Ever feel like the romantic relationship you’re currently in is eerily reminiscent of those from your past? In cases like this, you may have to admit to yourself that it’s actually not them—it’s you. Or, to be more cosmically specific, it might be your 7th house in astrology, which represents partnerships of all sorts and discerns zodiac compatibility in long-term connections. Consider your 7th house to be your relationship astrology roadmap: it reflects how you engage with people and the qualities of others that you appreciate—or don’t. When you consider the planetary energies present in your House of Partnerships, you’ll deepen your understanding of your relationship tendencies, including your ability to predict certain celestially-sanctioned patterns of conflict or future astrological compatibility with a fling.

Even if your knowledge of astrology is limited, you’ve likely heard about the planets in your birth chart and how they’re set up describes certain aspects of your personality. You’re not just your sun sign, but an amalgamation of the 12 astrological houses, or the 12 sections in your birth chart attributed to different sects of life. These houses color your individuality, how you communicate, and even your work ethic. When it comes to the 7th house, specifically, it rules over all of your partnerships, such as your romantic partners, friends, and colleagues, and covers your needs, desires, and patterns that exist within these relationship dynamics.

Deciphering your relationship patterns—whether you’re the hopeless romantic type, noncommittal, or struggle with affection, for example—involves understanding the astrological energies that fall under that house. Keep reading to better understand the 7th house in astrology and how it impacts your relationships, per the experts.

What is the 7th house in astrology?

The 7th house in astrology, sometimes referred to as the house of partnerships, governs exactly that: romantic relationships, marriages, friendships, and dedicated connections of all types. It’s also known as the point in your chart called the descendant, which sheds light on how we operate in relation to others and discerns our astrological compatibility with past and future relationships. This is the part of your birth chart astrologers look to identify relationship karma, along with other points in your chart (more on that later).

If you look at your birth chart wheel, the first six houses are indicative of your self, such as your identity, emotional responses, self-esteem, and communication styles, whereas your 7th to 12th houses indicate how you see and interact with your environment. The 7th house sits opposite your 1st house, or your ascendant sign (aka the point of the self). Astrologer Danny Santos says to think about it this way: “If the 1st house represents you, then the 7th house represents how you interact with others, what is a natural compliment to your personality, and what most contrasts how you enter the world.” Note that the 7th house isn’t limited to romantic connections, but shows how we work best in collaboration with those in our surroundings.

“The 7th house is known as the house of marriage and committed or contractual partnering.”—Corina Crysler, astrologer

Per astrologer Corina Crysler, the 7th house is centered more on how the people in the relationship act as a team, rather than their sexual chemistry or physical attraction. “Unlike the 5th house, where sex, pleasure, and what we desire in another person lives, the 7th house is known as the house of marriage and committed or contractual partnering,” says Crysler. “It can also show us what we need in our relationships or the patterns we continue to have in our relationships.”

The 7th house can also provide intel regarding business unions and creative collaborations. From a professional perspective, “The 7th house can show us who we decided to connect with and what we may see in others that could reflect what we see in ourselves,” says Crysler. “We can use the aspects of this house to reveal how we are with others and how our interactions may influence our own lives.”

“The 7th house can show us who we decided to connect with and what we may see in others that could reflect what we see in ourselves.”—Corina Crysler, astrologer

The 7th house in astrology can pertain to romantically partnered situations as well as business unions and creative collaborations.

Is your soul mate your 7th house?

Astrology, like dating itself, is complex. There’s a lot that goes into determining whether someone is your soul mate that a single astrological point just can’t cover. Astrologers might compare two birth charts in a practice called synastry, for example, but they also might point your attention to your moon, Mars, and Venus signs, which speak to your emotional receptivity, sex drive, and relationship patterns, respectively.

Still, there’s a lot to be said about the intricacies of the 7th house as it highlights what someone needs in a relationship that allows for harmony and balance. But if you were to ask Santos, the simple answer is no, your 7th house alone can’t decide whether someone is your soul mate. For that, you’d have to look at your moon and Jupiter placement and whether they’re well-aspected between two partners.

