Sign decanates: what it is, how it works and how to know yours

Each of the signs of the Zodiac refers to one of the 12 divisions of the apparent circle that the Sun makes around the Earth – this is the solar sign. But then are all Aries or Virgo people the same as each other? No, because there are the decans of the signs.

Have you heard of them? As Astrology works as a tool for self-knowledge, knowing your decanate can help you take a few steps towards knowing yourself a little better.

But remember that we are all so much more than our Sun sign (even including the decanate). Therefore, it is important know your complete Astral Chart to go deep in the self-knowledge diving through Astrology.

What does decan mean?

Considering that the circle that the Sun makes around the Earth, which has approximately 360 degrees, in 12 equal parts, each division concerns a sign. Each sign is therefore 30 degrees and lasts approximately 30 days. Here you understand why and what is the order of the signs.

The decans are the subdivisions of each sign into three parts. Thus, each sign has three decans of 10 degrees each. That is, each person can belong to the first decan (0th to 10th degree), the second (11th to 20th) or the third (21st to 30th).

Each person’s decan depends on the day they were born. In general, those born in the first 10 days that the Sun enters the sign belong to the first decan. The next 10 days are of the second decan, and finally the last 10 days are of the third decan.

How do decans work?

Each decan is ruled by a planet, so natives of the same sign can have different characteristics depending on whether they were born at the beginning, middle or end of the period of their sign. After all, each planet accentuates certain characteristics of our personality. Understand here the meanings of each planet in the Astral Map.

To determine the rulership (and hence the characteristics) of each decan, we use a traditional method based on triplicity, which is found in ancient Indian texts. By all indications, it was introduced into Western Astrology in the 20th century by British astrologer Alan Leo.

In this sense, the ruling planets of each decan come from the rulers of the signs of the same Element – fire, earth, air or water. For example:

The rulers of the Taurus decans are the planets that rule the Earth signs (Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn) which are Venus, Mercury and Saturn, respectively.

The first decan is always ruled by the planet that rules the sign itself, so people born in the first 10 days tend to present the essence of their sign. Example:

A Taurus person of the first decan tends to display the typical characteristics of Taurus at their maximum strength.

How do I know what my decan is?

See, below, which are the decans of each sign and its ruling planet, as explained above.

ARIES

1st decan – March 21st – March 31st: Mars ruler 2nd decan – April 1st – April 10th: Sun ruler 3rd decan – April 11th – 20th: Jupiter ruler

BULL

1st decan – from April 21st to 30th: Venus ruler 2nd decan – from May 1st to 10th: Mercury ruler 3rd decan – from May 11th to 20th: ruler is Saturn

TWINS

1st Decan – May 21st to May 30th: Mercury Ruler 2nd Decan – May 31st to June 9th: Venus Ruler 3rd Decan – June 10th to June 20th: Uranus Ruler

CANCER

1st decan – June 21st – June 30th: Moon ruler 2nd decan – July 1st – July 10th: Pluto ruler 3rd decan – July 11th – 21st: Neptune ruler

LION

1st decan – July 22nd to 31st: Sun ruler 2nd decan – August 1st to August 11th: Jupiter ruler 3rd decan – August 12th to 22nd: Mars ruler

VIRGIN

1st decan – August 23rd – September 1st: Mercury ruler 2nd decan – September 2nd – September 11th: your ruler Saturn 3rd decan – September 12th – 22nd: Venus ruler

LB

1st decan – September 23rd – October 1st: Venus ruler 2nd decan – October 2nd – October 11th: Uranus ruler 3rd decan – October 12th – 22nd: Mercury ruler

SCORPION

1st decan – October 23rd – November 1st: Pluto ruler 2nd decan – November 2nd – November 11th: Neptune ruler 3rd decan – November 12th – 21st: Moon ruler

SAGITTARIUS

1st Decan – November 22nd – December 1st: Jupiter Ruler 2nd Decan – December 2nd – December 11th: Mars Ruler 3rd Decan – December 12th – 21st: Sun Ruler

CAPRICORN

1st Decan – December 22nd to 31st: Saturn Ruler 2nd Decan – January 1st to January 10th: Venus Ruler 3rd Decan – January 11th to 20th: Mercury Ruler

AQUARIUM

1st decan – January 21st – January 30th: Uranus ruler 2nd decan – January 31st – February 9th: Mercury ruler 3rd decan – February 10th – February 19th: Venus rulership

FISH

1st decan – February 20th – February 29th: Neptune ruler 2nd decan – March 1st – March 10th: Moon ruler 3rd decan – March 11th – 20th: Pluto ruler

Read Also: Meaning of the color pink: color of affection and love

What are the characteristics of my decanate?

