Someone recently told me that the sun is exalted in my sign. To which I responded, “Huh?” Clearly, I can’t keep up with all the zodiac-related terminology but luckily, intuitive astrologer and healer Rachel Lang is always down to break it down for me—it, in this case, being the meaning of an exalted planet (or celestial object) in your chart, according to astrology.
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astrologer, psychic medium, and author of Modern Day Magic: 8 Simple Rules to Realize Your Power and Shape Your Life and As Above, So Below
“A planet is stronger in a sign in which it’s exalted,” says Lang. “It can achieve its highest expression and potential.” In other words, the best qualities of a planet, astrologically-speaking, are enhanced by exaltation. So, for example, whatever good the sun brings with it is magnified for me as an Aries.
Sadly, not every sign has an exalted planet, and some have exalted planets—Pluto, Uranus, and Neptune, specifically—that were discovered after this whole concept was created and therefore, says Lang, there is some debate about them. She’s included them where they’re considered to be exalted below, with the caveat that there is no consensus on the matter. Keep reading for intel on what it means to have an exalted planet in your sun sign.
Does your sign have an exalted planet?
Aries
As mentioned, the sun is exalted in Aries. “The sun represents your primary essence, it’s your life force energy,” says Lang. “Aries is a sign that’s self-directed and driven to pursue it’s own desires, so the sun feels right at home in Aries.”
Some astrologers also consider Pluto to be exalted in Aries. “Pluto in Aries represents leadership qualities and a strong sense of personal power or charisma,” she says.
Taurus
In Taurus, the moon is exalted. “The moon is our emotional nature,” says Lang. “It’s also our go-to planet for self-care and comfort.” Since those born under the Taurus sign are stable, reliable, and even-keeled, the moon is at home with them. “It can maintain a steady emotional state of being,” she says. “It strives for beauty, harmony, and comfort, including physical pleasures.” People with a Taurus Moon also tend to have a strong sense of home and interior design. “The physical space is important,” she says.
Virgo
“Mercury rules Virgo, and it’s exalted in this sign because Mercury in Virgo is precise, meticulous, and detail-oriented,” says Lang. “It’s organized and structured—two traits that are inherent to Mercury in Virgo people.”
Pisces
Venus is exalted in Pisces. “Pisces is the sign of compassion and empathy, and compassion for others is an expression for love,” says Lang. “It’s no surprise Venus is exalted in Pisces because Venus seeks harmony and balance in relationships. Venus in Pisces people care about others and relationships—they often see the best in others.”
Capricorn
In Capricorn, Mars is exalted, and Lang says it’s a planet that indicates our drive. “It shows us what motivates us,” she says. “Capricorn is one of our more ambitious signs, it looks at long-term goals and works toward them one step at a time. Mars in this sign isn’t impulsive or conflictual. Instead, it’s focused and driven.”
Cancer
Jupiter is exalted in Cancer, and Lang says the planet “of faith and wisdom” can be generous. “Jupiter in Cancer shows empathy and wisdom that expresses itself creatively,” she says. “Though Jupiter is the planet of adventure, Jupiter in Cancer seeks to bring wisdom, higher knowledge, and truth home.”
Libra
In Libra, Saturn—the planet of rules, authority, and structure—is exalted. “Libra is the sign of balance and when Saturn is in Libra, it seeks fairness and justice,” Lang says. “It can establish boundaries and create rules that are based in justice and ones that seek to meet the needs of all sides.”
Scorpio
Some think Uranus is exalted in Scorpio. “It’s the planet of change, and Scorpio is all about transformation,” says Lang.
Leo
Also controversial is the idea that Neptune is exalted in Leo. “[This is believed] because Neptune is the planet of creative vision, inspiration, and universal love,” she says. “Leo is the sign of expressing yourself through creative efforts and also leadership. In Leo, Neptune has a chance to do that in a way that’s grounded and seeks to make a contribution to the whole.”
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