Embark on a captivating exploration of the timeless challenge faced by professional astrologers: the selection of a house system. Contrary to the assumption that this predicament is a contemporary struggle, the challenge dates back to astrology's beginnings. "Ancient House Division," a pivotal research paper by James Holden, reveals that astrologers from the field’s origins in antiquity grappled with at least five different house systems. In this thought-provoking book, Ralph William Holden delves into this age-old conundrum, presenting a meticulous examination of various house systems and their historical evolution. While striving for impartiality, Holden inevitably discloses his personal bias, allowing readers a unique glimpse into his reasoning for favoring a particular house system. This will be an invaluable aid to the meticulous student of astrology seeking the right questions to ask as they make their way toward their own choice. This comprehensive guide is one of the most thorough written to date, and not only elucidates popular systems such as Placidus, Equal, Koch, Porphyry, and Regiomontanus but also approaches several lesser-known systems. The "whole sign” house system is notably absent from Holden's detailed descriptions, primarily because it wasn't widely employed in Western astrology when the book was written. However, there are several resources available in print and online that readers can use to seamlessly augment their understanding regarding the history and application of the "whole sign" system. Whether you're a technical astrologer or a student seeking to choose a house system to work with, this book offers invaluable insights into the methodologies used to unravel the astrological chart's twelve distinct houses. Join Holden on this illuminating journey and empower yourself to make an informed choice about this crucial and profoundly insightful tool of astrology.