Welcome to the fascinating world of decans, where astrology and Tarot merge to offer profound insights into the intricacies of your life journey. The term “decan” may be unfamiliar, but its role in astrology is nothing short of intriguing. This article explores the celestial secrets behind decans and the mystical practice known as the Decan Walk in Tarot, an idea beautifully illuminated in T. Susan Chang‘s book, “36 Secrets, A Decanic Journey through the Minor Arcana of the Tarot”.
Significance of Decans in Astrology
In astrology, the zodiac wheel is divided into 12 signs, each spanning 30 degrees. This meticulous division results in 360 degrees in total, representing the full circle of the zodiac. However, to delve into the finer details and to gain deeper insights into an individual’s personality and life events, astrologers further divide each sign into three segments, known as “decans“. These 10-degree segments serve as gateways into exploring the cosmic energies at play during different phases of life.
Decans are a fascinating aspect of astrology that add depth and nuance to the interpretation of a birth chart. The word “decan” is derived from the Greek word dekas, meaning ten. Since each zodiac sign is divided into three decans, there are a total of 36 decans in the entire zodiac, each with its own unique characteristics and influences.
Consider the sign of Aries, which is associated with boldness and assertiveness. The first decan of Aries (March 21 – March 30) is influenced by Mars in Aries, emphasizing courage and determination. The second decan (March 31 – April 9), ruled by the Sun in Aries, highlights individuality and leadership, while the third decan (April 10 – April 19) features Jupiter in Aries, emphasizing expansion and exploration.
Decans are an invaluable tool for astrologers when conducting birth chart readings. They provide a more detailed and comprehensive analysis of a person’s strengths, weaknesses, and life events. Astrologers can examine how different planetary influences affect specific decans within a sign, shedding light on the complexities of an individual’s character and life path.
Decans and Minor Arcana: The 36-Step Tarot Decan Walk
In the realm of Tarot and astrology, a fascinating correlation exists between the astrological decans and the cards of the Minor Arcana. Each decan, a 10-degree segment of the zodiac, is associated with a specific card from the Minor Arcana. This relationship is deeply rooted in the esoteric traditions where astrology and Tarot are intertwined. The Minor Arcana, comprised of 56 cards, is divided into four suits, each corresponding to an element: Wands (Fire), Cups (Water), Swords (Air), and Pentacles (Earth). Each suit contains 14 cards, including ten numbered cards and four court cards.
This synchronicity serves as the cornerstone for the mystical practice known as the Decan Walk, where, as the sun journeys through the ecliptic, it lingers within each decan for a span of approximately 10 days. During this period, a Tarot card is thoughtfully drawn for that specific decan.
This practice enables individuals to immerse themselves in the unique energy and symbolism of the chosen card, forming a profound connection with the Tarot’s Minor Arcana. It’s a different method for acquainting oneself with these cards, allowing for a more profound comprehension of their significance while harmonizing with the ever-evolving cosmic influences.
Embarking on My Decan Walk Journey in 2024
This intimate connection between astrology and Tarot, inspired by the wisdom of T. Susan Chang, has enriched my own self-discovery and profoundly influenced my personal knowledge and practice. Personally, I believe that engaging in the Decan Walk can be an eye-opening experience that allows all practitioners to forge a deep connection with the chosen cards, immersing in their unique energies and symbolism.
So, as we embrace the upcoming year of 2024, I’m excited to announce that I’ll be embarking on my very own Decan Walk! I’m eager to explore this transformative practice further and to share my journey with you. I’ll keep you updated on the deck I choose to use, the insights I gain, and the profound revelations that unfold along the way. Even though it’s a personal journey, I can’t wait to take you with me on this adventure. I look forward to the discoveries that await in the year ahead.
Embarking on Your Decan Walk: A Practical Guide
The Decan Walk is a mystical and introspective journey that unfolds over the course of a year, intertwining astrology and Tarot in a unique and profound way. It offers a deeper understanding of the 56Minor Arcana cards and their resonance with the ever-shifting cosmic energies. Here’s how to embark on your Decan Walk, a practice that opens the door to self-discovery and alignment with the universe.
1. Prepare Your Sacred Space
To initiate your Decan Walk, you’ll want to establish a dedicated and harmonious sacred space. This can be a table, altar, or any serene area where you can focus your energy and attention. Decorate your space with items that align with the energy of the specific decan you’re working with. This may include crystals, candles, symbols, or other tools that resonate with the Tarot card for that decan. Creating a visually and energetically resonant space enhances your connection with the card’s symbolism.
2. Pull the Corresponding Tarot Card
The Decan Walk unfolds as the sun journeys through each of the 36 decans in the zodiac, one by one. To begin, pull the Tarot card that corresponds to the specific decan period you’re entering. As the sun moves through the zodiac, it stays within each decan for roughly 10 days. During this time, focus on the symbolism, imagery, and energy of the drawn card. Hold it in your hands, study it, and allow its essence to seep into your consciousness.
3. Meditation and Contemplation
Meditation is the heart of the Decan Walk. Spend time meditating on the tarot card for that decan. Close your eyes, breathe deeply, and immerse yourself in the imagery of the card. Let its energy envelop you. Reflect on how the card’s symbolism relates to your life and experiences during this period. What aspects of the card’s meaning are coming to life for you? Meditation invites profound insights and helps you attune to the card’s energy.
4. Observe and Journal
Throughout the decan period, keenly observe how the energy of the tarot card manifests in your daily life. Note synchronicities, events, or experiences that align with the card’s themes. These observations can provide invaluable insights into the card’s meanings and how it connects with the energy of the universe. Keep a tarot journal to record your thoughts, dreams, and experiences during this time. Journaling enhances your understanding and serves as a valuable resource for later reflection.
