Planets Exaltation & debiliation:Exaltation means being in high position, exhileration and strength. Debility means weakness, and humility . The zodiac is the planetary cabinet. The first house or sign should be occupied by protocol by the King as the Ist citizen. Sun is the king of planetary cabinet. Hence he should be exalted on his thrown in the Ist sign Aries. A king enjoys power and position only when attended by the commander in chief Mars and the servant Saturn. Aries is the sign owned by Mars, the commander in chief of the planetary cabinet and Saturn the servant is debilitated (humbled) in Aries due to the authority of the King and the commander in chief. The King is attended on either side (Pisces and Taurus by Venus the courtesan and the Queen Moon). The place next to the King shall go only to the Queen. Hence Moon is exalted in Taurus. Sun owns Leo and Moon owns Cancer and get exalted in Aries and Taurus respectively. Next to Queen no one can sit. Hence Gemini has neither exaltation or debilitation of any planet in it. Cancer is owned by the Queen (Queen's place) Moon. Jupiter is the preceptor and further has a respectable place in the Queen's palace when he visits Cancer. Hence Jupiter is exalted in Cancer. Mythologically Moon (as male disciple of Jupiter) has an episode with Tara, the wife of Jupiter, which culminated in the birth of a child Budha. Mars the commander in chief visits the Queen's palace to carry out the commands or run errands of the Queen. Hence he is debilitated in Cancer. In the King's palace of Leo no planet can be exalted. Hence free from exaltation or debilitation. Virgo is owned by Mercury. Mercury is the finance minister in the planetary cabinet hence exalted in Virgo. Venus the courtesan is debilitated in the house of the finance minister, personally visiting for financial aid. Libra is owned by courtesan (damsel). When the king visits the court damsel, naturally he is accompanied by the servant Saturn. In the house of a damsel the king looses his authority. Hence is debilitated in Libra. The servant Saturn is the master of the situation (arranging meeting of Damsel Venus and King Sun) and is exalted. Scorpio is owned by Mars. When Moon the Queen visits the quarters of subordinate commander in chief, she is humbled. Hence is debilitated in Scorpio. In the mansion of the Guru Jupiter no planet is exalted or debilitated. Capricorn is the quarters of the servant and soldier Saturn. Mars visits the barracks of soldier. He the commander in chief visits with authority. Hence is exalted. Jupiter the preceptor and prime minister by visiting the quarters of a servant looses his dignity and status. Hence Jupiter is debilitated in the house of Saturn - Capricorn Aquarius also is owned by Saturn. There is no debility or exaltation of planets in it. Pisces is owned by Jupiter. Venus, the damsel, being in the house of respected Jupiter in the proximity of the king In Pisces naturally has power hence is exalted. Finance Minister, and in the proximity of the king is subdued of his authority and hence is debilitated in Pisces. This is one line of explanation of exaltation and debilitation of planets on the basis of planet politics.
