Planets, signs, houses...all of these things usually make-up what is astrology.  For some people they may not understand the role that each plays and sometimes the differences between them are often blurred.  Especially when it comes to aspects and house placements, when all of these things are mixed together it is easy to lose track of which represents what in a natal chart especially for a newcomer.  So, for those of you who would like a clearer differentiation between the planets, the signs, and the houses, I will do my best to provide that for you. :)  I will be describing the role that each planet plays, the role each sign plays, and the role each house plays and how that will afffect our everyday life.

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What's The Difference Between...?

The planets, the signs, and the houses

The planets are the most fundamental parts of astrology, as I've explained on my home page. The planets represent our forces; our basic drives and the urges found inside of every human being.  For example, we all have a need to be loved right? The planet Venus represents our need to be love.  The planets do not force us to be; the planets are merely representing what we already are, like a flag that represents a nation or ethnic group.  The tricky thing about the planets in astrology is that they can form relationships with one another.  These relationships are read through planetary aspects, showing how our basic drives relate to one another. For example, if one were to have Venus conjunct Mars, this would mean that their need for love is very much connected to their need for passion, and the need for love and passion may get fed through each other as a result of similar natures. (Conjuncts usually represent similar styles between two planets).  

 

So what about the signs? Since this is a website that specifically focuses on signs, it is important to understand. Signs are meant to give the planets style or definition all their own; in other words representing our psychological understanding what this "planet" (area of life) means to us.  For example,  I explained that Venus represents our basic need for love, so when Venus is in a sign, the sign represents a person's understanding of what love is.  Seems simple right? One must remember that the planets are also altered by their aspects, and so the way they will express will depend on the aspects.  But the style in which any planet manifests is usually determined by the signs because the signs give our basic drives and urges distinction.

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Now for the houses. The houses are usually mostly invisible divisions in the sky, but visible on our natal wheel in a chart.  There are 12 houses like there are 12 signs.  Each one representing different parts of our social world.  Just like the planets, the houses also have signs...cusp signs to be exact.  The houses' cusp signs give us an indication of what kind of experiences we have had with each house and our particular view of the social world around us. It will also show how we approach such areas of our lives. For example, whatever cusp sign is in the first house is considered the "rising sign".  This sign represents our actual social persona and identity. It is also how we see our own lives in comparison to others (which is represented by the 7th house).  When a planet resides in that house, it represents how we express our inner urges to the outer world.  If one were to have Venus in the first house, this would mean that the person expresses their love openly and see beauty and love as apart of their personal characteristics and identity.

 

Mars, Aries, and The First House

Aries is the sign of self, courage, and action, Mars is the planet of energy, passion and aggression.  The 1st house is the house of self expression, identity, and persona.  Mars is the ruling planet of Aries and Aries is represented by the 1st house.  Naturally, because of this, it can be confusing when trying to understand how these energies affect us individually.  Let me start by explaining the planet Mars.

Mars represents the part of us that wants to act as human beings.  Whenever Mars is aspecting a planet, it will reflect the person's urges in more aggressive ways.  Natives with Mars aspecting other planets will especially feel their temperament boiling inside to other areas of life (while when other planets are aspecting Mars, it will curb Mars' expression instead). When Mars is in a particular house, it will reflect an area of life that usually gets the native enthusiastic or an area of life in which the native finds effectiveness as they try to express their assertive natures.  So, when the planet Mars is positioned somewhere, it will reflect that most aggressive side to us.  We all have the planet Mars positioned SOMEWHERE in our natal charts and so we all have the tendency to be aggressive.  When Mars is in a sign it will usually bring out the most aggressive and passionate sides of the sign, while the sign is coloring Mars's need for action.

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So what happens when a person sees the sign of "Aries" in their natal chart?  Well, there are only two ways a person could see a sign visible: if there is a planet in Aries or if Aries is occupying a house as a cusp sign.  When a person has a planet in Aries, this means the person's urges and drives are defined through the Aries symbol.  Aries is the sign of the ram, which means the person's inner urges can be described like that of a ram (impulsive, action-oriented, selfish, brave, etc).  Depending on what kind of planet is there will determine which need causes them to feel this way. For example, if a person has Sun in Aries then the person's urge to stand out, be recognized, and feel confident (characteristic of the sun) will be like that of a ram; the person will have a "me-first" attitude when it comes to wanting attention and will have no fear when attempting to stand out.  If there are no aspects to the sun, the Aries" native will express their need for attention in an impulsive, action-oriented manner.

