#exaltations

So, you've probably stumbled actross the mention of exalted planets (if you've been here before then you've seen me talk about them for sure) and dignities in general. As far as it's easy to understand the concept of domicile and detriment (meaning the planet being assigned to a sign and the same planet feeling uncomfortable in the opposite sign), most people just accept the exalatations (and their corresponding falls, which are, again, in the opposite signs) and don't even try to understand where they came from. Well, let me illustrate this for you (literally as well).

And if you find the way I explain all of this easy to understand and you find this helpful, then keep your eyes peeled for something I've been working on in the past few weeks 👀

exaltation scheme in the chart of Thema Mundi

There's actually a couple of explanations as to why. Let's start from the simplest one, which comes from Ptolemy and Rhetorius (their approach wasn't fully identical but comes hand in hand): the Sun, which is exalted in Aries. Not only in the chart of Thema Mundi (the chart of the birth of the universe) it is placed in the 10th house - where it can shine as bright as it can, right at the highest point of the chart, but Sun finds its exaltation in Aries because it marks the spring equinox, when there's increase in light and days start to become longer (in the northern hemisphere, that is).

Opposite to that we find Libra, which means it's the sign of Sun's fall (or depression) - the days start to become shorter after the fall equinox. Opposite to the bright, warm and optimistic characteristics of the hot luminary, there's cold and gloomy Saturn. So the lord of karma is exalted in Libra.

We start to see the pattern of two planets showing opposing qualities so let's explain it furter. Jupiter is one of the benefics, it shows growth and warmth, so, similarly to Sun being exalted in the warm season of Aries, Jupiter is exalted in the sign that starts the summer season - Cancer, as it's the time of bloom and abundance - nature being fully alive. The sign opposite to that is Capricorn and it's where Mars finds its exaltation - a malefic planet that cuts and brings misfortune is then linked with cold and dark wintery season.

Then Mercury and Venus have opposing qualities as one stands for intellect and mind and the other for heart and desire – so we contrast rationality with pleasure. Mercury is a neutral planet (neither a lumiary nor benefic or malefic) so it's exalted in one of its domicile signs, Virgo - Venus is then placed in the opposite of Pisces.

Moon exalts in Taurus because once it conjuncts the Sun (and Taurus is next to Sun’s exaltation in Aries), it starts to gain in its light again. Its exaltation isn't coupled with another planet (which would be in Scorpio) and if nothing is exalted in Scorpio, nothing can be fallen in Taurus, as Moon is said to bring good to all ("and the one that fate exalts, none reduces; and the one that fate makes humble, none is able to exalt", Rhetorius).

My note to clarify it more is, Moon, being the luminary like the Sun, exalts above the horizon and in the 11th house of Thema Mundi. So notice nothing exalts in the signs that are in aversion to Cancer (2nd house Leo, 6th house Sagittarius, 8th house Aquarius and 12th house Gemini).

There's also a solid and easy explanation that comes from Porphyry, that says that each of the diurnal planets: Sun, Jupiter and Saturn are exalted in one of the signs that trine their domicile placements, while each of the nocturnal planets: Moon, Venus and Mars are exalted in one of the signs that is sextiled to their domicile placements. Then, like I've mentioned earlier, Mercury is neutral so it's exalted in one of its own signs, Virgo.

Exaltations in practice

Sun in Aries: Aries energy is the perfect playground for Sun to shine bright, as the fiery ram is all about self-expression, being the #1 in everything and offering its protective light to everyone around them. It also let's the leadership qualities come into full force.

Moon in Taurus: Taurus is all about cultivating what you've got and comfort and isn't that a perfect match for the Moon? The nurturing energy is hightened here and an earthy fixed sign is great at keeping the moody quality of the Moon grounded and planted in the soil.

Jupiter in Cancer: the planet of grandiose, generosity and growth is an ideal match for the sign that is associated with the womb, growing and parentage. Cancer loves to reach for the roots and Jupiter is ever-expanding.

Mercury in Virgo: the buzzing and loud energy of Mercury is grounded and calmed down in the earthy and practical Virgo. It's not distracted anymore, but rather focused and put to actual use.

Saturn in Libra: Libra is all about equality and justice and isn't that what Saturn talks about? The most diligent of the planets is all about logical structure and being fair… maybe even too fair sometimes, as "you reap what you sow" is Saturn's motto.

Mars in Capricorn: On the other hand, earthy saturnian sign is an excellent environment to help focus the martian energy. This is very much "slow and steady wins the race" type of situation, as instead of being impulsive and reckless, Mars here is focused and deliberate with its actions.

Sun is exalted in Aries

Moon is exalted in Taurus

Mercury is exalted in Virgo

Mars is exalted in Capricorn

Venus is exalted in Pisces

Jupiter is exalted in Cancer

Saturn is exalted in Libra

Uranus is exalted in Scorpio

Neptune is exalted in Leo

Yes, I love planetary dignities. I have seen so many times how Exalted Planets play an important role in people’s lives. Exaltations are powerful & debilitations weak, unfortunately. But not in the “sidereel” way. [which is too fatalistic].

