Ancient Astrology assigned each of the seven classical planets with an individual house in the chart called “the house of joy”. Entering it the planet “rejoices”, which means – it projects its best qualities.
What a lovely language – “the planet rejoices”, not just boringly sits in the house.
The technique of “planetary joy” is not very commonly used in modern Astrology, but Hellenistic astrologers and some Horary specialists still find it useful. Anyway, it is worth looking into:
Different astrologers of the past used different reasoning for these placements. Some of the theories coordinated with the Christian religion, others were based on the correlation between the nature of the house and the planet. I will not dig into history in this post (you know how to use google and books, if interested) but will share a simplified and practical view:
The house of planetary joy energetically aligns with its spirit. The planetary energy is comfortable in the house and flows naturally.
Sun – shines.
Self-presenting, conscious energy of the Sun blossoms in the house of life values, goals, higher education, glory and status.
Moon – reflects.
Changing nature of the Moon thrives in forever adjusting, moving and unstable house of short trips, early education and siblings.
Mercury – talks.
Knowledge, verbal expression and communication skills are great assets in the house of personal characteristics, image and action.
Venus – enjoys.
Venus’s sensual, artistic and pleasures oriented nature is comfortable in the house of never-ending entertainment, creativity and romance.
Mars – works.
Active and highly charged Mars puts its aggressive nature to use in practical physical labour and mundane tasks in many cases for the benefit of health. Though ancient astrologers would say – for the loss of health and wasted energy, because of Mars’s malefic nature.
Jupiter – gifts.
The socially oriented, idealistic and generous spirit of Jupiter flourishes in the house of community, ideas, dreams and chance.
Saturn – limits.
Controlling and reserved master of boundaries Saturn is satisfied in the house of isolation, secrets, enemies and sorrow. Think of the Greater Malefic status of Saturn in Astrology of the past.