Mapping the Sky

House Systems

Placidus vs Whole Sign

House systems are cartographic choices. They’re simply different ways of slicing the sky, each with its own use case. Instead of arguing online about which one is 'right,' learn what question each system answers best.

Whole Sign

Every sign becomes a house. It’s elegant, quick, and perfect for delineations that emphasize narrative over minutiae. Ancient timing techniques (perfections, zodiacal releasing) rely on whole sign houses for a reason.

Quadrant Systems (Placidus, Porphyry, Regiomontanus)

These systems anchor houses to the horizon and meridian. They shine when you need to know exactly where something lands in lived experience—especially near the angles, where Placidus can reveal why two people with the same rising sign live wildly different careers.

Hybrid Approach

Many pros delineate with whole sign houses and then cross-check sensitive topics with a quadrant overlay. Let the question dictate the map. Flexibility keeps your readings precise and your mind sharp.