Table of Dignities and Debilities

Some astrologers put more emphasis on dignities and debilities than others. I would suggest that you at least familiarize yourself with the tables below. There may be certain situations when you will want to determine the relative strength of a planet. As with many astrological techniques, this provides another avenue for gaining a better feet for the chart you are working with. When you begin to gain a solid feel for the signs traits, you will be able to easily understand why a planet is exalted in one sign and in it's fall in another and so on.

A planet that is in the sign it rules is said to be dignified. This position allows the planets energies to flow freely.

A planet that is in the sign opposite to the one it rules is said to be in detriment. This position creates an uncomfortable environment for the planet to express itself.

A planet is said to be in it's sign of exaltation when it is placed in a sign that creates a powerful complement for the planets energies.

A planet is said to be in its fall when it is in the sign that is opposite it's exaltation. This is the weakest position for the planet to be in.

A planet is said to be in its fall when it is in the sign that is opposite it's exaltation. This is the weakest position for the planet to be in.

NOTE: If a planet in the sign of it's fall or detriment is placed in it's natural house, or a house which corresponds to it's sign of exaltation, then some of the weakness would be neutralized. The same principle applies also to planets found in their dignity and exaltation. The Sun exalted in Aries would be more challenged in the seventh house (natural house of Libra) or the eleventh house (natural house of Aquarius).

Pluto has not yet been firmly established as it is the most recent planet discovery.

Signs shown in parentheses show ancient rulerships. Mars was the ancient ruler of Scorpio and therefore is somewhat dignified in Scorpio, and so on.