Vedic Astrology: The First House
Photograph by Laib Khaled
There are 12 houses in the 360° of the zodiac in Vedic astrology; they each represent different aspects of our life. Each house is 30° of the zodiac and contains certain stars known as Nakshatras. The first house is the most important house and should be carefully analyzed to determine the strength of the chart as a whole. The first house is on the eastern horizon at the time of one’s birth; the planets within it, and aspecting it have a profound influence on the course of our life.
The first house represents the body as a whole. Also, appearance, complexion, physical strength, happiness, and fame. This house represents our external behavior, general nature along with whether we will have courage, wealth, comfort, difficulty in life, and our overall health. If the first house is strong then the positive aspects of the first house like good health, attractive appearance, strong intellect, happiness, peace of mind, and fame will manifest. If the first house is weak then we may get the opposite results such as dishonor, humiliation, weakness, agitated mind, lack of courage, poverty, unattractive appearance, and ill-health. Health problems related to the first house include fatigue, epilepsy, headaches, brain disorders, decreased longevity, and fractures.
It is important to determine whether the first house is weak, strong, or average to understand its effects. For this, we have to look at the ascendant Lord. If the ascendant Lord is with a malefic or in one of the malefic houses (6, 8, and 12) then it’s effects will be weaker. If the ascendant lord is debilitated, combust, or in an enemy sign, it will be weaker. In general, you look at the planets in the first house, the ascendant lord, and aspects to the house and ascendant lord.
For example, if the ascendant lord is a benefic (Venus, Jupiter, Mercury, waxing Moon,) in an angle or trine this will be highly beneficial and can bring fame, wealth, health, strength, beauty, and happiness. If Mercury Jupiter or Venus is with the Moon or an angle from the first house this is highly regarded as a sign of great fortune and wealth. If the ascendant lord is a malefic (Saturn, Mars, Sun, waning Moon) it decreases the potency of the first house to bring good results. If this malefic is in a bad house or associated with other malefic planets, the potency of the first house is further diminished.
Pay close attention to the ascendant and its Lord for this is the foundation of the horoscope. The first house in Vedic Astrology is both a quadrant and a trine which makes it quite powerful in determining what will happen in the future. A strong first house is protective of many malefic influences in the chart. The opposite, however, is also true in that a weak first house can bring havoc to a person even if there are other good influences.