i would have to see your data on the ancients not associating energy between signs and house. you made some good points, signs and house are distinct from each other, but the ancients ALWAYS used the planets that ruled the signs has the planets that rules their corresponding house, so Mats rules first house,etc, and once you understand that you know a lot about houses it is true that signs are NOT houses and vice a versa, good point, and certainly mutable, cardinal and fixed and certainly the axis is profoundly significant. think in terms of 'where- how' the place directed the planets in the house are. this is about energy in time and space directing our lives. it is not always good to have mars in first, very strong, athletes, etc, but also they may have a short temper. the planet ruler ship of the houses is there for a reason. the first house is not Aries, but it is still ruled by mars. the good, self awareness, etc. active aspect of mars. but remember also mars has a down side.how nice to have sun or Venus there, the houses also can enlighten us on our understanding of planet energy. first house, our doorway into using energies in the world, is a positive mars energy instead of a malefic, but be aware of hazards and too much energy when dealing with Mars! interesting group, i am glad to hear all these options, good to there about where the signs and energies are released! John Anthony West[ancient Egypt work] and other astrologers, also proved more athletes have mars in first, or a predominate mars, while scientist often have Saturn in first and proved that it was far too high a ratio to be happenstance. thanks for good talk and spreading ideas! HOPE Caster may 28 astrology 'house' talk.