In this blogpost and video, we’re diving into Scorpio I, the first decan of Scorpio, as part of my series on the 36 decans of the zodiac. Scorpio I is ruled by Mars not once, but three times—through the whole sign, decan rulership under the triplicity system, and the Chaldean order. This gives it a powerful emphasis on intensity, transformation, and deep connection in relationships.

We’ll explore the themes of intimacy, disillusionment, and resilience as reflected in the tarot card Five of Cups, associated with this decan. Through myth, astrology, and examples like Nicole Kidman—whose rising degree is in this part of Scorpio—we’ll uncover how this decan reflects the emotional complexity of loss, letting go, and finding a way forward. From ancient texts to modern interpretations, Scorpio I speaks to the profound challenges and growth that come with truly knowing another person.

If you enjoy this deep dive into astrology and psychology, please like and subscribe—it really helps others find the channel. Also, let me know in the comments if you resonate with these themes or have placements in Scorpio I. Let’s get started!

Welcome to my exploration of Libra III, the final and most reflective decan of Libra. In this video, we’ll dive into the rich symbolism of this part of the Zodiac, ruled by Jupiter and Mercury, and how it represents the balance between expansion and precision, rest and renewal, and the human and divine. We’ll also explore the tarot connections through the Four of Swords, offering insights into finding your center amidst life’s chaos.

We’ll take an in-depth look at how these themes manifest in the life and chart of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, whose Libra rising and planetary placements perfectly illustrate the interplay of discipline and grace, action and reflection. From his legendary achievements as a basketball player to his intellectual and spiritual pursuits, Kareem embodies the essence of Libra III's balancing act.

By the end of this video, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how this decan’s energies can help you pause, restore, and integrate your experiences. Whether you’re an astrology enthusiast or just curious about the connections between the Zodiac, tarot, and Kabbalah, there’s something here for you. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to support the channel! #LibraIII #AstrologyInsights #TarotWisdom #KareemAbdulJabbar #FourOfSwords

Hi, this is Cathy Gnatek, and I’m continuing my series on the 36 Decans of the Zodiac, today with Libra II, the second decan of Libra. This particular part of the zodiac, as we’re going to find out, has a lot to do with commitments—keeping commitments, breaking commitments, and the sense of loss we may feel if commitments are broken, especially those involving relationships.

Venus, the goddess of love, rules the sign of Libra. And everybody knows—if you know a little bit about astrology—that if Aries is the sign of "me," then Libra is the sign of "we." It’s this relational sign. How do I interact and communicate with a partner when I’m in connection with someone?

We’re going to see this play out in the esoteric symbols that are associated with this part of the zodiac, as well as in the Tarot card, the Three of Swords, which is called "Sorrow" in the Thoth deck. And finally—interestingly enough—today, instead of looking at people who have their rising degree in this part of the zodiac, we’re going to talk about the late 1970s, when Pluto was in this part of the zodiac, bringing up issues from the underworld around these questions of commitment.

Welcome back to my exploration of the 36 decans of the Zodiac. In today’s video, we focus on Libra I, the first 10 degrees of the sign of Libra. This decan is ruled by Venus and the Moon, blending themes of justice, beauty, harmony, and emotional memory. Libra I asks us to balance fairness with the need for connection, expressing our desire for justice in a way that can be received and understood by others.

We’ll explore the rich symbolism of this decan through the lens of ancient texts, tarot cards, and the Kabbalistic Tree of Life. These systems reveal how Libra I introduces new ideas and sparks creative energy, all while maintaining a deep focus on relationships and collaboration. The tarot imagery, particularly the Two of Swords, reflects Libra I’s delicate balance between inner reflection and outward action.

As an example of Libra I energy in action, we’ll take a close look at the life and work of Sidney Poitier, the legendary actor and activist who had his rising degree in this decan. From his groundbreaking films that challenged societal norms to his diplomatic work as an ambassador, Poitier exemplified the relational approach to justice that defines Libra I. Be sure to like and subscribe to support the channel and stay tuned for more Zodiac decan explorations.

I continue my series on the 36 decans of the Zodiac with Virgo III, the final 10 degrees of the sign. This is a particularly fascinating and complex section of the Zodiac, shaped by the combined influences of its decanic rulers, Mercury and Venus.