When Aries is on a house cusp, this will reflect a native who sees this area of life as a "ram" would. As a result, the native will approach this area of the social world in an action-oriented and courageous way.  For example, if a native has Aries on the cusp of the 9th house, the native will see philosophy/religion, higher education, and traveling experiences (9th house characteristics) as an area of the social world in which they must be courageous, assertive, and self-oriented.  And so the native's approach to the 9th house subjects will be done in this manner.   

 

So what is the difference between having various aspects to Mars vs various planets in Aries?  It can be dificult to tell because Aries is ruled by Mars so usually when a person has either one, Mars will be the dominate figure.  However, Aries and Mars are still representing two different parts of astrology. When a native has various aspects to Mars, Mars will be their main way of getting everything they want.  The native's passions will be obvious, with the Mars sign also being more obvious too (as the Mars sign represents the nature of his passions).  When a person has various planets in Aries, that means the person's general needs will be focused on the self and what the self wants.  The native will have needs that need to be urgently filled, causing them to be impatient and sometimes impulsive (unless planetary aspects restrain them).  This will be the difference. 

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So what about the 1st house?  The first house is much easier to differentiate than Mars and Aries.  It is the house of our outer identity, the persona we show to others and how we set ourselves apart from everyone else as individuals. The 1st house also represents how we approach and develop our identities in general.  The sign on the cusp of this house, as I have stated before, is the "Rising Sign" or the Ascendant sign.  The rising sign is considered just as important as the planets because others will recognize the rising sign, sometimes more often than they do the planets in signs.  The rising sign is the most visible part of us.  It represents the type of persona we want others to see when they meet us.  Some refer to it as a "mask" we wear in public, using it to shield the more vulnerable parts of us.  How we developed our personalities depends on our environment and rearing; the rising sign is merely a reflection of the kind of lifestyle we live and have lived.  

When there are planets in this house, we will find it easier to express our urges and inner natures openly as a part of our outer personalities. There will be strong emphasis on self-expression and identity in the native's life. The ruling planet of this house will be determined by the cusp sign's ruling planet.  So if there aren't any planets in this house, the ruling planet will be more openly expressed. So let's say a person has Aries on the rising...this would mean that Mars will have primary influence over the energy of this house and the mars sign, particularly if there are no other planets visible in the 1st house.

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Venus, Taurus, and The Second House

Just like above, these three parts of astrology also cause confusion.  All three have one thing in common; they all involve money and particular talents.  So what is the difference with a person having various aspects to venus VS various planets in Taurus VS planets or a sign in the second house?

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Venus is the planet of love, beauty, charm, and pleasure of all kinds.  Anything we appreciate and value will fall in this domain as well.  We have a natural urge for it, and the sign that Venus is in will represent the nature of our inner need.  When Venus is aspecting planets it will influence those planets, making the native more refined in nature (when planets are aspecting Venus, then it will alter Venus's expression instead).  When Venus is in a house, it will reflect an area of life in which the native appreciates and refines.  

When a person has various planets in Taurus, they are ruled by Venus.  This of course, means that Venus will influence this person in many ways.  Yet, Taurus is still its own entity.  When a person has several planets in Taurus, the native will have a nature that is like a bull.  They will be patient when it comes to their desires, with no strong need to fulfill it right away.  But they will not change their minds on the matter. If that is what they want, that is what they want and they will stubbornly stick to their view of things. When what they need is taken from them, the natives may react unpleasantly, especially if there are no aspects to the planet in Taurus.

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So what is the difference between having various aspects to Venus vs various planets in Taurus?  Just like the above statements, It can be difficult to tell because Taurus is ruled by Venus, so usually when a person has either one Venus will be the dominate figure.  However, they are are still representing two different parts of astrology. When a native has various aspects to Venus, Venus will be their main way of getting everything they want.  The native's charm will be obvious, with the Venus sign also being more obvious too (as the Venus sign represents the nature of her charm).  When a person has various planets in Taurus, that means the person's general needs will be focused on what the native has and maintaining what the person has.  The native will have a need to relax, causing them to seem retiring but also peaceable and comfortable in their own skin.  They may seem lazy or lax when attempting to gain what they desire (unless planetary aspects motivate them), but they are quite determined.

