versatile, inventive, talkative, sarcastic with deep observational skills.
they are able to think on their feet fast due to Mercury as a co-ruler.
gifted in relation to anything to do with writing, communicating or requiring mental intelligence of sharpness.
little gets past them.
good at solving problems with a love of learning and reading.
into their health and wellness but can easily become obsessed with reaching the ‘perfect’ look.
very hard-working in obtaining what they want, well organised and efficient.
naturally creative with unique ideas.
can get disheartened quite quickly if things don’t go to plan.
out of all the decans, they are the most likely to suffer with worrisome thoughts and anxiety.
eloquent speakers who can outsmart anyone and do well in negotiating.
mercury as their co-ruler can overstimulate the expression of impatience, irritability and chronic discontent which in turn can negatively impact their levels of work and service.
can annoy people with their strong opinions as they believe they are right at all times.
2nd - 11th September
10 - 19 degrees
Saturn as Sub-Ruler
perfectionists, diplomatic, reserved, tactful and are more sensitive than they let on.
are not afraid of going over things again and again to achieve the desired result.
very focused on achievement and improving their skills to the highest degree possible.
may see success later in life but are blessed with patience and stability to keep going.
natural ability to bring structure to chaos and sort though information.
has a hard time forgiving people.
wise with money, they are well adept at living below their means.
sometimes hungry for success, they can play Devil’s advocate with their higher-ups to gain promotions.
security is found in work, service and daily routines.
can lack warmth, friendships and even love, living hermit lifestyles due to Saturn’s influence as co-ruler.
possessing an unconscious sense of shortcomings in life, they may be very attached to things of a material level.
don’t mind shunning personal relationships in favour of success.
the pickiest of the decans, they can be very slow to settle down due to high standards that sometimes are too set in stone.
deep down they have a fear of being good enough but may not readily ask for help.
12th - 22nd September
20 - 29 degrees
Venus as Sub-Ruler
has a more softer disposition out of all the decans and is less fixed in their way of working.
sensitive, timid, reserved with a refined artistic sense.
very helpful towards others.
the more sociable of the decans as Venus as a co-ruler inclines the native to have a flirtatious way with communicating, perhaps more evident in the workplace.
can believe more in working on themselves and then attracting the right romantic partner into their life.
homebodies who like their home to beautiful with art or the latest kitchen equipment.
hardworking but may be the most laidback out of all the decans.
generous and loving they don’t mind to make sacrifices for their loved ones, but need to have firm boundaries so that they are not someone’s every beck and call.
usually into their health and wellness and most likely is very much aware of their physical body.
when stressed, they may indulge in food, drugs and procrastination to soothe themselves.
can be slow to learn new things but once they do, the knowledge is with them for a long time.
Hello!!💓💗💞💓 I’ve been wanting to talk about this for a while! 💓💗💞💓There’s been a rise and acceptance of decans into the mainstream lately, which is nice! 💓💗💞💓Because it’s a great segway into learning decans we’ve been using are quite modern.
However there are more to the topic and perhaps a more preferred decan type to use. So I’m going to explain the history of it, the different types, and the term ‘faces’ as well. Which is an essential dignitary. But what does that mean and what is it used for?
I’ll try to break it down for you, and recommend some further reading? Been thinking of sharing the google drive book folder again but anyways. Lets get it
Disclaimer: the topic is vast and there’s lots of dig into, so for here I’m just going to talk about what could be useful. However, feel free to research more on these topics and see what astrologers have to say! Discussions can be very helpful in making informed decisions/information intake. Plus I’m probably missing out on a lot of things, so feel free to add on or make a post talking more about it if you’d like! Discussion is great, and sharing information together in order to encourage and help each other learn is nice.
