In your book Phoenixes and Angels: Mastering the Eighth and Twelfth Astrological Houses, you explore the deeper, more transformative aspects of these houses. What inspired your focus on the Eighth and Twelfth houses, and what are the most common challenges you see associated with them?
The 8th and 12th houses are my passion. I became fascinated with these two houses when I first started learning astrology at the age of 16. What truly ignited my interest was having my first natal chart done by a professional astrologer at 18. During the session, the astrologer told me, “Your Sun is in the 12th house. Anything you put before God will get taken away from you.” That statement left a profound impression on me. I was struck by how deeply it resonated and started researching the 12th and 8th houses, especially since I have planets in both.
I have the Sun and Venus in the 12th house, as well as the Moon, Jupiter, Chiron, and Part of Fortune in the 8th house. Being what I call an “8th-12th house person,” I delved deeply into these areas of astrology. This research eventually led me to self-publish a book in 2010 titled The Mysteries of the 8th Astrological House: Phoenix Rising. The book is based on my studies and experiences.
The journey began when I wrote an article about the 8th house and my personal experiences with having the Moon there. To my surprise, people from all over the world reached out to share similar stories, often saying it felt like I was writing about their lives. Back then, in the early 2000s, the internet wasn’t as advanced as it is now, but I posted the article on a website in 2004. Soon, I received hundreds of emails. These heartfelt responses inspired me to compile the stories and patterns into a book.
Let me start with the 12th house. I’ve done extensive research on it, and even had an article published in the NCGR magazine on the subject. There are several recurring patterns for individuals with significant 12th house placements, particularly the Sun or Moon, or those with strong Pisces energy.
Patterns in the 12th House:
Absent or Missing Parental Figure:
Many individuals with 12th house placements report feeling disconnected from a parent—emotionally, mentally, or physically. Even if the parent is present in the home, there’s often an emotional absence. Out of 100 charts, I’d estimate 99 people share this experience.
Feeling Different:
These individuals often feel like they don’t belong, as if they’re from another world. They might describe themselves as “angels” or beings who’ve fallen to Earth and struggle to adapt to the material world. This was my experience as a child, and understanding my Sun in the 12th house validated those feelings.
Addiction Issues:Addiction is a recurring theme—whether it’s alcohol, work, food, or relationships. They may also attract people with addictions, often becoming caretakers for those who are struggling.
Vivid Psychic Dreams:
Many with 12th house planets experience dreams that predict the future. When I was 16, I frequently dreamed of events that later came true, though no one could explain why. Astrology eventually provided the answers.
Idealism and Secret Love Affairs:
These individuals often fall for unavailable or inappropriate people—teachers, married individuals, or others in unattainable situations. These “secret” or unrequited loves are a hallmark of 12th house placements.
The 8th house is equally fascinating. I often refer to individuals with strong 8th house placements as “phoenixes” due to their ability to rise from life’s challenges.
Patterns in the 8th House:
Connection to Death and Loss:
Many 8th house individuals experience significant losses early in life, such as the death of a loved one. These events profoundly shape their lives.
Sensitivity to Spirits:
People with 8th house placements frequently report seeing spirits or ghosts. Many have mediumship or channeling abilities and are deeply attuned to energy. They are naturally drawn to energy healing practices like Reiki, pranic healing, or touch therapy.
Emotional Resilience:
While 8th house individuals may experience trauma, such as abuse or betrayal, they are incredibly resilient. This house symbolizes survival, transformation, and rebirth, enabling them to rise stronger after every challenge.
Privacy and Secrecy:
Those with 8th house planets are intensely private. They guard their emotions and thoughts, only opening up to those they trust deeply.
Comparing the 12th and 8th Houses:
Both the 8th and 12th houses share themes of secrecy, psychic sensitivity, and energy awareness. However, they manifest differently. For example, 8th house individuals often uncover secrets about others due to their perceptiveness, while 12th house individuals might remain unaware of secrets surrounding them because of Neptune’s influence, which clouds clarity.
These two houses have intrigued me for years, inspiring me to write, teach workshops, and explore the depths of their meanings. If you’d like to learn more, my book Phoenixes and Angels delves deeper into the intricacies of these fascinating astrological placements.
