The planets’ own rasi is the rasi that the planet rules, making it very strong here, as it occupies its own house bringing out its pure, raw nature. All the qualities of the planet will be exhibited to a high degree. A planet in its own sign is capable of yielding at least 50% auspicious results, depending on other factors.
MOOLATRIKONA
For all the planets, except the Moon and Mercury, the moolatrikona position is in the masculine rasi that the planet owns.
“Moola” meaning root and “trikona” meaning trine, so in essence, “root trine”. A planet in its moolatrikona is more rooted, fortunate and powerful in its nature than a planet in its own rasi. It is more connected to its true nature. For instance, Jupiter in Sagittarius is more in tune with the traits of this rasi rather than Pisces (the other sign it rules), as Sagittarius embodies religion, wisdom, law, long distance travel, teachers, gurus, father, higher knowledge, temples, bhagya-sthan, etc. A planet in moolatrikona is more focused towards a definite goal than if it were in its own rasi, and as such, is capable of producing 75% auspicious results, depending on other factors.
EXALTATION
Each planet has an exaltation rasi. Within the exaltation rasi there is a degree of deep exaltation wherein the planet is expressed at its absolute finest. An exalted planet is extremely strong in its nature and also refined to a much more perfected, pure and productive state. A planet in exaltation is capable of producing 100% auspicious results, depending on other factors. Though some believe that mooltrikona position surpasses the exaltation position. Other factors, such as shad bala, need to be considered before making a conclusion.
DEBILITATION
A planet is considered debilitated in the rasi opposite, or 7th, from its exaltation. It is in deep debilitation when in the degree opposite its deep exaltation degree. A planet in debilitation is weak in its nature and exhibits none of its natural beneficial or useful characteristics. However, in today’s age, a debilitated Mars may be more beneficial than an exalted Mars, depending on other factors, as Mars in its exalted state tends to be highly moralistic, strict, and inflexible at times. As such, the whole chart needs to be examined.
OTHER DIGNITIES
Other dignities are based upon the friendship or enmity of a planet with the lord of the rasi in which the planet is placed:
Great Friend’s Rasi: A planet in a great friend’s rasi operates in a useful manner, but one that is not 100% true to its own nature. The realm in which it is operating is a bit foreign. Even when at your best friend’s house there are still some things you do differently than when you are at your own place, so it is with a planet.
Friend’s Rasi: A planet in a friend’s rasi is similar to a planet in great friend’s rasi but not quite as strong or useful.
Neutral’s Rasi: A planet placed in a neutral’s rasi is out of sync with its natural qualities but not to the extent of being damaged. Normally, planet gives inauspicious results here.
Enemy’s Rasi: A planet in its enemy’s rasi is out of tune and operating with a handicap. It is not able to operate in its natural manner. Normally, planet gives inauspicious results here.
Great Enemy’s Rasi: A planet in its great enemy’s rasi is similar, but worse, than in its enemy’s rasi. Normally, planet gives inauspicious results here.
To accurately determine the full extent of auspicious or inauspicious effects a planet will produce is a much more complex matter, of which dignity is only one factor.
There is a lot of controversy regarding Rahu’s and Ketu’s own, exaltation, debilitation, and moolatrikona rasis. The best guidelines are as given in Laghu Parashari, shloka 13:
“Rahu and Ketu, despite their dignity, give good or bad results according to their position or association.”
And as stated in Satya Jatakam:
“Rahu and Ketu give the results of the planets conjoined with them or aspecting them. Their results depend upon the lord of the rasi and navamsa in which they are placed.”
In general Rahu is more auspicious in the rasis of Mercury, Gemini and Virgo. Ketu is more auspicious in the rasis of Jupiter, Sagittarius and Pisces. Rahu’s nature becomes strong in the native’s character when in Aquarius, and Ketu’s nature becomes strong in the native’s character when in Leo or Scorpio. In Taurus, Rahu’s nature becomes strong, and lends itself towards greater fulfilment. In Scorpio, Ketu’s nature becomes strong, though less hindering. Relying on the dignity of Rahu and Ketu is not advised as they give inconsistent results. During their dasas, Rahu and Ketu give the results of the lord of the rasi and navamsa they are placed in.
If you are interested in a reading, please make a selection by visiting the Consultations page.
