Exaltation

Exaltation is an essential dignity in which a planet is especially honored, though not in its own sign. If domicile is a planet at home, exaltation is a planet welcomed as an esteemed guest, given respect and a place of real strength. A planet in its sign of exaltation expresses its finest qualities readily, often in an elevated or idealized way. Each of the traditional planets has a sign of exaltation. The Sun is exalted in Aries, the Moon in Taurus, Mercury in Virgo, Venus in Pisces, Mars in Capricorn, Jupiter in Cancer, and Saturn in Libra. In these signs the planet is held in high regard and tends to shine. Exaltation can be slightly less grounded than domicile, since a guest is honored but not fully in command, and the planet's strength can be a little idealized or exaggerated. Even so, it is a clear sign of a well-placed planet. The gift of exaltation is that a planet is shown at its best, and the work is to use that elevated energy with some humility.