So this is a topic I'm not totally sure about, and I think based on reading and listening to podcasts, I've got the following analogy to help understand it. In particular I'd love any more clarity on the idea of reception, what it means and when it applies. Here goes:

Consider a sign to be a restaurant. The varying positions are

Exalted: The owner of the restaurant. Does not get his or her hands dirty on the nitty gritty stuff, but is welcome there and treated with utmost respect. They have influence over the restaurant and decide what's on the menu.

Domicile: The manager of the restaurant who is responsible for its day-to-day operations. Makes sure the dishes on the menu are made properly. They are productive when they are at work here.

Fall: A customer that shows up but can never get a waiter to notice them. They also do not like the menu.

Detriment: This customer tries to come here to write their novel but the place is too noisy and they can't get anything done. Also they wind up with food poisoning and/or are allergic to what's on the menu.

So, receptions. When a planet is visiting the restaurant and makes an aspect with either the owner (exalted lord) or manager (domicile lord), they are seen and taken care of, whether or not the owner or manager are on the premises. They get great service. This applies to basically anyone except a planet in fall in this sign, because they get ignored.

If the owner shows up to the restaurant and the manager isn't there but sees (by aspect) the owner, she calls up the waitstaff and makes sure the service is extra good.

I'd appreciate any corrections or additions to the analogy that you all can offer. TIA!