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Dignity of Planets in Vedic Astrology
In Vedic Astrology, planetary dignity plays a crucial role in determining a planet’s strength, influence, and impact in a horoscope. Classical texts such as Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra (BPHS), Uttara Kalamrita, and Phal Deepika provide a comprehensive framework to analyze the dignity of planets based on their placement in different signs.
A planet’s dignity affects its ability to give positive, neutral, or negative results. The primary categories of planetary dignity include:
- Exaltation (Uccha) – Highest Strength
- Debilitation (Neecha) – Weakest Position
- Mooltrikona – Near-Exalted Strength
- Own Sign (Swakshetra) – Strong & Stable
- Friendly Sign (Mitra Rashi) – Moderate Strength
- Neutral Sign (Sama Rashi) – Medium Strength
- Enemy Sign (Shatru Rashi) – Weak Influence
1. Exaltation (Uccha) – Highest Power
When a planet is exalted (Uccha), it expresses its best qualities. The planetary energies are at their peak, bringing auspicious results.
| Planet | Exalted Sign | Degree of Exaltation | Effects of Exaltation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sun | Aries (Mesha) | 10° | Authority, leadership, power, success |
| Moon | Taurus (Vrishabha) | 3° | Emotional strength, mental peace, intuition |
| Mars | Capricorn (Makara) | 28° | Bravery, discipline, victory over enemies |
| Mercury | Virgo (Kanya) | 15° | Intelligence, communication, analytical skills |
| Jupiter | Cancer (Karka) | 5° | Wisdom, spiritual growth, good fortune |
| Venus | Pisces (Meena) | 27° | Love, luxury, artistic talents, devotion |
| Saturn | Libra (Tula) | 20° | Hard work, justice, discipline, longevity |
🔹 Classical Views:
- BPHS states that an exalted planet grants strong positive results and increases good karma.
- Uttara Kalamrita explains that exaltation enhances a planet’s natural karakatva (significations).
- Phal Deepika describes exalted planets as auspicious, powerful, and capable of bestowing success.
2. Debilitation (Neecha) – Weakest Position
A planet in debilitation (Neecha) is at its weakest point, leading to challenges, struggles, and obstacles in its natural significations.
| Planet | Debilitated Sign | Degree of Debilitation | Effects of Debilitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sun | Libra (Tula) | 10° | Lack of confidence, weak leadership, low energy |
| Moon | Scorpio (Vrischika) | 3° | Emotional instability, fear, anxiety |
| Mars | Cancer (Karka) | 28° | Lack of courage, weak determination, anger issues |
| Mercury | Pisces (Meena) | 15° | Confusion, poor decision-making, lack of logic |
| Jupiter | Capricorn (Makara) | 5° | Lack of wisdom, poor judgment, pessimism |
| Venus | Virgo (Kanya) | 27° | Relationship problems, lack of love, material struggles |
| Saturn | Aries (Mesha) | 20° | Laziness, lack of discipline, fear of responsibilities |
🔹 Classical Views:
- BPHS suggests that debilitated planets bring negative karma and require remedies.
- Uttara Kalamrita emphasizes the importance of Neechabhanga Raja Yoga (cancellation of debilitation).
- Phal Deepika mentions that debilitated planets fail to deliver their benefits unless corrected through yogas.
3. Mooltrikona – Strong but Conditional
A planet in its Mooltrikona sign is almost as strong as exaltation but acts conditionally. It gives great results if well-placed but can be weak under afflictions.
| Planet | Mooltrikona Sign | Degree Range |
|---|---|---|
| Sun | Leo (Simha) | 0°-20° |
| Moon | Taurus (Vrishabha) | 4°-30° |
| Mars | Aries (Mesha) | 0°-12° |
| Mercury | Virgo (Kanya) | 0°-15° |
| Jupiter | Sagittarius (Dhanu) | 0°-10° |
| Venus | Libra (Tula) | 0°-15° |
| Saturn | Aquarius (Kumbha) | 0°-20° |
🔹 Classical Views:
- BPHS regards Mooltrikona planets as powerful but slightly less than exaltation.
- Uttara Kalamrita describes Mooltrikona as functional strength that depends on aspects.
- Phal Deepika states that Mooltrikona planets excel in their natural domain.
4. Own Sign (Swakshetra) – Naturally Strong
When a planet is in its own sign, it functions well and gives stable, balanced results.
| Planet | Own Signs |
|---|---|
| Sun | Leo |
| Moon | Cancer |
| Mars | Aries & Scorpio |
| Mercury | Gemini & Virgo |
| Jupiter | Sagittarius & Pisces |
| Venus | Taurus & Libra |
| Saturn | Capricorn & Aquarius |
🔹 Classical Views:
- BPHS: Planets in own signs give good, stable results unless afflicted.
- Uttara Kalamrita: Own sign planets provide natural strength and support for life areas.
- Phal Deepika: Such planets indicate harmony, ease, and control over their domains.
5. Friendly, Neutral, and Enemy Signs
- Friendly Sign (Mitra Rashi): The planet works moderately well.
- Neutral Sign (Sama Rashi): The planet gives average results.
- Enemy Sign (Shatru Rashi): The planet struggles and performs poorly.
Friendships and Enmities of Planets
| Planet | Friends | Neutrals | Enemies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sun | Moon, Mars, Jupiter | Mercury | Venus, Saturn |
| Moon | Sun, Mercury | Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Venus | None |
| Mars | Sun, Moon, Jupiter | Venus, Saturn | Mercury |
| Mercury | Sun, Venus | Mars, Jupiter, Saturn | Moon |
| Jupiter | Sun, Moon, Mars | Saturn | Mercury, Venus |
| Venus | Mercury, Saturn | Mars, Jupiter | Sun, Moon |
| Saturn | Mercury, Venus | Jupiter | Sun, Moon, Mars |
- BPHS provides technical analysis of planetary dignity.
- Uttara Kalamrita emphasizes psychological effects of planets.
- Phal Deepika focuses on practical life implications.
