Interpretation must be undertaken with the total chart in mind, with the astrologer reducing some of the complexity to simple factors for the clarification of the individual concerned.
A planet placed in the 1st house was passing through that part of the heavens at that hour and will influence the traditional characteristics of that House. It can moderate, intensify or complicate the energies and events related to that House. For instance, if the aggressive Aries sign is rising and there is a planet such as diffusive and vague Neptune located in that sign, this will tend to be a factor which indicates the individual to have a more compassionate and sympathetic outer personality than is generally evident in an Aries person. Or perhaps the influence of Neptune will turn the adventurous and pioneering Arian nature to investigate the subtler, more nebulous or non-material aspects of life.
It is important to understand the general indications and implications of the planetary positions in the different houses or signs. It is also a factor in interpretation, whether the majority of planets fall in the houses of the Northern Hemisphere, or the South, relative to the individual’s moment and place of birth. It is considered that if the planets are placed in the Chart to appear above the horizon the life will be more extrovert and active than that where the majority of planets are below the horizon. Some observe that if the planets fall in the eastern houses it indicates greater self sufficiency and in the west, greater dependence upon others. There are many generalities associated with this subject and further investigation is ongoing.
All the natural energies which are represented in the Astrological Chart provide an invisible ‘climate’ in which the individual applies his intelligent understanding of life and his free will. Although in many cases a wise astrologer can predict events, because of particular powerful influences which are evident, they will be more inclined to assist an individual to self awareness of the equipment and talents which are uppermost and of their weaknesses which are to be overcome.
The Houses have each their own importance in human affairs and are said to govern particular aspects and activities, character traits and even spiritual matters. Their rulership and how the House affects the individual will be modified or affected by any planets within that House. The interplanetary relationship which is described in terms of ‘aspects’ is also important when interpreting the signs. There are many factors to consider in the complexity which comprises the individual recipe described in the astrological chart of a person. It requires great experience to be able to take each factor into account and to weigh one energy against another. Special aspects of analysis are made easier by the particular interests and concern of the individual himself. For instance, a common enquiry is regarding relationships and the subject of marriage. To answer this, the astrologer will tend to consider the indicators of the 5th, 7th and the 8th houses. The signs on the cusps of these Houses will give an indication of what is in store.