The 7th House in Astrology Rules Relationships—Here’s What You Can Expect From Yours

Photo: Getty Images / Kevin Kozicki
Ever feel like the romantic relationship you're currently in is eerily reminiscent of those from your past? In cases like this, you may have to admit to yourself that it's actually not them—it's you. Or, to be more cosmically specific, it might be your 7th house in astrology, which focuses on long-term partnerships. Depending on the sign(s) in your 7th house, you may even be able to predict certain cosmic-sanctioned patterns of conflict. (For the record, not having any signs in your 7th house doesn't mean you're destined for a lonely life.)

The 7th house is all about who we are attracted to. "The 7th house rules relationships and how we partner with people," says astrologer Corina Crysler. "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. It can also show us what we need in our relationships or the patterns we continue to have in our relationships."

The 7th house in astrology can pertain to romantically partnered situations as well as business unions and creative collaborations.

To be clear, while the 7th house in astrology can often pertain to romantically partnered situations, it 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."

Before we dive deeper into breaking down the 7th house in astrology, though, let's do a quick refresh on astrological houses and how they correspond with planets and signs: Understand planets as forces that dwell in houses, signs as the personality the planets wear every day, and houses as where the traits of those signs express themselves. To learn what your 7th house placement is, turn to your ascendant sign, or rising sign; the zodiac sign opposite your ascendant, or your descendent sign, serves the relationship point and the beginning of your 7th house. To learn the placements of your houses, consult your natal chart (or use an online generator like this one).

Also important to know when considering the 7th house in astrology is that each sign has a planetary ruler, which influences how the sign expresses itself. Planetary rulers also give folks insights into the specific personality traits of each zodiac sign, says astrologer Maria Sofia Marmanides, who’s also the author of forthcoming The One Card Tarot Journal.

Now that you're up to speed, keep reading to learn how your 7th house zodiac sign might mean for you.

How to use the 7th house in astrology to get insight into your relationship patterns

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, then, 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."

Likewise, 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 a 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 natural 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.”

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