“My mom always said life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get.”
Forrest Gump’s oft-quoted aphorism is something I think of often when looking at the fifth house in a natal chart. We have the general idea of sweetness, a sensual treat, but hidden within, an outcome of an uncertain nature. Will we like the chocolate, or will it be one of those weird nougat ones we would try to put back unobtrusively into the box when we were children?
The ancient astrologers identified the fifth house as the place of children, friendship, good deeds, and good fortune. Venus is said to have her “joy” here in the conceptual framework known as the Planetary Joys, in which each of the traditional planets is assigned a particular house in which they are said to rejoice.
More broadly, the fifth house is known as the Place of Good Fortune. Benefic planets (Venus and Jupiter) placed here are thought to become more positive, while the traditional malefic planets (Mars and Saturn) are said to be less challenging in the fifth house. As always, much depends on the specifics of an individual chart — the location and condition of the ruler of the fifth house and a host of other mitigating factors, either positive or negative.
Expanding from the traditional focus of children, itself a literal act of creation, the fifth house also encompasses the general concept of creativity and anything done for fun and recreation — games, sports, hobbies, vacation, etc. Also included is romance — not marriage, which is located in the seventh house of partnership — and sex, though this is debated among astrologers, with some placing it in the eighth house (I tend to agree with the fifth house — the eight house is not one of the “fun” houses, traditionally denoting shared resources and death).
Though not one of the houses focused on finances, the fifth house nevertheless is generally associated with an increase in material fortune, though much depends on the placement of the planetary ruler. What happens when you combine money and fun? You get gambling, which is also included in fifth house significations. Whether it’s winning the PTA raffle, having lady luck by your side at Vegas, or getting lucky with the lottery, this is fifth house territory. (And note that, though the stock market seems like a giant casino, because of its focus on moving around large sums of other peoples’ money, it is included in the eighth house of shared resources, not the fifth.)
Expanding the concept of gambling, we can identify risk-taking more generally as residing in the fifth house. Having a child is a leap of faith, as are creative endeavors, as is falling in love. How do we approach risk? Do we leap before looking, or do we design a detailed cost benefit analysis before dipping in our toes? Much of our approach to, and tolerance for, risk can be seen in how the fifth house expresses itself.
Our focus here is creativity and how creativity is shown in the birth chart — its potentialities and inspirations, as well as possible pitfalls and ways we may be undermined, either by ourselves or others. Another image to consider is that of the inner child. In The Artist’s Way, Julia Cameron’s bestselling guide to nurturing creativity, Cameron talks about our Artist Child, the inner child who only wants to express whatever it is we have inside us. As she points out, sometimes (often, sadly), the Artist Child hasn’t been nurtured and its progress is blocked, hindering creativity. Understanding the fifth house, as it pertains to the nurturing of both literal and figurative children, can help support our creative endeavors.
The Relationship of the Ascendant to the Fifth House
Before delving into general significations of the fifth house in each sign, the relationship of the fifth house to the first house (which contains the point known as the rising sign or ascendant) — the house of self, personality, and body — should be understood. Using Whole Sign Houses, the fifth house is located, as its name suggests, in the fifth place following the first in counter-clockwise motion through a circle divided into twelve equal-sized 30 degree slices. The point of the ascendant and any planets located in the first house can be said to be applying to a trine (120 degree) aspect with any planets located in the fifth house, and the fifth house in general. A trine is a flowing, harmonious aspect which supports that which it contacts.
The Expressive Triad
Just as the first house forms a trine with the fifth house, the fifth house in turn forms a trine with the ninth house, signifying philosophical/religious/spiritual frameworks, which in turn forms a trine back to the first house. Using Whole Sign Houses, these three houses form a “grand trine” (a literal triangle) within the same element (fire, air, earth, or water), forming an “expressive triad” in which personality supports creativity, which supports philosophical outlook, which in turn influences personality, and so on.
