The 1st house of the horoscope

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Houses of the Horoscope
The 1st house of the horoscope

Date 20 Jan 2023

TAGS first house of the horoscope, lagna, jyotish, planets, the condition of the person, horoscope

The first house of the horoscope shows most vividly the nature of the person in this incarnation and is responsible for: one's own “I”, the personality, health, vitality, vital energy, the length of life, the build and outward appearance, the figure, the physical body, the hair, character, disposition, temperament, the inner nature, merits, intellect, joy, success or failure in affairs, happiness, prosperity, the general state of affairs, fame (together with the 10th house and the Sun), the beginning of life, childhood, age, the external surroundings.

The Lagna (the point in the rising sign of the zodiac occupying the first house) plays a most important role in the chart and determines the strength of the horoscope.

An affliction of the Lagna or of the Lagnesha (the lord of the 1st house) by a Badhaka planet (a planet that is the lord of the house of obstacles in a person's chart) is as if it punched a hole in the horoscope, through which vital energy escapes. The placement of a combust planet on the Ascendant does not allow full success in life to be attained and noticeably spoils married life. The more positive the rising sign, the longer the person will live, the more influential people will respect him, and the happier the various chance events on his path of life will be.

If the Lagnesha aspects its own house, the person will be very talented, well-to-do and will become the pride of his family. If the Lagna receives an aspect of a benefic planet, everything in the person's life will be good. A malefic aspect, on the other hand, worsens the prospects of life.

The 1st house — being the most important! — belongs both to the kendra houses (the 1st, 4th, 7th, 10th houses — the foundation of the horoscope or the houses of Vishnu's abode), and to the trikona houses (the 1st, 5th, and 9th — the houses of fortune or the houses of Lakshmi's abode). The trikona houses also belong to the category of houses of Dharma (the 1st, 5th, and 9th) houses.

The first house of the horoscope — the indications

Karakas of the 1st house: the Sun (health, energy, the length of life); the Moon (the body); Mars (the skull).

Significations: The surface level — the physical body. The subtle level — the build, health.

Jupiter and Mercury receive directional strength here. The house of one's own “I” (together with the 3rd, 10th and 11th)

Relatives represented by the house: the mother's father, the father's mother.

Parts of the body: the head, the upper part of the face, the hair, the skin, the neck, the pelvis.

Drekkanas: 1 — the head, 2 — the neck, 3 — the pelvis.

Tanu bhava (the body).

Factors strengthening the Ascendant:

the placement of benefic planets in it;
the aspects of benefic planets;
benefic planets on both sides of the Lagna.

Factors weakening the Ascendant:

the placement of inauspicious planets in it;
the aspects of inauspicious planets;
inauspicious planets on both sides of the Lagna;
a placement in the navamsha or drekkana of an inauspicious planet.

Note: here the natural auspiciousness of the planets is meant.

The Lagnesha (the lord of the 1st house) receives strength when:

it is in its own house;
it is placed in the company of friendly planets;
it falls into the 11th house;
it is hemmed in between benefic planets;
it receives favourable aspects;
it is exalted;
it falls into a friendly sign in the Navamsha;
it occupies a friendly sign in the Drekkana;
it is joined with benefic planets;
it is placed in a friendly sign;
it is in a kendra or a trikona.

The Lagnesha is weakened when:

it occupies an unsuitable sign;
it is in conjunction with inauspicious planets;
it falls into the 3rd, 6th, 8th or 12th house;
it is hemmed in between inauspicious planets;
it receives malefic aspects;
it is debilitated or combust;
it is placed in the sign of a hostile planet in the Navamsha or Drekkana charts.

The lord of the first house (the Lagnesha) in the houses of the horoscope

The 1st house is considered favourable. And wherever the ruler of the 1st house is placed, there will be an area of vitality and interest. And the affairs of that house will flourish. However one should also consider the nature and the placement of the ruler in the sign. Mars and Saturn will not bring as much benefit as Venus or Jupiter, and since they are malefic, they may naturally cause harm. Concerning the signs the following may be said: Mercury, as the lord of the ascendant, in Virgo will give quite different results than in Pisces. In Virgo Mercury is in exaltation and gives excellent results, while in Pisces, the sign of its fall, it will give entirely opposite effects. Besides, if the planet under consideration is aspected by several malefic planets, it cannot give good results. The key to astrological work is the consideration of the multitude of influences involved in any placement.

