Your zodiac sign only tells part of the story when it comes to your personality and life path. Astrological decans reveal deeper insights into your character and destiny based on the exact date and time you were born. Read on to learn all about decans—and unlock the secrets encoded in the stars within your birth chart.
What Are Astrological Decans?
Decans are divisions of the zodiac signs into thirds of 10-degree segments. This dates back to ancient Egyptian astrology, when 36 decans aligned with significant stars rising just ahead of the Sun each day. Later, the Hellenistic astrologers connected the decans with planets as sub-rulers.
Each zodiac sign spans 30 degrees around the wheel. This means that there are three decans per sign, each approximately 10 degrees long. Your decan reveals your ruling sub-planet and element—adding nuance beyond your major zodiac energy.
How Are Decans Calculated?
Your decan is based on your exact birth date and time. To determine your decan:
- Identify your Sun sign based on date of birth.
- Note the exact degree of your Sun. You can retrieve this from your birth chart.
- The first 10 degrees of your sign will be Decan 1. The second set of 10 degrees is Decan 2, and the last 10 degrees will be Decan 3.
- Check which decan contains your Sun’s exact degree to find your correct decan ruler and traits.
Understanding your decan adds an extra dimension to your personality profile and life purpose interpretation. Read on to learn about the distinct flavor of each decan within the 12 zodiac signs.
The Decans of Aries
Aries Decan 1 (March 21-30): Ruled by Mars and the element of fire. This is the most assertive, competitive, and action-oriented Aries decan. You possess raw courage, impulsiveness, and eager initiative.
Famous Aries Decan 1: Lady Gaga, Mariah Carey, Keira Knightley
Aries Decan 2 (March 31-April 9): Ruled by the Sun and element of fire. You are charismatic, expressive, and thrive in the spotlight. Confident, ambitious, and dynamic. You inspire others with your energy.
Famous Aries Decan 2: Robert Downey Jr., Alec Baldwin, Kristen Stewart
Aries Decan 3 (April 10-19): Ruled by Jupiter and the element of water. Here the brash Aries edges soften. Compassion and emotional sensitivity come to the forefront. Intuition and spirituality develop strongly.
Famous Aries Decan 3: Kate Hudson, Jennifer Garner, Victoria Beckham
The Decans of Taurus
Taurus Decan 1 (April 20-29): Ruled by Venus and the element of earth. You are the most sensual, pleasure-seeking Taurus. Artistic, nurturing, and affectionate. You value comfort, beauty, and relationships.
Famous Taurus Decan 1: Jessica Alba, Adele, Michelle Pfeiffer
Taurus Decan 2 (April 30-May 9): Ruled by Mercury and the element of earth. Your mental sharpness contrasts the Taurus stereotype. Communicative, high intellect, with a curious mind. Adaptable and socially skilled.
Famous Taurus Decan 2: George Clooney, Janet Jackson, Megan Fox
Taurus Decan 3 (May 10-20): Ruled by Saturn and the element of earth. You are the hardworking, ambitious Taurus. Disciplined, responsible, and dedicated to building success step-by-step over time.
Famous Taurus Decan 3: Bono, Cate Blanchett, Stevie Wonder
The Decans of Gemini
Gemini Decan 1 (May 21-31): Ruled by Mercury and the element of air. Mentally brilliant, quick-witted, and multitalented. Excellent conversationalist, social networker, and multi-tasker. Curious and ever-learning.
Famous Gemini Decan 1: Angelina Jolie, Johnny Depp, Nicole Kidman
Gemini Decan 2 (June 1-11): Ruled by Venus and the element of air. Charismatic, expressive communicator who builds connections with charm. Passionate about ideas, beauty, and the arts.
Famous Gemini Decan 2: Natalie Portman, Michael J. Fox, Katy Perry
Gemini Decan 3 (June 12-21): Ruled by Uranus and the element of fire. Original, insightful, and reform-minded. Drawn to new technologies, social change, and enlightenment. Independent and strong-willed.
Famous Gemini Decan 3: Lana Del Rey, Prince William, Tupac Shakur
The Decans of Cancer
Cancer Decan 1 (June 22-July 1): Ruled by the Moon and element of water. Deeply intuitive, sensitive, and protective. Strong maternal instincts and nurturing abilities. Spiritual, dreamy, and creative.