Specifically, if these planets are making a trine, conjunction, or sextile to your 7th house. This is because a positive aspect to the moon typically denotes long-term emotional satisfaction, says Santos. “And positive Jupiter placements will show a shared sense of long-term goals and values. Having placements in and aspects to each other’s 7th houses certainly will aid in long-term compatibility, especially since your partner will be able to cover your weaknesses.”

For an in-depth analysis of the 12 houses in astrology, keep reading.

What are the 12 houses in astrology?

The 12 houses in astrology are aspects of your birth chart that correspond to a planetary ruler and zodiac sign. Each of these alignments provides specific insights into different aspects of your life and self. Think of the planets as forces that dwell in houses, the zodiac signs as the personality the planets wear every day, and the houses as where the traits of those signs express themselves, says Crysler.

The 12 houses in astrology include:

1st house: House of Self

The 1st house corresponds with your physical appearance, your personality, and your identity. In short, this house is all about what makes you, you.

2nd house: House of Value

The 2nd house represents money, material and immaterial possessions, and your sense of self-worth. In other words, what you find valuable as well as how you handle your finances.

3rd house: House of Communication

The 3rd house governs communication, sharing with others, and interpersonal connections. It’s also sometimes referred to as the House of Sharing.

4th house: House of Home and Family

You guessed it: The 4th house represents your home and family. It governs your traditions, your relationship with parental figures, and your views on domestic roles.

5th house: House of Pleasure

The 5th house symbolizes fun, pleasure, passion, and creativity. If your inner child lived in one of the 12 houses, it would be this one.

6th house: House of Health

Your mental and physical health fall under the 6th house. This house also governs your daily routine, eating habits, self-care, and personal hygiene.

7th house: House of Balance

The 7th house revolves around your romantic relationships, professional relationships, and marriage. It’s how you relate to others and the role you play in these relationship dynamics.

8th house: House of Transformation

The dark and mysterious 8th house symbolizes death, rebirth, sudden losses, and sudden gains. This house also governs sexual kinks and taboos.

9th house: House of Purpose

The 9th house governs philosophy, travel, education, and your greater purpose in life. It involves the lofty, sweeping perspectives you have on life in relation to religion, spirituality, and morals.

10th house: House of Enterprise

10th house astrology deals with your motivations and ambitions at work as well as your public image and social status. This is the house that indicates how others see you.

11th house: House of Friendships

Your 11th house corresponds with your friends and peers and is often associated with good fortune and prosperity. This house governs your role in the collective as well as your personal wealth–financial and otherwise.

12th house: House of Sacrifice

The final house deals with your subconscious and spiritual alignment. Your dreams, emotions, intuition, and psyche are all governed by the 12th house.

What do the planets mean in the 7th house?

Now that you have a gist of what the 7th house represents, what does it mean in relation to your birth chart? More specifically, what does it mean when certain planets are stationed or active in this house? Each planet, like the houses, holds certain energies that, depending on where they’re located in your chart, impact different parts of your world. For example, having Venus (the planet of love and romance) in your 7th house could mean you’re a romantic of sorts, or that you yearn for connections that align with your sociable personality.

You may notice that some of your houses don’t have any planets located in them—not to worry! Having empty houses doesn’t mean that a specific department of your life is doomed, it just means that there are no active planetary influences at play. That said, there will always be a zodiac sign stationed in your houses and the alignments of each house depend on your birth date, time, and location.

Keep reading to find out what it means when certain planets are stationed in the 7th house of partnerships in your birth chart.

Sun (the planet of ego):

Because the sun determines your individuality and how you shine outwardly, when it’s stationed in the 7th house, Santos explains relationships and connection are highly prioritized, and is someone who is social and attracts others.

Someone with the sun in the 7th house may have a lot of different relationships and hold them in high regard, or they’re known to be romantics who crave and nurture deep relationships. “As the Sun represents our personality and ego, these people are naturally drawn to relating to others and there’s a focus on being of assistance to other people,” says Santos. “Charm and sociability will be natural strengths from this placement.”

On the other hand, the line between individuality and relationships may be blurry as they tend to put more emphasis on the need to connect with others. “The individual personality may suffer since their identity is formed more based on the context of who they are to other people,” Santos adds.

