Decan

• In the Ancient Egyptian Calendar, each week was known as a Decan and had ten days.
• Each month of 30 days was divided into 3 weeks, and each week consisted of 10 days.

The Decan Stars

• This was based on the Decan Stars.
• These were 36 groups of stars. Each new group or Decan rose every 10 days.
• After 10 days a new group of Decan stars rises heliacally in the east and is visible at dawn before the sun rises.
• They are described in detail in the Book of Nut.

Use in Astrology

• Each of the 12 signs of the Zodiac are divided into three Decans.
• Each Sign of the Zodiac consists of 30 degrees.
• Each of the Decans consist of 10 degrees and is ruled by a Planetary Ruler (such as Mars).
• There are two methods of classifying the Rulership of the Decans: the Rulership of the Chaldean or the Rulership of the Triplicity.

• Example of Planetary Rulers using Triplicity:
  • Gemini:
    • First Decan: Jupiter
    • Second Decan: Mars
    • Third Decan: Sun
• Each Decan has its own name and is associated with a particular property.

The Chinese Calendar

• The 36 Decans are known as the ‘Thirty Six Animals’.
• The 12 Signs of the Zodiac are each represented by an animal.
• Each Animal Sign in the Zodiac then has three animals attached to it.