In astrology, a planet’s strength and ability to express itself does not only depend on its essential dignities or aspects, but also on which house it occupies. The houses represent areas of life, and some houses naturally empower planets, while others weaken or obscure them.
1. Angular Houses (1st, 4th, 7th, 10th)
- Known as the pivotal houses, they are the strongest in terms of visibility and action.
- Planets placed here are prominent, active, and influential in the chart.
- They symbolize major life areas:
- 1st: Self, body, identity
- 4th: Home, roots, family
- 7th: Relationships, partnerships
- 10th: Career, public life, status
➡ Planets in angular houses gain high accidental dignity.
2. Succedent Houses (2nd, 5th, 8th, 11th)
- These houses support and sustain what the angular houses initiate.
- Planets here are moderately strong — stable but not as dynamic.
- Symbolize resources, creativity, inheritance, gains, and community.
- Energy is consistent, but less visible than angular placements.
➡ Planets here gain medium accidental dignity.
3. Cadent Houses (3rd, 6th, 9th, 12th)
- Known as the falling houses, planets here are considered weaker or less able to act directly.
- Symbolize communication, service, beliefs, hidden matters, or limitations.
- Planets in cadent houses often work behind the scenes or have a more indirect influence.
- They may indicate delay, struggle, or less visibility.
➡ Planets here are considered to have low accidental dignity.
Summary of House Strength
House Type | Houses | Strength | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Angular | 1, 4, 7, 10 | Strong | Action, prominence |
| Succedent | 2, 5, 8, 11 | Medium | Stability, support |
| Cadent | 3, 6, 9, 12 | Weak | Indirect influence, hidden, service |
Practical Meaning
- A planet in its own sign but located in a cadent house may feel hidden or weakened.
- A planet in detriment but placed in an angular house may still show prominence and action, even if challenged.
- Therefore, house placement is a key accidental dignity factor in determining how effectively a planet manifests in real life.
✨ In traditional astrology, combining essential dignity (sign-based strength) with house position (accidental dignity) gives a much more accurate assessment of planetary power.
