Would any benefic planet like Jupiter or Venus if weak in ones horoscope cause lesser degree ill effects as compared to weak malefics? Of course considering that both are on the same level of debilitation.
And how beneficial can  exalted malefics (like Saturn or rahu) prove to be?

[quote="dhanyaiyer"]Would any benefic planet like Jupiter or Venus if weak in ones horoscope cause lesser degree ill effects as compared to weak malefics? Of course considering that both are on the same level of debilitation.
And how beneficial can  exalted malefics (like Saturn or rahu) prove to be?[/quote]

Dhanya,

Strength (generally meaning shadbala) indicates the ability of a planet to express its influence and effects. A strong planet will have a more forceful impact, a weak planet would be weaker. The type of effect will depend on the nature of the planets, benefics giving more positive, malefics more negative. A weak benefic (natural or functional) will produce fewer positive effects, but it would not change its nature from benefic to malefic or vice versa. Retrogression according to some texts and general belief is said to change the guna or quality of the planet  while according to others increases strength (chesta bal). According to Charak, retrograde whether turned benefic or not will always cause some physical or health problems. If interested you are welcome to read this article:

http://www.boloji.com/astro/00316.htm

Thanks a lot Rohiniji

the article was a lot helpful and in turn lead me to read other related articles as well.

So informative for a beginner like me!

[quote="dhanyaiyer"]Thanks a lot Rohiniji

the article was a lot helpful and in turn lead me to read other related articles as well.

So informative for a beginner like me![/quote]

You are very welcome. I am glad I was enabled to help you.