Decantes
The decan system originated in Ancient Egypt (2100 BCE) as part of the calendar system. It was found transcribed onto a coffin lids, it was originally based on the constellation - with the first set beginning with Sothis (Sirius) and each set has a corresponding divinity [x] As a measure of time, there are 36 decans that fit nearly perfectly onto the 360′degrees of the circle (10 degrees each, 360 degrees) with 5/6 days extra - note, these were considered to be ‘godless’ days. [x] Each decan originally marked a 10-days period (for Ancient Egyptian) - with the rising and setting of the stars used to mark the time of the night [x]
It’s also important to consider it’s origins, because Gods and Goddess being assigned certain allotted times/days over their domain helps with understanding how much astronomy play a role in religious and cultural lifestyle. With the Ancient Egyptians - the Egyptian Pantheon and Spirits are considered divine, and having time/days set to make the best use of auspicious influences for certain subjects are important, whether it’s magical inclination, marriage, crops, business or unfavorable times. Sothis as mentioned above, beginning the first set of decan marked when the Nile would flood and thus, why it was important to know the dates for the Egyptians (check out: Sopdet and the Heliacal stars for more details). The main stars were usually given rulership over each set of decans. If you’d like a further reading on the topic that could be much more expansive and fascinating, I’d recommend the book ‘36 faces’ by Austin Coppock explores the different decantes and it’s correspondence in greater details ! [x]
Over-time, this influence became adapted. There was a change by Ptolemaic system (Hellenistic period) where the star sets originally (Ancient Egypt - pre-Hellenistic) were shifted into seven dignitary planet rulership of each sets instead. From the slowest moving to the fastest (thus, Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, etc.) [x]
One interesting thing to note about Ptolemaic system is that this was when the geocentric idea came from. Ptolomy (2nd Century Geographer and Astronomer) believed that the earth is the center of the universe and the planets- the sun and moon included evolved around us (seems similar to how the natal chart is geocentric too, but now we know its the Sun we evolve around, there is an option for heliocentric chart as well. But this isn’t on the topic of that yet! ) [x]
Anyways, this is called the Chaldrean system. The “Chaldrean Planetary Order” derived the speed of each planet based on geocentric field - so the order becomes: Saturn - Jupiter - Mars - Sun - Venus - Mercury - Moon. [x] Based on how we assess the speed these planets come to orbit from our perspective.
This system was widely taught and spread, names such as Greco-Egyptian astrologer Teucer (3rd Century) and Roman astrologer Firmicus Maternus (4th cent) [x] The Chaldrean Planetary Decan would look like this (from the astrologydictionary - link to source in the ‘x’ ->[x] )
So the order in list form:
Aries: Mars/Sun/Venus
Taurus: Mercury/Moon/Saturn
Gemini: Jupiter/Mars/Sun
Cancer: Venus/Mercury/Moon
Leo: Saturn/Jupiter/Mars
Virgo: Sun/Mercury/Mercury
Libra: Moon/Saturn/Jupiter
Scorpio: Mars/Sun/Mercury
Sagittarius: Mercury/Moon/Saturn
Capricorn: Jupiter/Mars/Sun
Aquarius: Venus/Mercury/Moon
Pisces: Saturn/Jupiter/Mars
Note:
1) it’s easier to write it out because you get into the flow of things and practice the order yourself, which is easier than remembering it by heart
2)how these aren’t linked to the signs that have rulership over the planet, but rather the planet itself. It’s a little confusing, but these systems of planetary decans/rulership are considered minor dignitary during the Renaissance and Medieval traditions. You might’ve seen them referred to as ‘faces’ [x] most often coined as a part of essential dignitary by Lilly (so you’d often see ‘Chaldrean Decan’ accredited to Lilly)
As part of the essential dignitary -- wait, so what is essential dignitary?
(source: skyscript [x])
So it’s a part of how we define or understand rankings, influences and it’s position. How we assign hierarchy or understand how it’s working in a more structured and detailed manner. Essential dignitaries can be very fun to learn, since it will give us a better discernment and understanding of how certain planets can be working better than others in it’s positions.
One thing to note about faces/decantes is that it’s very minor. As William Lilly has said:
"A Planet having little or no dignity, but by being in his Decanate or Face, is almost like a man ready to be turned out of doors, having much ado to maintain himself in credit and reputation."
(Christian Astrology - by William Lilly [x] )
There are 5 essential dignitaries to consider, and faces/decantes out of all of them may be considered to be the least influential.
