The Second Decan of Aquarius
And the Six of Swords, a solemn journey, uncharted waters
We are entering a ten day window of relative respite, reorientation and recovery from storms, sickness and shocks of all kinds, at least symbolically speaking. One can always hope. You can actually “see” Aquarius in this epic photo. Behold, the Cloud, the gigantic Water-Bearer, the Life Giver, the Life Taker, the bringer of Floods, known to the ancient Mesopotamians as “the curse of rain” (and tears) and he is just about to tip out the lot. He has certainly been doing that.
Yesterday was the first New Moon 2025 in Aquarius, occurring at about 9 degrees, corresponding with the first decan, and the Tarot card the Five of Swords...edgy, potentially fraught, warning, DO take prisoners. Do let others save face. But lightened by chatty Mercury's arrival in Aquarius yesterday. Lunar New Year of the quietly savvy, watchful and efficient Green Wood Snake.
“I am nice Snek. Good Snek. Quiet Snek. Hard working Snek. Just do not try to tread on me, or disturb me while I am resting in this tree."
I am running late with this, and now we are in the second decan of Aquarius.
“If you’ve ever wondered why people born in the same sign seem different, the decans can help answer this puzzle,” – astrologer Rachel Lang.
The decans or decanates were in use by astrologers in Egypt 2100 BCE, as evidenced carved on coffin lids. But they may be far older in astrological usage, and have been described as ‘the thirty-six faces of astrology.’ Each of the 12 signs of the zodiac (Wheel of Life) represents 30 degrees of the 360-degree wheel of the zodiac, tracking the course of the Sun over a year. Each sign is subdivided into three parts of ten degrees each. These are the decans from the Greek word “deka” meaning ten, supplying extra clues and nuance in respect of character and potential destiny.
Remember our natal decan is merely an archetype of characteristics attributed by astrology to the influences of any given ten day window in the zodiac wheel of the year.
Let’s start with a recap of the storyboard first decan.
How has this been expressed in your environment over the past ten days or so?
First Decan
Aquarius-Aquarius
Dates: 21 Jan -30 Jan (approx.)
Planetary rulers: Traditional Venus- Modern Uranus
Tarot card: Five of Swords
Card meanings: Victory, defeat, ruthlessness, a pyrrhic victory, not worth winning, chagrin, humiliation, resentment, a change for the worse, a winter illness
These are complex individuals, containing an innate paradox. On the one hand ruled by Saturn, they are serious, intelligent, hard- working, responsible and conservative by nature, obstinate even. On the other, they are co- ruled by Uranus the innovator and rebel individualist.
The first decan natives are well- meaning, likely to sign up to good causes, keen to contribute, and kindly unless they feel emotionally challenged. They are easily wounded and their recovery may be slow. For all their considerable moral courage, bouncing back can be a real struggle.
They are well suited to the academic life, with a logical, or scientific but visionary turn of mind, and a talent for abstract thinking, and for research and analysis. They can also be a lot of fun, but while they readily grasp complex and abstract concepts, their emotional intelligence is sometimes in conflict with their intellect, resulting in misunderstandings with loved ones.
Famous first decan Aquarius subjects: Mozart, Lewis Carroll, Nicholas Sarkozy, Oprah Winfrey
And now we are here…
Second Decan
Aquarius-Gemini
Dates: 31 Jan -9 Feb (approx.)
Planetary rulers: Traditional Saturn Modern Mercury
Tarot card: Six of Swords. This card is one of my personal favourites.
Card Meanings: convalescence, mourning, healing, recovery, progress, relocating, a voyage over water, exploration, study, distance learning
These natives have the gift of the gab. They are charming, and socially in demand, but while very pleasant, can seem somewhat aloof. This does not mean they don’t have deep feelings. They most certainly do, and when they are upset, especially where they have encountered disrespect, this decan is deeply wounded, has a long memory, and a tendency to brood and it can get heavy. The natives of this decan are eminently civilized and humane, much concerned with big issues affecting humanity on the highest levels. They are creatively talented but analytical in their approach, more interested to focus on ideas, technicalities and formal activities than "shooting from the hip".
Famous Second Decan Aquarius subjects: Charles Dickens, Jules Verne, Rosa Parks, Bob Marley, Boris Yeltsin, Ronald Reagan, Michael Sheen
Imbolc
Tomorrow: 1 February, is Imbolc, the lamb is in the belly of the ewe. Venus in Pisces will be conjunct Neptune in Pisces. Venus in her higher octave. A time of tenderness, of romance, of pathos, of visions, strange and vivid dreams, drawing up a bucket from deep down in the well. Good for artistic expression and earning opportunities. Two Fishes joined by a cord, that ever-present duality of love and money, giving and receiving. Helping our children. Not only our own. “Save The Children”. The invisible pull of the eternal umbilical cord. Venus could be translated here in her role as the mother of Cupid, or as the goddess Brigid, or as Mary the mother of Christ (The Fishes.) In the raw and recent aftermath of yet another tragedy, airborne, Five of Swords, there is something here of a communal Pieta.
Venus in Pisces conjunct Neptune in Pisces. We stand on the shoreline looking out to sea, scanning the horizon. What are we looking for?
Thank you for reading.
Back soon.
On the list tomorrow, Imbolc and Brigid.
Thank you, Katie. Hope you are well.
Thank you, the 5 of februari is my birthday.