Have you ever wondered why people born under the same zodiac sign are so different in their nature? We know that all people with their sun in Aries are not the same. It takes the whole birth chart to determine the nature of an individual. The ancient astrologers knew this and divided each zodiac sign; modern astrology has taken the divisions further. We divide the signs by their elements, qualities and by the positive (masculine) and negative (feminine) expression. There is another method used to divide the signs and determine rulership, by using the Triplicities. This division is called the decanates.
Is it necessary to know the decanates? Sometimes. Sometimes it completes the story, other times it helps to pinpoint the nature of activity going on in the subject’s life. The decans and rulers are worth investigation and have proven effective in predictive astrology, especially in the progressed horoscope. The ruler of the decan of the rising sign in the progressed chart has a great deal of influence over the whole life, for the time in question, particularly if there are any aspects made by that ruler, or if the planet is strong in the natal chart. The influence of the decan is often similar to the conjunction.
Each zodiac sign governs 30 degrees of the natal chart. Twelve zodiac signs at 30 degrees each constitute the complete natal chart encompassing 360 degrees.
The Decans or Decanates:
Each sign is divided into three divisions of 10 degrees, each sign has 3 decans, one for each division of 10 degrees. Each decan has a ruler which becomes the sub ruler of the sign or the co-ruler of that sign. Once you are familiar with the Triplicities (fire, earth, air, water), it will be easier for you to determine the sub-rulers of each decan.
Each decan of a sign will be in the same triplicity (fire, earth, air, water) as the sign itself. They are arranged in the same order as they appear in the zodiac. The first decan of Aries is Aries, ruled by Mars. The second decan is Leo, ruled by the Sun, the next fire sign in the zodiac. So the second decan of Aries is ruled by the Sun. The third decan of Aries would be the next fire sign after Leo, which is Sagittarius, ruled by Jupiter. Each decan is of the same Triplicity - the fire element. The first decan of Taurus is Taurus, ruled by Venus. The second decan of Taurus is Virgo, ruled by Mercury. The third decan of Taurus is Capricorn, ruled by Saturn. Each decan is of the same Triplicity - the earth element.
Zodiac Sign
Aries – Fire
Ruler of first decan.............0° - 10° - Mars
Ruler of second decan......10° - 20° - Sun
Ruler of third decan...........20° - 30° - Jupiter
Taurus – Earth
Ruler of first decan.............0° - 10° - Venus
Ruler of second decan......10° - 20° - Mercury
Ruler of third decan...........20° - 30° - Saturn
Gemini – Air
Ruler of first decan.............0° - 10° - Mercury
Ruler of second decan......10° - 20° - Venus
Ruler of third decan...........20° - 30° - Uranus
Cancer – Water
Ruler of first decan.............0° - 10° - Moon
Ruler of second decan......10° - 20° - Pluto
Ruler of third decan...........20° - 30° - Neptune
Leo – Fire
Ruler of first decan.............0° - 10° - Sun
Ruler of second decan......10° - 20° - Jupiter
Ruler of third decan...........20° - 30° - Mars
Virgo – Earth
Ruler of first decan.............0° - 10° - Mercury
Ruler of second decan......10° - 20° - Saturn
Ruler of third decan...........20° - 30° - Venus
Libra – Air
Ruler of first decan.............0° - 10° - Venus
Ruler of second decan......10° - 20° - Uranus
Ruler of third decan...........20° - 30° - Mercury
Scorpio – Water
Ruler of first decan.............0° - 10° - Pluto
Ruler of second decan......10° - 20° - Neptune
Ruler of third decan...........20° - 30° - Moon
Sagittarius – Fire
Ruler of first decan.............0° - 10° - Jupiter
Ruler of second decan......10° - 20° - Mars
Ruler of third decan...........20° - 30° - Sun
Capricorn – Earth
Ruler of first decan.............0° - 10° - Saturn
Ruler of second decan......10° - 20° - Venus
Ruler of third decan...........20° - 30° - Mercury
Aquarius – Air
Ruler of first decan.............0° - 10° - Uranus
Ruler of second decan......10° - 20° - Mercury
Ruler of third decan...........20° - 30° - Venus
Pisces – Water
Ruler of first decan.............0° - 10° - Neptune
Ruler of second decan......10° - 20° - Moon
Ruler of third decan...........20° - 30° - Pluto
Example: Your progressed ascendant 15° Virgo, the decan of 15° Virgo is Saturn. If I were to cast your chart, I would see that Mercury rules your chart and Saturn is co-ruler. Therefore, Mercury has rulership over your chart and the decan shows that there are Saturn influences in your personal circumstances. There may be more attention to duty and details under Saturn’s influence. You may be more ambitious and work hard for recognition or reward. There will be more patience and perseverance now. What you do achieve now will come through your hard work and efforts. Your success and its timing also depends on other influences in your chart and the aspects made to your Ascendant, its ruler Mercury, co-ruler Saturn, and your Midheaven (career).
