Virgo Decans
In order to give fuller interpretation to the Zodiac Signs, ancient astrologers subdivided each Sign into periods of approximately ten days. These divisions are known as the "decans" or "decantes" and cover modifications of individual traits, attributed to minor planetary influences, which temper or blend with the ruling influence of the period. The earliest records of decans have been found inside coffin lids dating from the Tenth Egyptian Dynasty around 2100 B.C. Decans are also mentioned in the Babylonian Enuma Anu Enil, which dates approximately four centuries later. The root of the word "decante" is Greek in origin and means "ten days apart."
August 23 - August 31
This Decan is the most typical of all Virgos: fast-moving, quick-acting, youthful, versatile and communicative with a good command of both spoken and written word. These subjects seem to be blessed with "eternal youthfulness," an ability to communicate (sometimes too much) and a natural curiosity about practially everything. They love to organize things and find it difficult to function well in a disordered environment. They like to work and are not truly content unless they are busy. While not necessarily adverse to manual labor, they prefer less physical and more mental.
Those ruled by this First Decan are usually quite intelligent with a good ability to express themselves but are often perceived as being more brilliant than they actually are. These individuals are concerned about matters pertaining to health and well-being, likely to have a "remedy" for just about every ailment. Excellent organizers with a natural ability to entertain several ideas at the same time, these natives should learn to take things a little less seriously. All natives of Virgo live within their minds (which are bright and highly motivated) but First Decan Vigo subjects do so more than most. The influence of Mercury is dominant here but the Sun works to the benefit of its natives, providing exuberance, inventive genius and scientific achievement. Virgos of this Decan may also be devoted to humanitarian causes rather than profit.
September 1 - September 10
The Second Decan of Virgo is also known as the "Week of the Enigma." The influence of Saturn can induce many rather interesting variances to the basic Virgo character primarily ruled by Mercury, creating a personal hunger for success in everything these natives do. These individuals are willing to work hard to reach the top but usually experience delays along the way. Those governed by the Second Decan may be "late bloomers" in that they may not realize true success until around the age of thirty. The influence of Saturn may cause these Virgo natives to take everything, including themselves, a little too seriously. They need to guard against a tendency to dwell on the dark side of issues.
Gifted with numbers, business, finance and management, those governed by this Decan are not necessarily concerned whether others like them or not, provided they are treated with respect. These are essentially realists who believe that long hours and dedication are part of life, but it is vital that they also take time out for recreational activities. Being both ethical and ambitious, these individuals can excel in business and still sleep well at night. However, they can also be narrow-minded and pessimistic with a decided slant toward being overly-cautious, particularly in matters concerning money. The motto of the Second Decan of Virgo is "Experience."
September 11 - September 22
The Third Decan of Virgo is known as the "Week of the Literalist." The Virgo nature alone makes for a practical individual, but the influence of Venus raises that practicality to the status of superior. Anything they cannot see, hear, smell, touch or taste may not register as being important. There is a high level of tenacity and staying power associated with this Decan which will bring out indecisive qualities associated with the Sign of Virgo. When these subjects set out to accomplish something, they will persist until they succeed. Fortunately, these natives seldom go about things in a blind or stubborn manner. The thirst for knowledge associated with Saturn is utilized here by the inventive and ingenious ways inherent in Mercury. These are bright, talkative and usually sincere individuals but, although they make friends, may easily become meddlesome in the lives of such acquaintances.
While these souls can adjust to change, they would prefer not to do so unless it is absolutely necessary. Generally very patient, Third Decan Virgos are able to tolerate much disappointment, criticism and pressure for long periods of time. Once pushed too far, they will certainly let you know, surprising others that anyone so easygoing could "suddenly" change so drastically. Subjects of this Decan may be deterred from the success they truly deserve. It seems that animals often automatically seek out those who fall under the jursidction of this Decan. The motto of the Third Decan of Virgo is "Renunication."
