The Strength of the Planets in the Natal Chart

The life of any person undoubtedly includes both ups and downs. Various situations in our lives constantly require us to grow and develop, both physically and spiritually. In astrology, our life experience can be seen through the planets in the birth chart.

When a planet enters a zodiac sign, it acquires either “essential strength” or weakness.

A planet in domicile shows its pure inherent qualities. This represents an innate talent—everything comes easily to the native in the area governed by this planet, without any special effort.

A planet in exaltation points to a certain specific talent, which is expressed more narrowly than a planet in domicile. This is a good indicator for choosing a profession or setting goals to strive for.

A planet in detriment indicates a lack of certain qualities in the area ruled by that planet, and suggests a higher probability of challenges. This is the lowest essential energy of the planet.

A planet in fall shows the absence of qualities in an even narrower field governed by the planet. It is the opposite of exaltation.

Table: Planetary Strength in the Zodiac Signs

In addition to the sign where the planet is located, the House it occupies also influences its expression. Houses represent specific areas of life, and the planet’s placement within a House determines how its qualities manifest in that sphere. This is called the planet’s “accidental strength.” Accidental strength is actually more important for practical realization than essential strength (by zodiac sign).

For example: Hillary Clinton had very strong support (essential strength), but lost the US election to Donald Trump, who had accidental strength.

Assessing Accidental Strength of Planets in the Houses

When assessing accidental strength, the following scheme is used: angular Houses — maximum strength, succedent Houses — medium strength, and cadent Houses — weak.

Angular Houses (Strong)

First, Fourth, Seventh, and Tenth Houses are angular. They allow a planet to express itself to the fullest, regardless of the essential qualities acquired in the sign. When located in these Houses, a planet will manifest naturally and noticeably, in the area and affairs governed by that House. If a native’s cosmogram contains many planets in angular Houses, their actions will be visible, and their life will be filled with significant events.

If a planet is strong in its sign (has essential strength) and is also located in one of the angular Houses, it will express itself with maximum brilliance through achievements, which the native will reach through harmony and fulfillment.

If a planet is in fall or detriment (essentially weak) but located in an angular House (having accidental strength), the person will strive to achieve their goals by any means, using all available resources to overcome competitors.

Angular Houses are considered strong because their planets “see” the Ascendant. In terms of power, the order is: First, Tenth, Seventh, Fourth Houses.

Succedent Houses (Medium Strength)

Second, Fifth, Eighth, and Eleventh Houses are succedent. Planets located here will not be as effective as those in angular Houses, requiring the native to invest twice as much energy to achieve comparable results.

In order of strength: Eleventh, Second, Fifth, Eighth Houses.

Cadent Houses (Weak)

Third, Sixth, Ninth, and Twelfth Houses are cadent. They yield the lowest results. If most planets in the natal chart are in cadent Houses, the native will have to work very hard for their achievements to become visible to others.

In traditional astrology, cadent Houses do not “see” the Ascendant, so the native has limited control over these areas of life—they are hidden from view. Planets in these Houses operate at only about 25% of their potential compared to those in angular Houses.

In terms of strength: Ninth, Third, Sixth, Twelfth Houses.

There is also a method by William Lilly for determining House strength, where the order is slightly different. For completeness, it is presented below:

Planetary Strength in the Houses according to Lilly:

• Angular Houses (strong): First, Tenth, Seventh, Fourth
• Succedent Houses (medium strength): Eleventh, Fifth, Ninth, Third
• Cadent Houses (weak): Second, Eighth, Sixth, Twelfth

Note that the Second and Eighth Houses are considered weak and are placed lower in the hierarchy of planetary support. The reasoning for this goes beyond the scope of this article, but William Lilly’s system supports this view.

There is also another interesting system for assessing planetary strength, which also determines the harmony or disharmony of a planet: the Astrodynes method. This approach takes into account both essential (by sign) and accidental (by House) strength, as well as the aspects of the planet. For more details, see the article: Strength and Harmony (Astrodynes).  ✓