The lord of the 1st house in the 1st house:

His own master, egocentric, enjoys fame and a good reputation, inconstant, fearless, overcomes opponents. Such a position guarantees robust health, praiseworthy personal qualities, a long and successful life. The first of the children is usually a son. (Shri G. S. Agarwal)

The planet is in svakshetra (its own house). A happy childhood, a good beginning of life, birth into a rich or noble family, robustness, health, strength, respect, a strong dharma, happiness, an ability to be a leader, longevity. (James Braha)

A strong, attractive person, independent in spirit; probably a double marriage. Such people may be selfish, or else possess an excessively bodily consciousness. This placement gives physical strength and wide fame. (Tom Hopke)

Strength of character, attractiveness, independence, egoism, problems in family life, several marriages. (Indubala)

The lord of the 1st house in the 2nd house:

Educated, an erudite, a missionary, decent, just, well-off, earns by his own labour, is distinguished by noble traits of character and astonishing far-sightedness, cares for the well-being of his family, somewhat petty-bourgeois interests. Suffers from enemies. The first child is a boy. (Shri G. S. Agarwal)

Wealth, a good education, learning; an interest and, possibly, a career in education; a happy family life, honesty, good speech, oratorical data, an interest in financial affairs. (James Braha)

The person will be very attached to family life and will be skilled in earning money. Such qualities as restlessness, magnanimity and a small number of children should be expected. A good education and a capacity for foresight manifest. (Tom Hopke)

Attachment to the family, an ability to earn money, a good education, eloquence, practicality, prudence. (Indubala)

The lord of the 1st house in the 3rd house:

Courageous, influential, wise, compassionate, respectful, rich, enjoys respect, has good friends and relatives, engages in charity, travels a great deal, egocentric. (Shri G. S. Agarwal)

Gains from brothers and sisters, boldness, enterprise, one's own efforts are crowned with success, a strong will, persistence, a nature with strong desires. An interest and, possibly, a career in music, dance or drama. (James Braha)

A bold, free-thinking and generous person, with skilful hands, with impressive speech. They will have many marriage partners, and will occupy a respected place in society. (Tom Hopke)

Boldness, sociability, happiness, intelligence, an inclination towards writing or a talent for dealing with people, several marriages. (Indubala)

The lord of the 1st house in the 4th house:

Handsome, from a noble family, sensual, voluptuous, ambitious, happy, does good deeds, owns landed property and family property, prospers thanks to his own efforts, works at the bidding of the heart, not of the mind. The person's parents live happily. (Shri G. S. Agarwal)

The person will get his own house, land, cars, yachts and various immovable property, a good status or fame, respect, happiness from the mother, hereditary property, an academic degree, longevity, good health, a spiritual nature or an interest in moksha (final liberation). (James Braha)

A person of good origin, an owner of property; friendly, popular. These people are educated, own a large number of means of transport, and are attached to their property, to the domestic setting. (Tom Hopke)

A good origin, warmth of heart, benevolence, attachment to the mother and to the family, voluptuousness. The ownership of property and means of transport. (Indubala)

The lord of the 1st house in the 5th house:

Works in the organs of power, is carried away by sport and by various kinds of pleasant pastime, does not receive particular satisfaction from fatherhood, although his children attain success in life. Polite, curious, receives pleasure from creative pursuits. With an affliction difficult relations with children are possible. (Shri G. S. Agarwal)

The lord of dharma in another house of dharma — favourable in the sense of a strong dharma, reasonableness, education, successful investments, wealth, happiness, fortune, respect, a high status or fame, faith and devotion to God, a knowledge of mantras, an interest in religious practices, high moral standards, noble qualities, dignity, modesty. Profits from the government or from politics. A great credit from a previous incarnation; a predetermination to follow the same path as in a previous life. This position increases the length of life. (James Braha)

A keen mind, a passionate character. Failures connected with children. Good teachers and professional diplomats come from such people. (Tom Hopke)

A strong intellect, emotionality, pedagogical inclinations. Problems with children are possible. (Indubala)

The lord of the 1st house in the 6th house:

Courage, a royal status, material abundance, a weak immune system, frequent indispositions, the probability of debts. For rising Taureans and Scorpios such a position delivers one from illnesses, endows one with money and a high status, but activates ill-wishers. The person loves to engage in sport, wrestling or yoga. (Shri G. S. Agarwal)

Problems with health, difficulties, the length of life is reduced, unhappiness, suffering, an unhappy childhood, an unfavourable beginning of life; a tendency to be accused in a court of law, if the other indications confirm it; a connection with the maternal uncle, hard work. An interest in special diets or healing practices and self-improvement. Work is a vitally important factor, an ability for good earnings; wealth comes slowly and after persistent work, but it comes. (James Braha)

On their path these people meet with obstacles, with debts, illnesses, enemies, but have enough strength to overcome them. They act well in a position of subordination, in the medical or military fields. (Tom Hopke)

The overcoming of numerous obstacles, debts, sickliness, victory over enemies. (Indubala)

The lord of the 1st house in the 7th house:

A good name and popularity, an early marriage, an absence of a feeling of attachment to the family, many public enemies, a heightened interest in the opposite sex. Such a person always craves what is not available to him. An affliction of the planet has a bad effect on the length of the spouse's life and on finances. (Shri G. S. Agarwal)

A love marriage. A beautiful, rich or devoted spouse. Gains from the spouse's family. Strength, fortune and respect, since the lord of the ascendant in the 7th house aspects its own house. A strong sexual nature, strong desires. Long trips or residence in foreign countries. (James Braha)

The result will be abilities for business and much travel. Sufferings connected with marriage are possible. At a late stage of life these people become ascetics. They have good abilities for interacting with other people; they work for the good of society. (Tom Hopke)

