8th House: The experience of Transformation and Death.
Scorpio, the natural ruler of the 8th house.
8th Keywords: Death, emotional issues, emotional trauma, inheritances, legacies,
the occult, other people's money and resources, mysteries that can be uncovered, psychology, rebirth, secrets, sex, taxes, transformation, the underworld, wills.
- Resources of the partnership.
- Other people's money, legacies and inheritances.
- Sex.
- Intense emotional experiences and trauma that initiate efforts to change.
- Death, rebirth, transformation and major separations.
- Occult groups.
The 8th is naturally ruled by Scorpio, the sign of deep emotions and emotional battles. Consequently, this is the house of major emotional and life transformations. Psychologically, this requires the death of something old in the nature so that something new can be birthed. The sign on the cusp, the ruler of the house and any planets in the 8th, these influence how we do this and face major life challenges.
Such change can be inspired in various ways. For instance, disappointments in our sexual life, disputes over money or inherited legacies, or the traumatic death of a cherished partnership or loved one. This house is also associated with the fall-out from divorce and any disputes over shared money or property.
As major crises and disappointments arise, we are confronted with those aspects of ourselves that need to be transmuted. For some, transformation may go no further than the momentary enjoyment and loss of self, experienced with an orgasm. But others are compelled to seek permanent change and understanding. Some find this through psychological help. Others investigate the occult - the practice of spiritual disciplines. Meditation is an example. It helps to bring emotional and sexual balance as well as forge a link with the soul and higher spiritual realities.
The overall goal of this house is to help us to find our inner strength when faced with loss and adversity and to transform aspects of ourselves that have become crystallised. From such achievements we gradually become balanced in the nature and more spiritually whole.