In addition to the four primary essential dignities (Rulership, Detriment, Exaltation, Fall), traditional astrology recognizes secondary essential dignities. These provide a planet with partial or moderate strength depending on its position within a sign.
1. Triplicity Rulership
- Each of the four elements (Fire, Earth, Air, Water) has three signs.
- Each element has three planetary rulers: one for day (diurnal), one for night (nocturnal), and one “participating” ruler.
- This dignity is stronger than term and face, but weaker than domicile or exaltation.
- Example: In a day chart, the Sun is ruler of the Fire triplicity (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius).
2. Term (Bound) Rulership
- Each zodiac sign is divided into five unequal segments called “terms” or “bounds.”
- Each term is ruled by a planet, which gains moderate control over the affairs of that degree range.
- A planet in its own term has some strength but not as much as in domicile or triplicity.
- Example: Mercury has term rulership over 7–14° Virgo.
3. Face (Decan) Rulership
- Each sign is divided into three equal 10° sections (decans).
- Each decan has a planetary ruler, based on the Chaldean order (Saturn → Jupiter → Mars → Sun → Venus → Mercury → Moon).
- A planet in its own face has minor dignity, like being familiar but not powerful.
- Example: Venus rules the first decan of Libra (0°–10°).
⚖️ Hierarchy of Essential Dignities
From strongest to weakest:
- Domicile (Rulership)
- Exaltation
- Triplicity
- Term (Bound)
- Face (Decan)
✨ These secondary essential dignities are especially important in horary astrology and traditional natal interpretation, where even small amounts of dignity can change the outcome.
