The 1st house (Tanu / Lagna), known as the house of self, governs the self, body and the lens through which the whole chart is read. Its natural sign is Aries and natural lord is Mars, and in the body it relates to the head and overall body.
What the 1st House Governs
- Self & personality
- Physical body & appearance
- Health & vitality
- Temperament
- Beginnings & life direction
Classification
The 1st house is a Kendra (angular), Trikona (trine) house. Kendra (angular) houses, the 1st, 4th, 7th and 10th, are the load-bearing pillars of the chart and give planets placed in them great power to act. Trikona (trine) houses, the 1st, 5th and 9th, are the most auspicious, carrying fortune and dharma.
Strong vs Weak 1st House
When the 1st house and its lord are strong and well-placed, the native enjoys good health, a strong personality, confidence and a clear life direction. When the house lord is weak, afflicted or badly placed, it can indicate poor health, low self-image and a life that feels directionless. Benefics here strengthen the house, while malefics can stress it unless the house is an Upachaya.