In classical astrology, each planet has strengths and weaknesses based on its position in the zodiac and the chart. Astrologers use scoring systems to quantify a planet’s power, influence, and effectiveness in the natal chart. These systems include Essential Dignities and Accidental Dignities.

🔹 Essential Dignities

• Definition: Strengths based on a planet’s sign placement.
• Components:
  1. Rulership / Domicile: Planet in its own sign (e.g., Mars in Aries). Strongest position.
  2. Exaltation: Planet in a sign where it expresses its highest potential (e.g., Sun in Aries).
  3. Triplicity: Planet aligns with the element of a sign (Fire, Earth, Air, Water).
  4. Term / Bound: Minor division of the sign that gives partial strength.
  5. Face / Decan: 10° subdivisions of the sign adding subtle influence.
• Purpose: Shows natural aptitude, inherent power, and ease of expression.

🔹 Accidental Dignities

• Definition: Strengths or weaknesses based on a planet’s position in the chart, not its sign.
• Components:
  1. House Placement: Angular (1st, 4th, 7th, 10th), Succedent, or Cadent houses. Angular = strongest.
  2. Speed / Motion: Direct, retrograde, or stationary. Direct = stronger; retrograde = challenged.
  3. Aspects: Beneficial aspects (trines, sextiles) increase strength; challenging aspects (squares, oppositions) may weaken.
  4. Planetary Stations: Planet at beginning/end of motion may gain or lose influence.
• Purpose: Measures contextual power, practical influence, and situational effectiveness.

🔹 Scoring & Interpretation

• Planets can be ranked numerically (e.g., 0–5 points) for essential and accidental dignity.
• The combined score shows overall planetary strength and influence.
• Strong planets → Efficient, confident, and effective in life areas.
• Weak planets → Challenges, delays, or obstacles, but also potential growth lessons.

🔑 Summary

• Essential Dignities: Based on sign placements → natural strength.
• Accidental Dignities: Based on chart context → situational strength.
• Scoring Method: Combine both to assess overall planetary power.
• Use: Helps in natal interpretation, predictive astrology, and identifying dominant energies.