Planetary Dignities
Master the Essential Dignities of planets. Understand the strength and weakness of planets in different signs, and what constitutes Rulership (Domicile), Exaltation, Mutual Reception, and Reception.
Basic Concepts (Definitions)
Understand the four fundamental states of planetary strength and weakness: like a king on the throne, an honored guest, exiled abroad, or imprisoned.
Domicile
+5"A homeowner in their own house, able to do exactly as they please."
The planet resides in its own sign of rulership, acting with full autonomy, resources, and stability.
Exaltation
+4"An honored guest or a king on a throne."
The planet is in a sign of high honor and elevation, capable of energetic peaks but less stable than domicile.
Detriment
-5"An exile in a foreign land where they do not speak the language."
The planet is in the sign opposite its domicile, lacking resources and acting in a way contrary to its nature.
Fall
-4"A person who has fallen from grace or is being ignored."
The planet is in the sign opposite its exaltation, feeling depressed or unable to express its higher qualities.
Planetary Rulerships Table
The distribution of the ten planets' energies across the twelve zodiac signs reveals where they are strongest (domicile/exaltation) or weakest (detriment/fall).
| Planet | Domicile | Exaltation | Detriment | Fall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun | Leo | Aries | Aquarius | Libra |
| Moon | Cancer | Taurus | Capricorn | Scorpio |
| Mercury | Gemini Virgo | Virgo | Sagittarius Pisces | Pisces |
| Venus | Taurus Libra | Pisces | Scorpio Aries | Virgo |
| Mars | Aries Scorpio | Capricorn | Libra Taurus | Cancer |
| Jupiter | Sagittarius Pisces | Cancer | Gemini Virgo | Capricorn |
| Saturn | Capricorn Aquarius | Libra | Cancer Leo | Aries |
| Uranus | Aquarius | Scorpio | Leo | Taurus |
| Neptune | Pisces | - | Virgo | - |
| Pluto | Scorpio | - | Taurus | - |
Sign Rulerships
The evolution of the twelve zodiac signs' rulers, from classical to modern astrology.