Aries 1st decan
0° - 10°·Subruled by Aries
First decan of Aries (0°–10°). Subruled by Aries - the pure expression of the sign's archetype.
Traditional reading
The first ten degrees of Aries carry a double dose of Mars, since in the modern triplicity system the opening decan of each sign is subruled by the sign itself. Astrological writers describe this band as cardinal fire at its most undiluted: initiative without hesitation, a competitive streak that surfaces early in any undertaking, and a preference for direct confrontation over strategy. Manifestations commonly listed for the archetype include a blunt, fast conversational style, physical restlessness that seeks outlets in sport or hard work, and a leadership manner that commands by charging ahead rather than by persuasion.
Classical sources agree with the modern scheme here, which is unusual. In the Chaldean order of faces, which cycles Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, Sun, Venus, Mercury and Moon beginning from the first decan of Aries, this same band falls to Mars, so both systems name the identical ruler. Medieval dignity tables therefore list Mars in its own face at 0 to 10 degrees of Aries, a minor dignity astrologers of that era counted when weighing a planet's strength. The Egyptian decans behind the system began as thirty-six star groups used to mark the hours of the night.
Aries archetype
Aries is the domicile of Mars and exaltation of the Sun in Hellenistic tradition. Associated with initiation, the spring equinox in the tropical zodiac, and the cardinal beginning of the year.
Aries subruler archetype
Aries is the domicile of Mars and exaltation of the Sun in Hellenistic tradition. Associated with initiation, the spring equinox in the tropical zodiac, and the cardinal beginning of the year.
Other Aries decans
Reference, not advice
This is cultural and astronomical reference, not personal prediction or advice.
The triplicity decan system assigns each decan a subruler from the sign's element triplicity, in zodiacal order. This is the modern Western convention; classical Hellenistic decan assignments (Chaldean order) differ. See methodology.
Last reviewed .