The 7th House in Astrology Rules Relationships—Here’s What You Can Expect From Yours
Before we dive deeper into breaking down the 7th house in astrology, let's do a quick refresh on the different houses in astrology and how they correspond with planets and signs.
- Corina Crysler, transformational astrologer
- Maria Sofia Marmanides, astrologer, tarot reader, and intuitive
What are the 12 houses in astrology?
The 12 houses in astrology are aspects of your birth chart, each corresponding to a planetary ruler and zodiac sign. Think of the planets as forces that dwell in houses, the zodiac signs as the personality the planets wear every day, and the houses as where the traits of those signs express themselves, says astrologer Corina Crysler. The alignments of each house depend on your birth date, time, and location, and each of these alignments provide specific insights into different aspects of your life and self.
The 12 houses in astrology include:
1st house: House of Self
The 1st house corresponds with your physical appearance, your personality, and your identity. In short, this house is all about what makes you, you.
2nd house: House of Value
The 2nd house represents money, material and immaterial possessions, and your sense of self-worth.
3rd house: House of Communication
The 3rd house governs communication, sharing with others, and interpersonal connections. It’s also sometimes referred to as the House of Sharing.
4th house: House of Home and Family
You guessed it: The 4th house represents your home and family. It governs your traditions, your relationship with parental figures, and your views on domestic roles.
5th house: House of Pleasure
The 5th house symbolizes fun, pleasure, passion, and creativity. If your inner child lived in one of the 12 houses, it would be this one.
6th house: House of Health
Your mental and physical health fall under the 6th house. This house also governs your eating habits, self-care, and personal hygiene.
7th house: House of Balance
The 7th house revolves around your romantic relationships, professional relationships, and marriage.
8th house: House of Transformation
The dark and mysterious 8th house symbolizes death, rebirth, sudden losses, and sudden gains. This house also governs sexual kinks and taboos.
9th house: House of Purpose
The 9th house governs philosophy, travel, education, and your greater purpose in life. It involves the lofty, sweeping perspectives you have on life in relation to religion, spirituality, and morals.
10th house: House of Enterprise
10th house astrology deals with your motivations and ambitions at work as well as your public image and social status.
11th house: House of Friendships
Your 11th house corresponds with your friends and peers and is often associated with good fortune and prosperity. This house governs your role in the collective as well as your personal wealth–financial and otherwise.
12th house: House of Sacrifice
The final house deals with your subconscious and spiritual alignment. Your dreams, emotions, intuition, and psyche are all governed by the 12th house.
To learn the placements of your zodiac houses, consult your birth chart (or use an online generator like this one). Now that we’ve revisited the meanings of each house, let’s dive deeper into the 7th house, outlined below.
What is the 7th house in astrology?
The 7th house in astrology, sometimes referred to as the House of Balance, governs our relationships and partnerships. Romantic relationships, marriages, and dedicated partnerships of all types are included in the 7th house. It sheds light on our astrological compatibility with past and future relationships, too.
Crysler says that while the 7th house does indeed govern love and marriage, it’s centered more on how the people in the relationship act as a team, rather than their sexual chemistry or physical attraction.
"Unlike the 5th house, where sex, pleasure, and what we desire in another person lives, the 7th house is known as the house of marriage and committed or contractual partnering,” says Crysler. “It can also show us what we need in our relationships or the patterns we continue to have in our relationships."
The 7th house can also provide intel regarding business unions and creative collaborations. "The 7th house can show us who we decided to connect with and what we may see in others that could reflect what we see in ourselves," says Crysler. "We can use the aspects of this house to reveal how we are with others and how our interactions may influence our own lives."
Astrologer, tarot reader, and intuitive Maria Sofia Marmanides, author of The One Card Tarot Journal, adds that the 7th house’s authority is the complete opposite of the rising sign, which deals with our identities and personalities. “The ascendant–the 1st house–is the most personal part of our birth chart, and the 7th house is the house that is furthest away from it,” says Marmanides. “The first house is the house of the self; the seventh house is the house of the other.”
The 7th house in astrology can pertain to romantically partnered situations as well as business unions and creative collaborations.