However, it’s still fun to learn and start out from here. Since it is a segway into learning about other subjects in astrology. Now that it’s something people are keen on learning and is interested in, it’s a great way to start talking and teaching other subjects as well - these can help with making our practices more accurate and be open to different types of techniques and applications in astrology. Which would potentially benefit one another
Anyways. Yeah. Ok. Chaldrean System explained. How do we use this?
Faces/Decantes
Even though it’s minor, it’s good to start out with trying our steps anyways. But let’s look at some excerpt from ‘Hellenistic Astrology’ book by Chris Brennan first (it’s a v good book.. good value for it’s bucks as well)
This excerpt talks about rising decan used to talk about a person’s appearance and general disposition. Makes sense, but most importantly to what extent should decans be used and what influences does it have on the chart?
Well. Mostly we’d use it when referring the the Ascendant, but it could also be used to look at other planetary faces to see if it’s in a dignified position or not.
An interesting take on how it’s used from Darkstarsastrology recommend that you could possibly use it to refer to other people in your life and other disposition as well:
Thus, the different planetary decans are essentially part of things bigger than you, divine feminine divine masculine, the mother, the teacher, the power higher/below us, the father. And essentially what you could possibly face in terms of challenges.
Another look at it from the earlier Hellenistic Astrology book:
I want to point you to the last paragraph, referring to ‘the first decan of Aries is given the same planetary ruler as the domicile of Aries as a whole’ because this is very interesting, compared to modern decantes (we’ll talk about that soon) and how it’s first decan is typically the one that is the domicile planetary ruler (i.e. Aries 1st decan - Mars, Taurus 1st decan - Venus, etc.) since the system is based on triplicity instead.
The Chaldrean system, then, follows the Chaldrean order and each sign progression can often not have it’s domicile ruler in it’s allotted decan. This is different from the modern decans we use now, but doesn’t really make them any less valid. We’re very prone to assuming that things have to have it’s domicile ruler, when that’s not always the case. Sometimes it be like that, and at the same time - we may have taken for granted the ease and relative understandability triplicity based decan system gave us. But that doesn’t make these older system any less interesting to read or expand our visions on.
Essentially the introduction of and correspondence of signs to the planets actually came later as well. Plus, these are minor dignitaries - and essentially planets falling into it’s own face (i.e. Libra Saturn falling into the Saturn face) and help it become a little more dignified - which is what we’re focusing on with faces.
It does make you think about Lilly’s quote from above - “a man ready to be turned out of doors, having much ado to maintain himself in credit and reputation." - it really be like that sometimes
Anyways, so carrying on from the above:
Note how this is focused on the planet. I think for a lot of new people? The idea of looking at faces and not seeing it’s domicile ruler available and make them feel like oh no then what’s the USE. But actually this can help us expand our vision and truly think about the planets and it’s influence! Rather than be reliant on the signs!
Like yeah, of course it would be nice and make sense if each signs has corresponding faces/decans that is it’s domicile. But also this is a system - one of many that we can learn. The example above - referring to the Aries Sun and how it could fall in the face of Mars, the face of it’s own Sun or the face of Venus.
Of course the Aries Sun falling into the face of the Sun is when it’s dignified, but the example above and how it’s explained: what you’ll find in each decan, truly helps give us a focus and idea of what to expect in different decans. This could be helpful in determining the different decans and it’s corresponding disposition - but again, the book ‘36 faces’ by Austin Coppock does a great job at exploring these based on ancient texts
(also pls look away from the ‘shameful lustful’ misogynistic part oh my lord, wbk they’re terrible to women and it seeps into the studies as well)
Decans (based on Triplicity)
Moving swiftly along we’re now looking at decans based on triplicity. This is the one that’s most commonly used nowadays, astro.com refers to this as ‘traditional decans’ and here’s what they’re saying:
Note the latter passage, ‘the rulers of the decans are derived from the rulers of the signs of the same element.’ Thus, when we’re referring to the triplets from each element (i.e. fire - aries, sagittarius, leo) we’re referring to it’s rulers.
