Astrology of sect

As can be seen by the example of Mercury, which is more obscured by being occidental, sect is a form of astrological polarity, much as the distinction between masculine and feminine planets.

Since some planets were seen to be stronger in a positive or masculine environment, and others were seen to be more effective in a negative or feminine environment, whether a planet is in sect in any given chart was of particular importance to Hellenistic astrologers, who gave sect greater weight than any other astrological factor.

[citation needed] Diurnal planets are more comfortable and powerful when they appear in charts in which the Sun is above the horizon.

They include: Nocturnal planets are more comfortable and powerful when they appear in charts in which the Sun is below the horizon, or at night.

The Arab astrologers of the Middle Ages defined three forms of sect: Planets satisfying all three of these sect conditions were said to be Hayz, but it is not clear how Hayz strength compares to strength from essential dignities.