Eighth House: Setting and Significations
Just like the Zodiac signs, there are twelve houses in an astrological chart. In this series of posts about the different parts of astrology, I will gather my research on the significations of each of the twelve houses.
In this post, I will focus on the eighth house.
[I will add to this post when I broaden and deepen my knowledge of this house, and make new observations concerning it.]
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Eighth House
Fast Facts
Keywords: Intimacy, sex, inheritance, investment, shared possessions and resources, taxes
Group: Succedent
Traditional Name: Inactive
Rulerships: Scorpio, Mars (traditional ruler), and Pluto (modern ruler)
Setting and Significations
The eighth house is where we encounter shared resources, as opposed to the individual’s possessions and resources in the second house.
This is also the house of intimate relationships, which is different from the relationships in the seventh house. While the seventh house can be about the more contractual aspects of relationships (like a business relationship or a marriage), “the 8th house takes us into the murkier territory of emotional bonds and under the surface of our relationships: the power plays, the unspoken contracts, and deeper intimacies.” (Taylor, 2018, p. 106).
While many often talk about the darker aspects of this house––things such as deep transformation, loss, and death––interestingly, this house “is also the house of the life force, so sexual instincts and needs are also in focus here. Tradition decrees that it is also the house of crime, research and investigation.” (Parker, 2020, p. 86). In other words, it’s about the dualities of life and the relationship between the dark and light and everything in between. “Much of what belongs here is deeply private and arouses primitive and powerful emotions.” (Taylor, 2018, p. 106).
If you want early access to my posts, as well as additional content, join my Patreon.
Sources
Brennan, Chris. The Astrology Podcast, episode 233: “Significations of the Twelve Houses, Part 2: Houses 7–12” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbdVCaKMBR4), 2019-12-06.
Gillett, Roy. The Secret Language of Astrology: The Illustrated Key to Unlocking the Secrets of the Stars. London: Watkins Media Limited, 2012.
Kent, April Elliott. The Essential Guide to Practical Astrology: Everything from zodiac signs to prediction, made easy and entertaining. San Diego, California: Two Moon Publishing, 2023.
Parker, Julia & Derek Parker. Parkers’ Astrology: The definitive guide to using astrology in every aspect of your life. London: Dorling Kindersley Limited, 2020.
Taylor, Carole. Astrology: Using the wisdom of the stars in your everyday life. London: Dorling Kindersley Limited, 2018.
