i don't want to take the thread in a different direction but there are different types of strengths astrologically, and they are not all based on the 'places' or 'house' systems.. my understanding is that the angles are the most powerful place for a planet to be in terms of expressing itself - sort of like the sun at sunrise.. the idea that a planet above the horizon in the area most astrologers now refer to as the "12th house" (or cadent) would automatically turn into chop suey and be no good for anything strikes me as out of sync.. this is one other reason i like the logic of whole sign houses, but regardless of that, i still think a planet ''in the angles'' can be meant to imply a planet that is on either side of the horizon, or midheaven line for it to qualify.. i believe having some synergy with the 'sign' on that line by sharing in the sign does help...

another obvious type of strength has to do with planetary phase which is a longer conversation but might have some connection to the 8 division system that some folks are trying to fathom.. the other way that i associate strength is also thru planets in aspect to one another. it is a type of overlapping of ideas, but a planet in a 10th house type position - upper square - to another planet does seem to have a dominating influence over the planet that is part of the lower part of the square. talking aspects however does seem to be getting off topic to the idea of the 8 house system that is the focus of the thread though.