Moon (the planet of emotions)

The juxtaposition of the ego, the moon, represents the inner world of an individual. Meaning that when the moon falls in the 7th house, there’s a need for emotional stability in relationships. Those with the moon in the 7th house may feel the pull to nurture their relationships deeply and compassionately, or as Santos puts it, “The native is typically more selfless and has the instinct to focus on their relationships. These individuals are patient, relationship-oriented, and love seeing the people they love flourish.”

That level of care needs to be reciprocated for those with the moon in this house.

“At times, they may be moody, but their heart is in the right place,” Santos adds. “When the Moon is in the 7th, you may see a person who is looking for a female partner or a partner who may exude more naturally feminine qualities.” In other words, they need motherly nourishment as the moon is closely related to maternal energy.

Mercury (the planet of communication) 

Relating to material matters like communication, routines, and habits, people with Mercury in the 7th house pride themselves in being forthcoming and being able to express themselves in relationships vocally. “Mercury’s placement in the 7th house will make an individual particularly talented at communicating with others, and it will certainly expand their ability to network, make friends quickly, and assist others at achieving their goals in an efficient way,” says Santos.

They might be well-spoken or good at setting boundaries, even if they may come off blunt in terms of what they need in a relationship to make it work. “These individuals are incredibly helpful and also enjoy conversations that are an equal tennis-match style back and forth pace,” per Santos.

Venus (the planet of romance and beauty)

Venus rules relationships and romance. Like the moon, where deep and emotional connection is needed in partnerships of all varieties, those with Venus in the 7th house crave nourishment from those they surround themselves with. “These individuals will easily attract romantic love and partnerships into their lives and will be incredibly charming, easy to relate to, and have natural strengths towards physical and aesthetic pleasures in life,” explains Santos.

People with Venus in the 7th house have a special attunement to beauty, so they may be attracted to a specific person or aesthetics. They might have friendships that complement their style or a romantic partner that keeps consistent with a certain vibe. That could be having a specific type, or someone whose lifestyle involves art or having a vibrant social life.

Mars (the planet of aggression)

Because Mars is associated with passion, action, and aggression, those with this planet in the 7th house are often attracted to powerful and assertive energies. With Mars in the 7th house, you might be drawn to the thrill of a chase or are attracted to people who keep you on your toes. Per Santos, “Mars will show where we have a natural inclination towards initiating things, and with Mars in the 7th the native will find themselves naturally drawn to relating to others.”

In the same vein, Mars relates to impulsivity, “This placement may also reflect an individual who struggles with patience or remaining balanced when things don’t go their way,” says Santos. They may be the type of person who jumps into relationships quickly or chase passion when it comes to their relationships.

Jupiter (the planet of abundance)

Ruling over experiences, knowledge, and travel, those with Jupiter in the 7th house are often those with an abundance of relationships. It might also predict a proclivity to learn from your partners or find a deeper meaning in life within your connections (those who see certain relationships as lessons or see them as lessons to learn). “Jupiter’s appearance into the 7th house in the birth chart will show an individual who knows both the blessings and challenges,” explains Santos. They may be lucky in love or have friends in high places.

While those with Jupiter in the 7th house may excel in charm, communication skills, and maintaining relationships, as Santos says, “They may also be a bit codependent, have more than one serious relationship or marriage, and will need to make sure not to lose themselves in their relationships.” To remedy that, their independence should be intact when interacting with others, and may need time to recharge by themselves to fully give their attention and care to others.

Saturn (the planet of responsibility)

Since Saturn rules discipline and longevity, “Saturn in the 7th house will show that this individual may have personal challenges to overcome in order to attract romantic love into their life,” says Santos. People with this placement may experience karmic connections that are meant to break certain relationship cycles.  In other words, you’re drawn to the same type of personalities that might keep you stagnant—and these types of relationships are meant to push you to grow and become the partner, friend, or collaborator that you’re destined to be.

Plus, Saturn shows us where we find success later in life, Santos adds, and “This individual may view relationships in a more traditional sense and would like to attract stable commitment in their lives, so long as there aren’t other alignments to modify this.”

Uranus (the planet of radical change)

Uranus is where we experience radical and necessary shifts. It’s the planet that reveals our inclination toward rebellion and originality. When Uranus is stationed in the 7th house, “The native will be drawn to more unconventional or unusual ways of relating to others,” explains Santos. “It’s likely they’ll have a wide circle of friends, be comfortable breaking social norms, and have a unique and original way about them.”

