Essential dignity
Essential dignity is how well a planet is placed by sign, measured on a fixed classical scale of five tiers: domicile, exaltation, triplicity, term and face.
The scale describes a planet's condition, not the person's character. A planet in its own sign has the freedom to act in its own way; a planet in the opposite sign has to borrow the manners of a ruler unlike itself, which classical texts call detriment.
The five tiers are ranked, and a planet can hold more than one at once. Our reports print the highest tier a planet reaches and mark a planet holding none of them peregrine, which is the technical word for unsupported rather than a judgement.
Frequently asked
Is essential dignity the same as a good aspect?
No. Dignity is about the sign a planet occupies; aspects are about the angles it makes to other planets. A planet can be strong by sign and still under tension by aspect.
How many dignities can one planet have?
Several. A planet can rule its own triplicity and sit in its own term at the same time; the highest tier it reaches is the one usually named.