For example, if the rising sign is in Scorpio, the fifth house will be in the next water sign in chronological order, Pisces, with the ninth house in Cancer, all three water signs. These three signs agree in terms of approach because of their elemental agreement. The ancient astrologers conceived of fire as hot and dry, air as hot and wet, water as cold and wet, and earth as cold and dry. Over time, these classifications have grown to signify fire as driven by passion and vision, air by ideas and communication, earth by concrete achievement, and water by emotion and intuition.
All signs of the same element share similar qualities, even though they vary in terms of quadruplicity (whether they start, continue, or end a season) and planetary rulership. Cardinal signs initiate, fixed signs continue, and mutable signs adapt. For example, Scorpio is a fixed water sign, arriving in the middle (fixed) of fall (using northern hemisphere seasons), and ruled by Mars. Pisces is a mutable water sign (arriving at the end of winter, when the season changes) and is ruled by Jupiter. Cancer is a cardinal water sign (starting summer at the solstice) ruled by the moon. These differences in quadruplicity and rulership differentiate each sign from the others of its element in terms of their orientation, affinities, and areas of influence.
The Fifth House Through the Signs
Looking at the fifth house from the perspective of the first house (rising sign), as well as the ninth house of philosophical framework, can help us understand generally how to support the activities of the fifth house. Keep in mind that planets located within the fifth house (or either of the other houses described below), as well as the placements of the ruling planets of each of these houses, all add further detail and orientation. (To generate a free birth chart, go to astro-seek.com. I recommend selecting Whole Sign Houses under Extended Settings.)
Aires Rising - Leo Fifth House - Sagittarius Ninth House: Ruled by Mars, fiery Aires rising is direct, no-nonsense, and driven by bold action. The fifth house in Leo, ruled by the expressive sun, ties into the core identity, pulling creative endeavors, children, and love affairs into an extension of self, wherever the sun is located. With the ninth house ruled by visionary Jupiter, the philosophical outlook is expansive and oriented to lifelong teaching and learning. Supportive creative strategies for Aires rising connect to the authentic self and provide an outlet for its expression. Where do you like to shine and be seen? How can you step into spotlight?
Taurus Rising - Virgo Fifth House - Capricorn Ninth House: Ruled by gorgeous Venus, earthy and sensual Taurus rising incorporates Venusian gifts into the personality, displaying a flair for relationships, the arts, and the good things in life. Perhaps because Venus is so present in the outer identity, the fifth house, in practical Virgo, is more concerned with expressing itself through communicative Mercury. Approaches to creativity, children, recreation, romance, etc., are intellectually oriented and expressed by the placement of Mercury in the chart. There is a sense of recreation for a purpose, which ties into the philosophical framework of the Capricorn ninth house, ruled by disciplinarian Saturn, which sees longterm material achievement as a guiding philosophy of life. Supportive creative strategies for Taurus rising connect with the mind and its practical applications. What problems can be solved, what solutions applied, that can support longterm achievement?
Gemini Rising - Libra Fifth House - Aquarius Ninth House: Ruled by curious, intellectually-oriented Mercury, Gemini rising presents a talkative and versatile personality. With Venus ruling the fifth house (the place of of her “joy”), Gemini risings often express creativity through what we traditionally recognize as the arts (music, dance, visual arts, drama, etc.), and are prone to viewing romance and children as creative projects. Balance is a key concept, with the fifth house in the sign of the scales, and of particular importance to Gemini rising, who often has numerous things going on at once. The ninth house in Aquarius, ruled by stabilizing Saturn, brings intellectual stamina and a philosophical framework that views problem-solving for the collective as a grounding principle. Supportive creative strategies for Gemini rising connect to finding expressive outlets for artistry, relationships, children, and recreation. How can you entertain/beautify/relate in a way that, to quote Marie Kondo, sparks joy?
