In astrology, planetary rulerships (dignities) determine how strong or weak a planet is in a particular sign. Evaluating planets according to their dignities (essential, accidental, or minor) allows astrologers to judge their influence in a chart.

1. Essential Dignities (Asalet / Strengths)

Essential dignity refers to the natural strength a planet has in the sign it occupies. A planet in its own sign or exaltation expresses its energy strongly and positively.

Main Essential Dignities:

1. Rulership / Domification – Planet rules the sign (e.g., Mars in Aries, Venus in Taurus).
   • Effect: Planet expresses its core qualities naturally.
2. Exaltation – Planet is highly honored in a sign (e.g., Sun in Aries, Moon in Taurus).
   • Effect: Planet’s energy is refined and elevated.
3. Triplicity – Planet rules a group of signs by element (fire, earth, air, water).
   • Effect: Offers moderate strength depending on time of day (diurnal/nocturnal).
4. Term / Bounds – Subdivision of a sign ruled by specific planets.
   • Effect: Provides minor support in specialized ways.
5. Face / Decan – Each sign is divided into three decans, each ruled by a planet.
   • Effect: Minor dignity; adds subtle influence.

2. Accidental Dignities

Accidental dignity refers to the strength a planet gains due to its position in the chart, not its sign. It depends on:

• House placement: Angular houses (1st, 4th, 7th, 10th) strengthen planets.
• Aspects: Benefic aspects enhance influence; malefic aspects weaken it.
• Motion: Direct planets are stronger; retrograde planets are weaker.
• Proximity to angles or nodes: Can boost planetary effect.

Example: Venus in the 10th house may perform very strongly, even if it is in a challenging sign.

3. Weakened or Detrimental Planets

• Detriment: Planet is in the opposite sign of its rulership (e.g., Venus in Scorpio, Mars in Libra).
• Fall: Planet is in the opposite sign of its exaltation (e.g., Sun in Libra, Moon in Scorpio).
• Peregrine / Exiled: Planet has no dignity; weak or unsupported (explained in detail in the “Peregrin Planets” section).

Effect: These planets may struggle to express their energy, causing challenges in the areas they govern.

4. Judging Planetary Strength in a Chart

When evaluating a planet:

1. Check essential dignity (rulership, exaltation, triplicity, term, face).
2. Check accidental dignity (house, aspects, motion).
3. Combine these to decide if the planet is strong, moderately strong, weak, or debilitated.
4. Consider malefic or benefic nature to understand its likely impact.

Example:

• Mars in Aries (rulership) in the 10th house (angular, direct) → Very strong; energy, courage, and action are prominent in career matters.
• Venus in Scorpio (detriment) in the 12th house (cadent) → Weak; challenges in relationships and self-expression; needs support from aspects or benefic planets.

Conclusion

• Planetary dignity is key to interpreting how a planet expresses its energy.
• Strong planets (own sign, exalted, well-placed) act reliably and positively.
• Weak planets (detriment, fall, peregrine) indicate challenges, learning, and potential growth.
• Combining essential and accidental dignities allows for a nuanced, accurate chart analysis.