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Planets in Exaltation, Detriment and Fall:In addition to the planetary rulerships, there are also planets which are exalted in the signs, which again means that they are comfortable and tend to function well in those signs. The table below indicates which planets are exalted in the various signs. Planets will be in detriment, however, in signs opposite the signs they rule. Planets in detriment are traditionally considered to have difficulty operating positively in these signs. Finally, in addition to planets in detriment, planets are also said to be in their fall in certain signs, which means that they are debilitated in those signs. Sign Aries Taurus Gemini Cancer Leo Virgo Libra Scorpio Sagittarius Capricorn Aquarius Pisces Ruler Mars Venus Mercury Moon Sun Mercury Venus Mars (Pluto) Jupiter Saturn Saturn (Uranus) Jupiter (Neptune) Exalted Sun Moon Jupiter Detriment Venus Mars Jupiter Saturn Saturn Jupiter Mars Venus Mercury Moon Sun Mercury Fall Saturn
Mars
Saturn
Sun Moon Jupiter
Mars Venus
My own feeling is that this traditional system of rulerships, exaltations and debilities is extremely important for psychological astrology. It gives us valuable clues about which planets need particular care and attention, in order that they can be redeemed and positively integrated into our lives as we strive to balance the opposites within our own psyches. We will examine this is much greater detail when we study the meaning of each of the signs of the zodiac in turn, but for the time being, it is worth explaining briefly what I mean. With the Sun in Aries, for example, an individual is unlikely to have difficulty expressing the qualities of Mars or the Sun, which will come naturally. The challenge for the Sun in Aries, however, will be the conscious integration of Venus and Saturn, traditionally in their detriment and fall in Aries, into their sense of identity. If this can be achieved, the Aries Sun person will have learned to value and to relate to others (Venus) and will have developed the self-discipline and patience (Saturn) to enable them to lead and to inspire others in a mature, measured and effective way, as a fully integrated Aries Sun individual. Equally, with the Sun in Libra, the individual is unlikely to have difficulty expressing the qualities of Venus or Saturn. Th e challenge for the Sun in Libra, however, will be the conscious integration of the qualities of Mars and the Sun, which, from a psychological point of view, we could say is an essential part of the process of individuation. If this can be achieved, th e Libra Sun individual will have found their metal (Mars) and be able to act with focus, courage and determination (Mars) for the greater good (Libra) and to fight (Mars) for what they value (Venus). As they develop personal courage, and become less dependent on the good opinions of others, the Libran will lose the vacillation and hesitation for which this sign is so well known, and become an authority (Sun) in issues of justice and fairness (Libra), prepared to take responsibility (Saturn) for the consequences of their actions (Libra).
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Each of the 12 astrological signs belongs to a certain element in one of its states. This gives us twelve quite different basic types. These varying qualities provide the “backdrop” to the planetary positions. As each horoscope has different planets in different signs, there can never be a “pure” Aries or a “pure” Gemini. Each horoscope is a highly individual, very complex and usually also ve ry varied combination of parts. In order to understand the signs, we must take into account the typical expressions of the elements, as well as the characteristics belonging to the planets associated with the signs.
Aries Cardinal fire; ruled by Mars Willpower, impulsive, initiative, courage, energy, activity Often rushes headlong into things
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Taurus Fixed earth; ruled by Venus Sensual, pleasure-seeker, steadfast, strives for security Sees red when provoked for a long time
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Gemini Mutable air; ruled by Mercury Mental type, witty, communicative, mobile, takes pleasure in learning. Rarely touches down
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Cancer Cardinal water; ruled by the Moon Emotional type, stubborn, seeks safety and closeness Very much a family person
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Leo Fixed fire; ruled by the Sun Glamour, generosity, organizer, the center of attention Likes to take the lion's part
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Virgo Mutable earth; ruled by Mercury Precise, differentiates, does what is necessary, utilitarian A critical point of view
