By Patricia Darrow, Astrologer
If you were ever approached by a glib salesperson, who uses their hands to talk - you have probably experienced the third house individual. This person personifies communication on every level.
The third house rules the intellect, thoughts, literature, writing and communication. Also under it’s rulership are neighbors, short trips, siblings and lower education.
In astrology, the third house is correlated to the zodiac sign of Gemini and the planet of Mercury - the eternal messenger. The third house rules the hands, shoulders and lungs. Paint this house yellow and stock it full of gadgets and computers. It’s busy! The third house resonates to the Magician, the Hermit and the Lovers in the Tarot Deck. Numerologically speaking, it relates to the number five.
Listed below are some books that can help you understand the third house energies:
"Mercury The Open Door Part I" by Bernice Prill Grebner
"Mercury Method of Chart Comparison" by Lois M. Rodden
"A New Look At Mercury Retrograde" by Robert Wilkinson
Below are some key words and phrases for the different planets in the third house:
Sun in the 3rd - lively mind, friendly to neighbors, self-expressive in communication, likes to drive to the beach.
Moon in the 3rd - protective of siblings, curious with a good memory, and possibly psychic inclinations.
Mercury in the 3rd - An active and restless mind, prone to writing, likes to gossip, makes many trips to the local library
Venus in the 3rd - Dislikes controversy, values charming relationships with siblings and neighbors, gains through short trips, enjoys art, music and reading.
Mars in the 3rd - lively communicator, competitive with siblings, loves to debate, use extra caution while driving.
Saturn in the 3rd - may be prone to depression or negative thinking, delays with short trips, consistent with communication, may feel responsible for siblings.
Uranus in the 3rd - has strange neighbors, has an open mind, could be inventive and unpredictable, unique style of communication or writing, tolerant of any siblings
Neptune in the 3rd - psychic temperament, merry mix-ups with travel, possible talent for writing metaphysical material, neighbors or siblings with drug or alcohol problems
Pluto in the 3rd - a desire to change one’s shortcomings, may experience the death of a sibling, capable of deep and profound thinking, snoopy neighbors
In closing, the third house can be seen as the center or hub of the zodiac wheel. It is the raw ability to understand what is happening in the surrounding environment and to interact with it successfully. It’s destination, however, is always up to you. So talk the talk or walk the walk!