Because of the rebellious nature of Uranus, those with this placement are drawn to progressive relationship styles, says Santos, “Such as open relationships, polyamory, or living in separate houses than their partner. These individuals require a lot of freedom in order to be happy.”

Neptune (planet of imagination)

Since Neptune handles delusions and ideals, those with this placement tend to have an idyllic image of the kind of relationships they want. They love the idea of connection and are drawn to cultivating romantic relationships specifically, as Neptune is a dreamy and romantic planet. “Neptune in the 7th house can be a challenging placement as it makes the individual a bit more fantasy-oriented when it comes to relationships,” explains Santos. “Over-idealization is a very common theme with this alignment.”

On the other hand, Santos explains their prioritization of romance can be a double-edged sword, and they often take on these relationship expectations as a martyr in love, or are drawn to others who have escapist vices that tend to complicate the relationship. “It’s important that these individuals balance these qualities out before jumping into relationships,” adds Santos.

Pluto (planet of transformation) 

Ruling sex, endings, and rebirth, Pluto in the 7th house is tied to karma, according to Santos, and they tend to hold relationships that pose difficulties. “Pluto’s presence in the 7th house reveals that karmically this individual will have romantic relationships that may stretch the native to their limits.” This can look like divorce, death of romantic partners, and separations—but it doesn’t guarantee death, FYI!

The hardships that those with Pluto in the 7th house can have the individual reeling and even swearing off intimacy and connection, but Santos reassures us that there’s a reason for the suffering. “Both the individual and their romantic partners will transform as a result of this alignment.”

Read on to find out how to locate your 7th house.

How to find your 7th house

To find your 7th house, you’ll need to plug in your birthdate, time, and birthplace in an online generator like this one. The 7th house is located directly across from the first house, or 3 o’clock on the wheel. BTW, the houses are labeled, so look simply to the 7th house and you’ll find which zodiac sign(s) are located in the 7th house. Once you find that, you may notice planets and alignments stationed here, too.

Now that you’ve got the meaning of the 7th house, how the planets behave, and how to find yours, here’s what it means to have a certain zodiac sign in the 7th house, outlined below.

What each sign in the 7th house reveals about you

Aries in the 7th house

Aries rules over the 1st house, the house of self, and since the 7th house rules relationships with others, this can be a conflicting placement. Don’t be surprised if selfishness has been a problem in previous relationships. You might have a “me first” mentality or have a tendency to compete with your partners. That said, a good partner for you exists, and it’s someone who allows you the breathing room you need. “You will require your independence and ability to take charge of your life,” says Crysler. “You will need a flexible partner who is willing to take risks with you. In other words, they must be willing to ‘enjoy the ride.'”

Because Aries is ruled by Mars (the planet of physical energy), people with Aries in the 7th house may have a high need for passion, sex, and general excitement, says astrologer, tarot reader, and author of The One Card Tarot Journal, Maria Sofia Marmanides.

Taurus in the 7th house

The 7th house in astrology is all about committed partnerships, so a fixed sign like Taurus feels very at home there; Taurus is all about long-lasting, loyal, committed relationships. If Taurus is in your 7th house, you might seek long-term relationships or identify as a hopeless romantic. “Taurus builds their foundation on stability, trust, and values the ones they love,” says Crysler. “You will be able to create beauty and sensuality in your relationship when you feel grounded; however, try to learn to compromise and not always dig your heels deeply into the ground when things do not go your way.”

Marmanides adds that Taurus is ruled by Venus—the planet of love, beauty, relationships, and harmony. Having Taurus in your 7th house may mean that you’re more focused on relationships—in all their iterations—than someone else might be.

Gemini in the 7th house

With social butterfly Gemini in the 7th house, natural business partnerships will follow. You’re inquisitive and curious about how to get to know others better, so you’re the perfect date and good at dating. You might be drawn to relationships that challenge you intellectually and gravitate toward people who you can have deep conversations with.  “Communication will be key for your relationships, and you will need a partner who will intellectually stimulate you—otherwise you will be bored,” says Crysler. “You will also be bored if your day-to-day routine is the same. Perhaps your emotional availability may need some tweaking, by getting out of your head and into your body.”

