The Rules of Astrology

Certain astrological rules have remained more or less constant throughout the centuries, but the modern focus on Character readings where flattery rather than the need for objectivity has generally obscured their importance. Most Tarot readings concern events, so we can take these traditional rules to our advantage.

So far you have been looking at placements in astrology - the house signs and relationships between the planets. Now you will look at how the planets relate to the houses; how they are strengthened or weakened within a sign.

Astrology Rules
Planet	Rule	Detriment	Exalt	Fall	Strong	Joy
Mars	Ari, Sco	Tau, Lib	Cap	Can	Leo	6
Venus	Tau, Lib	Ari, Sco	Pis	Vir	Sag	5
Mercury	Gem, Vir	Sag, Pis	Vir	Pis	Can, Cap	1
Moon	Can	Cap	Tau	Sco		3
Sun	Leo	Aqu	Ari	Lib	Sco	9
Jupiter	Sag, Pis	Gem, Vir	Can	Cap	Ari, Tau, Lib	11
Saturn	Cap, Aqu	Leo, Can	Lib	Ari	Gem, Vir	12

Rulerships

This table is simpler than it appears at first glance. Each of the seven main planets rule two signs each, except the Sun and the Moon, so we can see that the two luminaries are aspects of each other. Planets in their own signs are at home - they are strong.

Detriment

Planets in their Detriment position are weak, which means that the signs ruled are also weakened. Note the symmetry: Mars is in detriment in the signs ruled by Venus and vice versa, Mercury and Jupiter are polarities, as are the Sun/Moon and Saturn.

Exultation

Planets in their exulted position are very strong, which also strengthens their own signs. The weakest place, Fall, is exactly opposite, or seven signs away. Planets in the Fall position are correspondingly weakest.

All Other Positions

Planets in signs other than the ones described above have a normal strength.

Mutual Reception

If two planets are found in the other's ruling sign, there is a condition of mutual reception, which is also powerful, and shows that the planets exchange energy easily. Think of it as when your host invites you to treat their house as if it was your own.

The Joys of the Planets

The house that a planet is happiest in, irrespective of the actual zodiac sign. This system comes from Firmicus Maternus in the fourth century.

All good astrologers have memorised this information.

Exercises

Convert the above table into the corresponding Major arcana. You can also do a similar exercise with the Minor arcana.