We can determine the power of a planet’s influence on a sign through its subha (auspicious) and asubha (inauspicious) power. This is based primarily on dignity which can be reviewed in Chapter 6 of the Art and Science of Vedic Astrology Volume 1. Please also review the following video dealing with dignity.
Every planet, whether benefic or malefic can give good or bad results. This is also related to the Ishta and Kashta of a planet, which is a more specific mathematical way of determining the good and bad effects of a planet.
The total good or total bad a planet can give is out of 60 points.
Review the following video for thoughts on Planetary Dignity.
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We must take this in context too. It may be that a planet is not a separating planet, and its a gentle planet. In this case, it can only give positive power. Which means we would focus on the numbers in the positive power column. Yet if it is a separating factor and it is malefic, then we need to consider both columns. Again, remembering that malefic planets still can give good results, although they don’t give it freely and make you work for it. Please see the pasts posts dealing with manifesting and separating factors.
We use these numbers to help us understand the strength of influence of a planet on a house and sign. That way, when we start considering certain dashas and how areas of life develop in a chart we can see the light and shade of manifestation. This is very important, because too often people are looking for black and white in relationship to astrology. When the reality is, something good can develop but there can also be obstacles to its development or problems. You can also have bad things that occur, that inspire one to greatness. Charts are rarely black and white.
Categories: Vedic Astrology Lessons
Asheville Vedic Astrology 
very nice explaination about dignity of planet and how to see the effect. I wish you could add some words about Ishta and Kastha phal of planet also
That is a good idea. It’s been on my mind lately too.