The second house is associated with self-worth, cash and one’s possessions. In medieval times the second house was known as the ‘Gate of Hades’ because houses in no aspect to the ascendant were considered malefic. Materialism is still regarded as an ‘evil’ by more spiritual types. In Hindu astrology, the second house is considered malefic then probably because of the notion that attachment to possessions can be the cause of such suffering. The zodiac sign of Taurus is its co-significator.
“From this house is required judgement concerning the estate or fortune of him that asks the question, of his wealth or poverty, of all movable goods, money lent, of profit or gain, loss or damage.
It represents in man the neck, and hinder part of it towards the shoulders; … It’s a feminine house and Succeedent. It hath cosignificators Jupiter and Taurus; for if Jupiter be placed in this house, or be lord hereof, it’s an argument of an estate or fortune; Sun and Mars are never well placed in this house.”
Mercury doth also joy in this house, because it represents the head, and he the tongue, fancy and memory: When he is well dignified and posited in this house, he produceth good orators: It is called the Ascendant, because when the Sun commeth to the cusp of this house, he ascends, or then ariseth, and is visible in our horizon.”
William Lilly