Sociability, commercial abilities, much travel, an ability to establish good relationships with other people. Problems in marriage are possible. (Indubala)

The lord of the 1st house in the 8th house:

Receives pleasure from investigating the secret, hidden, mysterious facets of life and occult subjects, knows how to give sound advice, attains academic heights. An expert in games of chance, miserly, light-fingered, lives long, but is often ill, depraved, starts secret romances, receives an inheritance and financial gains from marriage, has harmful and vile habits, is inclined towards suicide. (Shri G. S. Agarwal)

Poor health, weak vitality, a short life, an unattractive appearance, an absence of self-respect, difficulties, sufferings, an unhappy childhood, an unfavourable beginning of life. A tendency to be accused; accusation in a court of law, if the other indications confirm it. Accidents or prolonged illnesses, great debts, an absence of recognition or fame are possible. Gains from the spouse's money, profits from insurance companies, success in the occult sciences or in yoga. A tendency towards spiritual life, asceticism or moksha. (James Braha)

This serves as a sign of sufferings during the period of youth and of sinful attachments, such as games of chance and illicit sex. They are educated in the fields of transcendental philosophy and psychology; they can give good advice. (Tom Hopke)

Much suffering and many crises in life, sickliness, an inclination towards extramarital affairs, immorality is possible. An interest in psychology and occultism. (Indubala)

The lord of the 1st house in the 9th house:

Prosperity, incredible fortune, sattvic [that is, blissful, pure or noble] deeds, profit from the father, every initiative ends in success. Pleasant, a believer, educated, eloquent, travels a great deal, relates well to kinsfolk, has a wife and children, is liked by those around him. (Shri G. S. Agarwal)

The lord of a house of dharma in another house of dharma — very favourable. A happy destiny, wealth, fortune, prosperity, help from the father, the receipt of the father's property, high moral qualities, a religious cast of mind, mercy, universal respect or fame, health and strength, a long life, a strong dharma. (James Braha)

This is a sign of devotion to God, a sign of a fortunate person, able to speak well, having a good marriage partner and good children, and also a good future life. They are magnanimous and can do much good to other people. (Tom Hopke)

Piety, faith in God, family happiness, wealth. (Indubala)

The lord of the 1st house in the 10th house:

Fame, a good name, royal honours, wealth earned by his own labour, prospering in his sphere of activity, a happy life of the father. (Shri G. S. Agarwal)

Respect or fame, a good career, an excellent reputation, a high status, health, strength, a long life, a successful dharma, wealth. (James Braha)

Success in work and fame; these are karma yogis — people who believe in themselves and in the importance of their activity. They are attractive in appearance, have a good origin, and their mind is absorbed in ambitious thoughts. (Tom Hopke)

Ambition, talents, success, fame, attractiveness, the support of the government. (Indubala)

The lord of the 1st house in the 11th house:

Good personal qualities, income, fame, many friends, love affairs; is concentrated mainly on his personal life. (Shri G. S. Agarwal)

Gains from elder relatives, an abundance of favourable opportunities, success in attaining high goals and desires, wealth, an ability for good earnings, a nature with strong desires. (James Braha)

These are influential people, receiving a certain pleasure in helping others. They receive great profit as a result of commercial activity. They have a circle of influential friends. They are happy, their goals are attained by them. (Tom Hopke)

Happiness, the fulfilment of desires, a good position in society, high patronage, successful capital investments. (Indubala)

The lord of the 1st house in the 12th house:

Irascibility, physical indispositions, wisdom; useless expenditures, although on the whole this position contributes to a reduction of spending. The possibility of work abroad. (Shri G. S. Agarwal)

Many difficulties, unhappiness, sufferings, great debts, an absence of self-confidence, an unattractive appearance, weak health, little vitality, an absence of recognition or fame, an unhappy childhood, an unfavourable beginning of life. The person will leave the place where he was born. A tendency to be accused in a court of law, if the other indications confirm it; there may be periods of restriction of freedom (hospital, prison, monastery and so on). A good sexual life, life in “unknown places” (that is, in remote lands, such as India, Africa and others). A tendency towards spiritual life, asceticism or yoga. Success in meditation or yoga. The performance of good deeds without the intention of receiving a reward in this life, which is favourable for the life after death (that is, for the attainment of the heavens), little interest in earthly life — an excellent position for self-realisation and the attainment of enlightenment. (James Braha)

These people take part in sacrificial or charitable undertakings. Either by force of circumstances or by their own choice they lose their former position and find themselves in unusual surroundings. They feel an interest in self-knowledge; they waver, suffer as a consequence of losses and turn to the renounced order of life for the sake of attaining the absolute good. (Tom Hopke)

Charity, fortune abroad, losses, an inclination towards solitude. (Indubala)

The lords of the houses of the horoscope in the first house (the Lagna)

The lord of the 1st house in the Lagna: his own master, egocentric, enjoys fame and a good reputation, inconstant, fearless, overcomes opponents. Such a position guarantees robust health, praiseworthy personal qualities, a long and successful life. The first of the children is usually a son.

