In astrology, understanding which planets boost us and pose issues is important. Commonly known as afflicted planets, these are the planets that have harsh conditions that will greatly affect the energies that individual deals with. Similarly, there are exalted planets that provide us with the best energies possible. Understanding how afflicted and exalted planets operate in our natal charts provides us with a significant advantage in understanding ourselves. Also, there is the opportunity to learn how to make the best of both afflicted and exalted planets so that the energy is used in the most beneficial manner possible.
Planets that are considered in the fall are also afflicted. Plants in the fall position are not able to express the potential of a particular planetary placement at its fullest. For example, going back to the moon, the moon is a very nurturing, caring energy. When the moon is in Scorpio, it is not able to fully access the nurturing nature of the lunar moon placement. By its very nature, Scorpio energy can be very distrustful, paranoid, and there are usually issues surrounding betrayal and trust. Thus, a Scorpio lunar position is in its fall because it doesn’t provide the stable emotional backdrop that is found with its opposite sign Taurus which is where the moon is exalted.
The following are some examples of both afflicted and fall placements astrology.
Moon in Cancer (domicile), Moon in Capricorn (detriment), Moon in Scorpio (fall)
Mercury in Gemini/Virgo (domicile), Mercury in Sagittarius (detriment), Mercury in Pisces (fall)
Saturn in Capricorn (domicile), Saturn in Cancer (detriment), Saturn in Aries (fall)
Sun in Leo (domicile), Sun in Aquarius (detriment), Sun in Libra (fall)
What are Exalted Planets?
On the other side, there are the exalted planets. These are those planets that are operating at their highest vibration due to their zodiac placement. In many ways, having exalted planets in a natal horoscope provides the individual with the ability to utilize the energy in a productive manner. Exalted planets are ultimately about obtaining an awareness of self with the exalted planets acting as the potential as the ultimate position of astrological understanding.
The following are some examples of exalted planets in astrology.
Sun in Aries-The exaltation of the sun in Aries represents the Aries position of being born into this experience. The Sun represents the ego-self/expression and the sign of Aries focuses on the self first and foremost.
Moon in Taurus-With the moon in Taurus, the lunar energy is grounded and there is a steady supply of nurturance that is provided through Taurus’ ability to provide stability.
Mercury in Virgo-Virgo’s focus on discernment and the details amplifies the communicative faculty of Mercury ensuring that Mercury’s communication takes on a pure, quality form and what is said is done so with discretion and clear thought.
Venus in Pisces-Pisces is all-consuming and has the capacity for unconditional love. Venus’ domain is love and beauty where Pisces energy of embracing the other despite flaws operates at its fullest.
Mars in Capricorn-Mars action is grounded in Capricorn where the impetus to make a plan and act on it is encouraged. The usual fiery energy of Mars is tempered and contained allowing actions to be taken with responsibility and accountability.
Jupiter in Cancer-Cancer nourishes whatever it touches and Jupiter energy is expansive. Here, the lunar element increases the abundance, prosperity, and faith offered by Jupiter.
Saturn in Libra-In the sign of Libra, Saturn holds us accountable for our choices. We are forever choosing, and making the “right” choice is highlighted. To make the “right” choice for any particular circumstance involves the ability to access multiple options something that Libra is constantly doing.
Navigating Afflicted & Exalted Planets
With both afflicted and exalted planets, it is important to know how to navigate these energies in order to get the most out of them. Although afflicted planetary energies can be difficult to deal with, they highlight a point of weakness within the natal chart that the individual has the opportunity to notice and actively change. Just because an aspect or particular planetary energy is burdened does not mean that the individual isn’t capable of harnessing the positive aspects of that particular planetary body. It does however point to the understanding that there are certain elements of the personality as dictated by the particular afflicted planets that must be seen and monitored closely, and consciously changed in order to obtain any positive benefits that can come from the afflicted placements.
Similarly, the exalted planetary energies offer the individual a higher expression of specific zodiac placements. However, there’s still the understanding that the individual must tap into and consciously use the higher energies of these particular placements. The exaltation does not necessarily infer that the individual will utilize the energy in the most efficient manner. It is important to remember that all energies whether exalted or afflicted don’t necessarily compel us to any particular reality. Ultimately, it is up to each of us as individuals to decide how we are going to use all of the energies in our natal charts, whether negative or positive, to self-actualize.