Triplicity is a little more than this.. I’m probably gonna make another post on it later? Because there are general rulers in terms of triplicity for whether the chart is during the diurnal sect or nocturnal sect. Like say if it’s at night, and you’re looking at the air triplicity - Mercury would be the ruler for the nocturnal sect, whilst during the day - it would be Saturn. For all airs.
Anyways, we’ll talk about that later. So for the decans, this is generally more modern and refers to it’s rulership.
(from astro.com [x] )
These are the ones we’re more familiar with, basically how to get a grasp on this is much simpler. Rather than referring to the Chaldrean order - the first domicile ruler of the sign is essentially it’s first decan. So i.e.
Aries 1st decan - Mars
Taurus 1st decan - Venus
And what follows through the decan order (remember it’s still segments of 10 degrees) - are the following signs. So you count to the next sign of the same element (triplicity) - if we’re looking at Aries, the next sign of the fire element is Leo. Leo’s ruler - the Sun, is hence the 2nd decan ruler. And then the next sign of the same element - Sagittarius, is the 3rd decan ruler of Aries.
If we’re looking at Capricorn, the 1st decan is Saturn (domicile ruler of Capricorn). The second earth sign is Taurus, 2nd decan ruler is Venus. The third sign then, is Virgo - thus 3rd decan ruler. You count forward, and if you reach that Pisces-Aries mark, you keep going. Basically. It’s a little simpler to learn, rather than refer to the visible planets and the slowest - fastest movement.
Hm. So. There’s nothing technically? Wrong with these. You can use the ‘traditional’ decans or the Chaldren decan. Generally decans are quite mysterious, mostly because we know of it’s origin - but then we lost a lot of information on the subject/topic and it’s relevancy (i.e. how it’s used and how widely spread it was) during the Ottoman
So with these, on astro.com you have three decan options:
Oh look there’s a third one. What do??
Manilus Decans
Decans - hm, let’s say ever since the Ancient Egyptian introduces it, afterwards during when the Chaldrean system arises - there’s a lot of other systems that was in competition of what could be the adapted use of decans as well.
Amongst these are the Manilius decans - which is a slightly less popular system but one we might want to talk about. This one is based on the zodiac sign in each decan.
So one important thing to note: Notice how the Chaldrean and “traditional” refers to the planets being the main part of the decans? This one is referring to the signs. So to lay it out
Aries: Aries, Taurus, Gemini
Taurus: Cancer, Leo, Virgo
Already this might look confusing. Because we might’ve assumed it would go ‘wait, Taurus then Cancer, Leo, Virgo?’ when we think it should’ve been ‘Gemini, Cancer, Leo’. The zodiac sign progression carries on from one another - otherwise we’d have 2 decans for Gemini between Aries and Taurus, making it 20′ degrees whilst the rest gets 10′!
Think about it on the chart... if the start and the end of each decan ‘signs’ gets assigned twice - then the middle one would be uneven and loses out. Thus, we give each one equal sections.
Aries: Aries, Taurus, Gemini
Taurus: Cancer, Leo, Virgo
Gemini: Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius
Cancer: Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces
Leo: Aries, Taurus, Gemini
Virgo: Cancer, Leo, Virgo
Libra: Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius
Scorpio: Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces
Sagittarius: Aries, Taurus, Gemini
Capricorn: Cancer, Leo, Virgo
Aquarius: Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius
Pisces: Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces
Note: How because these are sets of 3s, and we have 12 zodiac signs, they separate easily into sets of 4s. Thus - we end up with repeating sequences for each triplicity - i.e. Aries, Leo and Sagittarius all have ‘Aries, Taurus, Gemini’ decans if we use the Manilius decans.
So anyways.. back to the decan system.. here’s what it’ll look like with the Chaldrean System:
This is a chart of a hypothetical person, but as you can see - on astro.com the options shows you the decan underneath the sign (the three separated segments). The Chaldrean decans shows you where each placement lies - so if you’re wanting to look at i.e. if it’s dignified
Let’s look at each placements. Is the moon dignified? It’s in the Venus decan. So no. The rest seems to be similar, except for one dignified by face Mars that is in the Mars decan. This is how it works.
