Fates and Decades in Astrology

In astrology, degrees and decanates or decans are two fundamental concepts used to give detail and accuracy to predictions and analyses.

Fates in Astrology
The zodiac consists of 360 degrees, like any other circle, with each sign covering 30 degrees, which is 1/12 of the shape if it were cut into pieces. Degrees are used to accurately determine the positions of planets and astrological signs in the zodiac, and therefore in an astrological chart, Each degree of a sign has its own particular significance and can provide additional information about the properties of a planet or sign located in it. So if you belong to the same sign as someone, but your birth day is different, it is likely that you do not have exactly the same Sun position. Let's go over a few more facts, below.

Fates and Planets: Each degree of the zodiac can impart different energies to the planets within it. For example, a planet at 0 degrees of a sign has the power of initiation and leadership of that sign, while a planet at 29 degrees has total energy and indicates the end of that sign's cycle.

Tolerances: In astrology, aspects between planets are only taken into account when their degrees are within a certain tolerance. Tolerances are different when interpreting a natal horoscope or practicing the method of prediction through transits (transit = where a planet passes through at a particular time and how it affects a horoscope). For the extrasolar planets (Uranus, Neptune, Pluto), the tolerance for predictions is usually limited to less than 2 degrees.

Decades in Astrology
Each 30-degree sign is divided into three 10-degree segments, called decans. Each decanate has its own ruler and enhances certain qualities of the sign. When we say predictions, we mention the decans to give more detail. Even in this case, someone who 'listens' to their sign and decanate may still not have the influence mentioned in the prediction. This is because it is the exact degree of the planet that has the final say.

Examples
Sun in Leo at 8 degrees: This Sun is in the first decanate of Leo, ruled by the Sun, enhancing the key qualities of Leo such as confidence and creativity. Although the 1st decanate of Leo is said to be affected by the transit of Pluto, the 8th degree will remain unaffected for a few more years. The reason is that Pluto is currently hovering between the 0-2 degrees of Aquarius, which is still considered to be the 1st decanate, but is significantly away from the 8th degree of the constants.

Pluto in Aquarius at 25 degrees: Located in the third decanate of Aquarius, ruled by Venus, adding social and creative aspects to Pluto's subversive energy. It will be several years before he reaches this point, though!

In the natal charts:
First Decade (0-9 degrees): the first decanate of each sign is ruled by the main planet of the sign. For example, the first decanate of Aries is ruled by Mars, enhancing the initial and energetic qualities of Aries. So we are talking about 'pure' characteristics of the sign.

Second Decanate (10-19 degrees): the second decanate is ruled by the planet corresponding to the next sign of the same triplicity (element). For Aries, the second decanate is ruled by the Sun, adding extra energy and creativity. So it has a little touch of the Sun. Mars remains its main ruler.

Third Decanate (20-29 degrees): the third decanate is ruled by the planet of the third sign of the same trine. For example, for Aries, the third decanate is ruled by Jupiter, adding spirituality and expansion.


The degrees and decanates offer a deeper understanding of the planetary positions and their effects on each sign. Using these tools allows astrologers to make more accurate and detailed predictions, recognizing that each natal chart is unique and influences vary from person to person. At the same time, with regard to the concept of natal promise, it plays a huge role in exactly where each planet (or other significant point in our chart) is located. For example, if a horoscope has Mercury in Virgo at the 1st degree and Uranus in Capricorn at the 12th degree, there is no triangle aspect between them due to their great distance.

Therefore, when it comes to forecasting, things become even stricter and a high degree of accuracy is required. This is what separates a personal prediction based on date, time and place of birth from a simple zodiac sign prediction.