When you read your horoscope, you probably focus on your Sun sign—your basic zodiac sign based on your birth date. But did you know that each zodiac sign is divided into three parts called decans, and each adds a unique twist to your personality? Understanding your decan offers deeper insight into your strengths, challenges, and life path.
A decan is a ten-degree segment of a 30-degree zodiac sign. Each sign has three decans, and each is co-ruled by another planet, which brings a new layer of influence. For example, if you’re a Leo, you may still be bold and passionate—but depending on your decan, you might lean more toward being artistic, intellectual, or intensely driven.
Here’s a quick look at how decans work:
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First Decan (0°–10°): This is the purest expression of the sign. These individuals often embody the classic traits associated with their sign and are ruled solely by the sign’s primary planet.
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Second Decan (10°–20°): This group blends the core sign with traits from another sign in the same element. For example, a second-decan Gemini may show a mix of Gemini and Libra traits, making them more diplomatic and artistic.
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Third Decan (20°–30°): These people often express the most complex or evolved version of their sign, with influences from yet another planetary ruler—often adding depth, seriousness, or flair.
Knowing your decan can enrich your self-understanding and explain why you may not completely relate to every general Sun sign description. It adds nuance, pointing to hidden strengths and subtle motivations that might otherwise go unnoticed.
By diving into your decan, you begin to uncover the layered poetry of your astrological blueprint—revealing not just what sign you are, but how you shine within it.