Reception

Definition

Reception is a relationship of hospitality between two planets: one planet sits in a sign ruled by the other, so the second planet "receives" the first as a host receives a guest. When each planet sits in a sign the other rules, that is mutual reception — the hospitality runs both ways. Reception can also work through the lesser kinds of dignity besides sign-rulership: exaltation, triplicity, bound, or face.

In Tradition

In traditional and Hellenistic astrology, reception is a softening factor — it strengthens the bond between two planets. A malefic that receives the very planet it is afflicting tends to do less harm than one acting without reception.

In Practice

Astrologers check for reception whenever they weigh an aspect, since it tells them how friendly the contact really is. Mutual reception by sign-rulership is the strongest form, setting up a sense of reciprocal obligation between the two planets. In a horary chart — one cast for a specific question — reception between the significators points to willingness and cooperation. The techniques of translation of light and collection of light, where a third planet carries or gathers the connection between two others, traditionally need reception to work.

Historical Origin

Reception appears in Hellenistic texts as a principle governing how planets relate through sign-rulership. It was developed at length in the medieval Arabic-Latin tradition, where Bonatti went so far as to say that "reception abates all malice."

Definition

In Tradition

In Practice

Historical Origin

Further Reading