Cancer Rising - Scorpio Fifth House - Pisces Ninth House: Ruled by the moon, which feels and nurtures, Cancer rising expresses its personality through its emotions, variable as the moon on its monthly journey, often with a deep sensitivity. With this emotional expression so evident in the outward personality, the creative drive of Cancer rising can come as a surprise, with the fifth house ruled by Mars. There can be a laser-like focus on creative projects, children, and romance, often expressed with intensity, with a possible undertone of competition or conflict, depending on how Mars is placed in the chart. With the ninth house ruled by inspirational Jupiter, a wandering and expansive philosophical framework and affinity for spiritual or religious concepts informs this sensitive soul. Supportive creative strategies for Cancer rising connect with acting bravely, taking creative leaps, and meeting challenges through focus and drive. How can I face my creative demons head on?
Leo Rising - Sagittarius Fifth House - Aires Ninth House: Ruled by the expressive sun, Leo rising loves the spotlight and wants to shine. Leo rising always ties the core identity (sun) into the outward personality, whatever its placement, shading the personality with the sun sign. With wide-ranging Jupiter ruling the fifth house, there can be a sense of abundance around creativity, children, romance, etc., sometimes in a very literal sense, such as desiring a large family, or having a host of lovers. With Mars-ruled Aires in the ninth house, the philosophical outlook is direct and driven to make its mark. Supportive creative strategies for Leo rising connect to intellectual and spiritual expansion, including travel and exploration. What horizons can be expanded, creatively, romantically, or just for fun?
Virgo Rising - Capricorn Fifth House - Taurus Ninth House: Ruled by intellectual Mercury, Virgo rising expresses a practical, data-driven personality, which can be helped or hindered by Mercury’s placement in the chart. With Capricorn in the fifth house, ruled by Saturn, the great editor-in-chief of the cosmos, there can be a sense of restriction in the sphere of creativity, children, romance, etc. Sometimes this manifests as a literal delay in these areas, such as having children or falling in love later in life, as Saturn is known for favoring maturity over youth. In other instances, there may be some type of restriction in these matters, or a sense that there should be a practical benefit that supports longterm stability. Saturn’s placement in the chart provides more information about how these matters play out. With Venus ruling the ninth house in Taurus, a deep appreciation of the arts, beauty, and human relationships animates the philosophical framework. Creative strategies for Virgo rising connect to expressions of discipline, skill-building, and improving long-term stability. How can my creative endeavors enhance my long-term goals?
Libra Rising - Aquarius Fifth House - Gemini Ninth House: Ruled by cultured Venus, Libra rising projects Venus’ artistic and relational gifts into its personality, much like Taurus rising, but with the added social and communicative slant of the air signs. With traditional markers of creativity so present in the outward identity, Libra rising’s fifth house in Aquarius, ruled by Saturn, is more oriented towards creative and recreational projects that relate to larger societal questions. Organizing, participating in, or simply following political or social movements, with an emphasis on improvement of the greater good, can be recreational activities, as well as a form of creative expression. There is a sense of restriction or delay to fifth house topics, similar to Capricorn in the fifth house (Virgo rising), with the placement of Saturn informing these matters. With the ninth house in Mercury-ruled Gemini, the social emphasis of Libra rising is expressed through a penchant for philosophical discussion and exchange, and a broad curiosity in topics related to the larger questions of life. Creative strategies for Libra rising connect to working for the greater good of society, activities that emphasize discipline and skill, and intellectual exchange. How can I apply myself creatively to improve society?
Scorpio Rising - Pisces Fifth House - Cancer Ninth House: Ruled by warlike Mars, Scorpio rising expresses an emotionally intense and driven personality. Unlike Aires rising, which expresses its Mars rulership directly and through decisive action, Scorpio rising filters Mars through its water element, emphasizing a more controlled and strategic approach to action. With this somewhat calculating outer identity, it can come as a surprise that Scorpio rising is uninhibited and abundant in its Jupiter-ruled fifth house. Similar to Leo rising (with the fifth house in Sagittarius), there can be an expansiveness to creative endeavors, children, romance, and fun, sometimes literally expressed by having a large family or a plethora of creative projects. With the ninth house ruled by the emotionally attuned moon, the philosophical outlook can be tied to the parents or family of origin, such as resonating with (or rejecting, depending on the chart) one’s childhood religion, with emotional resonance crucial in any philosophical exploration. Creative strategies for Scorpio rising connect to questions of higher purpose and quests for far-reaching knowledge. What inspires and uplifts my creativity and experience of joy?