Also, Gemini is ruled by Mercury (the planet of communication), which, practically, might look like someone who pays attention to the little details. To bond with a Gemini in the 7th house, you might talk about ideas or anything logical, says Marmanides, as this is kind of a sapiosexual sign (meaning they’re attracted to what they see as intelligent).

Cancer in the 7th house

Emotionally in tune, Cancer is all about nurturing their relationships. Patience and compassion are necessary elements for you when it comes to relationships, and you’re drawn to those who cradle your tender heart. Cancer in the 7th house might indicate that you seek a sensitive partner and you might be a natural giver in a relationship. Just know that there’s a fine line between being caring and the caretaker. “Resentment can be something that slowly creeps into your relationships,” Crysler says. “Make sure you know what you are seeking before you become committed to someone.”

Emotionally mature Cancer is ruled by the moon, which is associated with one’s emotions, further pointing to the fact that this is someone who’s going to require a lot of nurturing. In practical terms, says Marmanides, this placement wants to feel heard, seen, and cared for. “There has to be a sense of safety in a relationship,” says Marmanides.

Leo in the 7th house

This placement can be filled with pleasure, warmth, and happiness. You’re extremely generous in your relationships, and you like to feel appreciated in how you take care of others—and you like your attention and generosity to be reciprocated. “You will need to be the star in your relationship, and sometimes your own insecurities may be taken out on those you love,” says Crysler. “Do not go down the path of self-doubt, as it will cause issues in long-lasting relationships. Try not to get burdened by all day-to-day responsibilities, and allow yourself to ask your partner to pitch in and help you.”

The only sign ruled by the sun, having Leo in the 7th house means that someone may want to show off their relationships because they might feel like those connections help them accomplish their life goals. “The sun is all about the self, so to have that ruling the seventh house of partnership… means that there’s something about the relationship that really feels like you can help you shine,” says Marmanides.

Virgo in the 7th house

Virgo in the 7th house has a caring energy in relationships that prioritizes the well-being of others. You’re drawn to altruistic relationships and individuals who are responsible and grounded. In other words, you probably appreciate schedules and structure as opposed to spontaneous dates. “You tend to have a healing hand and a capacity to extend that in your relationships,” Crysler says. “You will need a practical partner who can live with a certain amount of structure; however, perfectionism is both unattainable and boring, so try to accept people for who they are. Learn to let go of past disappointment and not bring it into current relationships.”

Virgo is also ruled by Mercury, like Gemini, so they tend to ask a lot of questions to get to know people better. Marmanides says this might be the type of person who wants to go to a movie mostly because they’d like to talk about it after. Virgo is also a sign of service, so they often are people who do favors for you—whether it’s helping you file your taxes or cleaning the bathroom with you. “They look at caretaking…[as] how they show their love,” says Marmanides.

Libra in the 7th house

Libra is naturally sociable, so when it’s stationed in the 7th house, relationships of all dynamics are incredibly sacred. You’re drawn to romance, friendship, and cultivating fair-weathered relationships with others. “This is the natural position for the 7th house, so relationships will come with ease and be an important piece of your joy and contentment,” Crysler says. “A possible pattern for this 7th house is you tend to lose your own identity to suit the needs of others. Make sure you know your non-negotiables and don’t compromise what you are seeking in your relationships.” Even though you want to avoid confrontation at all costs, be sure to communicate.

Additionally,harmony-seeking Libra is ruled by Venus, which means this sign has a particular affinity toward any form of aesthetics—like art and fashion. Because of how much Libras value balance (their symbol is the scale, after all), Marmanides suggests being intentional about the energy you give to a 7th house Libra: “[Libra] wants to feel a completion aspect or a yin and yang—like a ‘We complete each other’ kind of vibe.” (Think: Brad Pitt matching the aesthetic of his romantic partner.)

Scorpio in the 7th house

Those with Scorpio in the 7th house crave deep connection with their partners and are drawn to those who can protect their secrets and reactive energy. If Scorpio is in the 7th house, you might be a tough person to crack emotionally but crave a deep, intense connection in relationships. “Scorpio’s energy to seek the unknown makes this 7th house somewhat challenging for others, depending on their partners’ needs,” says Crysler. “Scorpio loves intimacy and will need this to express their love or desires through connecting on a physical level with their partners, which can often mean they are a great sexual partner.”

