Look to the very center of the above chart and you will see the numbers 1 through 12. Each number represents a house or area of life, (explained below).

A natal chart is a 360 degree circle that looks like a face of a clock.

The first house (Ascendant or rising sign) begins at 9:00 AM, 4th house begins at 6:00, 7th house begins at 3:00 and the 10th house, (or midheaven) is at 12:00 Noon.

The chart is a snapshot of the heavens taken at the exact time and loaction of birth.

A house cusp,(or beginning of a house), has one of the 12 signs on it, (depending on the time and location of birth).

There are 12 houses, but only 10 planets. Logic tells us that some of the houses will be empty. This doesn't make the empty houses less important, however, there is more focus and activity in the houses with planets in them.

First house---is also called the "Rising Sign" or Ascendant. At the moment of birth, this sign or constellation is coming up over the eastern horizon. (This is why time of birth is so important). It may be any one of the 12 signs. The first house represents our well being, how others see you, your ego, personality, physical body and characteristics, health, attitudes, and, even our temperament will be revealed here. This house is ruled by Mars and the natural sign is Aries.

Second house---is the house of material possessions, how you earn your money, how you spend it, attitude towards security, sense of self-worth, and your sense of values. This house is ruled by Venus and the natural sign is Taurus.

Third house---This house is the house of all communications, short distance trips or traveling, it shows how you learn and react to new ideas, earlier education, this house shows the conscious portion of your mind, it also reveals your brothers and sisters. This house is ruled by Mercury and the natural sign is Gemini.

Fourth house--- The fourth house is your roots, security, the parent who had the greater influence on you, and is the actual foundation upon which you build your character. This house is ruled by the Moon and the natural sign is Cancer.

Fifth house---is the house of your children, love affairs, amusements, creativity, emotional attitudes, the love you give, and romance. This is also the house that tells you who you are attracted to. (In general, this is a "fun" house). This house is ruled by the Sun and it's natural sign is Leo.

Sixth house---Your house of service to others and health. It shows your work, your health, your habits, and how you adjust to things. This house is also ruled by Mercury and it's natural sign is Virgo.

Seventh house---This house is the house of marriage and one-on-one relationships. It shows divorce, lawsuits, and dealings with the public. It can show how many marriages one may have, and, it also shows what type of mate you would work well with. Here you learn how to cooperate with others. This house is essentially connected to commitment, and reflects the needs of the individual, often giving clues as to what he/she needs most from a partner. This house is also ruled by Venus and it's natural sign is Libra.

Eighth house---The eighth house is associated with other people's resources, and how they affect you. This house also rules such things as loans, insurances, taxes, life and death matters, regeneration, and sex. This house is ruled by Pluto and it's natural sign is Scorpio.

Ninth House---This house represents religion, law, higher courts, long distance traveling, foreign people and foreign places, your intuition, and, it's the house of spirituality. This house is ruled by Jupiter and it's natural sign is Sagittarius.

Tenth house---The tenth house will show your profession, career, and reputation. It governs authority figures, and how others see you in a leadership position. It is also the house of the opposite parent in the 4th house. This house is ruled by Saturn and it's natural sign is Capricorn.

Eleventh house---This house shows how you see and relate to friends, and your capacity for friendship. The house reveals your attitude toward your friends and acquaintances. It is to an extent, rules circumstances beyond our control. This house is considered your social house. It is ruled by Uranus and it's natural sign is Aquarius.

Twelfth house---This house has always been considered the house of secrets, things you hold close to yourself. It is your subconscious mind, showing suffering within yourself, your self-undoing, frustrations, limitations, hospitals and institutions, clandestine affairs, spiritual debts to be paid, (karma). This is the house where you sweep away or hide problems which are too painful to face, and/or difficulties about yourself which you refuse to accept or can't acknowledge. This house is ruled by Neptune and it's natural sign is Pisces.

2). Succedent---these houses correspond to the second, fifth, eighth and eleventh houses. They represent stability and purpose.

3). Cadent---these houses correspond to the third, sixth, ninth and twelfth houses. They represent adaptability and how you get along with others.

This is a very basic explanation of what the houses are and what they rule. There are many other considerations that are taken into account when calculating a chart, but hopefully, this will help you understand a little more when having a reading done.