The lord of the 2nd house in the Lagna: earns by his own efforts, builds his future himself, is not deprived of money and sons, passionate, lustful, heartless, coarse, is at odds with relatives, experiences financial upheavals, works in subordination.

The lord of the 3rd house in the Lagna: tall, thin, unhealthy, bold, manly, with a hot temperament, sensual, obtains his means of subsistence by strenuous labour, not very friendly disposed towards people, vengeful. Is versed in music and theatre. If the planet is well placed in the horoscope, the person builds his own fortune and is reputed as an expert in the field of music, dance and acting.

The lord of the 4th house in the Lagna: well-read, a good education, warm relations with father and mother, the possession of landed property, real estate and means of transport, nobility, a fear of speaking before the public, a feeling of inner harmony. After a long and happy life in marriage he may become a hermit. There is a probability that the person will be left without an inheritance.

The lord of the 5th house in the Lagna: learning, inconstancy of character, greed, the joy of motherhood/fatherhood.

The lord of the 6th house in the Lagna: frail health (with the exception of Venus for the Lagna of Taurus), prosperity, honour and respect, virtuousness, adventurism. Is at odds with people from his circle.

The lord of the 7th house in the Lagna: the partner will dominate, although on the whole the couple seem made for each other, hidden sensual desires, pursues married women; quick-witted, cowardly, complains of indispositions caused by an imbalance of the Vata dosha.

The lord of the 8th house in the Lagna: illnesses, bodily discomfort, physical defects, wounds. This position makes the person an atheist, has a bad influence on the length of life (aspects of Venus or Jupiter smooth over this negative influence) and on relations with superiors, but in a woman's chart it contributes to a prosperous married life.

The lord of the 9th house in the Lagna: educated, fortunate, famous, charismatic, prospering, well-to-do, respected in society, receives state awards, has no enemies. A noticeable influence of the father. In a woman's chart an indicator of housekeeping ability.

The lord of the 10th house in the Lagna: learned, distinguished, a creative nature. Income grows day by day. In childhood he faces want, difficulties and is often ill.

The lord of the 11th house in the Lagna: content with life, well provided for, always with money, becomes more prosperous after the wedding, speaks well, sincere, a poetic and sattvic nature.

The lord of the 12th house in the Lagna: has a weakness for intoxicating substances, wasteful, greedy, unhealthy, a fragile build, an imbalance of the Kapha dosha (problems with breathing, tuberculosis, illnesses of the lungs). Undertakings do not bring the expected profit.

The planets in the 1st house

The Sun in the 1st house
Egoism, pride, a sense of one's own importance, independence, energy, a love of magnificent ceremonies, of travel, a fondness for politics, difficulties in family life. These people feel an attraction to famous people and may themselves become renowned. They can become good leaders, they have excellent organisational qualities, a kind heart, they are dependable and deserve trust. They love solitude, cannot bear it when others try to direct them, yet they themselves gladly accept the service of others. They are endowed with a longing for self-knowledge and strive to work for the sake of some good cause.

The Moon in the 1st house
A gentle and romantic character, beauty, popularity, sensitivity, excessive mental activity, much travel, changes in life. These are beautiful, pleasant people, able to love, capable of working for the good of society. Their family life is, as a rule, happy.

Mars in the 1st house
Enterprise, an inclination towards competition, energy, athleticism, a love of arguments, problems in family life, divorces or several marriages. These people are ambitious and will do everything to attain their goals. They own property, are versed in mechanics, are brave and independent, often suffer from fire and accidents; good brothers, colleagues or soldiers defending some conquest come from them.

Mercury in the 1st house
Talkativeness, cheerfulness, tidiness, shrewdness, quickness of understanding, a good education, haste and restlessness. Such people are capable in business, have many friends, literary inclinations. They look harmless, dress well, and love medicine, astrology, religion, philosophy.

Jupiter in the 1st house
Good health, courage, a long life, an attractive appearance. They are good teachers, philosophers, excellent parents. They may have employees or followers. They are tall and stout.

Venus in the 1st house
Beauty, attractiveness, charisma. Such people are inclined towards art, and may be good leaders or teachers. Fortune accompanies them in affairs connected with cars and with the opposite sex. Their health suffers as a consequence of excessive indulgence, of the abuse of something.

Saturn in the 1st house
Reliability, humility, failures during the period of youth, family troubles, slowness, scepticism. Such people adapt well to various surroundings and bow down before everything foreign.

Rahu in the 1st house
Strong feelings, sexual impulses, fame, eccentricity, inconstancy, more than one marriage, criticality, destructive actions.

Ketu in the 1st house
An ability to work persistently for the sake of attaining a goal, absent-mindedness, an ardent imagination, an average length of life. In family life there are often conflicts, and they may be interested in occult or spiritual questions.

Indubala Devi Dasi (I. V. Pozdeyeva) “Jyotish, or Vedic astrology”.

