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.