Mercury—planet of intellect, communication, and analysis—has a particularly strong influence here. Mercury is exalted in Virgo and also in its own sign, meaning its natural qualities are amplified in this decan. This heightens the capacity for clear, analytical thinking, precise communication, and problem-solving.

However, Venus, the co-ruler of this decan, brings a contrasting energy. Venus, the planet of love, beauty, harmony, and justice, is considered to be in her "fall" in Virgo. In astrological terms, a planet in its fall struggles to fully express its qualities or align with the surrounding energies.

In the video below, I explore how these two planetary rulers interact in this decan and the themes they bring to light. Virgo III resonates strongly with the concept of “individuation,” a term introduced by Carl Jung. Individuation refers to the process of becoming whole—of integrating all parts of ourselves into a cohesive identity. It’s about stepping into who we truly are, a process that often requires navigating challenges, letting go of outdated beliefs, and embracing growth through experience.

The Ten of Pentacles, the tarot card associated with Virgo III, reflects these themes of integration and completion. It speaks to legacy, material fulfillment, and the culmination of efforts—a fitting symbol for a decan so focused on wholeness and manifestation. We’ll also explore insights from ancient esoteric texts and the Hermetic Kabbalah, focusing on Malkuth, the 10th and final Sephira on the Tree of Life. Malkuth is closely connected to the material world and the act of manifestation, but it also represents the necessity of letting go, clearing space for new possibilities to emerge.

To illustrate these ideas, the video also explores the chart of Steve Jobs, whose rising degree falls in Virgo III. Jobs’ reflections later in life often revolved around themes of death and release, which are deeply tied to the energies of this decan.

We continue our series on the 36 Decans of the Zodiac today with Leo III, the third and final Decan of Leo. This Decan is ruled by Mars, which adds intensity, drive, and a warrior-like determination to Leo’s steady and expressive energy. Leo III is a place of perseverance and faith, where the challenges of life are met with courage and conviction. It’s about holding onto one’s light, even in the face of adversity.

What sets Leo III apart is its connection to endurance and the will to overcome. This Decan is associated with the 7th Sephira, Netzach, on the Tree of Life, which represents victory, resilience, and persistence. It’s a place where creativity and strength combine to shine through struggle, but this energy can also show up as a fierce need to defend one’s position or power. The fiery influence of Mars infuses this Decan with a sense of urgency and passion that makes it stand out from the others.

In this post, we’ll explore the unique characteristics of Leo III through its esoteric meanings, Tarot associations, and numerological symbolism. We’ll also examine how this energy manifests in the lives of two very different figures: Maya Angelou, who exemplifies the triumph of resilience and creative brilliance, and Donald Trump, whose persistent and controversial drive reflects the shadow side of this Decan. Their contrasting stories provide a nuanced lens through which to understand the complexities of Leo III

In this exploration of Leo II, the second Decan of Leo, we dive into the fiery, radiant energy of this zodiac face. Ruled by the Sun and expansive Jupiter, this Decan embodies creativity, confidence, and the drive to shine brightly in the world. However, alongside its triumphs lies a shadow side—a cautionary tale of overconfidence, or hubris, illustrated through the myth of Icarus and even the life of Christopher Reeve, whose ascendant degree fell in this Decan.

We’ll examine ancient texts, such as Ibn Ezra’s The Beginning of Wisdom and the Picatrix, which describe Leo II as a crowned figure of beauty and power, but also as one tied to conflict and struggle. The Six of Wands in the Thoth deck, called Victory, further captures the energy of triumph, with intersecting wands igniting fire at their crossing point—a symbol of creative success and divine favor.

Ultimately, Leo II is about balancing the heights of success with humility, embracing both the acclaim and the lessons that come with it. Join us as we unpack the astrology, Tarot, numerology, and real-life examples that bring this powerful Decan to life.

