About the Fourth House

What is the 4th House? In Astrology, we will be speaking in terms of "Houses" and "Signs". There are 12 Houses in astrology, just as there are 12 signs. Houses are simply categories of all the things that concern us in human life such as money, children, sex, health, longevity, etc. Each House controls a different category. In the House 3 Makeover, we covered siblings, courage and creativity. Now, House 4 covers primarily happiness, material possessions such as home, property, and fixed assets; as well as education and mother.Signs on the other hand are filters that color how the Houses and planets behave. This newsletter will cover the sign of Cancer, which is considered the natural 4th House of the Zodiac. That means that the sign of Cancer naturally colors things in line with the qualities of the 4th House, i.e. mother, home, happiness, vehicles, education, land and property.

General Characteristics of the 4th House The Fourth House is known as the "House of Home and Heart". It is one of the moksha houses, a house of spiritual liberation, and holds our private thoughts and feelings. It is the lowest point in the chart, below the horizon, and so is an indicator of those things unseen and on land. Therefore the 4th house is an indicator for land and property, as well as vehicles. A strong 4th house for example, could indicate good home and cars. It is the home of mother, mind and matter, so happiness and relationship with the mother is indicated here. It is also a house of education, though there are different views as to what level of education. Generally, it is viewed as higher education, from high school to college level, as well as spiritual education, since it is a moksha house. It is the most sensitive point in the chart and so indicates our deeper psychological nature. It also represents the masses and our relationship to the public. Physically, it is the chest and heart regions. The Moon, as ruler of the natural 4th house of Cancer, is the karaka, or indicator of the 4th house.Moon as Indicator for the 4th House The Moon is associated with manas, the mind and emotions. This watery planet represents the sensitivity of the human mind as well as Mother and motherhood. The Moon therefore influences fertility, conception and childbirth. As with all the planets, the Moon’s influence and characteristics can be understood on both the material and spiritual planes of existence. So physical fertility as well as spiritual fertility can be understood from the 4th house and Moon. Even though it rules Cancer, the Moon is exalted in Taurus, i.e. the most positive, beneficial aspects of the Moon come forth the more.

Characteristics of Cancer, the Natural 4th House Cancer is the 4th sign in the zodiac and therefore the natural 4th house. The Moon, Cancer’s ruler, gives its qualities to Cancer natives. Cancers enjoy people, are friendly, caring, nurturing and enjoy traditions. They tend to foreign travel and enjoy the water. Like the Moon, they can be highly sensitive, changeable and moody. They value relationships and enjoy caring for, feeding and entertaining loved ones.

Planets Placed in Cancer Jupiter, the planet of higher knowledge and luck, is "Exalted" in Cancer. This means that whenever you see Jupiter in the sign of Cancer, more likely than not, the native will be wise, generous, spiritual and luck; all the better characteristics of Jupiter. Conversely, Mars becomes "Debilitated" in Cancer. This placement will bring out the worst traits in Mars, making the native temperamental, argumentative and/or overly aggressive. It is important to remember that when assessing a chart, multiple factors must be taken into consideration. No one effect, such as planetary position in a sign or house, will be the sole indicator of fortunes and influences. In general, one must assess the strength of the house, its indicator, and its lord and occupants, as well as other planetary influences. The following are general indications for when a particular planet is posited in the sign of Cancer.

Sun in Cancer The individual will be attractive and enjoy fine foods and wine. Hard worker with many family responsibilities. Can have difficulty with father and other relatives.

Moon in Cancer The Moon is "in its own sign" in Cancer, strengthening its effect for favorable fortune in property, vehicles and friendships. Can have fluctuating wealth. Enjoys physical pleasures

Mercury in Cancer Mercury here brings a quick, alert mind, able to comprehend a wide view, enjoying music and poetry. Income can be gained through land (real estate) and through siblings, cousins and partnerships. Great talker with inclination to travel to foreign countries.

Venus in Cancer With Venus in Cancer, one is inclined to be affectionate, good-willed, kind-hearted, very attractive and devoted to good causes. Marriage can be delayed and may be a significant difference in age and/or position with the marriage partner. Occupation can be through water elements or with property.

Mars in Cancer As mentioned, Mars becomes debilitated in, this fiery planet 'cooling its heels' in watery Cancer. There can be a separation from the mother, changing abodes frequently or other types of difficulty with home and property. A person with Mars here is very independent and goes against the grain.

Jupiter in Cancer Jupiter, exalted here, brings good humor, benevolence and graciousness. While religious or spiritual views may change, they will be held with sincerity and devotion. There is a special bond with the mother and an inclination to the mystical. Inclines the individual to truthfulness, wealth and a strong, beautiful body.

Saturn in Cancer Saturn brings greater austerity to worldly possessions and wealth. May indicate early loss or estrangement from the father. Learnedness and renown.

Rahu in Cancer Rahu is favorable in the sign of Cancer and will bring great help from friends, successful foreign travels and an increase in wealth, as well as spiritual inclinations.

Ketu in Cancer Ketu, like Rahu, will take on the qualities of its ruler, in this case the Moon. Can bring an austerity to emotions, or deservedness.

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