12 Houses & Their Significations

This is where the basics of astrology start. The 360 zodiac divided equally into 12
divisions of 30 degrees each. Each division is called a sign. Starting from Aries and to
Pisces. Each sign has a ruler (planet) and some planets have a dual ownership (of 2
signs)

‘Planet’ in vedic astrology stands for a heavenly body in consideration. Not all of
them are real planets by the Physics definition. Sun and Moon are taken as planets
and not as a star or satellite respectively.

The 9 main planets considered in vedic astrology are – Sun, Moon, Mars, Jupiter,
Saturn, Mercury, Venus & Rahu and Ketu. The last 2 are not physical entities. These
are imaginary points in space where the axis of moon and sun (relative to earth)
overlap. These two entities are hence mathematical calculations as opposed to the
other 7 objects which are observable entities in space. Rahu and Ketu effect a
horoscope and individual strong enough to be considered as independent planets
themselves. These are by definition always 180 degrees from each other.

Next step is the 12 houses. Each house represents/ rule over multiple things in a
person’s life. These houses are called as ‘Bhaavs’.

Regarding ownership, when a planet rules 2 signs, one of its signs is its main or more
important sign and the other is the lesser one. This is a relative concept, regardless
of which the planet involved presides over both the signs. The more important of
these is called the ‘Mooltrikona’ sign (MK in short from here on)

Rahu and Ketu do not own any signs as they are not physical entities. However they
are co-rulers of some signs as mentioned later. They also act as ‘shadow planets’
implying they mirror the effects of planets they sit close to and signs they sit in.

Signs & their ownership-

Aries – Mars (MK sign)

Taurus – Venus

Gemini – Mercury

Cancer – Moon

Leo – Sun

Virgo – Mercury (MK sign) & Rahu (co-ruler)

Libra – Venus (MK sign)

Scorpio – Mars and Ketu (co-ruler)