Debilitation

In Vedic astrology, debilitation refers to a condition where a planet is considered to be at its weakest or least effective state. This is seen as the exact opposite of exaltation, where a planet is said to be at its strongest and most favorable position. Each planet is associated with a specific sign and degree in the zodiac where it becomes debilitated. This placement, traditionally known as the planet’s “fall,” limits its ability to express its natural qualities positively.

Debilitation Signs and Degrees of Planets 

• Sun: Debilitation Sign - Libra, Deep Debilitation Degree - 10th degree of Libra

• Moon: Debilitation Sign - Scorpio, Deep Debilitation Degree - 3rd degree of Scorpio

• Mars: Debilitation Sign - Cancer, Deep Debilitation Degree - 28th degree of Cancer

• Mercury: Debilitation Sign - Pisces, Deep Debilitation Degree - 15th degree of Pisces

• Jupiter: Debilitation Sign - Capricorn, Deep Debilitation Degree - 5th degree of Capricorn

• Venus: Debilitation Sign - Virgo, Deep Debilitation Degree - 27th degree of Virgo

• Saturn: Debilitation Sign - Aries, Deep Debilitation Degree - 20th degree of Aries

Elemental Explanation of Planet Weakness

According to Lal Kitab, the concept of debilitation can also be understood in terms of elemental incompatibility. For example, the Sun is a fire planet, but its debilitation in Libra, which is ruled by Venus that has water as its core element, results in a suppression of its fiery nature. This elemental conflict symbolises the dampening or neutralisation of the planet's innate qualities, which leads to weakness in expression and results.

General Effects of Debilitation

A debilitated planet typically yields negative or obstructive results, especially during its Dasa (major period) or Antardasa (sub-period), and when positioned in inauspicious houses such as the 6th, 8th, or 12th, or in association with malefic planets. Common consequences include:

• Physical ailments or chronic health problems

• Mental unrest, anxiety, and depression

• Financial instability or losses

• Disruptions in family, marriage, and social life

• Setbacks in career, loss of reputation, or demotion

• Legal troubles, punishments, or imprisonment

• Threats from enemies, theft, or accidents

Planet-Specific Effects

Each planet, when debilitated, expresses its distress in specific ways:

• Mars: A debilitated Mars, especially when influenced by Saturn or placed in the 6th, 8th, or 12th house, can cause severe aggression, legal disputes, health disorders, property loss, and violent tendencies. In some configurations, it indicates a hot-tempered and unfortunate native with financial losses and poor family relations.

• Jupiter: When Jupiter is debilitated, the native may experience losses in education, wealth, reputation, and familial happiness. It also brings health issues, legal troubles, and failures in ventures, particularly during its Dasa or if placed in enemy signs or in the 6th, 8th, or 12th houses.

• Mercury: Debilitated Mercury can lead to intellectual confusion, speech defects, depression, and failures in communication or business. The native might suffer from isolation, sexual dissatisfaction, or mental imbalances, particularly if Mercury is also afflicted by malefics.

• Venus: A debilitated Venus may cause relationship failures, reproductive disorders, and financial worries. It can result in a morally questionable lifestyle, poor health of the spouse, and dissatisfaction in material comforts and sensual pleasures.

• Saturn: Debilitated Saturn can bring chronic disease, financial struggle, disconnection from the father, mental suffering, and severe karmic challenges. It often results in lethargy, over-expenditure, or destruction of the home or family peace.

• Moon: The Moon in debilitation weakens emotional resilience. It can lead to mood disorders, digestive problems, domestic unhappiness, humiliation, or erratic behaviour. The native may feel isolated or suffer from some psychological issues.

• Sun: A debilitated Sun reduces vitality, confidence, and leadership. It can cause fevers, mental distress, issues with authority, failure in ventures, frequent illness, danger from the enemy, theft, and lack of self-esteem.

• Rahu: Weak or ill-placed Rahu can cause imprisonment, disease, job loss, danger from enemies, and family separation. Debilitation intensifies issues like mental illness, dishonour, progeny problems, education loss, and ailments like diabetes, venereal disease, and abdominal disorders.

• Ketu: Inauspicious placement can cause loss, danger, poverty, frequent illness, issues with progeny, conflicts with siblings, selfish behaviour, and psychological weakness.