In astrology, each planet has a special relationship with certain zodiac signs. This system is called rulerships and forms the foundation of interpreting planets in the birth chart. Beyond rulerships, astrologers use the concept of essential dignities, which describe how strong, comfortable, or weakened a planet is depending on its position.

🌞 Planetary Rulerships (House Lords / Sign Rulerships)

Each zodiac sign is “ruled” by a planet, meaning that planet governs the energy of that sign.

• Sun → Leo
• Moon → Cancer
• Mercury → Gemini, Virgo
• Venus → Taurus, Libra
• Mars → Aries, Scorpio (traditional)
• Jupiter → Sagittarius, Pisces (traditional)
• Saturn → Capricorn, Aquarius (traditional)
• Uranus → Aquarius (modern)
• Neptune → Pisces (modern)
• Pluto → Scorpio (modern)

⚖️ Essential Dignities

Essential dignities measure how strong or weak a planet is in a specific sign. There are five main conditions:

1. Rulership (Domicile) → Planet in the sign it rules. Very strong and comfortable.
   • Example: Moon in Cancer, Venus in Libra.
2. Exaltation → Planet in a sign where it expresses energy with honor and power.
   • Example: Sun in Aries, Jupiter in Cancer.
3. Detriment → Opposite sign of rulership. The planet is weakened, feels out of place.
   • Example: Venus in Aries, Mars in Libra.
4. Fall (Debility) → Opposite of exaltation. Planet loses strength and struggles.
   • Example: Sun in Libra, Saturn in Aries.
5. Peregrine → Planet has no essential dignity in a sign. Neutral, weak influence.

🪐 Why Dignities Matter?

• Show where a planet is powerful or weak in a birth chart.
• Indicate whether the planet can express its natural qualities easily.
• Help refine interpretations in horary astrology, electional astrology, and natal readings.

✅ Summary

• Rulerships link planets to signs, showing natural harmony.
• Essential dignities measure planetary strength and expression.
• Together, they give astrologers a precise tool for analyzing charts.