In my last article we had a look at the symbolism
related to the seventh house. In a nutshell, the indicators
in this house represent the marriage or business partner
and our ability to get along with others in general (on
a one-to-one basis).
As we move from the seventh house where a
formal marriage or business partnership has begun and move
into the eighth house, we begin to develop our one-on-one
relationship skills a bit further. As part of this transition
into a deeper relationship, most couples have to contend
with learning to compromise in many different ways.
Examples of this include the need to agree
on how joint finances should be spent, invested or saved;
should children be physically punished or not?; deciding
how to spend important occasions such as Christmas - your
family or your partner's, or both?
This house is associated with Scorpio and
Pluto (associated with sex, transformation, death, rebirth
and psychotherapy) so if we extend the concept of a relationship
moving into a deeper level, we can also include being 'transformed'
through intimate matters. In a psychological sense, the
'death' of the individual is experienced through joining
with another person at a deep level, thereby being 'transformed'.
Another way to understand the eighth house
is to say that it is opposite to the second house of your
own values and earning capacity. The eighth house can then
be viewed as your partner's earning capacity and values.
In a broader sense this house can also represent anywhere
your money is involved with somebody or something else,
such as a banking institution, taxation and investment.
So in an everyday sense, this house shows
how we share what we have between a partner and vice-a-versa.
In learning to compromise through this process we have to
learn to deal with the 'hidden' aspects of our relating.
By hidden I mean what goes on in the privacy of your relationship
that most others are not aware of.
The eighth house is psychologically quite
complex because it is also associated with the first bonding
experience - usually with one of the parents early in the
life of an individual. Difficulties in bonding with others
at a deep level can often be traced back through eighth
house symbolism to early emotional disappointment with this
particular person that you relied on.
If there were difficulties that have been
repressed then these need to be consciously addressed and
examined in regards to their validity as an adult. In this
way they can be worked with and re-examined from an adult's
perspective.
Once the symbolism of the eighth house has
been explored (and unravelled!) the opportunity to enjoy
and appreciate the strengths provided within your birth
chart are possible. Facing your personal fears can be once
of the scariest experiences a person can go through, but
also one of the most empowering.
If you would like to share your experiences
of your own Seventh House you can share them at my discussion
board at Suite101.
If you have any more questions... please
contact me!
