First House (Tanu Bhava) in Vedic Astrology
The First House (Tanu Bhava) is the first house of the Vedic birth chart. Its natural sign is Aries, ruled by Mars, and its karaka is Sun. It governs self, physical body, vitality. Here is what the First House means, the results of a strong or afflicted First House, and how to read it.
Quick facts
| Natural sign | Aries |
| Natural lord | Mars |
| Karaka (significator) | Sun |
| House type | Kendra + Trikona (Lagna) |
| Body part (Kalapurusha) | Head |
What it governs
- Self, personality and temperament
- Physical body, appearance and health
- Vitality, confidence and life direction
- The overall strength of the whole chart
When it is strong
A strong 1st house and Lagna lord give good health, confidence, a commanding personality and a life that moves in the direction you intend.
When it is afflicted
An afflicted 1st house can bring low vitality, health issues, low self-esteem or a life that feels off-course until the Lagna lord is strengthened.
Planets in this house
Which planets sit in this house, and the strength of its lord, decide the actual outcome. As a rule, natural benefics (Jupiter, Venus, Mercury, a waxing Moon) support the house, while malefics (Saturn, Mars, Rahu, Ketu, the Sun) stress it — except in the upachaya houses (3, 6, 10, 11), where malefics often do very well.
How to read it
To read the First House in your own chart, look at three things: the sign on the house, the planet that rules that sign (and where it sits), and any planets placed in the house. Generate your free birth chart to see all three for every house.