What is Mutual Reception?
Mutual reception occurs when two planets are each placed in the other's domicile sign—for example, Mars in Cancer while the Moon is in Aries. Each planet is in an uncomfortable sign but has a cooperative arrangement with the host planet. This exchange provides a hidden support system: the planets can 'trade places' symbolically, accessing each other's strength. Mutual reception by exaltation (each in the other's exaltation sign) functions similarly but with less force than domicile reception.