Dignity

Dignity is the traditional astrological framework for evaluating how strong or weak a planet is in a given sign. The four main dignities are: DOMICILE (the planet rules the sign; Sun in Leo, Moon in Cancer, Mars in Aries) — the planet operates with maximum natural expression. EXALTATION (the planet is highly honored in a non-rulership sign; Sun in Aries, Moon in Taurus, Jupiter in Cancer) — slightly different texture than domicile, often more refined. DETRIMENT (the planet is in the sign opposite its domicile; Sun in Aquarius, Mars in Libra) — the planet operates against its native grain. FALL (the planet is opposite its exaltation sign; Sun in Libra, Moon in Scorpio) — the planet's natural expression is most hampered. Modern psychological astrology treats these less as good/bad and more as descriptions of HOW a planet expresses: a Mars in Cancer (Mars in detriment) isn't a worse Mars, just a Mars that has to work indirectly through protectiveness rather than direct assertion. Traditional astrology also tracks minor dignities (triplicity, term, face) that further refine the picture.