In the alphabet of astrology, the first house corresponds to Aries, the second house to Taurus, and so on.
House placements can also be a mitigating factor. In the alphabet of astrology, the first house corresponds to Aries, the second house to Taurus, and so on. So, the first house has a hint of fire to it, no matter what sign is on its cusp. The second house has a touch of earth. And so on.