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Although everyone born under the same Sun-sign shares some basic traits, the date you were born determines which type of Pisces, Aries - in fact any sign - you really are. Each sign is divided into three sections, 10 days per section - these are known as Decans. Find your Sun-sign and the date you were born below to discover the traits of your particular Sun-sign Decan!
ARIES
1st Decan » 21st - 30th March: Ruled by Mars, you are first in the Zodiac, first among Aries, the leaders' leader. You are forceful, decisive, inspirational, with a crusader's zeal and a head full of world-changing ideas. Sexually arousing, unstoppable, a double-daring lover, mover and shaker.
2nd Decan » 31st March - 9th April: Influenced by the Sun, you are a radiant presence with extraordinary charisma. The mix of Aries drive and added star quality is potent; you never want for admirers. You are a brilliant motivator but may prefer solo success, with your name up in lights! You have all it takes to be a success in the world of show business and top level sport.
3rd Decan » 10th - 20th April: Influenced by Jupiter, you're a true individualist. Aries dynamism combines with a strong moral sense: you might be a preacher, politician, healer, hell raiser or saint. You stir others profoundly. Lovers must learn to share you with your other worldly passions.
TAURUS
1st Decan » 21st - 30th April: Ruled by Venus, you are a rock-solid Taurus - patient, persevering, the truest of friends and most constant of lovers. The beauties of nature and comforts of home nourish your soul. You are deeply centred with a rare devotion - to loved-ones, work, interests and beliefs.
2nd Decan » 1st - 10th May: Influenced by Mercury, you are blessed with a rare artistic sensibility. To typical Taurus earthiness is added a perfectionist streak, the highest ideals and finely tuned perceptions. You are a patient and caring but complex lover, at once dependable and slightly enigmatic. Imagination and money sense can make you a top tycoon.
3rd Decan » 11th - 21st May: Influenced by Saturn, you are endowed with super-staying-power and self-discipline to take you wherever you want to go, and you naturally command respect. You enjoy success in the home, too, forming close and happy relationships that can last for a lifetime.
GEMINI
1st Decan » 22nd - 31st May: Ruled by Mercury, you are a quick-silver personality, changeful, very versatile and intriguing. Resourceful, you tend to live on your wits. Being multi-faceted, you may find success in many fields. A hard-to-pin-down lover, but so passionate, inventive, basically kind, though scheming at times.
2nd Decan » 1st - 10th June: Influenced by Venus, you combine a lively mind and rapier wit with a gentler side that gains you popularity and assures success in any work with people. You have a rare gift for self-expression and a talent for attracting love, desire and lifelong devotion. You are sensuous, take your time with lovemaking and do understand your partner.
3rd Decan » 11th - 21st June: Influenced by Uranus, you live as if each day were your first, seeing with new eyes, tasting new tastes, dreaming new dreams. You are absolutely your own person and thrive alone, but make a magical lover for a partner prepared to give you space and listen to you.