 

Taurus, Venus, and the 2nd house represent how we approach money. So how do we differentiate these in regards to money and possessions?  Well, when it comes to Taurus, money is only a means to get things quicker for the native without effort. This is why the Taurus native yearns for money.  Venus and its sign represents our personal view of money and the area of our lives in which money is valuable or useful to us.  For example, if a person has Venus in Scorpio, they may see money as a means-to-an-end, only valuable when trying to gain power and influence.  

The 2nd house represents possessions and money too, but the sign will show how we handle all of our possessions including money.  It also represents the ways in which we will seek to gain money.  For example, if a person had second house cusp in Scorpio, the person would be secretive in regards to the money they have and they may not want anyone to know if they are struggling financially.

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Speaking of the second house, when a planet is there this would mean that the native expresses or feeds their inner urges through money or possessions.  Or they may express their inner urges through specific talents they have.  Whatever they have they will use to express their basic needs and desires. The more planets that are here, the more money and possessions are a focus in the native's life. The ruling planet of this house will be determined by the cusp sign's ruling planet.  So if there aren't any planets in this house, the ruling planet will be more openly expressed.

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Mercury, Gemini, and The Third House

These three things in astrology often cause confusion, as they all represent the intellect and communication, as well as skills and transportation.  If a person were to have Mercury in one sign, a planet in Gemini, and a planet or sign in the 3rd house...what would be the difference and how would these things affect us differently? 

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These were questions I had myself before I was interested in astrology.  Let me start by explaining the difference between Mercury and Gemini.  Yes, Gemini is ruled by Mercury.  Which means the person with various planets in Gemini will have Mercury emphasized in their life, even if Mercury has no aspects himself.  Yet, there is a difference between Gemini and Mercury.  When Mercury is aspecting various planets (and planets are aspecting Mercury), the native will be more talkative and communicative, as well as curious and analytical.  This will be their way of getting almost everything they want or desire due to the planet aspecting various planets (more than three).  

When various planets are in Gemini, however, the native has needs that they are restless about.  The native sees their needs intellectually and are yearning for mental clarity from others in order to get their needs fulfilled.  This could make the native more talkative and curious as a result.  They have the nature of "twins", sometimes representing two different natures at the same time.  This is the same with a house cusp; when Gemini is on the house cusp it is representing a native who approaches the house in a communicative, clever, and flexible manner.

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When the third house is involved, it represents the world of our neighborhood, our education, our school, local transportation as well.  It also represents the way we communicate to others and everything we have learned in our early years to help us in life. The cusp sign usually represents how we approach these things in our everyday life.  If there is a planet in this house, we will express our needs directly through our words.

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So one may ask: If both Mercury and the 3rd house represent how we communicate, what is the difference? And how do they affect us in their own way?  Mercury represents our natural need to communicate and think usually prompted when we need an idea or to get ideas across.  The urge we have with Mercury comes with a need to relate and learn; the more curious side of human nature.  It is less conscious than the 3rd house; we don't have control over how this part of our brain processes.  The Mercury sign represents the nature of our minds; how we process the info and communicate it. 

The third house sign shows our intelligence based on what we have learned in our immediate environment and early education.  It is our more conscious way of communicating, as we attempt to adapt to our immediate environment.  So it will represent our mentality when it comes to learning, every day life, and communication; mainly how we interact in our immediate environment. It works as a filter for when, where, and how we should communicate and interact in the world.  For example, if a person had Mercury in Aries their mind is naturally quick and impulsive, assuming knowledge on the immediate feedback.  They tend to be straight-forward and direct when communicating.  If they had Libra on the third house cusp, the native may feel it is better to speak tactfully with others rather than argue, for the simple fact that they want peace in their environment.  Despite the fact that they are naturally mentally offensive without trying, they would prefer not to argue with others and so will seek to diffuse whatever issues they caused. In this case, third house in Libra is acting as a filter for when and how Mercury in Aries will communicate. Naturally, though, a native with this combination may often find themselves apologizing for their rudeness. The natural mind and communication seems rude because they urgently need to know and express (Mercury in Aries), but they don't feel that is the most effective way to communicate to others all the time so will act in consideration of others (3rd house in Libra).

Note: If the native happens to have Mars in the 3rd house, the native may attack verbally when they feel offended.  But it will still be motivated by the more conscious part of the mind in which the native recognizes their anger and decides to use their words for defense.  Planets in the 3rd house influences our mentality on life. When we have planets here we are using our environmental communication as a means to express our inner urges. 

