Hello everyone. I am back with this post. I have been wanting to learn more about decans since I learned astrology. I can tell that in a way, astrology Tumblr is starting to die down, so I thought I would help us out real quick. I haven't seen many posts on decans on here.
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Decans are basically a subdivision of the zodiac signs. Usually, each subdivision lasts about 10 days. Ancient astrologers would use decans to provide a more detailed explanation of their horoscope by using minor planetary influences to each decan.
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So...How do you calculate decans?
Simple! All you would have to do is look at the degree and the sign of your placements. Each sign has 3 10 degree subdivisions. For example, let's take the...Libra decan. The rule of thumb goes for all decans that the first 10 degrees are in Libra. The second 10 degrees (from 10-19 degrees) are going to be in Aquarius, and the last 10 degrees (from 20-29 degrees) are in Gemini.
NOTE: The decans are only going to be within the same element of each other, like the aforementioned example. If you're studying a Taurus decan, the next one would be a Virgo decan, then a Capricorn decan. It also goes in astrological order.
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So...can you provide more examples?
I got you! We're going to use my chart as an example.
1st Example: 17 degree Virgo sun.
Having my sun in Virgo alone can denote that I am hardworking and I bring order to chaos, but also having a discerning eye. If we look at the decans of Virgo, we notice that the first 10 degrees are purely in Virgo. The second 10 degrees are in Capricorn, and the last 10 degrees are in Taurus. My sun is at 17 degrees, which falls under the second decan. This also means that I have a Capricorn-like layer added to my Virgo energy. If you can read my chart and you know your dominant signs/planets/etc...I am a Saturn dominant and this further confirms that.
So...what does it mean to have a Capricorn decan?
Having a Capricorn decan on my sun specifically, is like being a bit of a Capricorn sun. Think of all the traits of a Capricorn sun--ambitious, hardworking, cultivating patience, etc. That mixed in with my core desire to be of service to myself and others. Makes sense so far?
2nd Example: 28 degree Libra moon.
My moon here is in the last 10 degrees of Libra. If we see what the third sign is that is associated with the 3rd decan, it would be Gemini. So not only do I like to establish harmony and peace within my relationships, I also have Gemini moon traits, such as emphasizing communication, engaging in mercurial activities. I can attest to this because one thing you will see me do, is write in my diary. I ALMOST always bring a book with me or my diary (sometimes both) and that is how I pass my time.
3rd Example: 4 degree Pisces ascendant.
My ascendant is located within the first decan of Pisces. As a reminder, any placements that has 0-10 degrees is going to be in the first decan and will emphasize the traits of that sign, since it's the same sign. Having my ascendant in true Pisces manner, can make me prone to soaking up other people's energies. Truly an energetic sponge. Of course with practice, I can be able to discern whose emotions are mine, and whose aren't.
4th Example: 12 degree Libra Mercury.
Mercury in Libra represents having (or trying to maintain) a balanced perspective. Trying to always be impartial and fair in one's choices. I wish people would understand that Libras can also have an all "black-or-white" thinking pattern, especially if it is placed in the 8th house or even the 10th house. But enough of that. Here my Mercury is placed in the 2nd decan of Libra, which would be Aquarius. So not only am I expressing myself in a Libran way, I also have a touch of Aquarius to it. It's like having an Aquarius mercury...except you're actually attached instead of detached lol. If you're unfamiliar with Aquarius Mercury traits, they can be very innovative and think outside the box. They have an interesting way of communicating and expressing themselves. These people can be very future-oriented in their thinking. If you're a water mercury, I advise you to not really go to an Aquarius mercury for comfort. They are an air sign that is logical. They will tell you what you need to hear.
5th example: 1 degree Scorpio Venus.
Venus is in the first decan of Scorpio. This means that Scorpio traits are expressed when it comes down to it. I am loyal to those that I love, and if anything feels off even a little bit...I will distance myself and keep watch just to monitor the situation. I desire to merge souls with my significant other, as well as my loved ones. I will stick with them through thick and thin, provided they do the same. I will take them under my wing if I have to. I may not have a lot of money but if I am getting it, then like Rico Nasty said in her song "Smack a Bitch": If I'm getting money, then you know we all got a plate.
6th example: 7 degree Virgo Mars.
Having Virgo Mars isn't for the weak. Now...imagine that energy being emphasized. This Mars placement is in the first 10 degrees of the first decan. My Mars placement is a true Virgo Mars in this case. I am analytical, logical, and enjoy performing structured tasks. Organizing and cleaning can provide a catharsis for me but I do not consider myself to be a clean freak. (Of course placement in the chart and aspects matter. I have it in my 7th house so it is debilitated (I think that is the right term) and I can be quite lazy. But I do have the good ol' fashioned intrusive thoughts telling me to do something while resting).
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So...is there a chart or a list that is provided?
1). 0-9 degree Aries: Aries
20-29 degree Aries: Sagittarius
2). 0-9 degree Taurus: Taurus
10-19 degree Taurus: Virgo
20-29 degree Taurus: Capricorn
3). 0-9 degree Gemini: Gemini
10-19 degree Gemini: Libra
20-29 degree Gemini: Aquarius
4). 0-9 degree Cancer: Cancer
10-19 degree Cancer: Scorpio
20-29 degree Cancer: Pisces
10-19 degree Leo: Sagittarius
6). 0-9 degree Virgo: Virgo
10-19 degree Virgo: Capricorn
20-29 degree Virgo: Taurus
7). 0-9 degree Libra: Libra
10-19 degree Libra: Aquarius
20-29 degree Libra: Gemini
8). 0-9 degree Scorpio: Scorpio
10-19 degree Scorpio: Pisces
20-29 degree Scorpio: Cancer
9). 0-9 degree Sagittarius: Sagittarius
10-19 degree Sagittarius: Aries
20-29 degree Sagittarius: Leo
10). 0-9 degree Capricorn: Capricorn
10-19 degree Capricorn: Taurus
11). 0-9 degree Aquarius: Aquarius
12). 0-9 degree Pisces: Pisces
10-19 degree Pisces: Cancer
20-29 degree Pisces: Scorpio.