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Libra Cardinal air; ruled by Venus A sense of beauty and proportion, tactful, seeks balance and harmony. Sometimes hovers between the scales
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Sagittarius Mutable fire; ruled by Jupiter Free spirit, carefree, love of movement, cheerful Wanderlust, often seems to be elsewhere
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Scorpio Fixed water; ruled by Pluto Corrosive, passionate, piercing, extreme situations Frequently quarrels with the spirits he called Capricorn Cardinal earth; ruled by Saturn Enduring, has a sense of purpose, proud, ambitious Can get stuck in craggy heights
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Aquarius Fixed air; ruled by Uranus Communicative, humanitarian, progressive, fraternal Universal spirit with occasional astonishing obstinacy
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Pisces Mutable water; ruled by Neptune Sensitive, compassionate, helpful, sociable Very adaptable, hard to get a hold on
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1st House (Ascendant) – The individual personality Together with the Sun and Moon the ascendant is one of the most important single factors in a horoscope. The sign at the begi nning of the first house tells us a lot about someone's personality, temperament and constitution. It typifies our immediate, instinctive reaction and shows how we present ourselves to the world. The planet ruling the ascendant sign is of particular importance for the interpretation. 2nd House – Values and Possessions The second house and its occupants tell us about the material circumstances, the acquisitive urge and how we deal with possessions and material means. This includes the relationship to our own body. 3rd House – Communication The third house and any planets occupying it tell us of our siblings, the manner in which we communicate on an everyday level and the relationships which determine our daily life. 4th House – Roots and Origins This house describes our origins, the parental home and the circumstances influencing childhood and youth. It describes how we relate to “family”, our attitude towards “hearth and home”. The father image and the relationship to the real father are also to be found here. 5th House – Pleasure and Creativity Sexuality and eroticism are at home here, along with play in general and all types of creative expression. This house also describes how we relate to children, pleasure and simple fun. 6th House – Work and Routine The sixth house describes the circumstances surrounding us in our daily lives, including the work environment and daily routine. This includes our behaviour towards subordinates. Bodily hygiene and care also belong here, as well as tendencies to certain acqui red illnesses. 7th House – Relating The descendant sign and planets occupying the seventh house tell us about how we select our partners and describes the partnerships and relationships we seek. Often we are involuntarily attracted to people whose horoscopes carry a strong emphasis of the sig n in our seventh house. 8th House – Loss and Common Property The eighth house shows how we relate to communal goods and how we deal with material loss. The taxes levied on us each year a re a good example for this and show how closely related these areas are. Traditional astrology maintains that this house has an affinity to death and all things metaphysical. Death would then be the ultimate material loss. Amongst other things, the study of metaphysics can be a very differentiated way of dealing with this loss, which inevitably comes to us all. 9th House – Philosophies and Far Countries The ninth house describes our spiritual leaning, life philosophy and our world view. In fact, these are often influenced by j ourneys to foreign countries. The attitudes cultivated and formed in this house can greatly influence matters of the 10th. (see below) 10th House (MC) – Occupation and Calling This house is of particular importance, since it affects not only our choice of profession and our sense of calling - it also has a bearing on our general development, what we become. This continues throughout our lives. According to tradition, as well as more recent experience, this house describes the mother image and the relationship to the real mother. 11th House – Friends and Acquaintances The eleventh house describes how we relate to friends, benefactors and teachers - people who wish us well or from whom we can learn. It also shows us in these roles. This house shows how we relate to the society in which we live. 12th House – Beyond the Personal This house represents those spheres of life in which the individual no longer plays a part, where we step back for a greater whole or lose ourselves in one. Traditional astrology sees hospitals, prisons and psychiatric institutions in this house. It is also associated with monasteries and any other retreats.
