There are 12 houses or Bhavas in astrology, and they have great importance in shaping the destiny of a person. The 1st house, for example, signifies our self, meaning personality traits. The 2nd house represents wealth and family, and so on. Usually, there will be one or more planets occupying these houses. But on occasion, some may be empty. What does it mean? Does it mean good or bad? This article attempts to provide some answers. Read on.
Why Are Some Houses Empty?
While there are 12 houses in astrology, there are only 9 planets. A planet cannot occupy two houses at the same time. Hence, some houses can be unoccupied in the chart. But even if a house is empty, it can still influence events in your life.
An empty house signifies that your planets were not present in that house at the time of your birth. It can mean that you do not give much importance to the aspect of your life that the empty house signifies.
However, you may still experience the themes of that house. Factors like the house’s ruling planet or planetary aspects can influence your life experiences in that area. Also, an empty house can indicate your area of potential growth or development, as you may need to put in more effort. Empty houses in astrology need not mean a lack of influence or expertise in the areas they govern. It can also mean that their energy might manifest differently or more quietly in your life.
An empty house in your birth chart may not be as important as a house with planets in it, but it can offer vital insights into your strengths, struggles, and opportunities in many aspects of your life. The ruling planet of the empty house should also be examined to find out how it influences the chart.
Let us look at an example of what an empty house means. If the 8th house is empty, it can indicate problems in finances, health, and major life events, as this house signifies wealth and longevity.
What Does Having an Empty House Mean?
While some houses can be beneficial when empty, others are not. Let’s see what it means when different astrological houses are empty:
Empty 1st House
The 1st house, or Lagna or Ascendant, signifies the self. It indicates your appearance, mental faculties, decision-making abilities, etc. An empty 1st house impacts a person’s confidence and their approach to various situations. The native may lack focus and a sense of purpose. They may not be very concerned about their physical appearance or social status. It can also mean that they may not experience difficulties in forming their sense of identity. They may possess a strong sense of self and could be happy with who they are.
Empty 2nd House
The 2nd house signifies wealth and possessions, like land, cars, houses, etc. It also rules the ears, eyes, nose, and tongue. Also, the 2nd house influences your profession and career. An empty 2nd house indicates that you may need to focus on wealth and financial stability. Effort may be needed to acquire and retain material assets. You may also be uncertain about your career path as you lack a clear vocational calling. Irrespective of your family being wealthy or not, you may face financial challenges. It can also mean that you may not prioritize wealth. Your basic requirements will be met, and you won’t feel the need to accumulate a lot of material possessions.
Empty 3rd House
This house is linked to memory and mental inclinations. It indicates communication, including media, television, writing, and editing. It is also linked to body parts, like the hands, legs, arms, shoulders, collar bones, lungs, and the nervous system. When empty, it impacts effective communication. During a debate or argument, you may be unable to present your ideas effectively. Memory and learning abilities could also be affected, and it may be hard for you to retain and apply new information.
Empty 4th House
This house is called “Bandhu Bhava,” and signifies home, family, mother, and domestic happiness. It rules body parts like the stomach, breasts, and digestive organs. An empty fourth house indicates that your relationship with your mother is not very deep or influential. Your bonds with family and friends may be challenging, or you may not prioritize such relationships. It can also mean that you had a solid upbringing and can recreate a similar family environment for yourself.
Empty 5th House
This house is also called the “Putra Bhava,” and is the house of pleasure, self-expression, creativity, romance, etc. It signifies good luck, optimism, learning, and fortune. It rules the heart, upper and middle back, stomach, pancreas, and spine. An empty 5th house suggests problems in having children or their poor health. Such effects are greater when planetary influences are absent in this house. It can also mean that you won’t have to work hard to cultivate creativity and self-expression or that you may struggle to find good jobs or face health issues.
Empty 6th House
The 6th house represents the energy that informs your daily life routines, health, and wealth. This house, also called Ari Bhava, signifies life’s challenges. It governs body parts like the waist, lower abdomen, kidneys, and small intestine. When empty, it can have a positive meaning. It can help alleviate challenges and conflicts and also enable you to avoid enmity. It can cause improvements in your relationships with friends, and lead to harmonious social environment. It can also mean that severe health issues may not bother you. You may lead a healthy lifestyle, make good decisions, and enjoy a balanced life.
Empty 7th House
The 7th house is placed directly opposite to the first house and is called the “descendant.” This house signifies relationships and connections. It also rules the kidneys, ovaries, and the lower back. When empty, it can cause delayed marriage or divorce. It can also affect other relationships with unfavorable outcomes. It can also mean that it is easy for you to be in a stable, long-term relationship, and finding a life partner may not be difficult. You may prefer long-term partnerships.
Empty 8th House
The 8th house or “Randhra Bhava” signifies birth, death, inheritance, longevity, sudden gains and losses and mysteries and transformation. When empty, it does not have negative connotations. It can mean that there will be less chances of sudden and disruptive changes or mishaps in your life. It also enables you to express your feelings more openly. The absence of planets in this house is actually a positive factor.
Empty 9th House
This house signifies philosophy, spirituality, travel, and higher education. When empty, it can mean that you may not prioritize such things. It is not that you won’t have spiritual inclinations or enjoy holidays, but these experiences may happen naturally without you actively pursuing them.
Empty 10th House
The 10th house or “Karma Bhava” is ruled by Saturn and signifies your status and reputation in society and at work. It rules the knees, bones, and joints. When empty, it indicates that you need to put in more effort to build a good reputation. You may also face uncertainty and challenges when choosing your profession or career path. It can also mean that success or recognition from your peers comes easily to you.
Empty 11th House
The 11th house, or “Labha Bhava,” signifies the accumulation of wealth, fame, recognition, and and friendships. It rules the ankle, right leg, shin bone, left ear, and left arm. When empty, it can indicate challenges in establishing strong and enduring relationships. It can also mean that meeting new people and socializing is easy for you. You may have a large social circle.
Empty 12th House
This house signifies detachment and death, the ultimate form of detachment, themes of unconsciousness, self-undoing, and experiences of confinement. It governs the left eye, feet, and the lymphatic system. It is also linked to dreams, intuitions, and emotions. The 12th house also represents the subconscious. When empty, it indicates that you will be intellectually and emotionally well. You could experience joy in life and deal with adversity effectively. It is highly possible that you will lead a fulfilling life.
Conclusion
The meaning of empty houses in astrology depends on each person’s birth chart, which is unique, and other planetary factors. An expert astrologer can provide a detailed analysis. There’s no need to feel worried if you have an empty house in your birth chart. It doesn’t imply that one aspect of your life doesn’t exist or is negative. Instead, it may imply that this area of life is subject to less activity or drama.