The houses are more psychological than literal. But I understand, they can confuse me too. I've experimented with examples in my life-to better understand them.First look at the house cusp. This is significant as the type of energy that is involved.
Differentiate between the cusps of Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn and the others will be clearer.
Aries is where you are likely to be more aggressive, assertive and prefer to just be transparent, upfront and "yourself" as much as possible.
Cancer is where you are likely to lean towards more emotional empathy and support. This is your vulnerable space and can indicate what offends or hurts you.
Capricorn is where you are serious, deliberate, structured and want order and discipline. This is where you can be relentless in having others "tow the line" and it can show where you have great reserves and a "never say die" attitude.
Libra is where you look for common ground, participation, collaboration, unity and agreement. It is differing from Cancer in the sense that Cancer can be self centered;how is this good for me perspective-whereas Libra is ,how is this good for everyone?
Lets look at an example;
2nd house cusp in Libra.
The 2nd house is termed "self esteem" "values","worth" and "wealth" etc.
To me the 2nd house is the tangible thing that you treasure and see as necessary to be secure and self-confident.
So,the 2nd house in Libra may suggest someone who values relationships and getting along with others.They value dating and being in relationship. They value harmony and beauty.
This may also suggest how one makes money; perhaps working as part of a partnership? Working as part of a team? Working as a Mediator, Judge, Lawyer, Consultant,Notary? Even psychologist.
They may even be musicians, poets, decorators, beauticians and sculptors. The idea is to create "beauty" and form in a world that is "out of balance" etc
Here money could be earned through relationships or relating with others. Money is earned through one's ability to be diplomatic, even tempered, cooperative and balanced, aesthetic,refined and creative.
If Libra is on the cusp of the 3rd house, it is in the house of communication, siblings,short trips, the spoken and written word.
Libra here would make one a "smooth" talker and have an "ease" of expression.
There could be something melodious and balanced in the way that one expresses opinions as they are careful not to offend or be bias.
One must also look at planets in the house to see how they "colour" the house concerned as well as the relevant aspects to that specific planet in the relevant house.
An example is Leo Rising Beyonce Knowles.(as claimed by astrotheme)
Her 2nd house in Virgo suggests her earning money as someone who is dedicated, works hard, has high standards and pays attention to detail.
She writes most of her songs and her world tours have been praised for being "Outstanding". That is Sun in Virgo and in 2nd house manifesting.
She has Libra on the 3rd house cusp.
Have you noticed how many times she sings about relationships? Whether its the man not pulling his weight or the woman completely 'devoting' herself to pleasing him?
Saturn, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus and Pluto crowd the 3rd house of Libra. This makes issues regarding siblings, communication and short trips very important.
The Libra emphasis here could suggest that relationships will always be a theme for her. She'll always want to come across as someone who speaks eloquently and with great diplomacy(Libra).