The purpose of this post is to describe what to expect when you have transits to the 12th house of your natal chart. Ask yourself: have you befriended your inner demons and insecurities? If not, a 12th house planetary transit will help you see all that you’ve been avoiding. Known as the house of solitude, suffering, and self-undoing, it is also where psychic abilities and spiritual transcendence reside. Consider it the limbo space between being the person you’ve been and becoming the next-level version of yourself that you want to be.
A Break From Everything
With a planet transiting this house, you may find that you are less social, less active, or just more inclined towards rest. Consequently, it could be a good time to take a vacation. It’s a chance to give yourself space to process and replenish your energy. However, if you do actually take a vacation away, know that it may not be the leisurely kind. Still, a respite from the hustle and bustle, can be ideal to rebalance your mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical energy. Each planet transiting your 12th house, will bring with it specific lessons or areas of focus. Check out the article here to help you get clear on what specific planetary transits mean.
Traditionally, this house is associated with mental health, life endings, self-isolation, and the afterlife. You will notice an increasing desire to turn towards quiet time and self-reflection, or even pursue healing modalities. These are all very appropriate and, often, much needed pursuits at the end of a cycle. You are wrapping up a cycle in your life with a transit in the 12th house, so have some patience and kindness for yourself.
As well, the 12th house is where karma catches up with you. If that does not resonate, just know that the cumulative effect of all your habits and the work you’ve done on yourself are felt here. In traditional astrology, there are tones of punishment and isolation that can come with this transit. Admission to prison or asylums (places of isolation) may be a result of engaging in negligent, deceitful, or unlawful behavior. However, this is not meant to be fear-mongering but, rather, show the scope of the 12th house. Most people will explore isolation out of personal choice for reprieve and rejuvenation.
An opportunity to move forward
While the 1st house represents the start of a life cycle, the 12th house represents the ending of one. With a planetary transit here, it is important to take note of the pieces of yourself that you have been suppressing or hiding away. Given that it is the house of self-undoing, all of your “bad” or less-supportive behaviors could catch up with you at this time. Of course, no one is accusing you of having “bad” behavior. Nevertheless, the 12th house is where karma resets itself so you must face up to the reality of your situation. Owning your mistakes or efforts you would’ve, could’ve, should’ve made are the focus. This reflection can be crucial to rebalancing your sense of self and finding peace during your 12th house transit.
Furthermore, your 12th house will always be the place where you find, or seek, rest and reflection. Yet, there will be certain themes that color the experience based on the sign that rules the house. In some charts, this is the sign preceding your rising sign, but not always. Find the ruling sign so that you can get extra clear on how the aforementioned qualities will show up in your life.
Finally, know that the 12th house is not something to be feared . It plays an important role in the life cycle for self-growth and self-understanding. The 12th house is relatively quiet on its own but, when there are transits to the 12th house, they will illuminate the pains and worries you can keep buried far below the surface, so that you may make peace with them. You might enter this house with the feeling that you have completed quite a journey. Maybe you have accomplished so much already; yet now you are ready for rest and reflection. Thus, wherever you start, you will exit with a stronger sense of self. The transit will help you shed hardships or traumas of your past, readying you to return to the world again. Whole and embodied.
Activities to lean into during a 12th house transit are:
- Journaling
- Spend time in solitude
- Hikes or walks in nature
- Baths and/or being near the ocean
- Sound healing or music therapy
- Prioritize rest in your weekly/daily routine
- Doing less, cutting out extra time-sucking activities
- Simplify your routine, what you eat, and what you do
- Ponder next steps, plan for the future
- Set up retirement/savings, apply for jobs
- Clean out closets and drawers of old contents
- Enjoy the slower pace
Behaviors to be conscious of during a 12th house transit:
- Excessive drinking or drug use
- Overeating and overindulgence
- Procrastinating and distracting yourself
- Numbing out with substances, sex, or media
- Overworking yourself
- Avoiding financial obligations
- Neglecting personal health (mental, physical, emotional)
- Giving too much to people unworthy of your time and energy
- Hoarding or holding onto items well past their expiration date
To get a more detailed look at what each planet will present when it transits your 12th house, check out this article: Planets Transiting the 12th House.
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