8. (Astrol.) A twelfth part of the heavens, as divided by six circles
intersecting at the north and south points of the horizon, used by
astrologers in noting the positions of the heavenly bodies, and casting
horoscopes or nativities. The houses were regarded as fixed in respect
to the horizon, and numbered from the one at the eastern horizon,
called the ascendant, first house, or house of life, downward, or in
the direction of the earth's revolution, the stars and planets passing
through them in the reverse order every twenty- four hours.