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The more planets that are in the 3rd house, the more emphasis communication, learning, and community will be emphasized in the native's life.  The ruling planet of the 3rd house will be determined by the cusp sign's ruling planet.  So if there aren't any planets in this house, the ruling planet will be more openly expressed.

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The Moon, Cancer, and The Fourth House

The moon, Cancer, and fourth house are usually not as confusing.  While they all influence the things that we hold dear, and the mother figure, they generally represent very different things from one another.

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The moon is a luminary, representing how we handle our emotions.  Its sign will show us the nature of emotions. Aspects to the moon or especially from the moon will reveal to the native how much they use their emotions to fulfill their needs in life. The sign of Cancer usually represents home, family, support, and attachment.  Whenever a planet or house is in Cancer, the native will be more sentimental, more imaginative/creative, more insecure, and more attached in their natures and/or approach to this area of life.  The more planets that are in Cancer, the more the nature of the person will be this way. When there are planets in the fourth house or a sign is on its cusp, it will reveal what the home environment was like (what we experienced in the home), thus it will show how we will feel and approach our home environment.

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They all represent the mother figure. When a planet or house is in Cancer, this means they are vulnerable to women and thus the mother will influence them easily.  They have strong need for a mother figure, and according to the planet position in cancer, they need the mother figure to desperately fulfill these needs. Note: Because Cancer is ruled by the moon, the position of the moon will determine what will help fulfill them.  The house position in Cancer reveals how the mother figure played a role in our social experiences.

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So how does the mother figure affect our moon VS the fourth house?  The moon represents the nurture that we have recieved or needed to recieve from the nurturing figure in regards to our emotions (usually it's the mother).  It also reveals the habits we picked up from the nurturing figure. The fourth house usually represents the home environment and personality/role of the mother (or the parent that influences the home) in our household.  This part of the "mother" influences us more in our childhood, while the moon has more influence on us from the time we are in her womb all the way to the time we are toddlers. And so we will see both in the mother figure, but with the moon it will be sub-conscious to the point we act instinctively based on the the mother figure's habits.  

The more planets in the fourth house, the more emphasis will be on home and family in the native's life. The ruling planet of this house will be determined by the cusp sign's ruling planet.  So if there aren't any planets in this house, the ruling planet will be more openly expressed.

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The Sun, Leo, and The Fifth House

The sun is the most basic part of us. Most people are always aware of the Sun sign's influence.  It represents the ego, the part of us that wants to be recognized and honored. It's the part of us that yearns to feel confident and sure, giving us the will to live and stand firm to our decisions.  It represents our relationship with ourselves.  It also represents identity.  With that being said, the sun represents our awareness of ourselves and the core values/standards we hold ourselves to.

(Note: the difference between the sun's identity and the 1st house identity is that the sun wants others to simply recognize our own needs and expression which creates our identity, while the 1st house is the placement we use to distinguish ourselves from others around us).

When a person has various aspects to the sun VS various planets in Leo, the person with various aspects to the sun will yearn to gain what they desire by attempting to stand out, while the native with planets in Leo will usually have needs that are demanding of the best. If these natives have no aspects to the planets in Leo, the native will be dramatic and self-expressive.

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The 5th house is the house of amusements, self-expression, creativity, and romance. In a way, the 5th house may seem more like Venus than the sun.  However, the difference is the 5th house is not necessarily representative of the natural feeling of love and appreciation.  The 5th house is about the fun of romance, dating, and casual sex. (Mars is also the planet that influences our sex drive, yet the 5th house has more to do with how we approach it in our romantic relationships.) Also, the 5th house represents our artistic outlets rather than what we appreciate about art (which is more Venusian).  The only part of the 5th house that seems to coincide with the sun is the self-expressive energy and youth.  Yet, the 5th house still is more about our artistic outlets rather than our need for self-expression, which gives the 5th house its own distinction separate from the sun.

The more planets in the fifth house, the more emphasis will be on amusements, children, and romance in the native's life. The ruling planet of this house will be determined by the cusp sign's ruling planet.  So if there aren't any planets in this house, the ruling planet will be more openly expressed.

 

Mercury, Virgo, and The Sixth House

These three are usually confused for one another because of the emphasis on work and skills.  Of course, there is a difference between them.  

