This house signifies death, inheritance, legacies, wills, dowries, and property belonging to the dead. It is considered unfortunate by most astrologers, as it has no natural affinity with the Ascendant. The Greeks called it Epitaphora, meaning a house of sorrow, misfortune, and darkness, for it often brings harm and ill fate to the native. As Ludovicus de Rigiis rightly said: “There is no part of the zodiacal circle so bad, so cruel, and harmful in all respects, as the eighth house.” It is a succedent house, and in the body it rules the genitals and secret parts.
Planets in the Eighth House
Saturn
If Saturn is placed in the eighth and is well dignified or supported by the rays of Jupiter or Venus, it indicates inheritances from deceased relatives or friends, especially in night births. If poorly placed and unaided by the benefics, it brings grief, sorrow, and sometimes a violent death.
Jupiter
Jupiter here usually brings long life and a natural death. It can also bring wealth through wills or gifts from the deceased. However, in night births and when poorly dignified, it can bring disputes, losses, and suffering due to legacies or inheritances.
Mars
Mars in the eighth, especially with both luminaries in angular houses, points to risk of a violent death, eye injuries, wounds to the hands or feet, and poverty. If Mars is not dignified, the troubles are worse. When well dignified, many of these problems are softened, but disputes about legacies or money from the dead may still arise.
Sun
The Sun here brings financial loss due to people in authority and danger to the native’s life. If the Sun is strong, the native survives these dangers. However, when afflicted by Mars or Saturn in water signs, drowning may threaten; in earth signs, danger from thieves; in fire signs, danger from fire; and in air signs, threats of hanging or imprisonment.
Venus
Venus in the eighth rarely brings marriage. If marriage occurs, the native often weds a wealthy widow. Gains from the dead are likely. Life is usually long and death not violent. If Venus is afflicted, it shows trouble for the native’s mother, early death for her, and danger for the native’s wife and children.
Mercury
Mercury here shows the native may increase wealth through his own effort, particularly in managing estates or wills. His death won’t be violent. But unless Mercury is supported by benefics, there will be quarrels and disputes with relatives and neighbors. If afflicted by Saturn or Mars, the native may be quarrelsome, dishonest, and meet an untimely end.
Moon
The Moon here brings trouble from prominent people, false accusations, or deceitful plots. Imprisonment or even a violent death is possible, especially by drowning if the malefics afflict her. But if the Moon is well placed and supported by Jupiter or Venus, it brings inheritance, an easy death, and a long, healthy life.
North Node
The Dragon’s Head here brings a long and healthy life, inheritance, honor, and gifts from the deceased.
South Node
The Dragon’s Tail brings loss of property and threatens a violent death, especially if the Sun, Moon, and Ascendant are afflicted by malefic planets.
Part of Fortune
This placement can make the native wealthy through inheritances, especially when supported by benefics. But if afflicted by Saturn, Mars, or malefic stars, gains will be meager or bring trouble.
Ruler of other houses in the eight house
Ruler of the First House in the Eighth House
When the ruler of the Ascendant is in the Eighth House, the native tends to be melancholic, weak in body and mind, and often of short life.
Ruler of the Second House in the Eighth House
If placed in the Eighth, the native’s financial situation depends on the planet’s dignity. If well dignified, he gains through inheritances, wills, and legacies. If afflicted, he suffers great loss through such matters.
Ruler of the Third House in the Eighth House
This placement signifies that the native may travel frequently because of inheritances or property matters after someone’s death. It also shows that his siblings and relatives are likely to be sickly, as the Eighth House is the sixth from the third.
Ruler of the Fourth House in the Eighth House
Here it indicates that the father may live a short life and that the mother is in danger. It can also suggest that the native may die in a foreign land. However, during life, he may gain lands and inheritances through wills, legacies, and property of the deceased.
Ruler of the Fifth House in the Eighth House
If well dignified, this placement shows that the native’s children will have good fortunes and enjoy substantial estates. If afflicted, it indicates few children, but those that exist may benefit from inheritances or wealth of the dead.
Ruler of the Sixth House in the Eighth House
This shows that the native will outlive his enemies and witness their deaths. However, if the ruler applies to the ruler of the Ascendant, the native will often be afflicted by illnesses that endanger his life.
Ruler of the Seventh House in the Eighth House
This placement brings disputes over inheritances, wills, or property of the dead. If well dignified, it indicates that the wife will have a suitable dowry and may benefit through the death of others. If afflicted, the opposite occurs.
Ruler of the Eighth House in the Eighth House
If strong, it signifies an easy death and freedom from many illnesses. If weak or malefic, it shows danger of a violent death.
Ruler of the Ninth House in the Eighth House
This indicates a strong desire to travel. Sometimes the native will be forced to travel to save his life because of some crime or danger he has brought upon himself. At other times, travel may occur due to an inheritance or legacy, which is far more favorable.
Ruler of the Tenth House in the Eighth House
This placement signifies that the native gains wealth and honor through inheritances from the dead. It also sometimes shows that the native’s mother may face danger during childbirth.
Ruler of the Eleventh House in the Eighth House
Here it shows much profit and gain through inheritances, wills, and legacies. But if afflicted, and if the native engages in trade, it may lead to ruin.
Ruler of the Twelfth House in the Eighth House
This shows that the native will have few enemies. He will outlive them, see their deaths, and benefit from their downfall. While they live, they will suffer hardship and distress.
From the The Doctrine of Nativites and Horary Questions, JOHN GADBURY