The 30 degrees alloted for each zodiac house can be divided into three groups of ten degrees each as 0 to

9 deg, 10 to 19 deg and 20 to 29 deg. These divisions are termed as Decanates. The first ten degrees are
called as the First Decanate, the second ten as the second Decanate and the third ten degrees are the Third
Decanate.

The first decanate of any sign corresponds to to the sign being studied so that the first deanate of Aries
will relate to Aries. The second Decanate of any sign takes on the characteristics of the next sign in the
same element and hence the second decanate for Aries is Leo. The third decanate of any sign is the last
sequential sign within the same element and so for Aries it would be Sagittarius.

Each decanate in a sign gets the traits or qualities of the sign ruling it. The first decanate is tHE strongest
and it corresponds to the double strength of the sign. A person born during the second and third decanate
will be less typical of the sign udner consideration. The decanates are said to have psychological and
physical significances and are related to the mind, body and soul.

0 to 9 degrees- This decanate corresponds to the physical side and relates to the body. When a person has
many planets in these degrees they would be practical, materialistic and sensible. These degrees are very
powerful. The 0 deg represents the beginnings and the 9th degree represents the endings and the physical
aspects.

10 to 19 degrees- This decanate corresponds to the mental or the Mind side. Those with more planets in
this decanate are said to be intelligent and concentrate more on mind activities. They are logical thinkers
and are well-informed about the latest trends. Degree 10 represents new pursuits and degree 19 represents
the peak of mental activity.

20 to 29 degrees- This decanate corresponds to the spiritual aspects of a person. When many planets or in
this decanate, the native would be spiritually inclined. Some might have problems like addiction and self-
destruction. Degree 29 relates to the spritual peak.

The Decanates

Houses First Decanate Second Decanate Third Decanate

Aries Aries Leo Sagittarius
Taurus Taurus Virgo Capricorn
Gemini Gemini Libra Aquarius
Cancer Cancer Scorpio Pisces
Leo Leo Sagittarius Aries
Virgo Virgo Capricorn Taurus
Libra Libra Aquarius Gemini
Scorpio Scorpio Pisces Cancer
Sagittarius Sagittarius Aries Leo
Capricorn Capricorn Taurus Virgo
Aquarius Aquarius Gemini Libra
Pisces Pisces Cancer Scorpio
Mars Retrograde- Mars retrograde in a persons birth chart causes the person to be very frigid or to go to
the extremes. Some have sex aversions. Mars retrograde six to eight days, of course, that is sixty to eighty
years in a horoscope progression. During its slow moving period, two weeks before and after
retrogression it indicates its effects mainly in females.

Venus Retrograde- The effect of Venus retrograde is disastrous to a happy married life. As Venus slowly
turns retrograde, the person gradually gets disinterested in sexual activities. Venus seems to work alike in
all signs when retrograde. It affects men particularly.

Mercury Retrograde- When Mercury goes retrograde, many of our everyday affairs ruled by Mercury are
disrupted. When Mercury is retrograde, mental mistakes abound. Travel plans are often messed up.
Misunderstandings with those in the family or at work occur. Those who have belief in Astrology will
refrain from making any sort of contract when Mercury is retrograde.

Jupiter Retrograde- Such persons often get success in other people's failures. They have the unique ability
to succeed in projects that were abandoned by others. Such people revive sick companies and uncover
hidden assets. In order to achieve their mental goal they prefer to bargain.

Saturn Retrograde- Persons with Saturn Retrograde in their birth charts do not like to be known in public,
they find security in intellectuals or spirituals. They easily yield to external influences. They appear shy,
uneasy, introvert, lacking in self assertion or attempt to cover their lapse with the pretext of arrogance.
They feel alone, isolated, separated from their friends and are seldom understood and very reserved.