Mutual exchange between the houses of the horoscope

The 1st and the 2nd — good traits of character and manners, intelligence, enthusiasm, strength, easy earnings, prosperity, magnanimity, generous with gifts.

The 1st and the 3rd — Khala yoga, a post in the government, strenuous labour, many opponents, sharp sarcastic speech, inconstancy, promiscuous love affairs.

The 1st and the 4th — attached to the mother, has much movable and immovable property, owns personal transport.

The 1st and the 5th — Vidya yoga, well-read, quick-witted, an erudite, a well-known personality in his family, listens to his father, has obedient sons, will fall under the influence of a son.

The 1st and the 6th — a robust build and health, brave, influential, jealous, unfriendly, acquisitive.

The 1st and the 7th — susceptible to women, works for his father or for his wife's brother.

The 1st and the 8th — a daredevil, a stubborn person, a hooligan, a gambler, a swindler.

The 1st and the 9th — enjoys royal honours, lives abroad, engages in charity, serves his teacher, believes in God, performs noble deeds.

The 1st and the 10th — rich, distinguished, somewhat stingy, an independent profession or his own business, great profits, personal transport.

The 1st and the 11th — educated, well provided for, earns by honest means, spends little, endowed with patience and persistence, lives long and does good deeds.

The 1st and the 12th — not distinguished by particular intelligence, greedy, avaricious, dissolute, short-sighted, extremely unpopular, travels or resides abroad.

Observations concerning the first house and its lord

The placement of the Lagnesha in the nakshatra of a naturally beneficial planet says that the person will achieve everything in life himself.
The Lagnesha in debilitation is encountered in the charts of those from poor families, but a cancellation of the debilitation promises enormous prosperity obtained by one's own labour.
A person with the Moon and Ketu in the Lagna will come to wisdom by way of intellectual reflections.
Rising Aries and Scorpios have a hot temperament and are subject to haemorrhoids.
A meeting of the lords of all the trines in the 7th house shows a noticeable improvement of the material position after the wedding.
A conjunction of the owners of the 1st, 5th and 9th houses in the Lagna, in the 4th or 10th forms a powerful Raja yoga.
The Lagnesha and Jupiter in the 4th grant happiness unclouded by anything.
The placement of the Lagnesha in an Upachaya house gives the Ascendant strength, provided that there is no Shakata yoga in the chart.
If the Lagna falls into the nakshatra of Rahu or is afflicted, the period of the Lagnesha may prove fatal.
The placement of the Moon with Rahu on the Ascendant in the sign of Scorpio turns the person into a volcano of passions with an extremely emotional and intolerable character, frequent changes of mood and sympathies and antipathies arising out of nowhere.
The dispositor of the Lagnesha plays a very important role in the horoscope: a strong dispositor increases the potential of a weak Lagna, while a weakened one, in its turn, may shake even a firmly standing ruler of the Lagna.
A combust Lagnesha indicates a fragile bodily constitution.
Persons with an exalted dispositor of the lord of the Lagna in the chart bring fortune to those people with whom they deal, and to those places that they visit.
Mars as the ruler of the Ascendant gives a youthful outward appearance and a heightened sexual appetite. The same effects arise with the placement of Mars in the Lagna.
If Mercury has a relation to the 1st house (as its owner or thanks to a placement in it), the person will behave like a child even when he grows up.
The Moon in the sign of Scorpio in the Lagna indicates a suspicious and dissatisfied nature with a tongue sharper than a blade.
As much harm as the lord of the 8th house can pour out on the person, so much good can the Lagnesha measure out to him.
In the dasha of the ruler of the nakshatra where the Lagna is placed, a rise in the career occurs.
If the Ascendant is hemmed in in a Papa-kartari yoga, and moreover receives the influence of Saturn, the person's main desires will never be realised.
A retrograde Lagnesha gives a non-standard cast of thinking.
Rising Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces usually are not distinguished by robust health, although the placement near the cusp of the Lagna of a powerful benefic planet may correct this.
For the Ascendant to be strong, an aspect of its ruler, of benefic planets, or joint aspects of Jupiter and Mercury, or of a Yoga-karaka, or else of an exalted planet, is needed.
Important points of the horoscope which it is very desirable to be in good condition: the Lagna, the lunar Lagna, the Atmakaraka, the Paka Lagna (the sign in which the lord of the Lagna stands) and the Lagnesha.
One should always pay attention to the position of the initial Lagna in the divisional charts. Its being in a kendra, a trikona or in the 11th house of the varga positively influences the significations of that divisional chart. It is better for the initial Lagna not to fall into the 6th, 8th or 12th houses of any varga, otherwise its potential will be reduced and the person will not be able to taste fully all the fruits promised by the divisional chart.
If the Lagna is ruled by Mercury, Venus or Jupiter, which is placed in an angular house or in a trikona, such blessings as a sound mind, a long life, wealth and the patronage of the authorities will fall to the person.