Mercury rules two signs; Gemini and Virgo.  Mercury's role in the natal chart is to learn and communicate our needs. It also helps us develop skills.  The sign it's in represents the nature of our mind and the house it's in shows how our minds/skills are developed, where we find use for our mind/skills, and/or how we channel our ideas/skills to the outside world.   When Mercury is aspecting planets (or when there are aspects to Mercury), communication will be emphasized in the native's natal chart.  This will be their means of satisfying their desires.

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When planets are in Virgo, the native will have desires that are practical and sensible.  They may be inwardly critical of themselves and others when these desires are not met.  If there are no aspects to the planets in Virgo, the native will be fussy, yet humorous.  Houses in Virgo will reflect natives that approach their social world with a critical yet sensible eye.

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And then there was the 6th house.  This is the house of work/service, daily routine, and health. It is also the house of pets.  This house gives us tasks to do on the job and even out of the job.  It may not necessarily represent our career choices completely (the 10th house influences our career/job choices), but it represents the tasks we will be performing on whatever job we take on. The more planets in the sixth house, the more emphasis will be on work/service and health in the native's life. The ruling planet of this house will be determined by the cusp sign's ruling planet.  So if there aren't any planets in this house, the ruling planet will be more openly expressed.  

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Venus, Libra, and The Seventh House

All of these particular symbols have one thing in common: they involve partnerships.  Venus is the planet of love; Libra is the sign of balance; the 7th house is the house of partnership.  

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As I stated before, Venus is the planet of love and appreciation.  This planet's sign will represent our understanding of love and how we show appreciation.  It will influence the kind of partners we are attracted to, especially for men.  Venus is the planet of beauty, after all, so it will reflect the kind of qualities we find charming and attractive in a person.  A person with aspects to Venus, or Venus aspecting planets especially, will use their charm and good looks as a means to get what they desire.

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When planets are in Libra, the native has needs that require peace, balance, harmony, and a second opinion.  Libra represents "the scales", which in ancient times had two pans on one side.  People with planets in Libra will constantly be tossing and turning over their desires and may often times accommodate what they want for the sake of others.  This is especially so if there are no aspects to the planets in Libra.  When natives have a house in Libra, this will mean that the native's approach to this area of life is fair, balanced, and cooperative.

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Then of course, the 7th house also influences our interests in partners.  The difference is the 7th house honestly has nothing to do with the feeling of love.  It has more to do with the way we work with others.  Are we cooperative or are we intolerant? The 7th house represents how we see others in comparison to ourselves (or at least how we expect others to behave when around us). The 7th house sometimes represents our rivals (some refer to it as open enemies).  Overall, the house represents the people we attract to us as a result of our own personalities.  The sign on the cusp of this house usually reveals how we may approach this house.

What is odd about this "shadow" house is that we are not truly "attracting" the opposite of "us",  despite our projection of this house onto others.  This house honestly represents how we treat others in our lives, but often times we are not aware because we are too busy projecting these qualities.  If a person has planets in this house they may especially behave in this manner. The more planets in the 7th house, the more emphasis will be on partnerships, cooperation, or others in the native's life. The ruling planet of this house will be determined by the cusp sign's ruling planet.  So if there aren't any planets in this house, the ruling planet will be more openly expressed.

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Mars Or Pluto, Scorpio, and The Eigth House

These four elements usually are the most complicated to understand, especially Pluto, Scorpio, and the 8th house.  To start, Scorpio traditionally was ruled by Mars, but in recent years has been assigned Pluto as its ruler.  This complicates things when it comes to our understanding of Scorpio and the two planets.  Scorpio is the sign of intensity, power, passion, and darkness.  Mars is the planet of energy, assertion, and passion.  Pluto is the planet of death, rebirth, power, and depth.  All these characteristics are very much correlated.  This may be the reason that Scorpio is still considered ruled by both Pluto and Mars. 

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So what exactly is the difference between Mars VS Pluto? Mars represents our passions, our energy, our sex drive, our impulse, our instinct, our temper, our fighting spirit, and the strength in which we show no fear.  Pluto represents our dark side, our depth, our intensity, our fear, our influence, and our power.   Mars can move one to act immediately, to fight immediately, or not.  Pluto will not move, but instead move the other person to action.  Pluto is more subtle, yet intense and works its strength by maneuvering life into its hands.  Mars will force itself upon others through immediate intimidation. With Mars, things happen fast; with Pluto things happen quietly, but surely.  Even sexually, Mars represents immediate satisfaction, challenge, and thrill. Pluto is about using sex for power and understanding the power of sex; its influence, but also its destructive forces.

