The 36 Decans
Each zodiac sign divided into three ten-day faces — each ruled by a planet, guarded by a celestial spirit.
L'essentiel
What is an astrological decan?
The 36 decans split the zodiac into 10-day segments: each sign is divided into three decans, each ruled by a distinct planet and tied to a tarot card. The first decan of Aries (March 21–30) falls under Mars; the second (March 31–April 9) under the Sun; the third (April 10–19) under Jupiter. This subdivision allows a finer astrological reading than the sign alone.
Aries
Taurus
Gemini
Cancer
Leo
Virgo
Libra
Scorpio
Sagittarius
Capricorn
Aquarius
Pisces
Frequently asked questions
What is an astrological decan?+
A decan is a 10-day subdivision of a zodiac sign. Each 30° sign splits into three 10° decans, each governed by a distinct ruling planet and linked to a tarot card. The 36 decans give an astrological reading three times finer than the sun sign alone.
How do I find my decan?+
Locate your sun sign, then your birth date within one of the three 10-day windows. Example: born April 3, you are Aries 2nd decan (March 31–April 9), ruled by the Sun. Each decan page lists its exact dates.
What is the difference between a decan and a zodiac sign?+
The sign spans 30 days and gives a broad tendency. The decan refines that portrait by adding a second ruling planet: two people of the same sign but different decans show distinctly different character nuances.
Where do the 36 decans come from?+
Decans date back to ancient Egypt, where 36 constellations marked the hours of the night. Adopted by Hellenistic then medieval astrology, they were linked to the planets (Chaldean system) and to the minor tarot cards by the Golden Dawn.
Are decans used in tarot?+
Yes. Each decan corresponds to a minor tarot card (from the 2 to the 10 of each suit), bridging astrology and tarot. This is the foundation of the astrological reading of the minor arcana.