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Planet Sun Moon Mars Mercury Jupiter Venus Saturn Rahu Ketu
Exalted 10 Degrees Aries 03 Degrees Taurus 28 Degrees Capricorn 15 Degrees Virgo 05 Degrees Cancer 27 Degrees Pisces 20 Libra 20 Degrees Taurus 20 Degrees Scorpio
Debilitated 10 Degrees Libra 03 Degrees Scorpio 28 Degrees Cancer 15 Degrees Pisces 05 Degrees Capricorn 27 Degrees Virgo 20 Degrees Aries 20 Degrees Scorpio 20 Degrees Taurus
Note: KP References:
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Planets Exaltation & debiliation:Exalted planets in a horoscope are generally considered to be very good and strong but at times malefic aspects make the whole difference and may not give the needed results. Similarly, if the exalted planet is bereft of strength for any astrological reason, it may not give the desired results. The Sun exalts in Aires, the Moon Exalts in Taurus, Mars exalts in Capricorn, Mercury exalts in its own sign Virgo, Jupiter exalts in Cancer, Venus exalts in Pisces and the known malefic, though actually not so in all cases, Saturn exalts in Libra. These are exaltation signs and the corresponding 7th sign become the debilitation sign. The deepest exaltation degrees are 10 for the Sun,3 for the Moon, 28 for Mars, 15 for Mercury, 5 for Jupiter, 27 for Venus and 20 for Saturn. Each planet assumes significance in its exaltation sign or debilitation sign i.e. highly favourable or highly detrimental depending on the placement of the planet concerned, aspect on the planet, degree-wise strength and how it is placed in other Vargas including Navamsa. According to Prasara Hora Sastra, the Sun is exalted in Aires and is the most powerful on the 10th degree i.e. deepest exalted point and may be worst in its debilitated sign Libra at the same degree. Similarly, the position of other planets needs to be interpreted. The Sun, the Moon, Mercury and Venus have only 7th aspect where-as Saturn aspects, 3rd, 7th and 10th houses, Mars aspect 4th, 7th and 8th houses and Jupiter aspects 5th, 7th and 9th house. Accordingly, the result of the planet would be different and the traits of the houses concerned shall be effected either beneficially or otherwise depending on the force of planets concerned including the exalted planets, debilitated planets and when they are in retrograde motion. The Sun in Aries (exaltation sign) can only be aspected by Debilitated Saturn and that when Saturn transits Libra. The Moon in Taurus (exaltation sign) cannot be aspected by any exalted planet as none of the planets exalts in Scorpio. Venus in Pisces can only aspect exalted Mercury but that cannot happen as Mercury and Venus can never by 180 degrees apart from each other. Similarly, the aspect of other planets can be discussed. Without multiplying examples of exalted planets, I would just refer to the effects of the Moon in Taurus. Male natives born with Moon in Taurus are found to be steady, have controlled natures and tempers and may lose balance of mind if aspected by Mars/Saturn/Rahu. They make good citizens and assume responsibility easily and naturally. Though inclined to be lazy but will work hard, fond of music and really passionate! And are fond of family life specially of brothers/sisters. Unless the position is improved, the native on marriage shall have more daughters. Female Natives born with the Moon in Taurus are usually good looking have small round faces, eyes are lustrous and beautiful and have nicely formed lips. The ladies are stubborn but not aggressive, shrewd but not clever and cannot be ranked 'brilliant'. Normally, such ladies are pleasure loving and fond of society and are fond of opposite sex. Because of their sex appeal and beauty, the husband is dominated. They eat less to keep the figure lean. Mark the difference between male and female natives with the Moon in Taurus. According to learnd and respected late Shri J.N..Bhasin, it is stated in his book 'Art of Prediction’ that all retrograde planets should be considered strong. He has referred to Sarvartha Chintamani where it is stated that during the ruling period of a Retrograde Jupiter, the native gets much wealth, sons, and wife and also gets favour from the Government. However, this is subject to the condition that Jupiter should not be under heavy afflictions. He has also referred to Phal-deepika where it is stated that a retrograde planet possesses strength when he is retrograde. It is stated that when 5th lord and 5th house, 9th lord and 9th house are weak, Retrograde Jupiter, well placed, is capable of giving male issue (son.) Your views on this principle and mentioned below on Retrograde planets are welcome. Whether Rahu and Ketu have exaltation position, there is difference of opinion among the learned ancient writers. Actually, some of the books show no indication though according to Prasara Hora Shastra both the Nodes i.e. Rahu and Ketu have aspects (5th, 7th and 9th).And, Rahu exalts in Taurus and Ketu exalts in Scorpio. But, according to Sarvatha Chintamani, Rahu exalts in Gemini and Ketu exalts in Sagittarius. However some of the modern writers including H.R. Seshadri Iyer share the views of Prasara. This point is left open and your views are welcome. The other crucial point for consideration is when the exalted or debilitated planets become retrograde. One theory is that the retrograde planets give the results of previous houses also. In other words retrograde planets would effect six houses including aspects in the case of Jupiter, Mars and Saturn, Mercury and Venus when retrograde would effect 4 houses. The other and disputed theory is that the retrograde planets give the results of 'exalted planets'. In my experience, this had not been found true. However, in his book 'Practical Horary Astrology', the learned and respected Dr. B.V. Raman had stated that benefic i.e. exalted planets when retrograde continue to be e benefic although they may make the process of achieving the objects in view a little erratic or evasive. One may experience, I would say
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that during the transit of retrograde planet, one has to visit at least twice for the same purpose for some reason of the other.