Sagittarius Rising - Aires Fifth House - Leo Ninth House: Ruled by uplifting Jupiter, lively Sagittarius rising is animated by an abundance of possibilities and plans. With the fifth house in Aires ruled by decisive Mars, Sagittarius rising finds a precise target for their quiver of knowledge-seeking arrows in their creative projects and fifth house matters. There is an action-oriented, courageous approach to creative endeavors, children, and romance, with a high tolerance for risk-taking that comports well with their exploratory personality. However, depending on the nature of Mars’ placement in the chart, there can be the potential for competition or conflict in these matters. Recreation may take on a martial spin, with activities such as the aptly-named martial arts, fencing, boxing, hunting, etc. With the ninth house in Leo ruled by the sun, matters of philosophical or religious framework are tied into the core identity, shaded by the placement of the sun. Creative strategies for Sagittarius rising connect to acting boldly, taking risks, and pushing the envelope. How can I push my creative boundaries?
Capricorn Rising - Taurus Fifth House - Virgo Ninth House: Ruled by task-master Saturn, Capricorn rising presents a rational and disciplined personality with a focus on concrete achievement. Given this orientation, it can come as a surprise that Capricorn rising expresses a keen appreciation of the arts in their fifth house in Taurus, ruled by artsy Venus. In earthy Taurus, the fifth house is drawn towards tactile and sensual expression, such as sculpture, pottery, weaving, dance, etc., and favors singing (Taurus rules the throat), though all art forms are supported. There is a sense of luxury in Taurus, reflecting the solidity of Venus in an earth sign. Approaches to children and romance can be similar to Gemini Rising (fifth house in Libra) in that they can become creative projects of their own, though there is a more down-to-earth approach and less intellectual theorizing than the Gemini triad demonstrates. Recreation favors artistic pursuits and patronizing the arts. With the ninth house in Mercury-ruled Virgo, the philosophical outlook is intellectually-oriented, practical, and interested in solving everyday problems. Creative strategies for Capricorn rising connect to expressing the inner artist and luxuriating in aesthetic enjoyment. How can I spread beauty and luxury in a way that supports my long-term aspirations?
Aquarius Rising - Gemini Fifth House - Libra Ninth House: Ruled by detached Saturn, Aquarius rising expresses its disciplined ruler differently than its neighboring sign, Capricorn, through its air element, which focuses on systems, communication, and the social sphere as the means of its steady work to improve the common good. With Mercury-ruled Gemini in the fifth house, creative projects, children, romance, etc. are approached intellectually, almost as puzzles to be solved. As with Taurus rising (Virgo in the fifth house), there can be a need to “get out of one’s head” in these matters, influenced of course by Mercury’s placement in the chart. Recreation often connects with words and communication — think podcasts, crossword puzzles, game shows. With Venus-ruled Libra in the ninth house, the philosophical framework is concerned with questions of relationships and arts and culture as a concepts worthy of exploration. Sometimes there can be art created out of philosophical concepts or advocacy for particular positions using the arts as a means of communication. Creative strategies for Aquarius rising connect with unleashing the mind and seeing where it goes. How can I bring my ideas to life?
Pisces Rising - Cancer Fifth House - Scorpio Ninth House: Ruled by utopian Jupiter, Pisces rising reflects the wide-ranging inspiration of its ruler through its mutable water element, conferring flexibility and adaptability to its emotionally sensitive and intuitive orientation. With moon-ruled Cancer in the fifth house, an instinctually nurturing approach is brought to creative expression, children, romance, etc. Projects, relationships, and children are all cared for, with emotional connection paramount. Cooking, gardening, or tending to anything can be a source of recreation and creative expression. With Mars-ruled Scorpio in the ninth house, the philosophical framework is surprisingly driven and intense, adding a darker side to the usually glass-half-full Pisces personality. Creative strategies for Pisces rising connect to nurturing the children of mind, body, and soul, and connecting emotionally to that which sparks joy. How can I nurture my creative expressions?