The best part about astrology is getting to understand yourself on a deeper level. While your behaviors may feel innate and instinctual, astrology offers a roadmap to why you may have certain habits, think in certain ways, and even find yourself trapped in certain patterns.

But, while you may get enough comfort in knowing your chart and all of the aspects that it brings, things can get even more specific than that. According to a concept astrologers refer to as decans, the time you were born within your astrological season adds another layer of nuance to your expression of self. Here’s a deeper dive into decans and what it may mean for you.

What are Decans?

Rooted in ancient Egyptian astronomy for timekeeping, it’s traditionally believed that every zodiac sign can be divided into three tiers, also known as decans. These specified windows give insight into how someone expresses their sign depending on what third of the sign’s date range they were born in. They can be categorized as follows:

• Tier 1 (Early): The purest, more core expression of the sign. Ruled by the sign’s primary planet.

• Tier 2 (Mid): Containing aspects and elements of the next sign of the same element. Ruled by the next planet in the Chaldean order (Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, Sun, Venus, Mercury, Moon).

• Tier 3 (Late): A deeper, more nuanced expression of the sign. Ruled by the third planet in the sequence.

Instead of one sign having one flat personality, decans explain every sign through rationing it by three layers. A slightly different flavor or personality emphasis, this can explain why two Leos may feel similar enough, yet vary with distinction.

Every Zodiac Decan

Each decan has a particular ruling planet, which imprints on the emphasis of that particular subdivision. Here’s all 36 decans with a description on how that particular energy may manifest itself.

Aries (Mar 21 – Apr 19)

  1. Decan 1 (Mar 21–30) – Mars
    The most classic Aries: bold, impulsive, initiating energy. They’re high-energy self-starters who act first and think later. While leadership comes naturally to them, patience does not.
  2. Decan 2 (Mar 31–Apr 9) – Sun
    Still fiery, but with more self-awareness and pride. They’ve got a more precise focus, are creative and proud achievers.
  3. Decan 3 (Apr 10–19) – Jupiter
    With a bigger vision and enthusiastic affinity for taking risks, their optimism is contagious. They’re less impulsive than early Aries, but far more ambitious.

Taurus (Apr 20 – May 20)

  1. Decan 1 (Apr 20–30) – Venus
    The most “classic” Taurus, they are steady, reliable, and resistant to change. They possess a strong sensual nature and love of comfort and beauty.
  2. Decan 2 (May 1–10) – Mercury
    This decan blends Taurus stability with sharper thinking. Practical thinkers, grounded communicators.
  3. Decan 3 (May 11–20) – Saturn
    Patient, disciplined, goal-oriented stability. They understand long-term rewards and aren’t afraid of building their growth brick by brick.

Gemini (May 21 – Jun 20)

  1. Decan 1 (May 21–31) – Mercury
    This is Gemini at their most mentally active. They’re insatiable curious and quick-witted communicators.
  2. Decan 2 (Jun 1–10) – Venus
    Socially charming, emotionally aware, and relationship-focused. They’re flirty, artistic, and great at reading people.
  3. Decan 3 (Jun 11–20) – Uranus
    Mentally electric, these Geminis think outside the box and challenge norms. Innovative, unpredictable, original thinkers.

Cancer (Jun 21 – Jul 22)

  1. Decan 1 (Jun 21–30) – Moon
    These Cancers feel everything intensely and often act as emotional caregivers. Home, family, and emotional safety are sacred to them.
  2. Decan 2 (Jul 1–11) – Pluto
    Constantly undergoing emotional transformation, this decan experiences feelings on a profound level.
  3. Decan 3 (Jul 12–22) – Neptune
    Dreamy, empathetic, spiritually sensitive, this deacon is deeply compassionate.

Leo (Jul 23 – Aug 22)

  1. Decan 1 (Jul 23–Aug 1) – Sun
    This is Leo in its purest form—radiant, playful, and attention-loving.
  2. Decan 2 (Aug 2–12) – Jupiter
    Big-hearted, expansive joy and generosity, their warmth and optimism make them natural motivators and mentors.
  3. Decan 3 (Aug 13–22) – Mars
    This decan has a competitive edge. Bold energy, passionate performers, strong drive.

Virgo (Aug 23 – Sep 22)

  1. Decan 1 (Aug 23–Sep 1) – Mercury
    Detail-oriented problem solvers, they thrive in systems, routines, and environments that reward accuracy.
  2. Decan 2 (Sep 2–12) – Saturn
    Structure, discipline, and deep reliability, they may be more serious than other Virgos but are incredibly dependable.
  3. Decan 3 (Sep 13–22) – Venus
    Service-driven with refined tastes, they value practical beauty and refined taste.

Libra (Sep 23 – Oct 22)

  1. Decan 1 (Sep 23–Oct 2) – Venus
    These Libras crave balance and beauty in all forms. Relationships are central to their sense of identity.
  2. Decan 2 (Oct 3–13) – Uranus
    Unique, charming, and socially inventive, they’re trendsetters with strong personal values.
  3. Decan 3 (Oct 14–22) – Mercury
    These Libras excel in communication and conflict resolution. Articulate diplomats, fairness in communication.

Scorpio (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

  1. Decan 1 (Oct 23–Nov 1) – Pluto
    With a great sense of emotional depth, these Scorpios are introspective and thrive on personal transformation.
  2. Decan 2 (Nov 2–11) – Neptune
    Mystical, psychic, deeply intuitive, this decan is deeply connected to the unseen
  3. Decan 3 (Nov 12–21) – Moon
    Emotionally complex and caring, these Scorpios are softer on the surface but care deeply about loyalty

Sagittarius (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

  1. Decan 1 (Nov 22–Dec 1) – Jupiter
    Adventurous and optimistic explorers, these Sagittarians seek truth through travel and experience. 
  2. Decan 2 (Dec 2–11) – Mars
    Energetic risk-takers, passionate visionaries, they are driven, outspoken, and bold.
  3. Decan 3 (Dec 12–21) – Sun
    Bold storytellers, creative leaders, they are natural teachers and entertainers, using personal experience to motivate others.

Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

  1. Decan 1 (Dec 22–31) – Saturn
    Disciplined, goal-driven achievers, these Capricorns are focused on achievement and legacy.
  2. Decan 2 (Jan 1–9) – Venus
    With an appreciation for harmony, this decan values beauty, relationships, and balance alongside success.
  3. Decan 3 (Jan 10–19) – Mercury
    These Capricorns plan several steps ahead and often excel in leadership or communication-heavy roles. They’re strategic planners and analytic performers.

Aquarius (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

  1. Decan 1 (Jan 20–29) – Uranus
    These Aquarians challenge norms and embrace originality without apology. They’re innovative, future-minded rebels.
  2. Decan 2 (Jan 30–Feb 8) – Mercury
    With a brilliant ability to communicate, this decan uses communication and logic to push collective progress.
  3. Decan 3 (Feb 9–18) – Venus
    Social harmony innovators, community hearts, these Aquarians blend innovation with emotional intelligence and empathy.

Pisces (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

  1. Decan 1 (Feb 19–28/29) – Neptune
    Deeply intuitive, imaginative, and mystical, these Pisces feel connected to something larger than themselves and often live in rich inner worlds.
  2. Decan 2 (Mar 1–10) – Moon
    Emotional dreamers and empathic caregivers, this decan absorbs emotions easily and often feels called to help or heal others.
  3. Decan 3 (Mar 11–20) – Pluto
    With a transformative sensitivity, these Pisces experience profound emotional shifts and often undergo major personal transformations throughout life.