Exaltation

eg-zawl-TAY-shuhn

greek: Ὕψωμα (Hypsoma) · latin: Exaltatio

Definition

A planet’s exaltation is a particular sign — and traditionally a particular degree — where it carries a high level of essential dignity, the strength a planet draws from its sign placement. It is the second-strongest dignity, just below domicile, the sign a planet rules. The placements are: the Sun exalted at 19° Aries, the Moon at 3° Taurus, Mercury at 15° Virgo, Venus at 27° Pisces, Mars at 28° Capricorn, Jupiter at 15° Cancer, and Saturn at 21° Libra. Each planet has exactly one sign of exaltation.

In Tradition

Traditional Western astrologers read exaltation as a strong dignity that lends honor and raised status — they picture the planet seated on a throne with a touch of royal authority. An exalted planet is often linked with matters of higher standing or quality.

In Practice

Astrologers score exaltation as +4 in the traditional point system. In a birth chart, an exalted planet tends to act with raised capacity in whatever its sign or house governs. Exaltation also feeds the almuten — the planet that carries the most combined dignity at a given degree is named that degree’s almuten. The exact exaltation degree is treated as the point of greatest strength. When two planets sit in each other’s dignity, the configuration called mutual reception, an exchange between domicile and exaltation forms a strong but lopsided link.

Historical Origin

The exaltation system was likely inherited from Mesopotamian traditions. The Greek term is hupsoma (elevation, height). Ptolemy, Valens, Rhetorius, and Porphyry all discuss exaltations, and Porphyry noted that planets of the day, in exaltation, form trines to their domiciles while planets of the night form sextiles.

Etymology

Origin: Latin. Meaning: From Latin exaltatio, "a raising up" or "elevation." The Greek term is Hypsoma, meaning "height" or "summit.".

Definition

In Tradition

In Practice

Historical Origin

Etymology

Further Reading