Decans
Each zodiac sign is divided into three 10-degree segments called decans, each with its own planetary ruler. Compare two classical systems.
The oldest decan scheme. Rulers follow the classical seven-planet order: Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, Sun, Venus, Mercury, Moon — cycling through all 36 decans from the first decan of Aries. The Egyptian 36 Faces tradition assigns exactly the same rulers, so both are shown under one heading.
ⓘ How to find your decan
Each sign spans 30° and splits into three 10° decans: 0°00′–9°59′ → 1st decan, 10°00′–19°59′ → 2nd decan, 20°00′–29°59′ → 3rd decan. Example: a planet at Taurus 14°23′ sits in the 2nd decan of Taurus; its ruler depends on the system you select.
Aries
Taurus
Gemini
Cancer
Leo
Virgo
Libra
Scorpio
Sagittarius
Capricorn
Aquarius
Pisces
References
Chaldean: the classical seven-planet order scheme (Firmicus Maternus; Ptolemaic tradition). The Egyptian 36 Faces tradition matches the Chaldean ruler assignments exactly, so it is not listed as a separate option. Triplicity: assigns each decan to a sign of the same element and its classical ruler (Ptolemy). Note: the technique with unequal degree segments is not decans but the 'terms' (bounds) — a separate technique. Decans are 10° in every system.
A decan is one of the three 10-degree segments of each sign — 36 in all — with roots in the ancient Egyptian calendar. The three decans of one sign express its core theme in three different planetary tones.
The 10° sub-divisions of each sign and their rulers.
For those who want to understand themselves and their personal chart in depth.
Date, time, place
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a decan? ›
A 10-degree third of a sign; the zodiac divides into 36 decans. Two people born under the same sign but different decans carry different shades of that sign’s theme.
How do I find my decan? ›
If your Sun sits at 0°–9°59′ you are in the 1st decan, 10°–19°59′ the 2nd, 20°–29°59′ the 3rd. The tool computes this automatically from your birth data.
How are decan rulers assigned? ›
Two main traditions exist: the Chaldean order of planets and the triplicity method. Both assign a sub-ruler to each decan; the tool states which system it uses on the page.
Is a decan different from the rising sign? ›
Yes; a decan is a degree segment inside one sign and only shades placements there. The Ascendant is the sign rising at birth and sets the whole house wheel.
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