My friend and speculated on whether or not the sign’s rulership matters. Like say if we have a Virgo Venus - would that Virgo Venus falling into the Mercury decan be considered dignified?
It doesn’t seem like the answer is yes, since the sources I’ve read so far has only referred to strictly the corresponding planet in it’s own planetary rulership. But if anyone has sources that might’ve said otherwise, if possible historically, please feel free to share and let us know.
There’s one other thing I found during my research that could be relevant to the topic of decans, and that is the ‘proper face’
This is an excerpt from Hellenistic Astrology once again. But since the explanation is kinda hard to follow, I’m probably going to try to talk about almugea and proper faces after I’m done with the other stuff (you can read up on the topic or do research on it in the meantime!)
Oh right. Back to the topic. Below is the ‘traditional’ decans on astro.com:
As you can see, the decans here are based on triplicity instead. One thing to note is how the rulers are the traditional ruler, you can get this option by checking the ‘Uranus-Pluto turn on/off’ option:
You can technically have it unchecked like this, and it’ll change the rulership in some of the decans to Uranus, Neptune and Pluto (i.e. Cancer - Moon, Pluto, Neptune) instead of the above example.
Hm. It’s probably easier to look at and see with whole signs - since decan division may get harder to look at if it’s in placidus. See like this:
Plus having the Uranus-Pluto option turned off, as well as whole sign system practiced can probably be good form for when we move onto other topics on this/similar subjects. Since we’re referring to part traditional astrology and this is closer to how it was used/practiced.
Anyways.. so I hope this post was a good introduction and brought to attention some of the different decan systems used through history. Books are a great place to look further into the subjects, but I know a lot of us might have a hard time figuring out where to start or what to look for. Below are some great resources you might want to look into or read further up on if you want more details on the topic - or just to solidify our understanding of the subject.
Below is a conclusive reminder of what we talked about and faces in the scheme of things - from medieval astrology guide [ x ] - to remind you that there’s so much more to learn. And thus, there are more to our journey after this.
Seems kinda bleak but hey. We started and got through that! We can move onto bigger things now! 💞💗💓
Sources/Further Readings:
‘Decans’ - Astrowiki
‘Traditional Astrology Options’ - Astro.com
‘Decans explained’
‘The Zodiacal Decans - Astrological Use & History’ by Darkstarastrology
Decans in Astrology - Horoscope Within *note this is about modern/’traditional’ decans
Understanding Planetary Dignitary and Debility - Skyscript
Essential Dignitaries of Planet - Renaissance Astrology
‘Decans’ - The Astrology Dictionary
‘36 faces’ by Austin Coppock
‘Hellenistic Astrology’ by Chris Brennan
‘Christian Astrology’ by William Lilly
Ancient Astrology by Tamsyn Barton
Ancient Astrology in Theory and Practice by Demetra George
Hello! Could you please do Virgo rising with decans description ? I checked your masterlist and there’s one for all the risings except Virgo, so could you do one, please? And thanks a lot 💓💓💓 I just love your blog and the way you describe the placements and how you answer all your asks even though you have a lot of them, so thank you so much 💞💞💞
I’d love to!!!! 💜💜💜 Thanks so much for asking for em’ I was kinda worried no Virgo risings would show up to claim their asc post aaaaaskjfnsdknfksdn 💜💜💜And also Thank you for checking the masterlist + being so considerate sdkjnfskjngjkd ;; 💜💜 Im trying to...get through all of em’ and hearing just ;; a word of reassurance and that you enjoyed the writing is so good to hear!! 💜💜
[Below Cut: Virgo Rising + different Decans 💜]
Virgo-Virgo/Mercury (0′-9′)
Unconventional?? Smart-dumbass???
Thinks they dumb but they’re really really Smart
Just...the way they put things together just aren’t “conventional” enough for others/themselves so they think they’re not as sharp :((
Methodical, systematic, does things Well
Wants to be Good for people
Tries hard!!!
Sensitive and flustered sometimes too
Environmentally Receptive and Aware like....