Some combinations connected with the indications of the first house of the horoscope and showing the condition of the person's body,

The Lagnesha in its own navamsha and in conjunction with a benefic planet guarantees a healthy body.
A weakened Lagnesha and inauspicious planets placed in the 1st house deprive one of bodily comfort.
A conjunction of the Lagnesha with a dry planet (the Sun, Saturn or Mars) makes the person thin;
Inauspicious planets in the Lagna in a dry sign (Aries, Leo, Scorpio, Capricorn or Aquarius) also give leanness.
The dispositor of the Lagnesha in the 6th, 8th or 12th houses also indicates thinness.
The Lagna and the Lagnesha under the influence of dry and malefic planets (Rahu, Saturn and Mars) make the figure slender.
The person's height depends on the nature of the sign in which the Lagnesha is placed, and also on the qualities of the planets connected with it. Gemini, Leo, Sagittarius and Aquarius give tall stature; Aries, Virgo, Libra and Scorpio — average; Taurus, Cancer, Capricorn and Pisces — short stature. The position of the lord of the Ascendant at the beginning of a sign makes the person tall, closer to the middle of the sign — a height above average, in the second half of the sign — an average and below-average height, and when the Lagnesha reaches the end of the sign, the height will be small. Mercury, Ketu and a waning Moon in the Lagna shorten the figure, Jupiter gives an average height, and Saturn and Rahu — a tall one.
If the Lagnesha is in a tall sign, the person will be tall.
The Moon in the 4th sign from Saturn in the first or last degree of a sign of quick ascension indicates a short figure.
A benefic planet in the status of the Lagnesha in a short sign in the absence of any aspects gives short stature; a similar effect is also observed from an aspect of the Lagnesha from a short sign on the Lagna.
An aspect of Jupiter on the Lagna creates excess weight; an aspect of Saturn slims one down.
The Lagna under the aspects of the Sun and Mars gives a muscular, robust body, under the influence of Rahu — tall stature, under the aspect of the Moon — a somewhat plump figure, a pale face with piercing and roving eyes. An aspect of Venus on the Lagna gives beauty, charm and gracefulness; the influence of Ketu — short stature.

The person will possess good health if:

the Lagnesha, the Sun, the Moon or a naturally beneficial planet aspect the Ascendant;
the Lagna and its ruler are not afflicted;
the lords of the 6th, 8th and 12th houses are in no way connected with the Lagna or the Lagnesha;
the Lagnesha is not placed in the 6th, 8th or 12th houses.

Combinations determining the characteristics of the person

Look at which sign the Sun is placed in in the Trimshamsha: its dispositor has a relation to the person's guna.
The shade of the skin may be judged by the lord of the sign of the Moon's navamsha.
People with Lagnas in even constellations and Moons in odd ones possess a delicate body, but a quick mind and masculine traits of character. The opposite effect is produced by the placement of the Lagna in an odd sign and the Moon in an even one.

The build

A conjunction of the Lagnesha and the ruler of the lunar Lagna gives a robust build;
If the Lagnesha together with a benefic planet are in a moist sign (Taurus, Cancer, Libra, Scorpio or Pisces) or receive an aspect of a watery planet (the Moon or Venus) — this is an indicator of a robust bodily constitution;
A strong Lagnesha and benefic planets in the 1st house, an absence of malefic aspects to the Lagna — a healthy build;
Jupiter is in the Lagna or aspects it, or the Atmakaraka falls into the navamsha of Gemini — a good figure.

Age and outward appearance

A person with Ketu in the 2nd bhava looks older than his years; the same effect is produced by Rahu, Saturn, the Sun or Jupiter in the Ascendant;
If the Moon or Venus is placed in the Lagna, the person's outward appearance corresponds to his age;
A person with Mars in the Lagna or in the 11th house looks younger than his years.

Baldness

The signs of Taurus or Sagittarius in the Lagna under malefic aspects;
The Lagna is occupied by an inauspicious planet and ruled by one;
An aspect of Mars to the Moon in Cancer in a chart with the rising sign of Leo, Sagittarius, Scorpio or Virgo;
The Sun on the Ascendant in the signs of Leo, Sagittarius or Aquarius;
Mars and Ketu in the Lagna of Leo.

Shamelessness

A conjunction of the Moon and Mercury under the aspect of Mars;
Mercury with Venus in the Lagna opposite Mars in the 7th;
Jupiter in the 1st bhava under the aspect of Mars;
A weak Moon together with Mars in a dusthana.

Indecency

Mars in the 3rd house without any favourable aspects;
The lord of the 4th or 9th house in the 6th;
A conjunction of a strong Mars with Mercury;
A strong Mercury in the company of an inauspicious planet in the 9th house;
The placement of the lord of the 10th house in the 8th or 4th;
The 4th house is surrounded by inauspicious planets;
An affliction of the 4th house by a malefic placed in it or by an unfavourable aspect;
A conjunction of Mars with Rahu or with Saturn in the 4th bhava.

Hypocrisy

Mercury in Aries;
A conjunction of Rahu, Mars and Saturn in any house;
The Lagnesha Mercury in the 6th.