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The 8th house is also about sex.  The 8th house represents how sex binds us to something else or someone.  In fact this house is all about bonds and bonding. We want to develop a deep connection with every planet in the 8th, and the sign represents the way in which we develop intimacy. The 5th house also represents sex, but it is our romantic approach and fun approach to it. It usually represents the dating stages involving casual sex. The 8th house represents our sexual sacrifices in order to gain something else. It could be something deeper such as spiritual awakening...or it could be something tangible involving resources of another. In many cases it is a bond used to maintain marriage in the 8th house, becoming the seal that prevents the other from leaving or making the marriage official (this could also apply to long term relationships).  Therefore, it represents our social mentality towards the subject of sex (and all things taboo) in general.  The 5th house represents how we approach sex romantically, which romance is needed in order to create the atmosphere of sex (this house technically would represent foreplay). The 8th house represents how we socially feel about such hidden subjects as sex and other taboos (depending on the sign on 8th house cusp or planets in that house). In this regard, we may see sex as something that should be kept secret from others...or the 8th house could reveal a person that has no problems with being open with it.  The 8th house could reveal a person that sees sex as something that is spiritual if Neptune resides there or if Pisces is on the cusp.  Or the native could see it as limiting and restricting, maybe even bad if Saturn resides there. So the 8th house represents very different things in comparison to the 5th house.

The eighth house is the house of transformation, rebirth, taboos, legacies/inheritances, and shared resources or investments.  With this house, we make sacrifices to get what we want, proving what we are willing to risk to get what we desire.  In this house it represents the price we pay for life.  But it can also represent the gains we receive from our sacrifices such as a long legacy or inheritances...maybe even shared wealth.  Pluto also represents losses in this regard....but the purpose of Pluto is so that we may become more powerful and strong on the inside. The greatest gain that can come from Pluto is strength and we quickly realize that life is better without the things we held onto.  The 8th house seeks to make us responsible for our debts, motivating us to do what is necessary to survive in the social world.  This house is seen right after the 7th house, the house of marriage, so it is heavily tied to the marriage bond and union.  Through the 8th house, legal papers are formed.  The sign of the 8th house cusp and especially any planets residing here would reveal our social experiences, mentality, and approach to such taboo things as well as debts and shared resources.  The more planets in the 8th house, the more emphasis will be on making changes in their lives, taboos, and shared resources in the native's life. The ruling planet of this house will be determined by the cusp sign's ruling planet.  So if there aren't any planets in this house, the ruling planet will be more openly expressed.

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Jupiter, Sagittarius, and The Ninth House

The three have always been affiliated with philosophy and travel, expanding our horizons.  However, they do have different astrological purposes.  

 

Jupiter's purpose is mainly to benefit us. It is the planet of luck. So, through the signs and houses it will present us opportunities to make life easier and more enjoyable for us. It is the planet of positive energy. Through aspects, it can turn a normally malefic planet like Saturn into a benefic one. And a planet aspecting Jupiter or especially being aspected by Jupiter will enhance a person's luck. This may be because natives with many aspects to Jupiter will take more chances when trying to satisfy their desires. Jupiter also represents chance and expansion. It represents the experiences we may encounter in our life that influences our personal journey to maturity. It has also represented personal philosophies/morals/ethics and faith. The nature of our faith, morals, expansiveness, risk-taking, and positivity will be colored by Jupiter's sign.  How we will manifest these qualities and express them in the social world will be seen through the houses.

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The sign of Sagittarius represents broadness, philosophy, optimism, and freedom.  Whatever planet that is in this sign will reflect what motivates the native to yearn for expansion, freedom, optimism, and philosophy.  The more planets in Sagittarius, the more the native will yearn for these things, and without aspects, they will act boldly, sometimes wildly, yet philosophically when trying to feed their desires.  When this sign is on the cusp of a house, the native will approach this area of life with optimism and broadness.

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The 9th house is also very much about philosophies.  The 9th house more so represents how we handle life and the world in general, thus influencing our religions or philosophies. It compliments Jupiter in our lives, as Jupiter represents our personal morals and philosophies. Through Jupiter, our morals and beliefs are formed after broadening our understanding of the world through experiences. The 9th house represents the kind of philosophies/religions we will be drawn to in the social world and how we will handle and develop our social beliefs.  It would also show what and how we are willing to learn from the world around us.  To further explain the differences between these two, I will explain what it would mean if a person had Jupiter in Scorpio, Jupiter in the 8th house,  Pluto in the 9th house, or Pluto in Sagittarius.  

