Exaltation (Uccha)
The sign where a planet is at its strongest and expresses its best qualities.
Exaltation (uccha) is the sign in which a planet is considered to reach its peak strength and most refined expression. Each planet has one exaltation sign, with a precise degree of deepest exaltation — for example the Sun in Aries, the Moon in Taurus, Jupiter in Cancer.
An exalted planet tends to give its significations generously and clearly, all else being equal. It is one of several dignity conditions astrologers use to judge a planet's state, alongside own-sign placement, friendship with the sign's ruler, and the navamsa position.
Exaltation is a strong positive signal but never read in isolation: an exalted planet that is combust, badly aspected or weak in the navamsa may deliver less than its dignity promises. It is the opposite of debilitation (neecha).
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