In horary astrology, reception describes the relationship between planets, especially how one planet treats another. Reception helps determine whether events flow smoothly, face resistance, or encounter obstacles. It is a core principle for judging cooperation, favor, or hindrance between parties or elements of a question.

1. What is Reception?

Reception occurs when a planet is:

1. In a sign ruled by another planet (e.g., Mars in Aries, Jupiter in Sagittarius).
2. In a sign exalted by another planet.
3. In a sign ruled by the planet that rules another relevant house.

Interpretation:

• A planet “receives” another if it can act favorably on its behalf.
• Strong reception → support, favor, cooperation.
• Weak or mixed reception → partial success, resistance, or obstacles.

📘 Example:

• Querent asks about a business deal.
• Venus (seller, 2nd house) is in Mercury’s sign (Gemini) → Mercury receives Venus → smooth negotiations.

2. Types of Reception

3. Mutual Reception — Powerful Cooperation

Definition:
When two planets occupy each other’s signs, they form mutual reception (reception by rulership).

Effect:

• Planets help each other fully.
• Problems are more easily solved; obstacles are minimized.
• Even weak planets can succeed if mutual reception exists.

📘 Example:

• Querent (Mars, 1st house) asks about a legal dispute.
• Mars in Cancer (Moon-ruled), Moon in Aries (Mars-ruled) → mutual reception.
  ✅ Outcome: Cooperation or negotiation likely to succeed despite challenges.

4. Simple Reception — Conditional Favor

• One planet occupies a sign ruled by the other but no exchange occurs.
• The planet is welcoming or cooperative, but the success depends on other chart factors (dignity, aspects, house placement).

📘 Example:

• Venus in Gemini (Mercury’s sign) applying to Mercury → the buyer favors the seller.
• Outcome: Positive, but may require communication or patience.

5. Demi-Mutual Reception — Partial Support

• Planet in another’s triplicity, term, or face → “small reception.”
• Supports action partially, often delayed or complicated.

📘 Example:

• Saturn in Cancer (triplicity of Moon) applying to Moon → limited cooperation; slow progress.

6. Afflicted Reception — Cooperation Hindered

• Reception exists but is under affliction (square, opposition, combust, debilitated).
• Outcome is mixed or blocked.

📘 Example:

• Mars in Libra (Venus-ruled) square Venus → Venus cannot help; obstacles arise.

7. Reception and Timing

• Strong reception → smooth, fast action.
• Weak reception → partial results, delays.
• Afflicted reception → obstruction or reversal.

Tip:

• Check the aspect type (conjunction, trine, square) to judge ease or tension.
• Reception often modifies the outcome, even overriding weak planetary dignity.

8. Practical Application in Horary

1. Identify significators for querent, question, object, or opponent.
2. Check reception between significators:
   • Mutual, simple, demi, afflicted.
3. Judge cooperation vs. resistance:
   • Mutual → strong collaboration
   • Afflicted → delays, miscommunication, obstruction
4. Combine with dignities, aspects, and angles for final judgment.

📘 Example:

• Querent asks, “Will I recover the lost item?”
• Moon (object) in Taurus, Venus (finder) in Taurus → simple reception → item likely found, but may require effort.

9. Summary Table of Reception

10. Key Insight

Reception reveals how planets interact, showing favor, resistance, or obstacles.

• Mutual reception → strong, favorable results
• Simple reception → moderate success
• Afflicted reception → obstruction, delay, or partial results

It is one of the most powerful tools in horary for assessing cooperation, negotiation, and hidden support.