We’ve reached an exciting milestone in my series on the 36 Decans of the Zodiac because today we’re diving into the sign of Leo. This marks our second exploration of the element of fire, which gives us an opportunity to deepen our understanding of Leo by comparing it to Aries, for example. The focus of today’s video is the first Decan of Leo—Leo I—which covers the first 10 degrees of the sign. In the video below, I go into more detail about this Decan, including a discussion of the two planets that rule it: Saturn and the Sun.

We’ll also explore the tarot card associated with this Decan, the Five of Wands, and the numerology that adds layers to its meaning. To make it personal, I’ll share examples of two individuals with their rising degree in this Decan: Meryl Streep, the legendary actress, and Mahiedine Mekhissi-Benabbad, a renowned middle-distance runner. His chart highlights some fascinating themes tied to this Decan.

I’m continuing my series on the 36 Decans of the Zodiac with Cancer III, the final decan of Cancer. Cancer is a water sign, ruled by the Moon, and it's a cardinal sign, meaning it likes to initiate. I covered the meaning of Cancer in detail in the first part of this series on Cancer I . What sets this decan apart from the other two in Cancer are the planets ruling it. Here, it’s the Moon and Jupiter, alongside the Moon ruling the sign itself. So we have Moon, Moon, and Jupiter — bringing a lot of nurturing energy that’s expansive, optimistic, and growth-oriented.

Think about the mom who insists you take a third piece of cake after you’ve already had two, saying, "No, honey, eat it, eat it." That’s the energy of this decan. People with points or planets in this decan might grow up with some privilege or abundance, and the question becomes: what do they do with it? For example, Bill Gates and the poet Lord Byron both have connections to this decan. There’s a lot to dive into, and I hope you enjoy it. If you do, please like and subscribe—it helps others find my content.

Cancer II, the second decan of Cancer, is a fascinating blend of lunar intuition, Martian protection, and Mercurial communication. This decan is deeply tied to nurturing growth and creating safe, sacred spaces where ideas, emotions, and individuals can thrive. Ruled by the moon, Mars, and Mercury, it carries a unique energy of protecting what is delicate and fostering meaningful connections. Drawing from ancient esoteric texts, tarot symbolism, and examples like Carl Jung and Meghan Markle, this post explores how this part of the Zodiac embodies themes of emotional depth, creative cultivation, and the sacred process of individuation. Whether you’re interested in astrology, mythology, or personal growth, this exploration of Cancer II offers rich insights into the interplay of protection, communication, and emotional development.

We continue the series on the 36 Decans of the Zodiac with the sign of Cancer. Today, we're going to look at the first 10 degrees, or decan, of Cancer. We'll differentiate it a bit from the other decans by examining the planets that rule this part of Cancer. We'll also explore Tarot symbolism, a little bit of Kabbalah, and how ancient authors described this face—the term they used for decans in ancient times. Additionally, we'll discuss the images associated with this decan. Finally, I’ll explore examples of people with their rising degree in this part of the zodiac: Jimmy Stewart, the famous movie star; and singer-songwriter Karen Carpenter.

Today, I continue my exploration of the Decans of the Zodiac with Gemini III, the third Decan of Gemini. Gemini is an air sign. It's ruled by Mercury, the god of communication. He was Hermes in the Greek pantheon who brought messages back and forth to the gods. Air signs all have to do with thinking and communication. They're all associated with the swords in tarot cards, if you're a tarot aficionado. Gemini is also a mutable sign, so it has this playful, flexible quality about it.

What Differentiates Gemini III

We're going to find out that what differentiates this decan of Gemini from the other two is that it has this sense of the battle being over—a completion of the thought process. Folks who have important planets or points in this part of the Zodiac tend to be the truth-tellers of the world, the people who perhaps want to ensure that we're looking at what reality is, as opposed to what we wish it were. Sometimes they can tell that truth to their own detriment.

We're going to find that in the case of Edward Snowden, who has his Mars, Sun, and North Node in this decan. The famous comedian George Carlin has his moon in this decan and enjoyed telling the truth in a funny way, which can be mercurial, about United States policies. We're also going to see Sigmund Freud had his Saturn here, and he was the founder of psychoanalysis who talked about the “reality principle” and so forth. There's a lot to unpack.

If you enjoy the video, like and subscribe. It helps people find my content.

