The 1st house in astrology is like the foyer of your home. Your foyer is the first impression visitors have of your home and the place where you say hello. The 1st house, like a foyer, is a facade that gives clues to what lies inside.
1st House Astrology
The 1st house is the natural home of Aries and its ruler Mars. It's a Cardinal fire and angular house of action. It's the house of self-expression.
The 1st house of speaks of your:
- Persona and conscious self-image
- Physical appearance and body type
- How others see and experience you
- Leadership qualities
- Personal world view
- How you begin something new
- Defense mechanisms
- Birth experience
- Early childhood conditioning
The Zodiac Sign on the 1st House Cusp
The cusp of the 1st house is the Rising Sign. The Ascendant is one of the most critical points in a horoscope and rivals the Sun in its importance in a birth chart. The sign on the 1st first house cusp speaks of your demeanor and the way you look.
Aries on 1st House Cusp
The 1st house is ruled by Aries. With Aries on the cusp of the 1st house, the individual has an energetic, outgoing, and enthusiastic demeanor. They are fighters who move swiftly and look younger than their years. They're usually athletic looking with a prominent chin, nose, and mouth.
Taurus on 1st House Cusp
The demeanor of those with Taurus on the cusp of the 1st house is steady, peaceful, calming, quiet, and unflappable. They tend to be physically sturdy with gentle round eyes, small ears, and often have a widow's peak hairline.
Gemini on 1st House Cusp
Those with Gemini on the cusp of the 1st house have a friendly, youthful, curious, and talkative demeanor. They're usually slim with sparkling eyes, elegant hands, and delicate facial features.
Cancer on 1st House Cusp
Those with Cancer on the 1st house cusp have a shy, cautious, and prudent demeanor. They generally have a gentle soft appearance, a round face, small to average height, and a stout body.
Leo on 1st House Cusp
With Leo is on the cusp of the 1st house, the individual has a kind-hearted, sunny, and authoritative demeanor. They often have thick hair, a well-shaped face, and appear vital and robust.
Virgo on 1st House Cusp
With Virgo on the 1st house cusp, the individual has a shy, quiet, and aloof demeanor. These individuals often look younger than they are. Physically, they are often bit plump with clear eyes and a delicate nose.
Libra on 1st House Cusp
Individuals with Libra on the cusp of the 1st house have a pleasant, courteous, and agreeable demeanor. They are often physically good looking with an oval face and good complexion.
Scorpio on 1st House Cusp
Those with Scorpio on the 1st house cusp have a mysterious, quiet, and intense demeanor. Physically, they have sturdy bodies with a square face and magnetic eyes.
Sagittarius on 1st House Cusp
Those with Sagittarius on the 1st house cusp have a fun, friendly, and open demeanor. Physically, they are strong and tall with full open features with inviting eyes.
Capricorn on 1st House Cusp
Those with Capricorn on the cusp of their 1st house have a serious and stoic demeanor and often appear older than their years. Physically they typically have a slender body, deep-set eyes, and noticeable teeth.
Aquarius on 1st House Cusp
The demeanor of those with Aquarius in the cusp of the 1st house is unique, open-minded, and intellectual. Physically, the trunk of their body is often longer than usual, their hips and shoulder broad. They usually have a finely chiseled face with a high forehead.
Pisces on 1st House Cusp
Those with Pisces on the 1st house cusp have a charming, intriguing, gentle, and often glamorous demeanor. They usually have a short, pear-shaped body with a full, round face with "otherworldly" eyes and delicate features.
Planets in the 1st House
Any planet in the angular 1st house is strongly emphasized. The more planets in the 1st, the more you are involved with self, the greater your subjectivity, and the less you're influenced by others.
Sun in the 1st House
The 1st house is an excellent Sun placement. The Sun in the 1st house indicates vitality, optimism, and a sunny temperament. These individuals are straight forward, courageous and enthusiastic leaders who are driven to shine.
Moon in the 1st House
Those with the Moon is in the first house are driven to act on their emotions. They feel their way through life, are open and honest about their feelings, and usually go with the flow. A person with a 1st house Moon is often very attached to, identifies with, or has issues with their mother.
Mercury in the 1st House
When Mercury is in the 1st house, an individual is talkative. They are immensely curious about everything and like to engage in endless debates and discussions. When Mercury is in the 1st house, the person is driven to communicate and project their voice with enthusiasm and energy.
Venus in the 1st House
When Venus is in the 1st house, the person is physically attractive and can communicate with ease and grace. They can be perceived as likable and affectionate, but they can also be seen as possessive and superficial. Venus in the 1st house also indicates that they had an easy and pleasant childhood.
Mars in the 1st House
Mars is comfortable and at home in the 1st house. When Mars is in the 1st house, the individual is fearless and aggressive with a lot of stamina and energy. They have a strong drive to dominate their environment. They can be perceived as dynamic and enterprising, but they can also be seen as harsh and inconsiderate.
Jupiter in the 1st House
With Jupiter in the 1st house, a person is energetically and physically large. They project optimism, are always full of hope, and usually very lucky in attracting abundance. There's a bigger than life quality to their persona. Still, they can also be perceived as bombastic, careless, and self-indulgent.
Saturn in the 1st House
With Saturn in the 1st house, the person's birth may have been difficult and assumed many responsibilities as a youngster. You're probably a bit shy and introverted, and conservative when it comes to your personal appearance and communication with others.
Uranus in the 1st House
Those with Uranus in the 1st house are driven to march to the beat of their own drum. These individuals are often eccentric, unconventional, and spontaneous in both appearance and mannerisms. They have their own standards of right and wrong.
Neptune in the 1st House
The persona of a person who has Neptune in the 1st house is subtle, mysterious, relaxed, peaceful, and gentle. They feel no sense of separation from others. They are receptive to their environment, which means they can also be seen as disoriented and confused.
Pluto in the 1st House
Individuals with Pluto in the 1st house give the impression of strength, great intensity, and power. These individuals are lone wolves who break apart all the conventions and rules of others. They also have an aura of authority that makes others wary.
Other 1st House Considerations
Astrology is complex, and there are other considerations when interpreting the 1st house.
No Planets in the 1st House
Ten planets and 12 houses? This means that often there are no planets in the first house. This does not mean "the self" isn't essential; it just indicates "the self" is more of a wild card in terms of what to expect. But the 1st house can be interpreted by carefully looking at the house and sign of the Ascendant's ruler.
Planets Near the Ascendant
If a planet within 10° of the Ascendant, everything that planet represents will be strongly emphasized.
1st House Planets in Different Signs
If a planet is in the 1st house but in a different sign than the Ascendant, it will be far less visible in your persona and approach to life.
1st House Stellium
A stellium is when several planets unite and work together and to create a powerful impact. With a 1st house stellium, there's a tremendous emphasis on self-expression, self-identity, mobilizing talents, and projecting themselves into the world. Keanu Reeves and Katy Perry are examples of celebrities who have 1st house stelliums.
Planets on the Dark Side of the 1st House
If a planet is in the 12th house but within a few degrees of the 1st house cusp are said to be on the "dark side" of the first house. These planets will should be considered 1st house planets.
Aspects to 1st House Planets
Planets in aspect to 1st house planets and the 1st house cusp will mitigate, hinder, or exaggerate the actions of a 1st first house planet or the point, depending on the planets and aspect.
Deciphering Your First House
You'll need a birth chart based on the date, time, and location of birth to decipher the first house in your birth chart. You can calculate one for free at AstroSeek.com.
