In astrology, the zodiac wheel is broken up into 12 zodiac houses, corresponding to the 12 zodiac signs. With that in mind, think of the 8th house as the zodiac wheel’s underworld—or its sex dungeon, if you will. It encapsulates the taboo side of life (see: death, rebirth, and release). Fittingly, the 8th house is known as the house of sex and death. Understanding the themes of the 8th house may help you embrace transformation and step into your sexual prowess.

“This is a very intimate house that doesn’t get a lot of attention, mostly due to its mysterious energy.”—Lauren Ash, astrologer

Before we delve into the mysterious depths of the 8th house, let’s recap how astrological houses work in general. Each person’s natal chart is divided into 12 segments (or houses), and each house overlaps with a specific sign or two and governs a specific area of life. In the case of the 8th house, it’s basically a graveyard of your past selves and the transition into your new life. “This is a very intimate house that doesn’t get a lot of attention, mostly due to its mysterious energy,” Lauren Ash, an astrologer explains.

That said, knowing what sign (or signs) is connected with your 8th house in astrology can provide you with valuable intel about the side of yourself you prefer to keep hidden: your dirty secrets, deep desires, and the deep transformations you’ll endure. Not to mention, learning about the themes in your 8th house helps you better understand your sexual needs and how to satisfy them, too.

What is the 8th house in astrology?

Like its corresponding zodiac sign, Scorpio, the 8th house is a lot more complex than when or how you or the people around you will die or experience death. Associated with Scorpio and Pluto, the 8th house is the transformational zone of our natal charts in which our darkness and desire live, where we express (and suppress) our power, where we can experience ecstatic growth, and come into our own selves.

Pluto’s energy is intense and dark, and likewise, the 8th house deals with topics that are forbidden at the dinner table: orgasms, inheritance, other people’s resources, and debt. “The 8th house can represent some of the ways we become obsessive and compulsive in our behavior, which can lead people to avoid it altogether,” says Ash.

It doesn’t just handle physical money, but supernatural dues, too. “The 8th house energy is linked with karmic debts, deep connections, shared resources, power dynamics, and more,” explains Ash. Our lesser-loved parts of ourselves can come out as the 8th house encourages us to assert ourselves and make peace with our steamiest desires, which is often why this placement is home to your dark side.

“The 8th house energy is linked with karmic debts, deep connections, shared resources, power dynamics, and more.”—Lauren Ash, astrologer

Not only that, but the 8th house in astrology is also, as transformational astrologer Corina Crysler says, where we can look at how “sex, intimacy, and orgasms can influence our life force, deeply connecting us to the truest essence of our soul and root [energy center].” That’s why the 8th house is sought after when discerning sexual compatibility because of its association with sex and orgasms. Clearly, the 8th house in astrology can be pretty awesome, and it turns out that right now is a great time to call upon its service for improving your sex life.

How do I find my 8th House Ruler?

Now that you’re acclimated with the 8th house, how do you find the zodiac sign that rules this house? To find out which sign that is, enter your birth date, time, and place into this free natal chart generator. Then, look to the sidebar on the right of your chart to see which sign rules your 8th house, then come back to read what that means for your sex life—we’ll wait.

Along with knowing the zodiac sign that’s stationed in your eighth house, get to know what planetary energies, if any, are at play. “Having your moon in the 8th house can make you very emotionally intense, and you may tend to pour endlessly into others rather than focus on yourself,” explains Ash. Note that even if your 8th house is empty, it only means that there were no active planetary influences in this house, not that there’s nothing going on. Understanding the themes of the zodiac sign stationed here works fine.

So, how do you apply the 8th house to your life? For starters, refer to this house when it comes to matters of transformation and the things in life you must let go of. “Part of the journey of the eighth house is understanding how to walk alongside your shadow self.” When you’re comfortable with doing that, you’re closer to embodying your personal power.

Read on to find out what your 8th house ruler means for you and how to use it to improve your sex life.