Famous Cancer Decan 1: Ariana Grande, Khloe Kardashian, Princess Diana
Cancer Decan 2 (July 2-12): Ruled by Mars and the element of water. Underneath your tough exterior lies a tender heart. You balance courage and compassion. Passionate feelings and instincts drive you.
Famous Cancer Decan 2: Tom Hanks, Benedict Cumberbatch, Robin Williams
Cancer Decan 3 (July 13-22): Ruled by Jupiter and the element of water. Generous, optimistic and devoted to family/friends. Strong faith, wisdom and magical imagination. Cultural and philosophical interests.
Famous Cancer Decan 3: Selena Gomez, Sandra Oh, Priyanka Chopra
The Decans of Leo
Leo Decan 1 (July 23-August 1): Ruled by the Sun and element of fire. You are the quintessential spotlight-loving Leo. Confident, charismatic, creative. You inspire others with your vitality and heart.
Famous Leo Decan 1: Jennifer Lopez, Daniel Radcliffe, Barack Obama
Leo Decan 2 (August 2-12): Ruled by Jupiter and the element of fire. Magnanimous, intellectual, philosophical. You have big visions and the confidence to make them real. Generous and enthusiastic.
Famous Leo Decan 2: Viola Davis, Antonio Banderas, Joe Jonas
Leo Decan 3 (August 13-23): Ruled by Mars and the element of fire. Courageous, determined and ambitious. A passionate force willing to work hard and take risks. Physical vitality and a competitive spirit.
Famous Leo Decan 3: Chris Hemsworth, Ben Affleck, Demi Lovato
The Decans of Virgo
Virgo Decan 1 (August 24-September 2): Ruled by Mercury and the element of earth. Analytical, communicative Virgo. Mentally sharp, practical and resourceful. Logical and detailed in work, hyper-organized.
Famous Virgo Decan 1: Beyonce, Blake Lively, Zendaya
Virgo Decan 2 (September 3-13): Ruled by Saturn and the element of earth. Self-disciplined, dedicated and efficient. You assume responsibility and work determinedly towards long-term goals. Serious wisdom.
Famous Virgo Decan 2: Adam Sandler, Idris Elba, Keanu Reeves
Virgo Decan 3 (September 14-23): Ruled by Venus and the element of earth. Charming, creative Virgo. Artistic abilities, refined aesthetics and lovely social graces. Tasteful, romantic and a hint of glamour.
Famous Virgo Decan 3: Zoe Saldana, Jennifer Hudson, Liam Neeson
The Decans of Libra
Libra Decan 1 (September 24-October 3): Ruled by Venus and the element of air. Romantic, charming, and socially delightful. You spread beauty, harmony, and kindness everywhere you go. Graceful, just, and a natural diplomat.
Famous Libra Decan 1: Bruno Mars, Eminem, Kate Winslet
Libra Decan 2 (October 4-13): Ruled by Saturn and the element of air. Tactful and responsible Libra. You take relationships seriously and are willing to work to maintain harmony and balance. Organized, elegant, and refined.
Famous Libra Decan 2: Matt Damon, Sacha Baron Cohen, Catherine Zeta-Jones
Libra Decan 3 (October 14-23): Ruled by Uranus and the element of fire. Mentally energetic, original, and reform-minded Libra. You break from convention, rebel against injustice, and fight for progressive ideals.
Famous Libra Decan 3: Ryan Reynolds, Rita Ora, Kim Kardashian
The Decans of Scorpio
Scorpio Decan 1 (October 24 – November 2): Ruled by Mars and the element of water. Intense, magnetic, penetrating. Secretive and cunning. You confront life head-on and channel incredible drive and focus.
Famous Scorpio Decan 1: Katy Perry, Lorde, Matthew McConaughey
Scorpio Decan 2 (November 3-12): Ruled by the Sun and the element of water. Magnetic, creative, and thirsty for experience. You shine as a transformative leader who overcomes challenges and evolves.
Famous Scorpio Decan 2: Leonardo DiCaprio, Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone
Scorpio Decan 3 (November 13-22): Ruled by Venus and the element of water. Charming, romantic Scorpio who loves deeply. Along with your passion runs a sweetness, artistic flair and desire to please loved ones.
