Are you new to the world of astrology? If you are, we’d like to welcome you to this fantastic, mystical world of the stars. It can be hard or even overwhelming when you step into the celestial land of planets and aspects, as there is a vast array of information to unfold. Even if you’re familiar with many facets of this wonderful art, there is always something new to learn.

　　Today, we’ll be discussing houses—or more specifically, the Relationship Houses.

　　

What are Astrology Houses?

Each person on the planet has a birth chart (get yours here – it’s free!) that is made up of the planetary positions that were occurring at the moment of their birth.

　　Each chart is divided into 12 houses that connect to different facets of life, like romance, money, or spirituality.

　　Review: Homecoming: A 5-Minute Overview of the Astrological Houses

　　

The Relationship Houses

The relationship houses are made up of the 3rd, 7th, and 11th houses of the astrological wheel. Learning more about your birth chart and the aspects flowing through your 3rd, 7th, and 11th houses will tell you everything you need to know about the relationships in your life, whether romantic, platonic, familial, or professional.

　　Each house in the zodiacal wheel belongs to a trine—a group of three houses that share similar or connected energy. The 3rd, 7th, and 11th houses are all ruled by the element of Air, which is what connects these houses together.

　　Read This Next: What Your 1st, 5th & 9th Houses Say About You

　　

The 3rd House of Communication

The 3rd house is known as the house of communication, and it connects both communication and travel. This house is ruled by the sign Gemini, a social sign that represents intellect. It is also ruled by the planet Mercury, the planet of communication and travel.

　　This house represents the knowledge that you gather from this realm during your lifetime. In other words, it’s not connected to the spiritual knowledge that comes from beyond you, but rather those areas of study that you focus on in this corporeal realm.

　　This is the house of all communication—not just the words you share during conversations with others, but written, spoken, and even physical communication. This is why this house belongs to the trine of relationships. Understanding the aspects within your 3rd house can help you better understand how you communicate with others.

　　This house also relates to family and the things that you learn from your environment, including speech patterns. Understanding your 3rd house placements can give you a deeper insight into your connection with family members.

　　

The 7th House of Partnerships

The 7th house connects to the partnerships you have throughout your life. This house is ruled by the sign Libra, a very social sign indeed. Libras are the social butterflies of the zodiac. The ruling planet of the 7th house is Venus, the planet of love and beauty.

　　The partnerships associated with the 7th house go beyond romantic partners to include business partners and even friends. This house can also include partnerships through contracts, legal arrangements, or negotiations.

　　The 7th house gives us a deeper insight into why we choose certain partnerships. For instance, learning more about your 7th house can give you a better idea about your deepest desires regarding certain partnerships. Why would you choose to marry a certain person? For money? Love? Companionship? This house helps you uncover the things that you value most within a relationship.

　　Learning more about your 7th house placements can also give you a better idea of how your partnerships might grow and change throughout your life. This house also sheds light on the darker aspects of partnerships, like break ups. If you’re going through a stressful breakup or divorce, this house can give you a better idea of the bigger meaning.

　　

The 11th House of Friendships

The 11th house is known as the house of friendships. It is ruled by the sign Aquarius, a sign that is known for its preference of group activities over solo endeavors. The 11th house is also ruled by the planet Uranus, a planet of spontaneity and surprises.

　　This house can give you deeper insight into how you interact with people and how well you blend into group structures. While this is the house of friendships, it focuses largely on group dynamics, like institutions and organizations. Have you always participated in group activities and clubs? You may have a favorable placement within your 11th house!

　　The 11th house also gives you a better idea of what kind of friend you are. Are you a laid-back friend or are you overprotective with your pals? Do you prefer one-on-one hangouts or are you better in a crowd?

　　If you have a hard time making and keeping friends, this house can be particularly useful to study. Challenging aspects within the house of friends will show you what you need to work on or grow past in order to manifest deeper, more meaningful connections.

　　

The Connection Between the Relationship Houses

If you look at your birth chart and see heavy activity in the 3rd, 7th, and 11th houses, you’re probably someone who has a very active social life. Whether these social activities typically run smoothly is also determined by these houses.

　　Air, the ruling element of these houses, is a very social, friendly element. But like the wind, it can also become rough or even dangerous. This is why understanding your relationship houses is so important. People may enter your life like a destructive gust of wind, and it’s important that you understand your own approach to relationships to avoid being blown away.

　　Read This Next: Career Astrology – Using the 2nd, 6th & 10th Houses

　　

Understanding Your House Placements

Learning more about the houses in astrology gives you a better idea of the aspects in your chart because you can see what area of life they connect to. A challenging aspect in your 3rd house will tell you that this may relate to how you communicate with others.

　　Astrology is rich with meaning and messages, and learning about the houses is just another way to better understand the messages flowing to you from the stars.

　　Related Article: The Ultimate Guide to Birth Charts