Book Review – The Houses: Temples of the Sky by Deborah Houlding
I recently read The Houses: Temples of the Sky by Deborah Houlding
It’s a book on the background of astrological house systems and the meanings of the houses in the context of ancient, traditional and modern astrology.
I recently read this book at the recommendation of my astrology tutor from the Faculty of Astrological Studies. This was because I was originally taught the modern astrology style, which conflates each of the houses with each of the signs in order. For example, overlapping Aries themes into the 1st house and Taurus themes into the 2nd house (presumably for the sake of simplicity). My tutor picked up on this habit and suggested this book as a good resource to explore.
She was right. The Houses: Temples of the Sky by Deborah Houlding helped me to see that traditionally the houses and the zodiac are for more disconnected than they are connected and there was a good reason for that.
And gosh if I don’t adore an author or teacher who doesn’t just tell me a thing, but tells me WHY it’s a thing.
What I liked
Gosh, so much - I sticky tabbed the sh*t out of this book and ended up filming a 22 minute behind the scene resource of me reading out the bits I’ve highlighted for the astro nerds in the Suburban Witches Society.
There are so many useful take aways, and fun rabbit holes with references to where that information comes from plus many alternating view points so that the reader ultimately can make their own choice and conclusion based on all the evidence shown.
This books feels like it corrected a lot of misinformation for me. Sometimes subtly, sometimes in a big way (I’m looking at you Venus).
Here’s a quote I sticky tabbed because it was so good. It speaks on the association of Venus with money coming purely from the fact that Venus rules Taurus, and modern astrology has Taurus linked to the second house.
“Try to find a traditional reference to Venus representing trade or money. You won’t find one. If you consider the inherent nature of Venus it is not a commercial planet at all. Venus seeks luxury yes, and all the pleasant things that we associate with self-indulgence; but this soft, round edged planet has no hard -head for business matters. She may inspire us to spend what we cannot afford on pleasant things, because Venus will sacrifice all for a feel good factor, but being the planet of self-indulgence and enjoyment of luxuries does not make her the planet of money or commerce. Traditionally that honour belongs to Mercury, the natural significator of trade, barter, exchange; and of course, purses treasuries, coins and all the associated artefacts of currency.”I love the clear and concise way the book is laid out, and how easy it was to read. It’s only 168 pages so not too hefty either.
Adore the house rulership index at the back too! Very useful resource to have on hand!
What I disliked
Honestly, nothing. Maybe being called out on areas I was wrong about but that is not a bad thing.
I think Deborah did a really good job of explaining big concepts, even including the different housing systems without showing particular favoritism or shaming any particular system.
I did not finish this book 'wanting' for anything to be different but I think I always love when astro books give example charts and readings which this doesn’t have. Not a deal breaker at all though.
Do I recommend it?
Overall I think it's heavily underrated in the astro community and would recommend it to any astrologer.
I give it 5 witches hats.
My witches’ hats rating system:
0 - Problematic, this book should be burned.
1 - Did not like this book, do not read
2 - It was ok, wouldn’t recommend it though.
3 - I liked it but it might not be for everyone
4 - I really liked it and think most people will like it
5 - AMAZING, I loved it and everyone should read it
Meet Hana
Hana O’Neill, the Suburban Witch is a professional Tarot & Astrology reader, Intuitive Coach and the host of the Witch Talks podcast.
