“Die Before You Die”: The Eighth House

After the 7th house where we’ve met the other, now it’s time to mingle with them in the 8th. This is the area of the chart where we explore the depths of the other, and they explore ours. What happens as a result? Death and regeneration.

The 8th house, just like the others, is a large umbrella – but everything that falls under this house can be traced back to one activity: business. I know it sounds cold using the word business right after talking about relationships, but hear me out.

As you might recall, in the previous house (7th house) we had reached the midpoint of our journey through the houses, which meant that we have entered the remaining 6 houses of this circular chart, making every remaining house in direct opposition (hence, in a relationship with) to a specific house. 

With the seventh house, this was the first house – house of self (first house) opposite the house of “not self” (seventh house = the other, relationships etc.).

And now, because the 8th house is in natural opposition to the 2nd house (possessions, values) – it is the house where we experience the possessions and values of others and what happens as a result.

So, when I say business, I mean any kind of exchange that can occur between different parties, be it an exchange of resources or values. This obviously includes money, assets but also includes our bodies, time, experiences, pasts, presents, things that we like, things that we don’t like… The 8th house is where we experience the other fully, encounter the nasty parts of them along with the good – and also have someone else experience us fully with the good, the bad and the ugly. As a result, our corners smoothen, or we become altogether different people. This is what intimate relationships do to us, and this is (hopefully) why we enter into them – to grow up even more, and to be newer, fresher, more socially adept versions of ourselves.

I hope it’s now obvious that sex also falls under this house (at least most of it, as 5th house is where procreation, passion was experienced) Think about it for a second, isn’t sex – as an activity - sharing of resources, a type of trade? I think de Sade does a good job illustrating what I am trying to say in his book Juliette: "Lend me the part of your body that will give me a moment of satisfaction and, if you care to, use for your own pleasure that part of my body which appeals to you."

In addition to these, due to the whole “resources of others” thing, the 8th house shows us our experiences of others’ (including our partner(s)) money, assets or lack of them for that matter. For the same reasons, inheritances, our business dealings, loans, credits etc. all fall under this umbrella.

This is an intense house. But like all things intense and difficult, if we survive – and by surviving the 8th house I mean dying in it – it promises a more fertile self than before.

If you want to learn more about your natal eighth house and/or the rest of your chart, I recommend my Modus Operandi reading. I designed it as an easy to digest entry into your chart focusing on one or two areas of your life. Click here to book a session.

Here are what some of my clients said about this reading:

Uğur interpreted my shortcomings and fears that I had always noticed but escaped from or overlooked in such a great way. Years later, he gave me the power to work on them. Plus, he helped me explore some of my intuitive abilities. Thanks wouldn’t be enough.

— Ş. T.

In our session with Uğur, I faced my qualities that I had explored or known about but weren’t able to identify. In addition to reading my birth chart, his meditative approach allowed me to stay in the session with a holistic view. I keep his realistic advice with me during the day.

— U. Y.

It was an experience that I had never had before. Most of our session was in the form of a conversation. Of course, he had such a command of his reading that I didn’t realize how the hours passed by. Thank you Uğur for helping me make sense of myself, my environment, the universe, my life and how these are interconnected; and for opening this path for me. I can’t wait for our next session.

— Y. Y. K.

I really enjoyed my reading with Uğur. He gave me so much insight into the meaning, history and different theories of astrology. It was a pleasure to discuss such an interesting topic with someone so passionate. Learning about my chart, in a way that I can understand, and without the frills of “fortune telling” was very refreshing. It definitely aligned with and supported the wellbeing practices I am using in my life. I felt energized and empowered after our session. I highly recommend Uğur if you’re looking to get an elevated astrology reading. Thank you Uğur!  

— S. Ş.

My session was excellent! Uğur was thoroughly prepared, conveyed information with precision, empathy and humor, and was responsive to questions. This was my second official reading with Uğur and I will certainly arrange a third.

— C. G.