Physical intimacy aside, Scorpio in the 7th house tends to withdraw, retreat, and put up walls, which can make it tough to create the well-rounded intimacy necessary for relationships. “The mysterious aspects of this sign can sometimes make it hard for others to get close to them,” says Crysler. “Once trust is established, the relationship can be much more meaningful. Beware of jealousy or passiveness.”

And because Scorpio’s modern ruler is Pluto (the planet of rebirth), “Somebody who has Scorpio in their seventh house is going to be someone who [believes that] relationships are about going deep,” says Marmanides.

Sagittarius in the 7th house

Independence and curiosity are two important values when it comes to having Sagittarius in the 7th house. You crave someone you can grow with but who can understand when you need your space. It’s also probably important to you that you can explore, learn, and have a fun, spontaneous relationship with your partner. “Sagittarius ultimately needs to feel free,” says Crysler. “This 7th-house sign is willing to explore things that may not suit everyone. Long-distance relationships may be typical for this sign, as the adventure will be appealing and fun.”

Marmanides echoes Crysler’s statement: Sagittarius is “ruled by Jupiter, and that’s going to give somebody a very optimistic and adventurous sense of what they want to bring to a relationship,” she says. To help ensure these relationships last, be aware of and intentional with your word choice, which can skew biting. You might also want to steer clear of Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces love interests. “A dominant water-sign partner will get easily hurt, and might not be the best suited for you if you don’t understand their emotional needs,” Crysler says.

Capricorn in the 7th house

Dutiful and driven Capricorn energy handles their relationships the same way. You’re devoted and see the value in others, especially in relation to you. In romantic relationships, you likely seek out practical and responsible partners. “Business partnerships will come [naturally] to this 7th house placement,” says Crysler. “Loyalty will be a core value, making you a loving and committed partner; however, feeling responsible for others may become a burden and take away some of the magic and pleasurable aspects of your relationships.”

Likewise, you may skew guarded, which may cause recurring conflict with anyone trying to get close. “Pay attention to the walls you put up around being vulnerable to someone,” Crysler says. “You do not have control when it comes to love, so the sooner you learn to let your guard down and just enjoy it, the happier you will be.”

And because Capricorn is ruled by good old Saturn (the planet of structure), there’s a sense of tradition and wanting marriage, a family, and similar things, says Marmanides. It might behoove you, then, to figure out what you do (and don’t) want, so that you can find a partner who shares that vision.

Aquarius in the 7th house

While Aquarius isn’t the most romantic of signs, they do have a lot of compassion and care for those they connect with. If Aquarius is in the 7th house, you tend to be more cerebral, making room for overthinking and pursuing mental stimulation. “This 7th house has their head in the clouds, and sometimes their emotions can run astray, making them unaware of how they can easily detach,” says Crysler.

Plus, Chrysler adds that freedom is important for you, as you tend to be avoidant once you get close to someone. It’s all about balance! “This is another sign that needs their independence. Too many rules in a relationship won’t work; you’ll get bored and check out. Your independence and staying true to who you are will be important, so you need a partner who can be accepting of that.”

BecauseAquarius’s modern ruler is Uranus (the planet of innovation), Marmanides says that a 7th-house Aquarian, like its zodiac neighbor Sagittarius, would be open to ethical non-monogamy the same that they would be to a long-distance relationship. “They’re going to prioritize forward-thinking and progressive ideals,” says Marmanides.

Pisces in the 7th house

Pisces is a hopeless romantic and it’s reflected in the type of relationships they seek. Pisces’ modern ruler is Neptune (the planet of inspiration), so it’s possible that this placement has a romanticized idea of love, says Marmanides. “There’s almost that knight-in-shining-armor aspect to some of the connotations of Neptune, so…there’s a deep, deep sense of romance and commitment.” Whether platonic or romantic, Pisces in the 7th house people tend to lose themselves in the idea of someone and love itself.

But, don’t forget to give yourself some much-needed solo time—even if you don’t realize how important it actually is for you. “Even though you would prefer to cuddle up to your partner most of the time, codependency may become an issue. This 7th house is very caring, loving, and all about the romance,” Crysler says. “You require affection and intimacy, as it will be your love language.”