This house signifies imprisonment, captivity, banishment, and the native’s hidden or secret enemies. It also governs large animals—such as oxen, horses, and cattle. The Greeks called it Kakodaimon, meaning “evil spirit” or “malignant genius.” Being a cadent house, it is considered unfortunate. In the human body, it corresponds to the feet, as Pisces—its natural sign—is the last of the zodiac.
Saturn
Saturn in the Twelfth brings fear, sorrow, trouble, captivity, exile, harm from large animals, and danger from secret enemies. If Saturn is essentially dignified, the native will be fortunate in dealings with large beasts.
Jupiter
Jupiter poorly placed here causes slander, poverty, bondage, harm from large animals, imprisonment, and opposition from powerful enemies. When strong and dignified, Jupiter grants the native victory over hidden foes, protection of his reputation, and relief from these troubles.
Mars
Mars in the Twelfth denotes imprisonment and trouble through crimes or deliberate errors, loss from servants and secret enemies, and harm in dealings with large animals. It also suggests chronic illnesses, often marked by injuries to the hands or feet. Strong Mars shows powerful enemies; a weak Mars makes them less harmful.
The Sun
The Sun here signifies powerful adversaries who waste the native’s resources, damage his good name, and cause imprisonment. There may be losses from servants and a frail constitution afflicted by lingering illness.
Venus
Venus in the Twelfth foretells loss through women, and possible prosecution, imprisonment, or banishment by their means. In a woman’s nativity, it can indicate a life of sexual impropriety; in a man’s nativity, it often shows a wife of ill repute, a low-born or shameful companion, bringing dishonor and harm.
Mercury
Mercury in the Twelfth shows the native trading in large animals, yet suffering loss through such dealings. He may engage in difficult or unprofitable tasks, and his enemies may be clerks, solicitors, or similar types, who can bring about his imprisonment.
The Moon
The Moon here denotes many enemies, imprisonment, and hindrance from them. If afflicted by Saturn or Mars, life may be short, with danger of violent death. Losses may come through servants or through dealings with large animals.
North Node
The North Node in the Twelfth brings many enemies, poverty, and servitude, yet can also bring some fortune in matters concerning large animals.
South Node
The South Node here oppresses the native’s enemies, but rarely without harm to himself. Losses may also arise from dealings in large animals.
Part of Fortune
The Part of Fortune in the Twelfth can signify either benefit or harm, depending on its strength and condition.
Rulers of Other Houses in the Twelfth House
Ruler of the First House in the Twelfth
When the ruler of the Ascendant is placed in the Twelfth House, it brings many secret enemies and continual trouble from them. The native may suffer imprisonment, hardship, and persecution at their hands, facing repeated opposition and adversity.
Ruler of the Second House in the Twelfth
If well placed here, the native may gain unexpectedly through private enemies, servants, or large animals. But if afflicted, it brings loss through theft, confinement, and deceit, as well as harm from those of lower station.
Ruler of the Third House in the Twelfth
When the ruler of the Third is in the Twelfth, it signifies that the native may be forced to travel or go into exile due to enemies, persecution, or imprisonment. It also foretells discord among brothers and sisters, and injury brought by their actions.
Ruler of the Fourth House in the Twelfth
Placed here, it often shows a father of poor condition or foreign birth. The native may suffer early hardships but later find some benefit through those who once sought to harm him. Death may come in a distant land.
Ruler of the Fifth House in the Twelfth
This placement brings few children, and those that exist may be troublesome or estranged. It can also show misfortune through them, though they may have some prosperity or skill in dealing with large animals.
Ruler of the Sixth House in the Twelfth
Here, the ruler brings enmity, disgrace, and loss caused by hidden adversaries. The native may suffer damage through large animals, imprisonment, or prolonged illness that weakens both body and mind.
Ruler of the Seventh House in the Twelfth
When the ruler of the Seventh is in the Twelfth, the native is beset by public and private enemies and lives in constant danger of slander and envy. Marriage brings sorrow, and the spouse may be base or dishonorable—unless the planet is well dignified, in which case the opposite may occur.
Ruler of the Eighth House in the Twelfth
This position brings danger of death through imprisonment, hidden enemies, or misfortune involving large animals. Even when life continues, it will be attended by much suffering and distress.
Ruler of the Ninth House in the Twelfth
When the ruler of the Ninth is placed here, it shows travel compelled by hardship or enemies. The native or his siblings may be deceitful or faithless toward one another, especially if Saturn or Mars rules the Ninth. I have observed this often to be true in practice.
Ruler of the Tenth House in the Twelfth
This placement signifies loss, obstruction, and betrayal from great persons or authorities. The native may suffer imprisonment or disgrace through their actions, yet in time may regain their favor and respect.
Ruler of the Eleventh House in the Twelfth
With this configuration, the native’s hopes are often disappointed, and his friendships few and unreliable. He may fall into error, misfortune, and poverty, suffering through imprisonment or the malice of enemies.
Ruler of the Twelfth House in the Twelfth
When the ruler of the Twelfth is also in this house, it multiplies its malefic influence—bringing slander, injury, confinement, and exile. The native may endure long persecutions, false accusations, or loss of reputation through secret foes.
From The Doctrine of Nativities, JOHN GADBURY