degree rule for planets near house cusps?
The 5-degree rule is a general guideline in traditional horary practice. Some astrologers might use a slightly smaller orb (3-5 degrees), but the key factor is that the planet must be both within this orb and in the same zodiac sign as the upcoming house cusp to be considered in the next house.
Can something belong to more than one house in horary astrology?
Generally no - in horary astrology, each matter or object belongs to one primary house based on what it is rather than what it does. The distinction between a thing's nature (which determines its house) and its function (which might relate to other houses) is crucial for accurate interpretation.
Why is house placement more important than zodiac sign placement in horary?
In horary astrology, houses represent earthly matters and specific areas of life, making them more directly relevant to practical questions than zodiac signs. While signs modify planetary expressions, houses determine which life area is being affected, making correct house assignment fundamental to accurate interpretation.
How do I know if I've assigned the correct house to a question?
Correct house assignment comes from understanding the core nature of what's being asked about. Study traditional house meanings thoroughly and practice with simple examples (like the piano example). When in doubt, consult multiple traditional sources - William Lilly's "Christian Astrology" is particularly authoritative for horary house meanings.
Are house meanings different in horary than in natal astrology?
Yes, while there are similarities, horary astrology uses more specific and sometimes different house interpretations than natal astrology. Horary focuses on particular questions and concrete outcomes, so house meanings tend to be more literal and event-oriented. For example, the 3rd house relates more to actual physical transportation in horary, not just communication.
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