Cicero - Self Initiation into the Golden Dawn Tradition_Part 01

The Zelator Grade 131
The Sign that is on the Eastern horizon at the time of birth is called the RisingSignor
the Ascendant. Since the houses never alter their position, with respectto
the Earth, the Ascendant or first house cusp is always on the Eastern horizon,
where Sol rises daily. The Descendant or seventh house cusp is always on the Western
horizon where Sol sets.
The Midheaven (Latin: medium coeli), also called the MC, is the tenth house
cusp at the top or Southern point of a Zodiacal chart. Opposite to this is the Ie
(from Latin: imum coeli, the lowest heavens) or fourth house cusp at the lowest or
Northernmost point on the chart.
Cusp: A Cusp is an imaginary line which separates a Sign from adjoining
Signs, and a house from its adjoining houses. It is a small arc in close proximity to
the boundary line between neighboring Signs and houses, which causes uncertainty
as to the Planet's location and influence at a particular moment. A Planet in
a cusp between houses can be influenced by both houses (and Signs) affected by
the cusp. A birth Planet is stronger in a cusp than in the later degrees of a house.
Decanate or Decan: A ten degree arc or subdivision of the Zodiacal wheel. A
house contains three decanates, which are called the first, second and third decan.
There are a total of 36 decanates in a Zodiacal wheel.
House Division by Element
Since each house is ascribed to one of the twelve signs, the houses can be categorized
in accordance to the ruling Element of the signs:
FireHouses
First, fifth and ninth houses. Individuals with several Planets in Fire houses are
energetic, motivated, enthusiastic, spiritual and inspirational.
Water Houses
Fourth, eighth and twelfth houses. Individuals with several Planets in these
houses are emotional, intuitive, and sensitive.
AirHouses
Third, seventh and eleventh houses. Individuals withseveral Planets in these houses
are sociable, communicative, intelligent and interested in others.
Earth Houses
Second, sixth and tenth houses. Individuals with several Planets in these houses
are stable, practical, and hardworking.
House Division by Quality
The houses, like the signs, can be defined by quality into three groups of four
houses each. These qualities conform with those of the Cardinal, Kerubic and
Mutable Signs, but in the houses they are called Angular, Succedent and Cadent.