Explore the complexities of Gemini 2, the second Deccan of Gemini (10-20 degrees), where Venus and Mars collide, creating a fascinating interplay between love, beauty, and mental struggle. This Deccan highlights the duality of Gemini: balancing light and dark, humor and anguish. Ruled by Venus and Mars, it reveals how we connect with others—through Venusian receptivity or Mars' protective boundaries. Associated with the Nine of Swords in tarot, this Deccan reflects themes of mental anguish, perseveration, and the potential for transformation. Learn how figures like Mindy Kaling and Drew Barrymore exemplify this energy, using humor and art to transmute personal struggles into relatable, healing expressions. Discover the deeper numerology and Hermetic Kabbalah connections, revealing the potential for love and creativity to emerge from life's challenges. Join us as we explore how this Deccan fosters connection, self-awareness, and transformation through its complex and dynamic energy.

We’ve arrived at the first decan of Gemini, a dynamic part of the zodiac that fuses Gemini’s mutable air energy with the expansive, philosophical influence of Jupiter and the sharp intellect of Mercury. As part of this 36-part series on the decans in astrology, this post explores the unique themes of Gemini I: duality, mental clarity, and the interplay between big-picture thinking and fine detail. The combination of Jupiter and Mercury as planetary rulers highlights the potential for intellectual breakthroughs and creative expression, while also challenging us to balance contrasting energies.

In the video attached, I explore the esoteric wisdom of Gemini I, its connection to the Seven of Swords tarot card (and the Eight of Swords in the Thoth deck), and the tension between mental overwhelm and emotional insight. I also examine how these themes come to life in the work of Margaret Atwood, whose rising sign is in Gemini I. Her book, The Handmaid’s Tale, reflects the energy of this decan, blending expansive philosophical ideas with sharp, precise storytelling.

Taurus III: Growth Through Saturn's Trials
The third decan of Taurus blends the grounded, persistent energy of this fixed earth sign with Saturn’s discipline and wisdom. This decan teaches us to persevere through limitations, adapt to challenges, and find meaning in struggle. From the tarot’s Seven of Disks to Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick and Toni Morrison’s life story, Taurus III reveals the transformative power of resilience and hard work.

The Planets Associated with the First Decan of Taurus

To begin, let’s examine the planets associated with the first decan of Taurus. Mercury, the god of communication (Hermes in the Greek pantheon), and Venus, the goddess of love, beauty, relationship, harmony, and justice.

• Mercury is associated with planning, putting things into order, organizing, and strategizing. It governs the mind and how we focus on what we need.

• On the other hand, Venus represents love, beauty, harmony, justice, and what we value.

When we combine these planets with Taurus, a fixed earth sign, we get a unique expression of these energies. All zodiac signs belong to one of three modes: cardinal, fixed, or mutable. Taurus is fixed, meaning it is stable, concentrated, and slow-moving. Its energy is grounded, like the bull that symbolizes it—a creature that moves deliberately and steadily, embodying focus and persistence.

As an earth sign, Taurus is deeply connected to material reality and the practicalities of life. Earth signs focus on what is tangible and achievable in the physical world.

When we weave these ideas together—Mercury’s planning and strategy, Venus’s beauty and values, and Taurus’s fixed earth energy—we see that the first decan of Taurus is about breaking into the material world to establish something tangible. It’s about tilling fertile ground, organizing resources (Mercury), and creating something harmonious and beautiful (Venus). Venus also highlights the importance of values and social justice within this decan.

If you’ve been following along on my 36 Decans series, you know we’ve already explored the first two decans of Aries, and now it’s time to dive into the third and final decan—Aries III. This is where things get really interesting because we see how the energy of Aries evolves and deepens as we move through the sign. In this video, I’ll unpack what makes Aries III unique, including its planetary rulers—Venus and Jupiter—and how their influence creates a dynamic mix of charisma, creativity, and ambition. We’ll also connect this energy to the Four of Wands tarot card, which beautifully captures the themes of celebration, harmony, and building something that lasts.

I’ve included a video transcript below, but it’s not just a word-for-word version—I’ve rewritten and expanded on the content to add extra insights and examples. So, whether you prefer to watch, read, or do both, the transcript offers something additional to explore.