Taurus, this planet is in detriment when placed in the sign Scorpio. As the name
implies, being in detriment is regarded as an unfortunate placement. A planet in its
detriment is traditionally regarded as being out of harmony with the sign and conse-
quently weakened (in a position of debility).For the most part, contemporary Western astrological research has tended to
disconfirm that a planet in its traditional detriment is weakened, particularly in a
natal chart. However, it is sometimes the case that planets in detriment have unfortu-
nate effects. In the example cited, Venus, as the planet of love, harmony, and relation-
ships is not well placed (especially in a natal chart) in Scorpio, a sign noted for jeal-
ously, possessiveness, and sexual obsession. There are, nevertheless, certain obvious
problems with this traditional understanding. The Sun, for example, rules Leo, the
sign opposite Aquarius. This means that the one out of 12 people in the world born
with an Aquarius sun sign have their sun in the sign of its detriment. This particular
placement is not normally regarded as being unfortunate, however, making detriment
appear inapplicable in this case. More generally, all of the traditional detriments
should be regarded with caution, used when relevant to a particular individual’s chart
and rejected when not.The situation is different in horary astrology, where the classical detriments
have a negative bearing on the question being asked. Vedic astrology also makes
extensive use of the traditional classification of planets in their signs of exaltation and
fall, but not detriment in the Western sense of that term.Sources:
Brau, Jean-Louis, Helen Weaver, and Allan Edmands. Larousse Encyclopedia of Astrology.New
York: New American Library, 1980.
DeVore, Nicholas. Encyclopedia of Astrology.New York: Philosophical Library, 1947.DEXTER
Dexter (from a Latin term meaning “right”) refers to one of the many ways of classify-
ing astrological aspects. The antonym is sinister (meaning “left,” not “evil”). A dexter
aspect occurs when a faster-moving planet makes an aspect with a slower-moving
planet that is located clockwise from it (to the “right”) in the zodiac. While
astrologers from Ptolemy onward have regarded dexter and sinister aspects as having
somewhat different influences, the differences are comparatively minor. In most gen-
eral natal chart readings, this distinction is ignored.DHANISTHA
Dhanistha (Wealthy) is one of the Nakshatras (lunar mansions) of Vedic astrology.
Represented by a tabor (a type of drum) and with the deity Vasus presiding, this moon
sign is ruled by the planet Mars at Capricorn 23°20’ to Aquarius 6°40’. The Hindu
moon signs are also used “electionally” to decide when to do things.Dexter
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