It is not necessary that exalted planets would make the native to hold very high position. The following charts of VIPs show that few of them had exalted planets and others had none: Shri Morarji Desai Chart: lagna- Gemini , Jupiter (exalted) in Cancer, Saturn (debilitated) in Libra, Venus, Mars (exalted) and Mercury in Capricorn and Sun/Rahu in Capricorn with Moon and Ketu in Leo. This is a chart which shows exalted Jupiter aspects exalted Mars or vice-versa. Dr. B.V.Raman (DOB-8th August,1912,TOB-7.42 P.M. Bangalore Chart: Lagana- Aquarius, Rahu in Pisces, Moon and Saturn in Taurus(Moon exalted), Sun in Cancer, Venus, Mercury (R) and Mars in Leo, Ketu in Virgo and Jupiter in Scorpio. Sardar Patel -The Iron man of India: Chart: Lagna-Aries, Moon in Taurus(exalted), Ketu in Virgo, Sun (debilitated), Mercury, Jupiter and Venus in Libra, Mars(exalted) and Saturn in Capricorn. Mrs. Indra Gandhi - The well known Prime Minister of India Chart: Lagna-Cancer, Saturn in Cancer, Mars in Leo, Sun and Mercury in Scorpio" Venus and Rahu in Sagittarius, and Moon in Capricorn. Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru- Chart: Lagna -Cancer, Saturn in Leo, Mars in Virgo, Venus and Mercury Sun in Scorpio, Jupiter and Ketu in Sagittarius Moon and Rahu in Gemini. John F. Kennedy: - DOB-29th May,1917-TOB-3.01 PM- Chart: Lagna Virgo, Rahu in Sagittarius, Mars and Mercury in Aires, Sun, Venus and Jupiter in Taurus, Ketu in Gemini, Saturn in Cancer, Moon in Leo. Queen Elizabeth II: - DOB-2nd April,1926-TOB 1.40 GMT-London Chart: Lagna Capricorn, Mars (exalted) in Capricorn Venus, Jupiter in Aquarius, . Mercury in Pisces, Sun in Aires exalted), Rahu in Gemini and Moon in Cancer. Prince Charles: - DOB - 14.11.1948. Chart: Lagna-Cancer, Saturn in Leo, Venus in Virgo, Mercury, Ketu and Sun in Libra (Sun debilitated), Mars and Jupiiter in Scorpio, Jupiter in Sagittarius, Rahu and Moon Aires. The above horoscopes speak itself of the position one can attain with exalted planets and also when there are no exalted planets. Briefly, according to Bhrigu Sutram, when the Sun is exalted in 10th (Cancer Lagna) gives rise to an excellent Dhanayoga making the native prosperous, wealthy and a native of high status. Even for Aries Ascendant and the Sun is in Aries, vary favourable results are indicated because the Sun becomes lord of 5th house (trine) adding more dignity. The Moon in Taurus(exaltation sign) can give the native a high position including distinct professional achievement at the young age of 18-20. Mars in 10th house in sign of exaltation (Capricorn) gives rise to Ruchaka yoga, the native shall be acclaimed by the people and will be long lived. Similarly other planets in exaltation need to be interpreted with reference to the house in which placed, how they are aspected or conjucted etc. and what is the strength of the exalted planet from various astrological principles.
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