Astrology Decanates
Decanates are another technique that can be employed to delineate the finer points of an individuals character. The use of decanates is not an absolute must when delineating a chart. However, they are quite useful when you want to pick out the subtleties in an individuals chart. In the beginning you may want to apply the use of decanates to the Sun, Moon, and Ascendant because these three factors are so important regarding the total make up of the person. Later on you may apply them to the other planets as well if you wish.
Sign |
Decanate 0 degrees to 9 degrees 59" |
Decanate 10 degrees to 19 degrees 59" |
Decanate 20 degrees to 29 degrees 59" |
| Aries | Aries | Leo | Sagittarius |
| Taurus | Taurus | Virgo | Capricorn |
| Gemini | Gemini | Libra | Aquarius |
| Cancer | Cancer | Scorpio | Pisces |
| Leo | Leo | Sagittarius | Aries |
| Virgo | Virgo | Capricorn | Taurus |
| Libra | Libra | Aquarius | Gemini |
| Scorpio | Scorpio | Pisces | Cancer |
| Sagittarius | Sagittarius | Aries | Leo |
| Capricorn | Capricorn | Taurus | Virgo |
| Aquarius | Aquarius | Gemini | Libra |
| Pisces | Pisces | Cancer | Scorpio |
A planet in a sign that is represented by a decanate of the same sign simply intensifies the original traits. Additional traits can be found by checking the decanate sign ruler by sign and house.
Example: The Sun at 18 degrees Virgo 25" is in the decanate of Capricorn. So we may add some Capricorn traits to the Virgo Sun sign.
( this person expresses their Virgo traits of needing to feel useful in a Capricorn way, such as a strong sense of duty and responsibility.)
Next, in order to further refine the delineation, should you desire, you may also blend in the sign and house placement of the ruler of Capricorn which is Saturn. Say, Saturn is in Leo in the seventh house. With Saturn in Leo, the sense of responsibility found in Capricorn might manifest in a take charge attitude (Leo) towards ones committed relationships (seventh house). I chose the take charge Leo keywords, rather than something like flamboyant or generous (Leo), because the Capricorn energy suggests authority and ambition.