Simple-heartedness

The 4th house in the sign of a benefic planet, or occupied by one, or under favourable aspects, or simply in good condition;
A planet in the 4th house is in its own sign or in exaltation, plus under the influence of a benefic planet;
The Lagnesha possesses strength or is in the 4th bhava in the company of beneficial planets;
Jupiter and Venus in the Lagna or aspecting it.

Timidity/cowardice

The Ascendant under the aspect of a weak Mars.

Courage

Mars in the 1st, 7th or 10th house.

Anger

A weak Mars in the 1st or 7th house under the aspect of Saturn;
The placement of Mars in the Lagna or in the 7th house;
The Lagnesha lurks in the 8th or 12th house;
A weakened ruler of the lunar Lagna stands in the 5th or 9th house;
Ketu being in the 3rd;
The joint influence of Mars and Saturn on the Lagnesha.

Indulgence

The Sun aspected by Mars in a watery sign;
The lord of the 4th in the Lagna or the Lagnesha in the 4th house;
A strong 4th house or the placement of a benefic planet in the 4th.

A merry fellow

The Navamsha Lagna occupies a sign of Mercury;
Mercury and Mars join in a sign of Saturn;
An opposition of Mercury in the Lagna to Jupiter in the 7th;
A strong 11th house or the placement of benefic planets in the 11th house;
The lord of the 11th house is on the Ascendant;
The 11th house is ruled by a strong beneficial planet.

A heightened sexual appetite

The placement of Venus in the 7th house, or in Gemini, or in its own sign, or in its own navamsha, or under the aspect of an inauspicious planet;
Venus is in the signs of Pisces or Virgo and at the same time in the 6th, 8th or 12th houses;
The lord of the 2nd house is in the 1st, 5th or 10th;
A conjunction of Mars and Venus in the chart, when Jupiter rules the 6th house;
Mutual aspects of the rulers of the 5th and 7th houses.

An outcast

A conjunction of Jupiter and Rahu under the aspect of an inauspicious planet;
Debilitation of Jupiter in the natal Rashi chart or in the Navamsha.

Idleness or laziness

A conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn;
The Lagna under bad aspects.

Misfortune

A malefic planet in the 12th house;
A very weak Lagnesha;
The ruler of the Lagna joins an afflicted Mars.

Eats quickly

The lord of the 2nd possesses strength and adjoins a benefic;
The owner of the 2nd house is in a movable sign;
The 2nd house is in the power of a benefic planet or under its aspect.

Eats slowly

The influence of inauspicious planets on the 2nd house (placement, rulership, aspect);
The lord of the 2nd house is placed in a fixed sign.

Eloquence or talkativeness

Saturn in the 7th house, and the Moon in the 10th;
A conjunction of Saturn with Venus in the 2nd house, provided that the Sun stands in a sign of Saturn;
Mercury in Leo in the horoscope of a person born in the daytime;
Mercury in Cancer, when the birth took place at night;
The lord of the 2nd house together with a benefic planet is in a kendra or a trikona;
A well-aspected conjunction of the ruler of the 2nd house with a masculine planet;
The placement of Jupiter in the navamsha of Mercury; a Vargottama Jupiter in conjunction with a beneficial planet.

Character

rising Aries, Gemini, Leo and Sagittarius — extraverts;
rising Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn and Aquarius — introverts;
rising Taurus, Cancer, Libra and Pisces are usually attached to the family and do not complain about life.

The risk of accidents

A conjunction of the Lagnesha with the ruler of the 22nd drekkana or of the 64th navamsha from the Moon;
The Lagnesha in the Lagna under the aspect of Mars and Ketu.

Other indications

The characteristics of the person will be told by the guna of the sign (Sattva, Rajas, Tamas) in which the Moon is placed in the Trimshamsha chart.
The guna of the sign occupied by the Sun in the Trimshamsha may give some information about the character, habits and temperament of the person.
The Moon in Aries, Taurus or Cancer on the Ascendant will endow the person with beauty and wealth.
The influence of the Sun on the Lagna reduces the amount of hair, while the influence of Saturn gives thick hair.

Additional information about the first house in Vedic astrology

The main meanings: The head and the face, outward appearance, the build and everything relating to the body, life, behaviour, character, health, longevity, the place and circumstances of birth, the childhood and youthful years, honour and dignity, fame, joys and sorrows, prestige, strength or weakness (both of the body and of the personality), victory over enemies, virtuousness.

Common: Special marks, the skin and hair, harmoniousness, proportionality in all manifestations, respect, authority, general brilliance and magnificence, or, on the contrary, the loss of authority, disgrace and dishonour; caste, social status, various advantages or their absence, the presence or absence of protection, patronage; earnings, means of subsistence, help from relatives; the grandfather on the mother's side and the grandmother on the father's side; the present time, new undertakings, politics, abilities and inclinations, thinking, illnesses and accidents, recovery, residence abroad, an inclination to give offence to those around.

Rare: Sleep and dreams, reveries, games of chance, knowledge, old age, the stomach (its illnesses and so on).