How to use your 8th house in astrology

Aries in the 8th house

This is a passionate and physical 8th house, one that can make you an initiator in bed who’s always up for trying new things. But the confidence it brings can sometimes veer into cockiness. “Pay attention to your flirty ways whether you’re being selfish in your lovemaking,” Crysler says. “Don’t make assumptions about what your partner wants and be open-minded to be guided.”

Taurus in the 8th house

Ruled by the feminine energy of Venus, Taurus in the 8th house has the potential to be very sensual. When it comes to sex, you need to feel connected and safe—but once you do, you’re eager to let out your wild, free spirit. “Pick beautiful places to have sex in, wear what makes you feel sexy, or create a romantic setting to call in the more spiritual side of yourself,” says Crysler.

Gemini in the 8th house

With Gemini in the 8th house, you likely don’t shy away from conversations abut sex, and it can also mean you need to focus. “This 8th house needs to connect mentally before they will emotionally, but getting their attention might be hard, as they’re often distracted,” says Crysler. “Dirty talk, sexting, writing about sex, or connecting after sex with pillow talk will heighten your sex life.” She also recommends using a feather or some oils to get out of your head and into your body.

Cancer in the 8th house

“Deeply emotional and intuitive, this 8th house wants you to throw down in the vulnerability department,” Crysler says. “Cuddling after and before sex might be the real fantasy.” As the zodiac’s moon child, you may have a hard time achieving orgasm without an emotional connection. Either way, Crysler suggests exploring different “avenues of touch” to help break down barriers with yourself or your partner(s).

Leo in the 8th house

Leo in the 8th house is fun and courageous—you’re likely willing to put your heart into romance. Role play, dress up, or some kind of sexy performance may be a turn-on, but remember to give your partner a turn in the spotlight, too. “Be open to communicating with your partner in terms of what they want, and try to not allow your ego to get bruised if they direct you in what they want,” says Crysler.

Virgo in the 8th house

Virgo’s emblem is “the virgin,” but having this sign in your 8th house doesn’t mean you’re destined for celibacy. You may just happen to be a natural-born perfectionist who needs permission to get a little wild. “This 8th house has to let go of overanalyzing and allow themselves to be free and messy,” says Crysler.

Libra in the 8th house

Love, beauty, and balance define this Venus-ruled sign. While there’s a certain elegance to Libra in the 8th house, your overwhelming need for next-level sexual attraction may lead to superficial connections. “Be open to trying spiritual practices that help you dive deeper into the 8th house,” says Crysler. If you find yourself giving more than you’re receiving, self-pleasure can help you feel more comfortable getting yours, she adds.

Scorpio in the 8th house

You’re not going to have a boring sex life, especially if your moon or Venus is in this house. You may be someone who’s constantly working on ways to evolve your sexual practice “Be kind and patient and help them feel safe, even though you probably intuitively know what they want,” Crysler says.

Sagittarius in the 8th house

Sagittarius in the 8th house may mean you’re adventurous in bed and seek an adventurous sex life according to Crysler. “Toys and role-playing might be fun for you.” However, as an energetic fire sign you may also rush through sexy time, so be mindful of your partner and really try to enjoy the moment.

Capricorn in the  8th house

According to Crysler: “Capricorns are leaders and are strong, so this can be super hot in bed when used the right way,” On the flip side, you may have trouble being vulnerable, and you’ll benefit if you learn to let some of your walls down. “Practice the art of surrendering to allow yourself to enter new heights of pleasure,” says Crysler. “Look into your partner’s eyes when you are making love to them.”

Aquarius 8th house

Expressing yourself and maintaining individuality when it comes to love and sex, which sometimes detaches you from the emotional aspects, is most important to you. “Try spiritual practices like tantra to promote more full-body orgasms, or meditate with your partner for a deeper connection,” says Crysler. “If you’re bored, it won’t work.”

Pisces 8th house

This romance-forward 8th house is all about deep, meaningful connection—with an imaginative streak. “Play out your fantasies and be creative in this 8th house. Allow yourself to go to new heights of ecstasy by connecting to the strong water aspect of this sign,” says Crysler. You can intuitively express yourself in a number of ways, which, says Crysler, is what makes you an exciting lover.