CANCER
1st Decan » 22nd June - 1st July: Ruled by the Moon and driven by emotions and intuition, you are a tender, responsive and essentially caring being who inspires love and trust in return. Dedication to work and a retentive memory are the building blocks of material success. Home is where your heart is.
2nd Decan » 2nd - 12th July: Influenced by Pluto, you are desiring and mysterious, intimate and intense. You are dynamic, persevering and more self-reliant than other Cancerians, but with no less need for a soul mate, security and touch. You shine in creative endeavours and have keen insight. People tend to fall instantly in love with you and you can get a little love greedy!
3rd Decan » 13th - 22nd July: Influenced by Neptune, you are gently, deeply feeling and sympathetic. You need to be loved and, still more, to give love. You have a talent for creating beauty that could be the basis of a career. You can read a partner's fantasies and this makes you sexually beguiling.
LEO
1st Decan » 23rd July - 1st August: Ruled by the Sun, you are a magnetic force, fun to be with, sometimes fearsome but always sought after. You have a lion-sized ego, but a lion-sized heart, too. You are a warm, loyal lover and a generous forgiving friend. In work and play all the world is your stage - success keeps on growing.
2nd Decan » 2nd - 12th August: Influenced by Jupiter, you have heightened ideals and sense of life purpose, combined with a great sense of fun. Brave, kind and hugely optimistic, you storm to success, making friends along the way. You are a straightforward but super-sexy love-mate. As Jupiter increases your supplies of pure luck, you have a golden touch in contests.
3rd Decan » 13th - 23rd August: Influenced by Mars, you are a dynamite mix of go-getting ambition, enterprise, grace and romanticism. You're an original thinker, a demanding but demonstrative lover, true friend and a born entrepreneur. You love luxury but adversity brings out the best in you.
VIRGO
1st Decan » 24th August - 3rd September: Ruled by Mercury, you live by the very highest standards and demand the same of others. Logical, intelligent, with a great memory, you learn fast, work hard and can forge a brilliant career. A lively and intuitive partner, you raise love-making to an art form for your lucky lover.
2nd Decan » 4th - 13th September: Influenced by Saturn, you are sterner and more ambitious than other Virgos, with a talent for organisation and high earning power. Your understanding of people and the world make for business success. You are a steadfast, sensitive and resourceful lover. But a cheating partner may never get a whisper of a second chance with you.
3rd Decan » 14th - 22nd September: Influenced by Venus, you are less aspiring than most Virgos, happier in your being with a warm, affectionate nature. Home is your sanctuary, a place of real beauty. Your love-style is sensuous and satisfying, and you are a patient, caring, understanding life partner.
LIBRA
1st Decan » 23rd September - 3rd October: Ruled by Venus, you have a soul-deep need for true harmony, real companionship and beauty. You are a staunch and generous friend. Your social skills and gift for self-expression take you far in your career. For you, sex and love are one and indivisible, and you're very romantic.
2nd Decan » 4th - 13th October: Influenced by Uranus, you are cooler, more independent and candid than is typical in a Libran - driven more by logic, less by love-hunger. You are a free spirit, sexy, popular and outgoing. Your gift for self-expression and original thinking can make for real wealth. You have a natural link with future technology, plus genius ideas and the ability to sell them.
3rd Decan » 14th - 23rd October: Influenced by Mercury, you are lively, versatile, chatty, witty, eternally youthful with a touch of the 'wild child' about you. You thrive in the world of communications and attract many friends. Like all Librans, you love love (making it and feeling it) and have exciting fantasies to share.
SCORPIO
1st Decan » 24th October - 2nd November: Ruled by Pluto, you are an irresistible force who mixes passion and compassion, magnetism, insights, intimacy and ambition. Sheer single-mindedness assures that you're a winner in love and in work. Your feelings are complex but utterly genuine.
2nd Decan » 3rd - 12th November: Influenced by Neptune, you're driven but your moderating streak of charity and self-sacrifice means that seek job satisfaction above prestige. Arousing and mysterious, empathetic, and faith-inspiring - you make a wonderful lover and life-partner. You have so many sexual fantasies to share with your lucky partner.