Most of the time they Oblivious but they’re v v aware of Physical Senses like Smell and Touch and Stuff
Dark Kermit Meme Sometimes
Can’t Control Impulse
Sometimes just...Daze Out
Dissassociation ™️
Likes being comfy tho....
Tries their best when Dressing Up!!!!
Is always a Trier!!! not a Quitter!!!!
Maybe they’re Nervous so What!!
Observative and Will Watch You For Reactions 👀
Like what You laugh At,,, what your Sense of Humour/Love Language is...What Your Jokes Are/Reaction?? Do You React Well to others??
So They Don’t feel Awkward Afterwards dkjfnsk
Appeals to u....but also like, u gotta wait/be approachable and have Some Class/Morals they agree with y know
Don’t be crass/rude ass or Loud
Can’t Stand Messy-Ness (people, environment, system, etc)
Virgo-Capricorn/Saturn (10′-19′)
Can I just say.....These People are Jokesters
They have their Serious Mode
And then when they’re off they’re like....Jobless skdjnfskn
The type to use their Brainpower for Witty Remarks and Punch-Lines instead
More Dedicated to like...Being Creative with their Fun than they are with Work
That’s mostly bc like...They Are so Dedicated to their Work as well though?? Married to?? Success/Self-Fulfillment??
Wants to Just Feel Long-Term Stability and Good About Their Past Effort ok
Like it Stacked Up To Something so they can Craft/Shape it Into However They Want
When they work.... they are So Concentrated and can Discern/Edit Really Well (*Might have sharp criticism)
Has Very Calming Objectivity and Presence to them Makes them feel Really Reliable
Too Much Responsibility Since Young??? Bc People Keep Thinking they’re Worth It??
They Never Asked For This...But Accepts it Anyways cause...
Well...Cause....Opportunity Right??
Would Rather Say Yes Than No to that skdjnfksjnfk
When their friends are dumbass....They Look Into The Camera Like it’s the Office ™️
Incredibly Perceptive and Will Call You out on Shit
But Don’t worry.....it’s Usually In Private/They Have Tact
Unless you Get them into Debate mode then it’s On Sight
No Mercy What so Ever
Savage Honestly
Sarcasm?? Sarcastic??? Sass??
Virgo-Taurus/Venus (20′-29′)
‘What Stress??’
The chillest out of the two??
Literally don’t self-exert unless they Want something??
Knows the Most Balance
Also Knows...Their Own Brand
Listen.... You Gotta Market Yourself Properly To Get Anywhere In Life My Friendo
Works Step by Step....Cronch by Cronch
Work Their Way Up....Isn’t Bothered About Time as Much as How Thorough They Are
Want Things to be Perfect but like.....Not Rush It
Quality takes Time, Fools
Would Rather Be Quality > Quantity anyday
Anyways they Horde too...Collect Stuff
Listen it Gives them Joy and Purpose
Wants to Decorate/Be Charming
Keep it simple
But also...Break Downs is a Mood
Doesn’t Wanna be Seen Tho
Will Hide away while they just...either 1) binge Get Better Routine (eat, watch something soothing/series/anime, cuddle under blankie) 2) cry until they gotta start resting cause they hurt their head now
Sociable and Friendly tho!!!
Not...exactly Extroverted but Is Open To People/Experience/Places!!!
Appreciates art and social/bonding activities
Like Quality Time is Good
Creative and Will Stress-Relief doing Creative things
1st Decan; August 23rd - September 3rd: You are ruled by Mercury ( Virgo + Virgo influences ) You are logical, intelligent, hard worker, fast learner, loyal, passionate, brain stormer, high standard.
2nd Decan; September 4th- September 13th: You are ruled by Saturn and Mercury ( Capricorn + Virgo influences ) You are stern, ambitious, talented, understanding, funny, sensitive, resourceful, good lover, wise.
3rd Decan; September 14th- September 22nd: You are ruled by Venus and Mercury ( Taurus + Virgo influences ) You are sensual, charming, affectionate, warm, patient, caring, sweet, and generous.