The Decan Walk is a deeply personal and transformative practice that invites you to explore the interplay between the Tarot and the cosmos. With each decan, you peel back layers of meaning and tap into the universal energies at play. It’s an enriching journey that enhances your connection with the tarot, deepens your self-knowledge, and aligns you with the ever-shifting energies of the universe.
Here’s the full list of the 36 decans and the corresponding Tarot cards to kickstart your journey:
Aries
First Decan (March 21 – March 30):
Tarot Card: 2 of Wands
Astrological Correspondence: Mars in Aries
Second Decan (March 31 – April 9):
Tarot Card: 3 of Wands
Astrological Correspondence: Sun in Aries
Third Decan (April 10 – April 19):
Tarot Card: 4 of Wands
Astrological Correspondence: Jupiter in Aries
Taurus
First Decan (April 20 – April 29):
Tarot Card: 5 of Pentacles
Astrological Correspondence: Mercury in Taurus
Second Decan (April 30 – May 10):
Tarot Card: 6 of Pentacles
Astrological Correspondence: Moon in Taurus
Third Decan (May 11 – May 20):
Tarot Card: 7 of Pentacles
Astrological Correspondence: Saturn in Taurus
Gemini
First Decan (May 21 – May 31):
Tarot Card: 8 of Swords
Astrological Correspondence: Jupiter in Gemini
Second Decan (June 1 – June 10):
Tarot Card: 9 of Swords
Astrological Correspondence: Mars in Gemini
Third Decan (June 11 – June 20):
Tarot Card: 10 of Swords
Astrological Correspondence: Sun in Gemini
Cancer
First Decan (June 21 – July 1):
Tarot Card: 2 of Cups
Astrological Correspondence: Venus in Cancer
Second Decan (July 2 – July 11):
Tarot Card: 3 of Cups
Astrological Correspondence: Mercury in Cancer
Third Decan (July 12 – July 22):
Tarot Card: 4 of Cups
Astrological Correspondence: Moon in Cancer
Leo
First Decan (July 23 – August 1):
Tarot Card: 5 of Wands
Astrological Correspondence: Mars in Leo
Second Decan (August 2 – August 11):
Tarot Card: 6 of Wands
Astrological Correspondence: Jupiter in Leo
Third Decan (August 12 – August 22):
Tarot Card: 7 of Wands
Astrological Correspondence: Saturn in Leo
Virgo
First Decan (August 23 – September 1):
Tarot Card: 8 of Pentacles
Astrological Correspondence: Sun in Virgo
Second Decan (September 2 – September 11):
Tarot Card: 9 of Pentacles
Astrological Correspondence: Venus in Virgo
Third Decan (September 12 – September 22):
Tarot Card: 10 of Pentacles
Astrological Correspondence: Mercury in Virgo
Libra
First Decan (September 23 – October 2):
Tarot Card: 2 of Swords
Astrological Correspondence: Moon in Libra
Second Decan (October 3 – October 12):
Tarot Card: 3 of Swords
Astrological Correspondence: Saturn in Libra
Third Decan (October 13 – October 22):
Tarot Card: 4 of Swords
Astrological Correspondence: Jupiter in Libra
Scorpio
First Decan (October 23 – November 1):
Tarot Card: 5 of Cups
Astrological Correspondence: Mars in Scorpio
Second Decan (November 2 – November 11):
Tarot Card: 6 of Cups
Astrological Correspondence: Sun in Scorpio
Third Decan (November 12 – November 21):
Tarot Card: 7 of Cups
Astrological Correspondence: Neptune in Scorpio
Sagittarius
First Decan (November 22 – December 1):
Tarot Card: 8 of Wands
Astrological Correspondence: Jupiter in Sagittarius
Second Decan (December 2 – December 11):
Tarot Card: 9 of Wands
Astrological Correspondence: Moon in Sagittarius
Third Decan (December 12 – December 21):
Tarot Card: 10 of Wands
Astrological Correspondence: Mars in Sagittarius
Capricorn
First Decan (December 22 – December 31):
Tarot Card: 2 of Pentacles
Astrological Correspondence: Mercury in Capricorn
Second Decan (January 1 – January 10):
Tarot Card: 3 of Pentacles
Astrological Correspondence: Mars in Capricorn
Third Decan (January 11 – January 19):
Tarot Card: 4 of Pentacles
Astrological Correspondence: Sun in Capricorn
Aquarius
First Decan (January 20 – January 29):
Tarot Card: 5 of Swords
Astrological Correspondence: Venus in Aquarius
Second Decan (January 30 – February 8):
Tarot Card: 6 of Swords
Astrological Correspondence: Mercury in Aquarius
Third Decan (February 9 – February 18):
Tarot Card: 7 of Swords
Astrological Correspondence: Moon in Aquarius
Pisces
First Decan (February 19 – February 28):
Tarot Card: 8 of Cups
Astrological Correspondence: Saturn in Pisces
Second Decan (March 1 – March 10):
Tarot Card: 9 of Cups
Astrological Correspondence: Jupiter in Pisces
Third Decan (March 11 – March 20):
Tarot Card: 10 of Cups
Astrological Correspondence: Mars in Pisces
Conclusion
This practice of the Decan Walk transcends mere divination; it can be a revealing practice. By immersing ourselves in the energy and symbolism of each Tarot card, we unlock a deeper understanding of the subtle nuances that shape our experiences. The Decan Walk allows us to harmonize with the ever-shifting cosmic influences, tapping into the ebb and flow of the universe.
In the upcoming year of 2024, we are ready to kickstart our Decan Walk, each step a unique exploration, a connection with the cosmos. I invite you to join me on this adventure, where we’ll share our chosen Tarot decks and the profound revelations that unfold along the way.