3rd Decan » 13th - 22nd November: Influenced by the Moon, with an aura of enchantment, you are caring, abiding and more domesticated that other Scorpios. Canny, subtle, adaptable, with stunning powers of concentration, you charm your way to worldly success - and into a lover's heart.
SAGITTARIUS
1st Decan » 23rd November - 2nd December: Ruled by Jupiter you are blessed with super-optimism, courage and a sense of fun, balanced by an earnest love of learning. In work, you crave freedom and you go far (often literally, travelling the world). You are a stimulating, fun-to-be-with, wonderfully unconventional lover.
2nd Decan » 3rd - 12th December: Influenced by Mars you have an extra zest for life and a compulsion to translate thought into action. A strong will combines with a generous nature, to make you a great but demanding friend or lover. Work must challenge you mentally and physically. And, of course, your passion power is red-hot throughout your life - and so is your stamina level.
3rd Decan » 13th - 21st December: Influenced by the Sun you have a much heightened sense of drama and ambition, a double dose of optimism and a strong, magnetic presence. Life, love and work are all big adventures, and you crave the reward of recognition, not just wealth. And loyalty matters, too.
CAPRICORN
1st Decan » 22nd - 31st December: Ruled by Saturn you will work double hard for twice the time, just to achieve your heart's desires:- material success, security and a close abiding relationship with a devoted soul mate. You are a strong, resourceful leader and a patient, thoughtful and beautifully serious lover.
2nd Decan » 1st - 10th January: Influenced by Venus you have the eye - but not the volatile unruly temperament - of an artist. You work hard for success and lavish the rewards on your home, creating a place of beauty and a safe haven for one true mate. Sensual and loyal, you're a great lover, too, and sex with you just gets better and better - once you've found your soul mate.
3rd Decan » 11th - 20th January: Influenced by Mercury you live by a very strict code, seek perfection at its highest and have a fine brain for facts and figures. But you're sensitive, too, and gentle - with a healing touch, a subtle and beguiling sexual style, and a keen understanding of others' needs and emotions.
AQUARIUS
1st Decan » 21st - 29th January: Ruled by Uranus you are the most free of free spirits, utterly taken up with life, humanity and the world. You shine at problem-solving, see money only as a means to an end. You make a spectacular lover for a partner as broadminded and freedom-respecting as yourself.
2nd Decan » 30th January - 8th February: Influenced by Mercury you are quick, mobile, eloquent, versatile and flexible in matters of work and the heart. You have charm and sex appeal aplenty, a spacious view of the world and are an exhilarating - if challenging - lover. Your ability to talk about fantasies makes your own bedtime stories completely irresistible.
3rd Decan » 9th - 18th February: Influenced by Venus you are less cerebral, less objective and more involved and still-centred than the pure Aquarian. Peace, calm and friendship sustain you. You are doubly idealistic, adoring, forgiving, a gentle lover with an artist's soul and you excel at creative endeavours.
PISCES
1st Decan » 19th - 29th February: Ruled by Neptune you are an intriguing being, at once unassuming and inspirational, a romantic who gives with both hands. You are wise and profound, an attuned lover and adaptable mate. Work with people or animals suits you. Love, not money, is the be-all for you.
2nd Decan » 1st - 10th March: Influenced by the Moon you are gentle and nurturing with a double capacity for kindness. You have a soul-deep response to beauty and an artistic talent that can earn a fortune - although you can create a lovely home on a shoestring. As a lover you are sweet, devoted and aware, with a talent for inventing and then fulfilling intriguing fantasies.
3rd Decan » 11th - 20th March: Influenced by Pluto you are atypically shrewd and intense, spookily intuitive, powerfully passionate and phenomenally smart at work. And you're sexually magnetic! You are a loyal lover and dynamic worker who can seemingly spin flax into gold time after time.
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