Position on the Zodiac Belt
Every planet's position in an astrological chart is expressed as an ecliptic degree — its angular distance measured along the ecliptic from 0° Aries. The full ecliptic circle spans 360°, divided into twelve signs of 30° each. So a planet at 15° Scorpio is at 225° of total ecliptic longitude (7 signs × 30° = 210° + 15° = 225°). Degree position within a sign — from 0° to 29°59' — determines aspects, house cusps, and critical degree sensitivity.
Degree Significance
| Degree Range | Significance |
|---|---|
| 0° | Critical — raw, unpolished energy of the sign |
| 1°–29° | Fully expressed sign energy |
| 29° (Anaretic) | Critical — urgent, fated quality; end of sign themes |
| Exact exaltation degree | Peak planetary strength |
| Fixed star degrees | Additional influence from specific stars |
Reading Degrees in Practice
The specific degree of a planet within its sign adds precision to interpretation. A planet at 0° is at the sign's threshold — powerful in an initiating way but possibly inexperienced in the sign's qualities. A planet at 29° (anaretic degree) often shows urgency and intensity around the sign's themes before moving into the next. Exact exaltation degrees (e.g., Sun at exactly 10° Aries, Moon at exactly 3° Taurus) represent peak expressions of planetary dignity.