Essential Dignities
We look at the planetary strengths and dignities to assess the ways each planet expresses itself in our lives.
Planets in their own sign (domicile) have inherent strength. It’s like being at home - you are comfortable and can be yourself.
Planets are exalted when they’re in signs that match the energy and nature of the planets. It’s like being at a good friend’s house - you can come over in sweats and help yourself to anything in the fridge. Let’s take Aries as an example. The Sun is exalted in Aries. It makes sense, doesn’t it? The Sun is the luminary related to self-expression and the conscious will. It represents how we shine our light. Aries is the sign of pioneering action, initiation, and self-determinism. You can see how the Sun in that sign would be a strong aspect in the chart.
Planets are in detriment when they’re in the sign opposite the signs they rule. This placement puts pressure on the planet to behave in a way contrary to what’s natural. It’s like being at your ex’s house, sticking with this analogy. Mars rules Aries and Scorpio, and it’s in detriment in Libra (opposite Aries) and Taurus (opposite Scorpio). Mars is a fiery, passionate, me-first energy. The signs of Libra and Taurus represent sensuality, balance, and harmony - quite different energies.
Planets in the signs opposite their exaltations are in their fall. This placement adds strain to the expression of the planet. It’s not entirely comfortable, but it can get along with some adjustments. It’s like knocking on a stranger’s door to sell candy or canvas for a political cause (a metaphor I can relate to right now 😳).
Here is the list of dignities and exaltations:
Domicile:
Sun
Moon
Mercury
Venus
Mars
Jupiter
Saturn
Detriment:
Sun
Moon
Mercury
Venus
Mars
Jupiter
Saturn
Exaltation:
Sun
Moon
Mercury
Venus
Mars
Jupiter
Saturn
Fall:
Sun
Moon
Mercury
Venus
Mars
Jupiter
Saturn
Leo
Cancer
Gemini, Virgo
Taurus, Libra
Aries, Scorpio
Sagittarius, Pisces
Capricorn, Aquarius
Aquarius
Capricorn
Sagittarius, Pisces
Aries, Scorpio
Taurus, Libra
Gemini, Virgo
Cancer, Leo
Aries
Taurus
Virgo
Pisces
Capricorn
Cancer
Libra
Libra
Scorpio
Pisces
Virgo
Cancer
Capricorn
Aries