In addition to the planetary rulerships, there are also planets which are exalted in the signs, which again means that they are comfortable and tend to function well in those signs. The table below indicates which planets are exalted in the various signs. Planets will be in detriment, however, in signs opposite the signs they rule. Planets in detriment are traditionally considered to have difficulty operating positively in these signs. Finally, in addition to planets in detriment, planets are also said to be in their fall in certain signs, which means that they are debilitated in those signs.

My own feeling is that this traditional system of rulerships, exaltations and debilities is extremely important for psychological astrology. It gives us valuable clues about which planets need particular care and attention, in order that they can be redeemed and positively integrated into our lives as we strive to balance the opposites within our own psyches. We will examine this is much greater detail when we study the meaning of each of the signs of the zodiac in turn, but for the time being, it is worth explaining briefly what I mean.

With the Sun in Aries, for example, an individual is unlikely to have difficulty expressing the qualities of Mars or the Sun, which will come naturally. The challenge for the Sun in Aries, however, will be the conscious integration of Venus and Saturn, traditionally in their detriment and fall in Aries, into their sense of identity. If this can be achieved, the Aries Sun person will have learned to value and to relate to others (Venus) and will have developed the self-discipline and patience (Saturn) to enable them to lead and to inspire others in a mature, measured and effective way, as a fully integrated Aries Sun individual.

Equally, with the Sun in Libra, the individual is unlikely to have difficulty expressing the qualities of Venus or Saturn. The challenge for the Sun in Libra, however, will be the conscious integration of the qualities of Mars and the Sun, which, from a psychological point of view, we could say is an essential part of the process of individuation. If this can be achieved, the Libra Sun individual will have found their metal (Mars) and be able to act with focus, courage and determination (Mars) for the greater good (Libra) and to fight (Mars) for what they value (Venus). As they develop personal courage, and become less dependent on the good opinions of others, the Libran will lose the vacillation and hesitation for which this sign is so well known, and become an authority (Sun) in issues of justice and fairness (Libra), prepared to take responsibility (Saturn) for the consequences of their actions (Libra).

"Mapping the Psyche"