Mercury [for example] is strong in Gemini because it’s a master of versatile intelligence but in Sagittarius it has to focus it’s mental energy on going beyond the surface level knowledge. This makes Sagittarius mercury a very insightful thinker. Mercury is “weak” in the sense that it can’t rely on it’s natural abilities.

Hellenistic Astrology was the lineage of traditions that were practiced across the Greco-Roman world from about 100BC to about 600AD. Their system looked drastically different than the type of astrology we have in the modern day, and one of those differences was a system of determining planetary strength based off of house placement.

This system is not the same as that of sign rulership, nor is it the modern “Alphabet” system of planetary house rulership. When examining these placement one should use the ‘whole sign’ system of house division, since it’s what Hellenistic astrologers would have used.

☉ The Sun is said to “joy” in the 9th House

☽ The Moon is said to “joy” in the 3rd House

☿ Mercury is said to “joy” in the 1st House

♀ Venus is said to “joy” in the 5th House

♂ Mars is said to “joy” in the 6th House

♃ Jupiter is said to “joy” in the 11th House

♄ Saturn is said to “joy” in the 12th House

**while there are many more complexities and radical differences one should consider when looking at a chart through the Hellenistic lens, it’s fun to examine even a small part of what ancient astrologers would have seen.

I have yet to fully dive in to traditional house significations, and so I thought it might be fun or interesting to look at the Joys through the lens of Modern Astrology before doing so.

Mercury in the 1st House

              Those born with Mercury in the 1st House have a natural curiosity about the world around them. They are inquisitive and bright, and become known for their intellectual prowess. They have quick wits, and even quicker minds that are well suited to problem-solving and communication. They may spend a lot of time figuring out who they are and what they want from life, but they are not afraid to ask questions and make connections to help them towards that end. Mercury in the 1st also indicates great dexterity and physical agility. These natives can  catch on to things quickly and they easily learn new skills. They are able to be present in their surroundings and take much joy in engaging with them.

Moon in the 3rd House

              The Moon here indicates a sort of atmospheric connection to one’s everyday environment. Natives become attuned to its ebbs and flows, and end up becoming a master of its timing. They connect more deeply with others as they can authentically communicate their feelings, and they have a strong bond with their siblings. These natives learn quickly and they are able to trust their intuition when acquiring new skills. They may have a particular knack for learning new languages and make good writers due to their ability to effectively communicate their inner world. They pick up on subtext in conversations more easily than most, and as such they read others well.

Venus in the 5th House

              Venus delights in the house of fun and creativity, since here her natural artistry and aesthetic eye can flourish. Natives possess an increased appreciation for music and the arts, and easily delight in romance and adventure. The native is charming and amiable, with the ability to entice others through their sense of creative play. Creative talents are amplified, and the native has a penchant for speculation. Should the native have children they would be beautiful, charming, and likeable. Creative endeavors are typically well received just as the native encourages the talents of others. Should one go into business through the pursuit of their own talents it is likely to be well received by the public and may turn significant gain.

Mars in the 6th House

              Natives with this placement have an innate work ethic that is undeniable. Mars here indicates an inexhaustible stamina (especially in the fixed signs) and the ability to be calculating and strategic when allocating resources toward daily tasks. There can be a marked interest in health and exercise, and such things will be approached with martial intensity. Indeed martial artists would do well with a placement like this, since it indicates the integration of the mind/body and the ability to put them both to work. Mars here can indicate turmoil with affairs of health, but at the same time enough seriousness and resolve to overcome or manage such things by approaching them in a holistic manner. The native should be wary of diverting too much energy towards meaningless tasks, and always have a distinct end goal in mind (lest they miss the forest for the trees).

Sun in the 9th House

              The creative potential of this placement is fulfilled through the promise of expanding horizons. The native with the Sun here heavily identifies with their beliefs, and as such they can have a dedicated sense of the divine present in everyday life. Care should be taken that the native does not over-identify with their beliefs (to the exclusion of all others), because when they remain flexible and open-minded this native can become a great mentor to others, just as they will have found their own mentors in life. They become known for their far-reaching views and their ability to look beyond mundane life in order to ask the important questions in life.

Jupiter in the 11th House

              Jupiter here allows for an ever-expanding network of friends and associates. The good will of the native is diverted into their social sphere, and others find good-fortune in knowing them. They always know just the person for this task or that and they delight in making the connections. This native is likely to have a generally positive worldview, and they believe in the power of people to make a positive change in the world. Indeed this positivity and belief draws many allies to the side of the native, and in turn they see much reward in life. The native likely has high moral standards for their friend groups, and may enjoy meeting new people through religious affiliations.

Saturn in the 12th House

              The native with Saturn in the 12th House has an innate talent for giving form to the formless, and they intuitively test spiritualism against the hardened shape of reality. These people have a deep and resounding fear of isolation, and in their lifetimes become privy to the sacred knowledge that we are never truly alone. This position indicates the methodical application of the collective unconscious creative potential and reveals that they can become a master of the end of the cycle. Initially they will fear the falling away of things, and in time they settle into that feeling and are able to use things to their utmost benefit before they eventually pass onward.