INSIDE: The first house in astrology is the point where your natal chart starts to spin. A house of the self, the physical body, and our character, it represents the basic self - who you are effortlessly and authentically. Let’s dive into the meaning and symbolism of it now...

 

Identity is a blend of our uniqueness, social conditioning, and inner striving to be authentic. It is an important part of our existence, as it represents the self, who we are unapologetically. We build our identity throughout our whole life.

As published in the Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Psychology, researchers believe that we can be aware of our identity to a varying degree, as the level of self-awareness differs from individual to individual. 

In astrology, the crucial point where we look to understand someone’s basic identity is the Ascendant and the First House. Today, we are talking about the first house in astrology meaning, so if you are curious, let’s jump right into it!

The Meaning & Symbolism of the 1st House in Astrology

The 1st House represents the self - who we are at our core and how people see us. It is the first of the four angular houses; therefore, it represents the foundation of our natal chart. This is also the place where our Ascendant or Rising sign falls, and so it is very closely associated with everything the Rising sign represents.

The first house represents life itself, and since it is associated with the sign of Aries, it represents new beginnings, vitality, our physical body, and particularly our head and overall appearance. It signifies our basic temperament. It rules the first impressions we give out and can tell us a lot about how people see us.

This is the beginning of any chart and represents our basic attitude towards life in general and how we appear in the world.

We don’t appear as our zodiac signs, we show up in the world as our Rising Sign and the sign that is on the cusp of the First House. Planets in the First House will add a flavor to the characteristic of the Rising Sign, making our character more complex and much more unique.

For instance, someone may be a Virgo Rising but have Mars in their first house in astrology, so their character will be a blend of Virgo traits and Mars traits. 

To understand your First House, it is important to look at the Sign on the Cusp of the 1st House, and the planets placed in that house. Here's what each sign and planet in the 1st house means...

First House in Signs

The sign found on the cusp of the first house in astrology, or the sign of the Ascendant is the sign of the First House. This sign determines the nature of the first house and defines matters of this house.

This is the sign that people will most likely associate with our character, and it will describe our character and how we appear to others. For more in-depth information about the sign on the cusp of your First House, read 12 Rising Signs of the Zodiac and look for your Rising sign.

Here are some qualities and traits based on the sign found on the cusp:

• First House in Aries - action-oriented, a desire for change, dynamic nature, assertive, energetic, competitive, playful, ambitious
• First House in Taurus - grounded, a desire to enjoy nice things, taking it slow, strong values and beliefs, a love for aesthetics things, a desire for stability, easy-going
• First House in Gemini - curious, lighthearted, cunning, changeable, a desire to know and understand as much as possible, sociable
• First House in Cancer - sensible and sensitive to energy, warm and welcoming, emotional, a need to feel safe, a need to love, feel accepted, and be loved
• First House in Leo - proud, gregarious, dignified, royal-like, generous,  a need to feel seen and heard, strong principles, a desire to be unapologetically authentic
• First House in Virgo - problem-solver, thinker, a desire to be effective and do things the right way, analytical, intelligent, a desire to strive for better
• First House in Libra - poised, fashionable, sociable, charming, a desire for establishing balance, a need for harmony, a need to find the middle ground in everything, a dislike of conflict
• First House in Scorpio -  mysterious, sharp, alluring, a need to be in control of oneself, strong instincts, quiet fighter-persona
• First House in Sagittarius - open-minded, philosophical, a desire to explore and experience, jovial, a cosmopolitan character, adventurous
• First House in Capricorn - highly structured, organized, business-minded, ambitious, a quiet mastermind, strategist, rational, level-headed
• First House in Aquarius - unique, open to new things, a desire to learn and understand the world, humanitarian, egalitarian, firm opinions, a desire to improve and make necessary changes
• First House in Pisces - intuitive, people’s people, creative, spiritual, imaginative, dreamers, visionaries, a desire to accept and include everyone

Planets in First House

Planets in the first house in astrology can tell us a lot about the quality of our lives, our basic character, and what we are like, both physically and mentally. While the ascendant gives us the most basic description of who we are and how we are perceived, planets in the first house add some complexity and color to our character.

If you have a few planets located there, read the description for them all, as they will all play a significant role in your First House matters. 

Additionally, if there are no planets in the first house, look for close aspects between the Ascendant and planets to see if there are any. Although different and weaker than the first house placement, any planet connected to the first house and particularly respecting the ascendant will play a significant role in how others see us and how we show up in the world. If you have these aspects, you might find that the descriptions below resonate with you as well.

Now, let’s jump into what the planets in the first house in astrology mean...

Sun in the 1st House

The Sun in the 1st House is a positive, vitalizing influence that gives us a strong sense of identity. It accentuates self-confidence and strengthens the ego and pride. Depending on the sign it is placed in, people with the Sun in the First House can have a more amplified quality of their Sun sign.

Because the Sun represents our conscious identity and the Ascendant (which is always in the first house) represents our basic identity, there is a true balance or a match between our basic self and how we want to show up in the world consciously. In other words, what you see is what you get.

There is a big emphasis on taking care of oneself and maintaining a positive self-image. These individuals are often respected and perceived as proud, and they can sometimes be self-centered.

Moon in the 1st House

Having an intuitive Moon in the first house makes us very receptive to the influences from the environment and gives a strong emotional intelligence. Emotions have a strong impact on how they interact with others and their environment.

Regardless of the Moon sign, these folks have a strong intuition, and their emotional self is immersed with their basic identity. People with this placement wear their emotions on their sleeves for everyone to see, but are also very protective of themselves, have a strong sense of personal needs, and are able to sense trickery or danger miles away.