Commentaries: As we see from this list, from the first house conclusions are sometimes drawn about certain questions relating, in general, to the competence of other houses. Among them, in particular, are such “subjects” as honour and dignity, fame, profession and earnings — questions usually ascribed to the tenth house; illnesses and victory over enemies (the sixth house); games of chance, the processes of thinking and discernment (the fifth house), and so on.

Since the first house as a microcosm has a relation to practically all the themes of the horoscope, any planet in one way or another connected with the ascendant (placed on the ascendant or aspecting it, or, what is less significant, joined with the planet that is the lord of the first house or connected with it by aspect), inevitably colours with its properties all sides of the life of the owner of this chart. If, for example, Mars exerts an influence on the ascendant, it paints all sides of life in “Martian” colours. It may give bravery with a tinge of irritability, an inclination towards aggression — at least in words, may prompt the person to choose a “Martian” profession; may give illnesses connected with Mars, and so on. When, however, the influence of Mars extends only to the fifth house, and not to the first, such a person will possibly possess a keen, sarcastic mind, but will far from always be able to express his thoughts in words, because the fifth house governs the intellect, but does not exert an influence on speech.

Turning to the rare meanings of the first house, we may note that a person's dreams, hopes or aspirations, as one of these meanings, will to a considerable degree depend on the character of the planets acting upon the ascendant of the horoscope. The inclination towards games of chance in some people is nothing other than one of the manifestations of their general inclination towards risk. As regards knowledge, here it may be a question not so much of formal education as of that varied practical experience which is acquired by us during life and which subsequently guides us in our dangerous voyage across the stormy sea of earthly existence.

(Robert Svoboda)

The 1st house of the horoscope

The first house is connected with the “I” of the owner of the horoscope. It characterises the foundations of our self-expression in life and our physical appearance. In Sanskrit it is called tanur-bhava, which means “the house of the body”. The first house is the main factor determining our physical constitution, and it also shows our place in life as a whole. Since the counting of the houses begins from it, it is the house of birth and a symbol of our origin. A strong affliction of it means that the mother of the owner of the horoscope had a difficult labour; a newborn with a strongly afflicted first house may die in infancy. The first house determines our innate physical vitality. Weakness of the first house is the main indicator of poor health.

The Sun shows who we are, characterising the foundations of our character, our individuality. The Moon describes our interconnections with other people and determines how we manifest our “I” on the collective level, in relations with friends and family. And the first house and the ascendant make it possible to understand how we appear in public, what general first impression we make on the world as a whole. Thus, the ascendant determines the whole structure of our external manifestations in terms of personality and physical body. Negative aspects to the first house generate mental disorders and physical ailments.

In order for a person to attain significant accomplishments in life, it is necessary that both the first house and its ruler should be sufficiently strong. A strong first house supports us in all actions (especially in those connected with career, professional calling and dharma as a whole), since it is precisely on it that our self-awareness rests. Like the tenth house, it is connected with such themes as the integrity of the personality, honours, fame and public recognition.

The houses with which the first house is connected determine the main areas of manifestation of our personality in the external world. A connection of the first house with the ninth indicates high morality or spirituality, with the sixth or eighth — illnesses, with the second or eleventh — wealth, and so on, in accordance with the nature of the houses. Through the mediation of the first house the energies of the planets gain access to our “I” and become part of our life. The ascendant is the general significator of the owner of the horoscope as such. It is the instrument by means of which we manifest our “I” in the external world. It is the most important factor of the chart, on whose strength or weakness the interpretation of the whole horoscope primarily depends.

(“Astrology of the Seers” — David Frawley)

THE FIRST HOUSE: TANU BHAVA — THE HOUSE OF THE BODY

The 1st house corresponds to a sign of fire and is therefore called the house of dharma (of duty and the purpose of life).

Dharma, birth, appearance, well-being, fame, character, position, the main tendencies of the personality, prosperity, strength, longevity, health, willpower, behaviour, dignity, self-respect, the face, the head, happiness, early childhood and the beginning of life — these are all indications of the 1st house.

The 1st house is extremely important, since it is the main distinguishing factor between people born on one and the same day. It represents the most personal part of the horoscope. It shows how the person will be received by the world, whether he will be able to gain recognition for his achievements and to obtain fame or status. It describes the personality, temperament, position and inclinations. It speaks of self-confidence, self-respect and self-esteem.

The planet ruling the 1st house describes the nature of the personality and to a considerable degree its inclinations. If the 1st house falls in Libra, which is ruled by Venus, then the personality may be artistic, romantic, passionate and so on. If the 1st house is in Capricorn, then the position is affected by Saturn, and the personality will prove serious and will have an inclination towards business and career.

If the lord of the ascendant is placed in a beneficial house, the factors of the 1st house flourish.

The karaka or indicator of the 1st house is the Sun.

The 1st house is the house of dharma, corresponding to the purpose of life.

The personality, the ego, appearance, the face, the head, character, inclinations, tendencies, behaviour, well-being, happiness, health, the length of life, strength, vitality, fame, renown, prosperity, birth, early childhood, the beginning of life, nobility, self-respect, self-esteem, self-confidence.

(“Ancient Indian astrology for modern astrologers”. James Braha)