Now that you're up to speed, keep reading to learn what your 7th house placement reveals about your relationships.
What each sign in the 7th house reveals about you
Aries in the 7th house
Aries rules over the 1st house, the house of self, and since the 7th house rules relationships with others, this can be a conflicting placement. Don't be surprised if selfishness has been a problem in previous relationships. That said, a good partner for you exists, and it's someone who allows you the breathing room you need.
"You will require your independence and ability to take charge of your life," says Crysler. "You will need a flexible partner who is willing to take risks with you. In other words, they must be willing to 'enjoy the ride.'"
Because Aries is ruled by Mars (the planet of physical energy), people with Aries in the 7th house may have a high need for passion, sex, and general excitement, says Marmanides.
Taurus in the 7th house
The 7th house in astrology is all about committed partnerships, so a fixed sign like Taurus feels very at home there; Taurus is all about long-lasting, loyal, committed relationships.
"Taurus builds their foundation on stability, trust, and values the ones they love," says Crysler. "You will be able to create beauty and sensuality in your relationship when you feel grounded; however, try to learn to compromise and not always dig your heels deeply into the ground when things do not go your way."
Marmanides adds that Taurus is ruled by Venus—the planet of love, beauty, relationships, and harmony. Having Taurus in your 7th house may mean that you’re more focused on relationships—in all their iterations—than someone else might be.
Gemini in the 7th house
With social butterfly Gemini in the 7th house, natural business partnerships will follow. You're beloved because you know how to make people feel good. You're inquisitive and curious about how to get to know others better, so you're the perfect date and good at dating.
"Communication will be key for your relationships, and you will need a partner who will intellectually stimulate you—otherwise you will be bored," says Crysler. "You will also be bored if your day-to-day routine is the same. Perhaps your emotional availability may need some tweaking, by getting out of your head and into your body."
Also, Gemini is ruled by Mercury (the planet of communication), which, practically, might look like someone who pays attention to the little details. To bond with a Gemini in the 7th house, you might talk about ideas or anything logical, says Marmanides, as this is kind of a sapiosexual sign (meaning they’re attracted to what they see as intelligent).
Cancer in the 7th house
You might have an emotional nature and need a partner who is nurturing, patient, and willing to cradle your tender heart. Just know that there's a fine line between being caring and the caretaker.
"Resentment can be something that slowly creeps into your relationships," Crysler says. "Make sure you know what you are seeking before you become committed to someone."
Emotionally mature Cancer is ruled by the moon, which is associated with one’s emotions, further pointing to the fact that this is someone who’s going to require a lot of nurturing. In practical terms, says Marmanides, this placement wants to feel heard, seen, and cared for. “There has to be a sense of safety in a relationship,” says Marmanides.
Leo in the 7th house
This placement can be filled with pleasure, warmth, and happiness. You're extremely generous in your relationships, and you like to feel appreciated in how you take care of others—and you like your attention and generosity to be reciprocated.
"You will need to be the star in your relationship, and sometimes your own insecurities may be taken out on those you love," says Crysler. "Do not go down the path of self-doubt, as it will cause issues in long-lasting relationships. Try not to get burdened by all day-to-day responsibilities, and allow yourself to ask your partner to pitch in and help you."
The only sign ruled by the sun, having Leo in the 7th house means that someone may want to show off their relationships because they might feel like those connections help them accomplish their life goals. “The sun is all about the self, so to have that ruling the seventh house of partnership… means that there's something about the relationship that really feels like you can help you shine,” says Marmanides.
Virgo in the 7th house
Virgo in the 7th house has a caring energy in relationships that prioritizes the well-being of others.
"You tend to have a healing hand and a capacity to extend that in your relationships," Crysler says. "You will need a practical partner who can live with a certain amount of structure; however, perfectionism is both unattainable and boring, so try to accept people for who they are. Learn to let go of past disappointment and not bring it into current relationships."
Virgo is also ruled by Mercury, like Gemini, so they tend to ask a lot of questions to get to know people better. Marmanides says this might be the type of person who wants to go to a movie mostly because they’d like to talk about it after. Virgo is also a sign of service, so they often are people who do favors for you—whether it’s helping you file your taxes or cleaning the bathroom with you. “They look at caretaking…[as] how they show their love,” says Marmanides.
