House Systems in Astrology: Placidus, Koch, Whole Sign and Beyond
Eight major house systems shape modern western astrology, and choosing among them changes which planet rules which life area. Placidus, designed by the Olivetan monk Placidus de Titis in 1657, sits next to Koch (1971), Whole Sign (revived from Hellenistic sources by Project Hindsight in the 1990s), Equal House, Campanus and Regiomontanus. All calculate cleanly through Swiss Ephemeris, ready to generate your free chart with verified methodology.
What Are Astrological Houses?
The 12 houses represent different areas of life: identity, resources, communication, family, creativity, work, relationships, transformation, philosophy, career, friendships, and spirituality.
House Systems Comparison
The most used system in the West. Divides the ecliptic based on the time each degree takes to rise from Ascendant to Midheaven.
Our Default System
STARS.EXPERT uses Placidus as the default system, being the most widespread and tested. However, our calculations are compatible with all major systems.
PRO and ASTRO versions allow selecting your preferred house system.
Frequently Asked Questions
A house system divides the local sky into twelve sectors anchored to the ascendant, mapping life areas like identity, partnership and career. Each of the eight main methods (Placidus, Koch, Whole Sign, Equal House, Campanus, Regiomontanus, Porphyry and Morinus) uses a different geometric logic to draw the cusps between ascendant and midheaven, with distinct historical lineages.