The 1st House

This house (including your Rising/Ascendant) is your identity and physical appearance. Some descriptions refer to it as your "mask" but that implies there's something fake about it. The 1st House is not fake- it's who you are and the first thing people encounter when they meet you. 

Planets in this house will express themselves as follows. The sign in the 1st will modify this. 

• you first: 1st House Moon means you put your needs first and (barring repressive aspects) show your feelings openly. 1st House Mars means you act for yourself- you are your main motivator and have no problems being assertive. 

• influence on the physical appearance, style and health. Venus is an obvious example- physical attractiveness and natural grace. 

• people project their issues on to you: 1st House Neptune (projected illusions), Pluto (projected power), Saturn (projected authority)

• the closer to the Rising/Ascendant a planet is the stronger it will be

A 1st House stellium (3 or more planets) gives you a highly subjective outlook. Depending on the planets, you can be arrogant, self-conscious, confident, courageous or a leader.  Assuming there are no planets in the 7th, it will be challenging for you to compromise. 

There can also be an openness which is charming (Venus, Jupiter, Sun, Moon) or jarring (Mars, Uranus). If Pluto or Neptune are involved the energy is not as open - there can be truths hidden behind a screen although usually this is not done consciously.   

Harmonious aspects (trines, sextiles) from other planets in the chart will support and enhance 1st House planets. Hard aspects (square, opposition, quincunx) will block or challenge 1st House planets. The result (of the support or block) will be on display for everyone to see. 

Key phrase with any planet in the 1st House: this energy is an essential part of my identity.