A debility in classical astrology: a planet placed in the sign opposite its domicile, where it operates against its natural grain. In detriment a planet is not destroyed, but its expression is strained, indirect, or unconventional — the planet must work harder for results that come easily in its own sign. The assignments follow the rulership table by opposition: Mars in Taurus or Libra, Venus in Aries or Scorpio, Mercury in Sagittarius or Pisces, Jupiter in Gemini or Virgo, Saturn in Cancer or Leo, Sun in Aquarius, Moon in Capricorn. Saturn in Cancer struggles to provide the warm containment Cancer requires; Mars in Libra finds little support for direct action in a sign devoted to balance. Detriment is not a verdict — many strong charts include planets in detriment and put them to creative use — but it is a notice that the planet is working away from home and will reach its results by a longer and more original route.
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The glossary is a quick reference — for long-form articles see the blog, or skim today’s daily horoscope to see this term in motion.