The Planetary Dignities and Debilities

Each sign of the zodiac has its unique characteristics (or energies). Likewise, each planet in the horoscope has its own characteristics. As each planet travels through the zodiac, its energies blend with the energies of the sign it is traveling through. This combination of energy can be positive, negative, or neutral.

There are two types of dignities and two kinds of debilities used in modern astrology: home, exhaltation, detriment, and fall.

The dignities represent the positive combinations. The dignities are the signs of the planet's rulership (also known as "home" or "domecile") and exhaltation. The debilities represent the negative combinations. The debilities are the signs of the planets detriment and fall

Rulerships

When a planet is in the sign of its home (or rulership) it is in its most comfortable position. It is here that the planet is able to express its energies with the most ease.

The signs and their rulerships are listed below:

Old Rulerships

Prior to the discovery of Uranus in 1781, Neptine in 1846, and Pluto in 1930. Scorpio was ruled by Mars, Aquarius was ruled by Saturn, and Pisces was ruled by Jupiter. I like to use both the old and new rulers when doing an interpretation, however, this is a debatable topic. Some astrologers ignore the old rulers, some don't. My suggestion is that you experiment using both and then decide which approach works best for you.

For more detailed information as to why each sign is assigned to its given ruler, visit my
Rulerships Page.

Detriment

When a planet is in the sign opposite its home position, it is said to be in detriment. It is here that a planet has the most difficulty expressing its energies.

Each planet and its sign of detriment is listed below:

If someone has a planet in one of these positions, does it mean that they are a helpless victim? No! Yes, the energies of that planet are weakened, however, this represents just one factor out of several. If the planet is well aspected, it may offset some of the challenges presented by this position. Also, the chart must be seen as a whole, challenges presented a planet in detriment can be offset by drawing on other areas in the chart where the native's strengths lie. Also, we all have freewill. We grow and evolve by choosing how to face the challenges in our chart. There is nothing in our chart that cannot be overcome with experience, practice and determination.

For more detailed information about the detriments of the planets, please visit my
Detriments Page.

Exhaltation

When a planet is in the sign of its exhaltation, it is able to express itself with the most power. The Planets and their sign of exhaltation are listed below:

For more detailed about the planets and their sign of exhaltation, please visit my
Exhaltation Page.

Fall

Finally, when a planet is in the sign opposite the sign of its exhaltation, it is said to be in its fall. It is here that its energies are expressed in the weakest way.

Each planet with the sign of its fall is listed below:

For more detailed information on the planets in the sign of their fall, please visit my
Fall Page.



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