When a planet aspects its
dispositor by sign, exaltation, or two of the minor dignities, the ruler of the
dignity gives that planet a reception. For example, if Venus in Aries aspects
Mars, Mars ‘receives’ Venus into his sign of rulership and therefore gives her
a reception. To be received, or to be given a reception, allows strength to
pass from the ruler to the receiving planet: Venus can take advantage of what Mars
has to offer and need be less fearful of his destructive potential, as he will safeguard her interests whilst she is under
his protection. Mutual reception is
where two planets simultaneously receive each other, e.g.: Venus in Leo with the
Sun in Taurus (both receive each other by sign); or Moon in Pisces and Jupiter
in Taurus (Moon receives Jupiter by exaltation, Jupiter receives Moon by sign).
This suggests mutual satisfaction for both parties.