The eighth house asks us to enlarge or sacrifice our ego boundaries in order to enter into relationship or union with another or others. To do so, some aspect of our personality or ego must die. Usually it is some thing, not some one, that dies, and with the passing away of that limiting aspect of our personality we experience a releasing freedom.

Herein is the second aspect of this house: resurrection and rebirth. The eighth house rules personal evolution, growth, transformation and change, death, rebirth, sex, possessions of a relationship, legacies, inheritance, taxes, rituals, initiations and the occult, the astral body and reincarnation, and the severing of ties to that to which we are attached. A planet in the eighth indicates that a personal facet of your psyche is under pressure to work more cooperatively or jointly with others. Many planets here signify a person whose life can be characterized by change. Such individuals may find continuous states of affairs monotonous, and periodically bring about changes or crises to feel truly alive.

The eighth house is that one-twelfth sector of the local sky midway between the Midheaven and the western horizon (see above picture) occupied by planets in the two to four hours before they set.

With Mercury in the eighth house you are intensely curious, analytical, and probing of all people, things, and subjects that come within your range. Basically, you want to know what motivates people and makes things tick. Your opinions have a transformatory impact on the minds of others. There are possible respiratory difficulties with Mercury in your eighth house, so smoking is ill-advised. Other people's resources are highlighted here, so you're concerned with your partners finances, and may gain through inheritance. Examine all documents and contracts fully. You are probably interested in psychology and even occult and mystical subjects.

 Venus in your eighth house signifies gain through inheritance and legacies, and general benefit through partners. This placement provides you with an ability to transform your relationships, but if Venus is afflicted here, can indicate laziness and a lack of discipline. You value passion in relationships, and don't care much for the superficial. Your predilection for getting to the heart of the matter could make you shrewd and discriminating in business.