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If a person has Jupiter in Scorpio this would mean that they have a dark morality and so their personal philosophies are usually very deep and dark when they go about their own life. If a person has Jupiter in the 8th house, this would mean that the native is interested in expanding their dark nature by delving into taboo subject matters (this could introduce an interest in the occult).  

However, if a person has Pluto in the 9th house, the native will usually investigate every religion or social philosophies they get involved in.  The native will be drawn and interested in philosophies or religions that are deep and transformative.  With Scorpio on the cusp they may particularly be interested in beliefs or philosophies that are taboo. These beliefs will affect more so the view of life, religion/philosophy, higher education, and laws in general.  Do they see life, religion/philosophy, high education, or the law as "dark"? Do they believe that life, religion/philosophy, or law should be approached with intensity? These are the questions the 9th house will answer. Whereas with Jupiter in Scorpio the questions that will be answered go something like this: Do I need to limit myself to being good all the time? Are their times when all people should do as they please?  The 9th house represents how we treat life and others in the world in general, including those who are in charge of the law.  Jupiter represents how we treat our own personal life and how we gain opportunities for our own benefit.  The 9th house seeks to expand ones life for the sake of adapting to life and laws in general.  Jupiter is seeking to expand for the sake of personal profit and fulfillment.  This is where the difference lies.  Both are equally beneficial for us, but in different ways.  The more planets in the 9th house, the more emphasis will be on philosophy/religion, higher education, or travel in the native's life. 

Then there is Pluto in Sagittarius.  To put it simply, a person with this position seeks to gain power through their beliefs, philosophies, and morals...as well as seeking to gain power through freedom of choice. The ruling planet of this house will be determined by the cusp sign's ruling planet.  So if there aren't any planets in this house, the ruling planet will be more openly expressed.

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Saturn, Capricorn, and The Tenth House

Saturn is the ruler of Capricorn and both are represented by the 10th house.  Saturn is the planet of boundaries and limitations. Capricorn is the sign of obstacles, ambition, respect, and success. The 10th house is the house of prestige, reputation, and overall career.

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Saturn is considered a malefic planet mainly because it represents limits and anything that binds us.  When Saturn is in a sign, it will show the nature of the boundaries and limits we place on ourselves as well as the boundaries and limits we have placed on us.  When Saturn is in a house, it will show the area of our life in which we will be restrictive or restricted.  What is Saturn's purpose in restricting us?  To help us develop into responsible adults.  Limits may leave us feeling obligated most of the time and sometimes it can make us feel pessimistic, but in the long run it gives stability and security.  It is also the planet of discipline; the ability to structure our lives or keep order.  The more aspects to Saturn, and especially aspects from Saturn, the more restrictive and reserve a person will be when trying to get what they desire.  There will be delays in life for the native because they usually are holding themselves back.

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When planets are in Capricorn, it can also lead a person to feel pessimistic.  As Capricorn is the sign of obstacles, the person with a planet in this sign may feel like there are many obstacles when trying to fulfill their needs.  The native is is naturally ambitious, however, striving to be successful no matter what.  Respect is what they want. If there are no aspects to the planets in Capricorn, the native will express themselves maturely and logically. When Capricorn is on the cusp of a house, this will reflect how the native approaches this area of life.  The more planets in Capricorn, the more these qualities will be obvious.

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The 10th house is the house of career, prestige, and reputation.  This is the house that influences our job choices.  Through this house it also represents our career reputation as well as our social reputation; the things we want others to know about us according to our accomplishments. The planets in this house and the sign on the cusp will usually give us clues as to the kind of careers and career status or social status we want to establish.  The more planets that are in this house, the more emphasis will be on the native's career and reputation.   The ruling planet of this house will be determined by the cusp sign's ruling planet.  So if there aren't any planets in this house, the ruling planet will be more openly expressed.

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Saturn or Uranus, Aquarius, and the Eleventh House

Aquarius was at one time traditionally ruled by Saturn. With the discovery of Uranus, many astrologers have decided Uranus is a better fit. Yet, some astrologers see both as rulers of the sign, with Saturn influencing the more reserved and methodical side of Aquarius, while Uranus is the spontaneous and revolutionary side.  Aquarius is represented by the 11th house, which some astrologers also feel is represented by Saturn and Uranus (because the 11th house's obligation to humanity, yet its need to take on causes.

