In astrology, planets have different levels of power (strength), both qualitative (the type of energy they bring) and quantitative (the degree of their influence). This concept is essential in horoscopic interpretation, as it helps identify which planets dominate a natal chart and how they express their influence.

1. Qualitative Strengths of Planets

These refer to the type and nature of the planet’s influence. Each planet carries a specific essence:

• Sun ☉ → Vitality, leadership, authority, consciousness
• Moon ☽ → Emotions, instincts, nurturing, memory
• Mercury ☿ → Communication, intellect, adaptability
• Venus ♀ → Love, beauty, harmony, attraction
• Mars ♂ → Action, drive, courage, aggression
• Jupiter ♃ → Expansion, wisdom, optimism, abundance
• Saturn ♄ → Discipline, responsibility, structure, endurance
• Uranus ♅ → Innovation, freedom, revolution
• Neptune ♆ → Imagination, spirituality, compassion
• Pluto ♇ → Transformation, regeneration, hidden power

Here, "qualitative" is about what kind of power the planet provides. For example, Mars brings active, aggressive power, while Venus provides harmonizing, attractive power.

2. Quantitative Strengths of Planets

This refers to how strongly a planet operates in a chart, depending on several factors:

a) Zodiac Sign Placement

• Exaltation (Yücelme): Planet is very strong and functions at its highest potential.
• Domicile (Yönetici): Planet is strong, comfortable in its home sign.
• Detriment (Düşüş): Planet is weakened or struggles to express fully.
• Fall (Alçalış): Planet is at its lowest strength.

Example:

• Sun is exalted in Aries, in domicile in Leo, detriment in Aquarius, fall in Libra.

b) House Placement

• Angular houses (1st, 4th, 7th, 10th) → strongest expression.
• Succedent houses (2nd, 5th, 8th, 11th) → moderate power.
• Cadent houses (3rd, 6th, 9th, 12th) → weakest expression.

c) Aspects

• Positive aspects (trine, sextile) enhance strength.
• Hard aspects (square, opposition) challenge expression but can add intensity.
• Conjunction depends on planets involved (can strengthen or weaken).

d) Visibility & Motion

• Retrograde planets may act internally or with delays.
• Planets near the Sun (combustion) can be weakened.
• Out-of-bounds planets may act more erratically or powerfully.

3. Measuring Planetary Strength

Traditional astrology uses methods such as essential dignity and accidental dignity to calculate planetary strength:

• Essential Dignity: Based on zodiac placement (domicile, exaltation, detriment, fall).
• Accidental Dignity: Based on house position, aspects, motion, and visibility.

Both are combined to evaluate the overall quantitative power of a planet.

4. Why It Matters

• A planet that is qualitatively strong but quantitatively weak (e.g., Mars in Libra, angular house) may show courage and initiative but struggle with indecisiveness.
• A planet that is quantitatively strong but qualitatively challenged (e.g., Saturn in Aries, 10th house) may dominate life strongly but with tension.
• This analysis helps astrologers understand which planets dominate the chart and how effectively they function.

✨ Summary:

• Qualitative strength = the nature of the planet’s influence (its symbolic energy).
• Quantitative strength = how much influence it actually has in a natal chart (based on placement, aspects, dignity).