Natal Astrology

Simply put, planetary dignities and debilities are placements in a chart that show emphasis in either a positive or negative way. There are a few ways a planet can be dignified and a few ways it can be debilitated.

The first way that a planet can be dignified is when it is located in the sign that it naturally rules in the natal chart. It is considered to be “at home” here and thereby dignified. Take a closer look at the planets and the signs they rule if you are unfamiliar with them. The next best placement a planet can have in the natal chart is by exaltation, which is likened to being a guest in the home of a friend - it is comfortable and familiar, but not quite like being at home.

Likewise, planets can be debilitated by their placement in the natal chart. A planet is in detriment when it is located in a sign that opposes it’s own sign. For example, Mars naturally rules Aries. When it is located in the natal chart in the sign of Libra, it is in detriment. A planet is considered to be in fall when it is located in opposition to it’s exalted state.

A table to help you learn the placements of the dignities and debilities.

There are other, more complex ways a planet can be considered dignified. One of the simpler ways is called Dignified Triplicity. What that means is that a planet is considered moderately dignified when it is located in the sign of a relative element. For example, the Sun is the natural ruler of Leo - a fire sign - and is exalted in Aries, also a fire sign. However, it is slightly dignified in the sign of Sagittarius, the third fire sign. This type of dignity is not as potent as the other types and therefore their effect will not be as predominant.

Dignities and debilities can tell you a lot about your natal wheel chart. Have a look at your chart to identify and dignities and debilities you may have and take note of them!