12th House & Ascendant: Prenatal Experience & Birth

Photos used under Creative Commons from storyvillegirl

Planets surrounding the ascendant and twelfth-house signs reaching the ascendant describe the situation leading to our birth and the birth itself:

The house of the unconscious, the metaphysical and the spiritual, the twelfth house is also the doorway to our birth. The prenatal experience in the womb as it leads to our birth is represented by the twelfth house, while the actual birth is represented by the ascendant. The prenatal and birth experiences remain in the unconscious and create the first marks on the canvas of our lives. They linger somewhere in the recesses of our minds creating a tone in our lives. The signs and planets in our twelfth house and on or near the ascendant reveal a great deal about our prenatal experience, the experiences of our mothers during their pregnancy and our birth. These experiences affect us then and throughout our lives. A natal chart packed with planets around the ascendant indicates that the mother's life was filled with activities and issues while pregnant and at our birth. While an empty twelfth house with no planets around the ascendant shows an uneventful pregnancy and mother a who was not bombarded with issues or difficulties.

Aries or Mars - A pregnancy with some conflict, arguing or emergencies is common with this placement. Either the mother or father may fight to terminate the pregnancy or keep the child. Difficulties with the birth are common. Surgery during the birth or after the birth on either the mother or child are common. The prenatal experience is stressful for the child and this placement is often found with premature births.

Taurus, Libra or Venus - A pleasant pregnancy where the mother is calm and relaxed is natural for this placement. The mother may indulge in excessive amounts of food and treat herself to relaxing activities and music. They may be issues regarding money and expenses along with an evaluation about a possible change in values for the family either during the pregnancy or when the child arrives. The prenatal experience is relaxing with the child and the birth may occur late or be induced because the mother does not go into labor on time.

Gemini, Virgo or Mercury - A mother who studies about pregnancy and child rearing is often found with this placement. She takes an intellectual view of the pregnancy and wants to make sure she does everything correctly. She carefully watches her weight gain, eats correctly and educates herself all of the possible problems with the birth. The prenatal experience is pleasant and stimulating. The birth goes as planned.

Cancer or the moon - The pregnancy and birth are highly emotional for the mother. Security issues with the mother's marriage or in the mother's life in general are often found, such as, the stability of the marriage or housing or money. A focus on the home is common, whether it's remodeling or moving. The mother may feel a vague sense of worry over caring for her new child.

Leo or the sun - The mother is proud during pregnancy and the pregnancy is inspiring to her. She feels the pregnancy fulfills her gives her meaning in life. There may be issues related to the heart of either the child or mother or blood pressure issues during the birth. The birth may be slightly early and is celebrated.

Scorpio or Pluto - Power or control struggles during the pregnancy are found with this placement. The unborn child can be the centerpiece of power plays between the mother and father or in-laws. Suspicions may run high during the pregnancy relating to any possible issue at hand. The mother is careful during the pregnancy and does not trust anyone. She is careful to maintain her resources for the coming birth so that she will not be in need when the baby arrives.

Sagittarius or Jupiter - Traveling while pregnant and giving birth in a foreign land or while traveling is common with this placement. Issues of freedom are central in the mother's pregnancy and there may be debate about staying with or separating from the father. Excessive eating is common or anything that the mother attaches to during the pregnancy can be done in excess.

Capricorn or Saturn - A mother who is overwhelmed with responsibilities during pregnancy or working very hard while pregnant. Her resources may be limited, and her life in general may be difficult during this time. The child may seem like a big responsibility. The birth may be difficult, lengthy or go over term. A surgery is often required, such as, a cesarean section birth.

Aquarius or Uranus - Debate over following convention or being different is found with this placement. This could be regarding the rules followed during pregnancy, the style of birth or the rules followed in the relationship between the mother and father. Sudden events, such as, separation of the parents, marriage of the parents or suddenly going into labor are common with this placement. 

Pisces or Neptune - An unsure or confused feeling during pregnancy and birth is common with this placement. The mother may feel confused or unsure about motherhood or having another child. There may simply be unsettled issues in the mother's life that create a foggy cloud around the pregnancy and birth. The mother may feel like she is on shaky ground in her life and is unsure of how the new baby will fall into place. She may also feel slightly detached from the pregnancy.