Each planet has one particular sign where it thrives and lives its best life. This is called being “in exaltation.”
When a planet is in its sign of exaltation, it has all the resources it needs to succeed. It doesn’t have to fight an uphill battle to achieve its goals or earn all the gold stars.
If any planet was exalted when you were born, you lucked out — it means you have an extra boost of momentum in your birth chart. It doesn’t mean you won’t experience problems or hiccups in this area of your life. But it does mean you have the tools you need to handle any challenges that arise, with plenty of energy and creativity to spare.
Read on to learn where each planet is in exaltation and how these placements can support you.
A cheat sheet: the planets and their exaltation signs
- The Sun is exalted in Aries
- The Moon is exalted in Taurus
- Mercury is exalted in Virgo
- Venus is exalted in Pisces
- Mars is exalted in Capricorn
- Jupiter is exalted in Cancer
- Saturn is exalted in Libra
How to find out if you have planets in exaltation in your birth chart
Great question. Pull up your birth chart in the CHANI app or with our online chart tool and check if you have any planets in the sign placements listed above. If so, those planets are in exaltation. Once you’ve located these placements in your chart, reflect on how you find strength or confidence in these areas of your life.
Now, let’s unpack what that means…
The power of planets in exaltation
The Sun in Aries
The Sun shines the brightest in Aries. The sign of the ram is all about action, courage, and go-getter energy. Sol has to generate a lot of heat to light up the solar system, and this cardinal fire sign knows how to keep the flames alive. In Aries, the Sun doesn’t waste time questioning its instincts; it races toward its goals, and it doesn’t downplay its desires to make others feel comfortable. For this placement, ambition matters more than popularity. Why play follow-the-leader when you’re meant to be the leader?
The Moon in Taurus
The Moon finds comfort and stability in Taurus. Though Luna waxes and wanes each month, this fixed earth sign stays grounded and centered. Together, they specialize in resting, relaxing, and self-soothing. Think: snacks and sweatpants. And if drama comes up, this pair has a talent for channeling tricky feelings creatively. When life gives you an emotional roller coaster, Moon in Taurus knows how to turn it into art.
Mercury in Virgo
Mercury is at its sharpest in Virgo. When the planet of research and communication lands in this analytical earth sign, it’s driven to find the perfect answer to any question. Instead of getting caught up in daydreams or theories, Mercury in Virgo zeroes in on the little details, and it has a knack for breaking down big ideas into manageable pieces. This combo’s fact-checking skills are also unmatched; it can immediately spot the difference between a trustworthy news source and a clickbait headline. And whenever it gets excited about a topic, Mercury in Virgo goes all in. For this placement, school is always in session.
Venus in Pisces
Venus — the planet of art, beauty, and connection — loves to get swept away in the waters of Pisces. This mutable sign is tapped into its feelings and daydreams. So when it comes to creativity, personal style, and flirtation, this combo dives deep. Venus in Pisces knows how to craft an A+ love letter or plan a perfect friend date without letting boring or practical concerns get in the way. It doesn’t just wear rose-colored glasses; it puts them to good use. In this imaginative sign, Venus never misses a chance to bring its fantasies into reality.
Mars in Capricorn
Mars tends to act on instinct, but Capricorn plays the long game. Together, this power couple gets the job done without cutting corners. This Saturn-ruled earth sign is known for its restraint and maturity, and it helps Mars work more efficiently and less impulsively. Meanwhile, the warrior planet pushes the sign of the sea goat to pick up the pace and keep moving. This combo knows how to set ambitious goals, break them down into a doable plan, and plug away until it reaches the finish line. Burnout? Forget it. Mars in Capricorn has a lasting legacy to build.
Jupiter in Cancer
When Jupiter lands in Cancer, blessings multiply. The sign of the crab is all about nurturing its community and building relationships based on openness and trust. And when the planet of wisdom, expansion, and luck enters Cancer’s caring waters, everyone wins. This pairing knows there’s always more than enough abundance to go around, and goodness is meant to be shared. Hold out your cups, and Jupiter in Cancer will fill them to the brim.
Saturn in Libra
Saturn is the planetary elder, and when it’s in Libra, it’s both diplomatic and fair. This cardinal air sign is all about finding compromise and weighing both sides of a debate; it’s not going to make a move without trying to understand everyone’s POV. In this placement, the planet of structure is strategic. Some situations call for charm and sensitivity, while others require setting clear boundaries. When Saturn is in Libra, it’s easier to tell the difference — and make smart decisions without ruffling too many feathers.
Want more?
If you’re ready to learn more about your birth chart and how to work with it, check out our other Astro 101 articles.