Libra in the 7th house
"This is the natural position for the 7th house, so relationships will come with ease and be an important piece of your joy and contentment," Crysler says. "A possible pattern for this 7th house is you tend to lose your own identity to suit the needs of others. Make sure you know your non-negotiables and don't compromise what you are seeking in your relationships."
Even though you want to avoid confrontation at all costs, be sure to communicate.
Additionally, harmony-seeking Libra is ruled by Venus, which means this sign has a particular affinity toward any form of aesthetics—like art and fashion. Because of how much Libras value balance (their symbol is the scale, after all), Marmanides suggests being intentional about the energy you give to a 7th house Libra: “[Libra] wants to feel a completion aspect or a yin and yang—like a ‘We complete each other’ kind of vibe.” (Think: Brad Pitt matching the aesthetic of his romantic partner.)
Scorpio in the 7th house
"Scorpio’s energy to seek the unknown makes this 7th house somewhat challenging for others, depending on their partners' needs," says Crysler. "Scorpio loves intimacy and will need this to express their love or desires through connecting on a physical level with their partners, which can often mean they are a great sexual partner."
Physical intimacy aside, Scorpio in the 7th house tends to withdraw, retreat and put up walls, which can make it tough to create the well-rounded intimacy necessary for relationships. "The mysterious aspects of this sign can sometimes make it hard for others to get close to them," says Crysler. "Once trust is established, the relationship can be much more meaningful. Beware of jealousy or passiveness."
And because Scorpio’s modern ruler is Pluto (the planet of rebirth), “Somebody who has Scorpio in their seventh house is going to be someone who [believes that] relationships are about going deep,” says Marmanides.
Sagittarius in the 7th house
"Sagittarius ultimately needs to feel free," says Crysler. "This 7th-house sign is willing to explore things that may not suit everyone. Long-distance relationships may be typical for this sign, as the adventure will be appealing and fun."
Marmanides echoes Crysler’s statement: Sagittarius is “ruled by Jupiter, and that's going to give somebody a very optimistic and adventurous sense of what they want to bring to a relationship,” she says.
To help ensure these relationships last, be aware of and intentional with your word choice, which can skew biting. You might also want to steer clear of Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces love interests. "A dominant water-sign partner will get easily hurt, and might not be the best suited for you if you don't understand their emotional needs," Crysler says.
Capricorn in the 7th house
"Business partnerships will come [naturally] to this 7th house placement," says Crysler. "Loyalty will be a core value, making you a loving and committed partner; however, feeling responsible for others may become a burden and take away some of the magic and pleasurable aspects of your relationships."
Likewise, you may skew guarded, which may cause recurring conflict with anyone trying to get close. "Pay attention to the walls you put up around being vulnerable to someone," Crysler says. "You do not have control when it comes to love, so the sooner you learn to let your guard down and just enjoy it, the happier you will be."
And because Capricorn is ruled by good old Saturn (the planet of structure), there’s a sense of tradition and wanting marriage, a family, and similar things, says Marmanides. It might behoove you, then, to figure out what you do (and don’t) want, so that you can find a partner who shares that vision.
Aquarius in the 7th house
"This 7th house has their head in the clouds, and sometimes their emotions can run astray, making them unaware of how they can easily detach," says Crysler. "This is another sign that needs their independence. Too many rules in a relationship won't work; you'll get bored and check out. Your independence and staying true to who you are will be important, so you need a partner who can be accepting of that."
Because Aquarius’s modern ruler is Uranus (the planet of innovation), Marmanides says that a 7th-house Aquarian, like its zodiac neighbor Sagittarius, would be open to ethical non-monogamy the same that they would be to a long-distance relationship. “They’re going to prioritize forward-thinking and progressive ideals,” says Marmanides.
Pisces in the 7th house
"This 7th house is very caring, loving, and all about the romance," Crysler says. "You require affection and intimacy, as it will be your love language."