Depending on the sign the Moon is placed in, these folks can come across as either closed off, sensitive and defensive, or extremely warm, receptive, and nurturing - depending on whom they interact with. Their overall appearance or specific features can appear particularly round, be those lips, muscles, cheeks, or overall build.

Mercury in the 1st House

Mercury in the First House provides an intellect to be reckoned with, and people see it. With this position, the skills and talents they have are easily recognized, and they are usually seen as people with a lot of potential.

Mercury in the first house in astrology creates a curious character, and these people appear to be always on the go, doing something, communicating, and asking questions. They are very expressive, be it verbally or nonverbally, and love sharing ideas.

Their basic self is very much connected to how they communicate and their need to be recognized for their intellect and ideas. Because the first house rules the head, Mercury placed here can amplify anxiety, and these folks can suffer from overstimulation.

Venus in the 1st House

When the planet of balance comes to the First House, we get a pleasant appearance and attitude. Venus rules beauty, and this placement offers a beautiful appearance and irresistible charm. There is a deep desire to look good, dress well, eat well, and feel good.

Their basic identity is immersed with beauty, harmony, and the desire to create harmonious relationships. These natives are diplomatic and know how to take good care of themselves. They will frequently have a lot of people admiring them and trying to get to know them.

Their style is unique, authentic, and although they may appear slow or even lazy to others, these people simply know how to use their energy wisely. They are mindful of whom they surround themselves with, and will usually be perceived as classy damsels and socialites in their circles, regardless of gender.

Mars in the 1st House

Mars in the First House creates a passionate, impulsive character with a lot of stamina and drive. No matter what the Mars sign is, these people will have some Martian traits and are likely to always be on the go.

There is a dose of willfulness, a strong desire to fight for oneself and fulfill one’s needs. Mars is a warrior, and this placement can create athletic bodies, a great libido, and technical skills.

There is a sense of sharpness and edginess to their look, and people perceive them as tough and strong. Mars in the first house in astrology gives a desire to lead, win and conquer, and because of their assertive nature, these people will often be seen as dominant or domineering to a degree, even when Mars is in a more gentle sign such as Libra or Cancer.

Jupiter in the 1st House

Jupiter in the First House makes one appear open and welcoming to others. There is something worldly or even exotic about their appearance. They will usually have a very expansive nature, sometimes going overboard with things, be that testing their luck or indulging in pleasures.

Jupiter creates a happy-go-lucky persona that can also be very optimistic and opportunistic. Jupiter in the First House will give a strong sense of personal values, whatever those may be, an interesting approach to things, and a unique character.

No matter how old or wise they are, they are youthful and childlike in their approach to life. Jupiter knows no bounds, so people with this position see life as an adventure, sometimes appearing flighty or unstable.

Saturn in the 1st House

When serious Saturn comes in the First House, we get a sober character and people who are wise beyond their years. Life has either taught them to grow up fast, or they have always been drawn to matters of adulthood, always trying to prove how capable and mature they are. Indeed, there is an undeniable aura of authority and maturity surrounding them, no matter what sign Saturn is in.

Those who have this planet in the first house in astrology simply command respect, and depending on the sign, they can at times come across as authoritarian. Saturn can add a dose of physical maturity as well, making one not only think more maturely but actually act and look older than they are.

Basic identity is also often connected to tradition or a desire to rebel depending on the sign. People with this placement want to have a high status and will build their reputation throughout life brick by brick.

Uranus in the 1st House

Uranus electrifies everything it touches, and when it’s found in the first house, it creates an interesting, eclectic character that simply stands out. People with Uranus in the First House are unique, inwardly and outwardly.

They are not afraid to challenge the status quo and will usually have strong convictions and opinions. Their points of view, a system of values, or overall lifestyle can be eccentric and they may have a tendency to go against the grain.

Depending on the sign, these people will usually seek stimulation, change, and novelty, rarely settling for routine. Their life may be chaotic, and even if they seek stability, they may feel as if they are constantly riding on a rollercoaster, where life throws them into new situations without a warning.

Uranus in the first house can also indicate frequent changes in appearance and humanitarian nature.

Neptune in the 1st House

Neptune in the First House amplifies intuition and creativity. People with this placement come across as dreamy, imaginative, and balanced. They are frequently artistic, highly spiritual, psychic, and feel their environment strongly on an energetic level.

These people can easily read people’s feelings and motives but are also visionaries who can have a tendency to escape into a dream world. Their basic identity is fluid, in the sense that they pick up energy cues very easily, and adapt accordingly.

Because Neptune rules illusions, when it’s found in the first house in astrology it is very common for these people to be perceived as someone who they are not, as they act as mirrors to others. People easily project both their ideals and triggers onto them, seeing only what they want to see.

Pluto in the 1st House

Pluto in the First House makes one truly alluring. People with this placement have strong personal magnetism and find people often being drawn to them as their nature simply draws others in. They are mysterious and can be very hard to read for those who don’t know them well.

Pluto in the First House gives a lot of personal power and a desire to have control over one’s life, and these people always find new ways to feel empowered. Because of the Plutonian influence, even when they don’t see themselves as conventionally beautiful, there is always a dose of sensuality and passion surrounding them.

Pluto amplifies desires, instincts, and urges, but also fears. How they feel is how they will act. These people are rarely satisfied with anything meek or superficial, and their character will be colored with depth and intensity.

Final Thoughts

The First House is about who we are and how people see us. It is the first impression we make on others, so knowing the details about this placement can help us channel and embrace our authentic selves. The first house is the house of personal empowerment, so why not learn how to truly own that unique power that was given to you?

* Crystals and stones should not be used as a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Please read our full disclaimer notice here.