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Aquarius is the sign of change, spontaneity, genius, aloofness, and humankind.  The natives that have planets in this sign will have inner needs that come upon them in spontaneous ways...unfortunately, the native may often deny their inner urges for the sake of freedom or success.  The more planets in Aquarius, the more the native will feel this way. If there are no aspects to the planets in Aquarius, the native will be quite spontaneous in behavior but also aloof. When Aquarius is on the cusp of a house, this will reflect how the native approaches this area of life.

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Saturn is the planet of restriction as I've mentioned before. The moment in which we must restrict and accept restriction. Uranus is honestly the complete opposite. It is the liberator; the awakener.  It represents innovative breakthroughs and spontaneous changes.  Uranus represents genius, and how we use our innovative ideas to make life easier for us.  With Uranus, it represents the urge in which we want to rebel and break free.  When other planets are aspecting these two planets, and even moreso when these planets are aspecting other planets, the native will go about getting what they desire through these two planets.  In the houses, these planets will express themselves, with Saturn restricting us, while Uranus gives us freedom to roam when expressing ourselves in this area of life.

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The 11th house is the house of friends, associations, organizations, causes, and surprisingly hopes/dreams.  No, these are not the kind of dreams that Neptune gives to escape the reality of our problems.  Nor are these the dreams that we have in our sleep represented by the moon. These are more like aspirations; the 11th house represents our life goals and how we go about accomplishing our life goals.  So, let's say for example a person had Gemini on the cusp of this house...the native may have several life goals or two at the same time. Their goals may be to try everything in life.  The planets here will also show how we approach our aspirations in life. This is also the house of friendships, so the cusp sign and planets will also influence the people we choose to associate with.  The more planets in the 11th house, the more emphasis will be on friends, causes, and aspirations in the native's life. The ruling planet of this house will be determined by the cusp sign's ruling planet.  So if there aren't any planets in this house, the ruling planet will be more openly expressed.

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Jupiter or Neptune, Pisces, and the Twelfth House

Pisces was traditonally ruled by Jupiter, the planet of luck, expansion, and faith.  Many astrologers still see these qualities visible in the sign of Pisces.  Of course, with the discovery of Neptune, many astrologers have also seen strong similarities between Neptune and Pisces. Neptune is the planet of illusion/imagination, dreams, mercy, universal oneness, and escape.  

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Pisces is the sign of imagination, creativity, spirituality, compassion, impressionability, and connection.  When there are planets in this sign, the natives will have urges that are sometimes fanciful, spiritual, and even sometimes blurry.  They will yearn to connect with others.  If there are no aspects to the planets in Pisces, the native will act compassionately and creatively. They may also be a bit naive and unpredictable.

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Naivety is more prevelant with people who have several aspects from or to the planet Neptune (only one planet can have an aspect to Neptune, that would be Pluto).  The more aspects to Neptune a person has, the more idealistic they will be when attempting to get their urges met.  When natives have aspects to Jupiter, normally it will influence the native to have a more optimistic approach to meeting their desires.

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Neptune is the planet of dreams...the dreams that we desire to achieve when we wish to escape reality.  This planet represents our dream world and the length of our imagination.  Of course, we all wish these dreams would come true. And more times than not, we are doing more wishing and hoping than we are working towards it. Of course, the house placement of this planet will determine how we will attempt to make our dreams a reality. (Jupiter in the houses will determine where we will find luck and the area and which we will expand upon). Neptune in the houses also reflects a blurred or confused understanding when it comes to this area of life.  The sign in which Neptune resides will reflect the nature of our dreams and imagination. (The sign Jupiter is in will reflect how we expand and gain luck).

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The 12th house is the most confusing part of astrology. It is represented by the sign of Pisces as well as Neptune (and some astrologers say Jupiter as well). This is the house of everything hidden and subconscious.  We may hide things because it is not accepted in our society or because we simply cannot find a way to express our energies in the outside world. So, the energies found here remain hidden or even latent.  This house also represents solitude, confinement, and how we sleep.  The more planets that are clustered here, the more hidden the native's life will be.  These natives may spend most of their time in solitude away from the world.  The cusp sign here will reveal the native's approach to the hidden areas of their lives, more or less the qualities that they hide from others or are less conscious of. These qualities somehow come alive when the native is more comfortable or alone with themselves. The ruling planet of this house will be determined by the cusp sign's ruling planet.  So if there aren't any planets in this house, the ruling planet will be more openly expressed.