The Fourth House concerns the native’s home, land, property, and inheritance—his houses, tenements, estates, and patrimony. It also signifies his father, his nature and status, whether good or bad. This house is known as the Imum Coeli, or the Bottom of the Sky, the Angle of the Earth, also called the North Angle. It is a feminine house, and in the human body it corresponds to the breast and stomach. It rules over the end of all matters, and the conclusion of things.
Planets in the Fourth House
Saturn
When Saturn is placed in the Fourth House, it brings destruction to the native’s home or dwelling. It often signifies that the father will die before the native, and the mother may also live a short life. In one nativity, Saturn in this house—being in opposition to the Sun during a revolution—signified the death of both parents in the same year. Saturn afflicts inheritances, suggesting the native will either lose or squander his patrimony, particularly when Saturn is peregrine or undignified.
However, if well dignified, Saturn instead grants abundance through inheritance, land, and agriculture, and brings success through farming and tillage.
Jupiter
Jupiter in the Fourth House promises wealth through land, property, or hidden treasure. The native may gain support from princes or nobles, sometimes receiving riches without effort. He will enjoy an increase of patrimony, and his parents—especially his father—will be honorable throughout life, and buried with lasting fame. The native shall rise to a high station, be honored by all, and live a life of splendor and dignity.
Mars
Mars in this house creates violence and affliction. The native may become a shedder of blood, and suffer trouble, disgrace, and hardship. It harms the native’s dwelling and reputation, and often hastens the death of the father, bringing conflict between them. There may be damage by fire, physical wounds, and quarrels with wives. Mars makes the native prone to rashness, cruelty, and wickedness, and at life’s end, he may die without honor, leaving a legacy of bitterness or shame.
Sun
The Sun in the Fourth House brings honor and esteem in old age, along with hidden treasures or unexpected gains. It also foretells that the native will receive a great inheritance from the father, though not necessarily by the father’s death—unless Mars or Saturn afflict. After death, the native will leave behind a noble reputation, like a princely name inscribed in time.
Venus
Venus here signifies a secure and enduring inheritance. The native is born to rich and well-connected parents, and important persons will assist him in managing his affairs. His later years will be honorable and bright, marked by recognition, joy, and success.
Mercury
Mercury in the Fourth House gives the native a sharp mind, strong memory, and talent in sciences and business. He will be clever and resourceful, and through his ingenuity and effort, he will build stable wealth in land and buildings. However, this placement also warns of conflict and contention with family members or those connected to him by marriage or blood.
Moon
The Moon in this house shows the native takes pleasure in building, farming, and may deal with mills, fisheries, or water-related industries. He will gain wealth through such means. Yet, there may be discord with parents, and while he gains prosperity, it will not come without some sorrow or vexation. If the birth is diurnal (by day), troubles come early in life; if nocturnal (by night), they come later.
North Node
The Dragon’s Head in the Fourth House brings unexpected gain through land, property, or inheritance—often through secret or hidden means, such as buried wealth or forgotten claims. The native comes from a noble and enduring family, whose legacy is long-lasting.
South Node
The Dragon’s Tail here foretells labors, sorrows, and destruction of inheritance. The native may suffer loss of lands, buildings, or reputation, and his ancestors or lineage may be marked by suffering, scandal, or misfortune. It brings instability to foundations—both physical and familial.
Lot of Fortune
The Part of Fortune in the Fourth House signifies a strong and secure estate. It favors gain through hidden or buried things, and wealth through dealings with mines, minerals, and metals. The native may become fortunate by what lies beneath the earth, so long as the Part of Fortune is not afflicted.
Rulers of Other Houses in the Fourth House
Lord of the Ascendant in the Fourth House
When the ruler of the Ascendant is placed in the Fourth House, it signifies blessing and support from one’s parents or elders. The native is likely to receive a generous inheritance, and find success through land, houses, and family estates. His fortune is strongly rooted in the legacy of his ancestry.
Lord of the Second in the Fourth House
This placement shows an increase of wealth through inheritance, property, or family possessions. The native may be enriched by the elder members of the household or by estates passed down through the bloodline.
Lord of the Third in the Fourth House
If poorly placed, this configuration foretells poverty and hardship for the native’s siblings. They may attempt to divide or waste the father’s estate, and in doing so, bring themselves to ruin and destitution. This interpretation is particularly true when the planet is ill dignified.
Lord of the Fourth in the Fourth House
This is a strong and fortunate position. It shows the native will profit through dealings in land and real estate, especially in permanent or enduring goods. He is likely to gain from elder family members, and his name may become well known, even in foreign lands, for his legacy and standing.
Lord of the Fifth in the Fourth House
If well placed, this suggests the native will have many children, and some of them will inherit property or land. However, if the planet is afflicted, it brings grief and sorrow regarding children—some may suffer misfortune or even die in confinement or imprisonment.
Lord of the Sixth in the Fourth House
This may reveal that the father came from humble beginnings, possibly having served in some capacity or been of low status. It also shows the native is prone to health problems, and his home life may be affected by illness or chronic conditions that impact the entire household.
Lord of the Seventh in the Fourth House
If the planet is strong and well dignified, it shows the native’s wife will be noble, reputable, and respected. But if weak or afflicted, the native may experience sorrow, discord, or public scandal through marriage. There may be struggles involving immoral or disreputable women, leading to domestic strife.
Lord of the Eighth in the Fourth House
This often shows that the native’s parents are strangers, or that they are frail and short-lived. For the native, it suggests he may die in his homeland or within his own dwelling place.
Lord of the Ninth in the Fourth House
Here it suggests the native’s parents suffer from hidden or chronic illnesses, often brought on by frequent travel or journeying. The native himself is likely to die abroad or far from home, since the fourth house becomes the eighth from the ninth, symbolizing the end of the parent’s journeys and the native’s own departure from his homeland.
Lord of the Tenth in the Fourth House
This placement indicates the native may rise to honor or high office through service to royalty or state affairs. His fortune will grow through land, buildings, livestock, or fortified places such as moats or rivers, and his work will involve strong, tangible assets connected to land and governance.
Lord of the Eleventh in the Fourth House
This often indicates that the native’s parents will live short lives, since the eleventh house is the eighth from the fourth. Nevertheless, the native will enjoy a comfortable inheritance and have good fortune in his private and domestic affairs.
Lord of the Twelfth in the Fourth House
This position foretells conflict, tension, and discord between the native and his parents or close relatives. There may be bitter disputes over inheritance, land, or family property, and in some cases, the native’s household or lineage may face ruin or downfall, or at least a major misfortune affecting the family’s stability.
From the The Doctrine of Nativites and Horary Questions, JOHN GADBURY