But, don't forget to give yourself some much-needed solo time—even if you don't realize how important it actually is for you. "Even though you would prefer to cuddle up to your partner most of the time, codependency may become an issue."
Pisces’ modern ruler is Neptune (the planet of inspiration), so it’s possible that this placement has a romanticized idea of love, says Marmanides. “There's almost that knight-in-shining-armor aspect to some of the connotations of Neptune, so…there's a deep, deep sense of romance and commitment.”
FAQ:
What is the 7th house responsible for?
The 7th house in astrology governs our relationships and relationship dynamics. This includes romantic relationships, professional relationships, spouses, and all other forms of partnerships.
What does the 7th house predict?
The 7th house in astrology reveals the things you value most in relationships as well as how you show up for the people in your life. These insights can predict who you might find lasting astrological compatibility with in regard to relationships.
“It can show the other side of us that we long for, someone who embodies a common principle we value,” says Marmanides.
Your 7th house can also predict potential areas of conflict and which relationship dynamics clash with your personality and the qualities you find attractive in others.
Which planet is bad to have in the 7th house?
“Having either Mars or Saturn in your seventh house could be indicators of challenges,” says Marmanides, “but I’d never say it was bad.”
Because Saturn is often considered the glue in relationships, you might be the type of person who takes their relationships super seriously. This could mean “that you’re a person who’s inclined to take relationships very seriously and not be willing to commit unless you’re sure. That could lead to a sense of longing or loneliness that comes from not finding the person who meets your criteria, but once you commit, you’re in it for the long haul,” says Marmanides.
While fun, Marmanides says that the fiery and aggressive (read: spicy!) aspects of Mars could pose a challenge for those who’d eventually like to settle down in a long-term relationship.
“Having a planet like Mars in your seventh house would show someone who is very passionate, sexual, and creative; a person who likes to charge or, at least, is attracted to someone who embodies those characteristics,” says Marmanides. “It would require you to be aware of, perhaps, a penchant for drama, excitement, or high-intensity love affairs. Again–is that necessarily bad? No! Just depends on the context of your personal life situation and personality.”
How do I find my 7th house in astrology?
You can find out what zodiac sign rules your 7th house by tracking down the details of your birth chart. Enter the details about your birth–the date, time of day, and geographical location–into an online birth chart calculator in order to find out what your 7th house ruler is.
How can I find out which planet rules my 7th house?
Just as each house is associated with a zodiac sign, every zodiac sign is ruled by a planet.
“Look at the sign that is on the cusp of the seventh house, meaning, what sign starts at the seventh house. Every sign is ruled by a certain planet. Then you’d look to see what that planet is doing in your personal birth chart. For example, if you have Sagittarius ruling your seventh house, that means your relationship planet is also Jupiter. What aspects does Jupiter make? What sign is your personal Jupiter in? What house? Transits to your 7th house ruler can be an indicator of a relationship entering your life or changing in some way.”
What if I don’t have any planets in my 7th house?
While researching your birth chart, you may discover that you don’t have a sign in your 7th house. Don’t fret: This is incredibly common, and it’s what astrologers call an ‘empty house’.
Empty houses in astrology occur when one of the 12 houses lacks a corresponding planet. “With only 10 traditional planets and 12 houses, we are all bound to have so-called ‘empty’ houses,” says Marmanides, “but there are other placements like asteroids, lunar nodes, and midpoints that could very easily be in your ‘empty’ house that you just may not be aware of.”
If your 7th house appears to be empty, worry not. Having an empty 7th house isn’t necessarily a sign that you’re lacking in the relationship department, and it certainly doesn't mean you're destined for a lonely life. In fact, it may actually be a good thing; because every planet carries specific and unique attributes that signify your relationship dynamics, they can be limiting. An empty 7th house signifies openness, a blank slate that can make you more astrologically compatible with a wider variety of 7th house placements.
“While having a planet in your 7th house can more readily indicate the kinds of themes you might encounter with partnerships, not having a planet in your seventh house is not an indicator that you are destined for singledom for life,” says Marmanides. “Even if literally no planet, point, or asteroid was in your seventh house, you will still get outer planets that will enter that house by transit,” says Marmanides.
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