The decans are defined according to their rulerships, as you will better understand below. But remember that other placements, planets and astrological houses interfere with your personality. So if you don’t recognize yourself in your sign, understand the reasons here!

Aries decans

1st decan (March 21st – March 30th):

Aryans of the first decan have already “arrived” since childhood and have above average energy (mental and physical), depending on how they direct it. But all that energy usually lasts for a lifetime. They always value the truth, a general characteristic of Aryans, but those of the first decan choose, in general, to go straight to the point. In that sense, anyone who wants to have the company and friendship of these Aryans needs extra energy to keep up.

2nd decan (from 1st to 10th of April):

The Aryans of the second decan are governed by the Sun, which is why they have their creative power well activated. The sum of Aryan energy with solar energy results in someone who wants to live intensely in the here and now, that is, he is always inventing fashion to give rope to his ideas. They are people who love to learn new things and are very passionate when they find their talents and have space for all their delivery, which is usually remarkable and with personal brilliance.

3rd decan (April 11th to 20th):

Arians of the third decan are ruled by Jupiter, so they are even more independent, easy-going and more expansive in nature. As your energy is mental and physical, all this expansion can be directed to studies (which motivate you) or to exploring new places and always allowing yourself to be open to new adventures. They value their freedom always. The sense of justice is even sharper in this decan.

Taurus Decans

1st decan (from 21 to 30 April):

Taureans of the first decan are ruled by Venus, and are therefore very affectionate. Behind all of a Taurean firmness, all that tenderness and kindness is more clearly perceived in his way of acting and treating people. They are enchanted by art and this can be directed towards a more aesthetic bias or just being admirers of everything that is beautiful in nature.

2nd decan (from 1st to 10th of May):

Their ruler is Mercury (with a strong relationship with the sign of Virgo), so they are more mental and analytical Taureans. They still have the Taurus romanticism and sensuality present, but, in general, they are more rational in their initiatives. They tend to be curious and can benefit from the Taurus quality of being able to absorb and memorize information easily.

Read Also: Cyclical feminine: connection between women, seasons and moon phase

3rd decan (from 11 to 20 May):

Their ruler is Saturn, which is why Taureans are more thoughtful and cautious in their decisions and attitudes. Therefore, they tend to be more economical as well. However, everything they are dedicated to accomplishing, they do in a careful and dedicated way.

Decans of Gemini

1st decan (May 21st – May 30th):

Their ruler is Mercury, so they are highly curious, flexible and adaptable Geminis. They are people who communicate without barriers, following the mental path of speech or writing. As they have a very active mind and always have thousands of ideas in their head, they maintain a joviality regardless of their physical age.

2nd decan (May 31st – June 9th):

Its ruler is Venus, which is why it is a type of Gemini that is slower or even more patient, as it tries to observe its feelings more and be more open to the 5 senses. In addition, he is a good appreciator of life and a good articulator. The affective life has an importance in the life of this Gemini too.

3rd decan (June 10th – June 20th):

Its ruler is Uranus, so it is a type of Gemini with a more restless mind. He is always looking for interesting and different subjects, in addition to being open to new and innovative subjects. In this sense, he prioritizes communication that is more authentic and in tune with his convictions or his nature. He’s a Gemini who values his freedom above all else.

Cancer decans

1st decan (June 21st – June 30th):

Their ruler is the Moon, so they are Cancerians who tend to be very intuitive. They have an accentuated degree of sensitivity, even if it doesn’t show it, but people in their closest field of affection can have this access. They also like to take care of and pamper people who are within this affective field. This is a type of Cancer who is more attached to his history and roots, who likes to feel secure in his relationships. He has an excellent memory, especially emotional. As well as an excellent efficient external hard drive for many other zodiac signs who can count on your friendship.

2nd decan (July 1st – July 10th):

Its ruler is Pluto, so it is a type of Cancer that feels things even more deeply and is a little more reserved compared to the other decans. Even with the strongest personality, he maintains his sensitivity and welcome to people in his affective field. He has an intuitive feel and may be able to sense people’s intentions if he develops this ability. He is determined, persistent and intense in what he wants.

3rd decan (July 11th – July 21st):

Its ruler is Neptune, so the Cancerian of this decan has…