Famous Scorpio Decan 3: Calvin Klein, RuPaul, Meg Ryan
The Decans of Sagittarius
Sagittarius Decan 1 (November 23-December 2): Ruled by Jupiter and the element of fire. Jovial, friendly, open-minded and lucky. Your optimism and enthusiasm spreads joy and possibility wherever you go.
Famous Sagittarius Decan 1: Miley Cyrus, Amanda Seyfried, Brad Pitt
Sagittarius Decan 2 (December 3-12): Ruled by Mars and the element of fire. Bold, energetic and freedom-loving. You embrace challenges, physicality, and new adventures. Outspoken, fun, and independent.
Famous Sagittarius Decan 2: Jay-Z, Ellen Degeneres, Jane Fonda
Sagittarius Decan 3 (December 13-21): Ruled by the Sun and element of fire. Brilliant, expressive, and visionary. Creative, inspiring teacher and guide. You shine light on life’s meaning and seek truth.
Famous Sagittarius Decan 3: Taylor Swift, Christina Aguilera, Pete Sampras
The Decans of Capricorn
Capricorn Decan 1 (December 22-31): Ruled by Saturn and the element of earth. Responsible, disciplined, and driven by ambition. You set clear goals and work diligently to achieve them. Dependable and realistic.
Famous Capricorn Decan 1: Denzel Washington, Alicia Keys, Stephen Hawking
Capricorn Decan 2 (January 1-10): Ruled by Venus and the element of earth. Charming, graceful Capricorn who values beauty and relationships. Your ambition is softened by romantic sensibilities and artistic pursuits.
Famous Capricorn Decan 2: Kate Middleton, LeBron James, Rowan Atkinson
Capricorn Decan 3 (January 11-19): Ruled by Mercury and the element of earth. Mentally sharp, articulate, witty. Pragmatic strategist. Your intellect, adaptability and communication skills further your ambitions.
Famous Capricorn Decan 3: Muhammad Ali, Dolly Parton, Regina King
The Decans of Aquarius
Aquarius Decan 1 (January 20-29): Ruled by Saturn and the element of air. Disciplined, practical and independent. You pursue humanitarian ideals and social reform through pragmatic planning and sustained effort.
Famous Aquarius Decan 1: Jennifer Aniston, Christian Bale, Oprah Winfrey
Aquarius Decan 2 (January 30-February 8): Ruled by Mercury and the element of air. Brilliant, unorthodox thinker and communicator. Socially adaptable, mentally energetic. Original concepts and cutting-edge visions.
Famous Aquarius Decan 2: Shakira, Justin Timberlake, Ashton Kutcher
Aquarius Decan 3 (February 9-18): Ruled by Venus and the element of air. Romantic, harmonious, and imaginative. Idealistic dreamer and egalitarian humanitarian. Artistic flair, social butterfly.
Famous Aquarius Decan 3: Jennifer Lopez, Paris Hilton, Elizabeth Olsen
The Decans of Pisces
Pisces Decan 1 (February 19-29): Ruled by Jupiter and the element of water. Spiritual, philosophical dreamer. Boundless empathy, imagination, and longing to transcend ordinary reality. Mystical inclinations.
Famous Pisces Decan 1: Rihanna, Steve Jobs, Justin Bieber
Pisces Decan 2 (March 1-10): Ruled by Mars and the element of water. Emotionally intense, passionate visionary. You fight for your dreams. Psychic abilities, healing potential, mystical strength.
Famous Pisces Decan 2: Bruce Willis, Jon Bon Jovi, Camila Cabello
Pisces Decan 3 (March 11-20): Ruled by Venus and the element of water. Romantic, magical, and dreamy. You are compassion incarnate, devoted to beauty, love, and the imagination. Psychic sensitivity.
Famous Pisces Decan 3: Queen Latifah, Eva Longoria, Eddie Murphy
Discover the Magic of Your Astrological Decan
From pioneering Aries to imaginative Pisces and all the signs between, exploring your solar chart decan provides a treasure trove of insight. Your decan rulers and elements add nuance and depth to your zodiac profile.
Learning about your distinct slice of the zodiac gives you greater self-knowledge and understanding of how to live your purpose. Within your decan are keys to unlock your fullest potential and decipher life’s meaning.
So trace the stars back to the hour and minute you first landed on Earth—where the seed of your soul’s magic awaits discovery.
