What are the degrees in astrology? Astrological degrees can add depth to each planet in your chart. They will give you an even more accurate interpretation of the different placements and determine their mutual aspects.
If you’ve looked closely at your birth chart, you may have noticed that there are numbers called degrees next to your zodiac placement. Each degree represents one of the 12 signs of the zodiac, which give it a certain energy and meaning – this is called degree theory astrology, developed by astrologer Nikola Stojanovic.
Definition of Degree Theory Astrology
“Grade theory is an analytical approach to astrology that attaches meaning to placements according to their degrees,” explains yoga and astrologer Emily Ridout. “This method works because astrology is a system of association. By studying the degree of a planet, one can understand in more detail the connections with other signs and personal tendencies.”
What Do Degrees Mean in Astrology? (Degree Theory)
When you were born, the Earth turned on its axis like every day. In other words, the time you were born in relation to the position and rotation of the earth affected the degree you were born. Degrees are important components in a chart because they represent the position of the planets at the time of birth. The pioneer of degree theory was the Slavic astrologer Nikola Stojanovic. Since the subject of degrees in astrology can relate to so many different things, here are the most common ways to use degrees in a chart reading.
House Cusps
Where your first house begins determines the rest of your chart. If your rising sign is Libra at 20 degrees, this would mark the beginning of your journey through the astrological houses. Astrological degrees determine the edge of your house and which signs and planets fall under them.
This can mean the difference between several planets in one or the other house. So it is best to know your exact date of birth to maximize the interpretation!
Counting aspects and Orbs
Ultimately, your birth chart is like a map. Think of them as coordinates on a map or positions on a clock that represent a specific location. This is how each planet is placed within a sign and house.
The easiest way to think of your birth abacus is that it’s like a pizza. And this pizza is divided into 12 slices. In each house, since there are 360° in a circle, there would be 30°. Look at the diagram you just created. It looks like sliced pizza, right?
Aspects between celestial bodies and planets in a chart are calculated using degrees. So if your Sun and Venus are 0-10 degrees apart in Capricorn, it is said to be together. In general, the closer the balls are, the more accurate and impressive the look. Deans Degrees are also used to appoint deans.
Decans
The decans are subdivisions of each sign. It divides each sign and planet by 10 degrees and divides them into different rulers. For example, the three decans of Taurus are Venus (0-10), Mercury (11-20) and Saturn (21-30).
Special Degree in Astrology
At this point, it might be a good idea to pull out a copy of your birth certificate. Below you will find two types of special points in the diagram: critical and harmful degree.
Critical degrees of 0° and 29° are considered very effective and efficient. Those with these numbers in their chart are enigmas who can harness the absolute power of this sign. But since they sit right at the top, they can also use the power of the character next to them.
In contrast, malefic degrees (18° and 22°) have a negative meaning in most astrological systems. People with these degrees in their charts tend to be more anxious in the areas ruled by the respective signs, planets and houses.
Critical degrees
29° and 0° are considered the two most important degrees. Some interpretations say that they are at the top. A person with a placement in these grades can incorporate both signs at the top of the grade. It is like the sun just before rising above the horizon. Although the sunrise may not yet be fully visible, at 29 and 0 degrees, you can already feel the warmth and energy of the sign next to it.
0°
The 0° configuration is said to be the purest expression of the sign. (For example, Jupiter in Pisces at 0° is the epitome of this sign: happy with mind and spirit).
29°
The 29th degree is complicated. Some astrologers believe it is weakened, others like Stojavinoc say it is benevolent. 29. is presumably a weakened degree. This means that if the planet is at 29°, you are less likely to feel its influence in your life.
For example, if you have a Leo Sun at 29°, you may not be as energetic and confident as the average Leo, or you may not feel like a Leo at all. When Venus is at 29°, the same principle applies: you may not feel motivated by love and pleasure.
However, some astrologers such as Pat Geisler and Stojanovic argue that the 29th degree is actually beneficial.
In fact, Stojanovic has 29° in his own chart. It can mean divination and/or destruction. If anything, the 29° in the chart shows great potential to create extremely good or bad placements. Adding critical degrees to your chart can also mean you have additional challenges with these placements.
Malefic degrees
According to Stojanovic, in the worst case, a person can have the 18th or 22nd degree in the chart. This is not to scare you. Remember that astrology is not destiny or fate, but rather a way to guide our lives.
18°
This may indicate difficulties in life. According to Nicholas, this is the most difficult grade. Can indicate health problems and other bad things.
22°
Presumably with a “kill or be killed” degree. Stojanovic claimed to have found the grade in the tables of both murderers and murder victims.
So if your Moon is at 22°, there may be friction in your life with a mother figure. Signs and their grades Each sign is associated with corresponding degrees, the themes of which you can just as easily apply to your arrangements. For example, a 9th degree Scorpio Mercury, the degree of Sagittarius, can be much more honest and philosophical in their way of thinking and speaking than the average Scorpio Mercury. Another example is if you have Aries in the 11th house at ° (degree of Cancer).
Instead of being the impulsive, young Aries you’re known for, you might be considered the mom friend of your group. Similarly, a person with Mars in the fourth degree of Taurus may find that many of their motives are driven by their family and their power of service.
Degrees in Astrology
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Here is a chart of the main degrees in astrology. As you can see, the numbers start from Aries to Pisces and repeat in sequence as you move up to 30°.
The corresponding degrees of the sign can complement the way the chart is read. Take for example the 7th house of actress Salma Hayek, who has 22 degrees of Capricorn in her 7th house (relationships and marriage). Likewise, Pinault’s Venus is also 6 degrees and Hayek’s Sun in Virgo.
Even if you don’t have Aquarius placements, you still embody some of the characteristics of Aquarius thanks to this level. Ranking on certain scales adds another layer to their meaning.
Excerpts from degree theory Astrological degrees are often said to have a fatalistic way of reading a chart. So, using degree theory, you can certainly look at the graph through a completely different lens. A single planet can have many different meanings depending on where it is placed, and it is often not as black and white as people think.
Degree Theory Takeaways
Degrees give you another, more sophisticated way to look at a chart and interpret placements in ways you might not have thought of before. Instead of just looking at planet, sign and house, you also have a fourth dimension to explore through degree theory. Other aspects of learning the degrees of the graph, such as the critical degrees 0 and 29, are said to improve or challenge.
Another would be the malefic 18th and 22nd degrees, which probably causes difficulties in charting it. Remember that your birth chart is the story of where you came from and your potential. Nothing is ever too difficult for the stars.
Interested in learning more about degree theory? We recommend studying the Degree Theory of Astrology by Nikola Stojanovic. Below, Ridout shares a simplified version of the meaning of each degree in astrology.
Astrology Degrees Meaning
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Aries — 1, 13, 25°
The Aries degrees relate to the planet Mars. These placements are about expressing their personal goals and moving their vision forward.
Taurus — 2, 1 , 26°
Taurus degrees are associated with the planet Venus giving these placements an energy of love, abundance, and beauty.
Gemini — 3, 15, 27°
Mercury rules the Gemini degrees, which focus on expressing curiosity, learning, and communication.
Cancer — , 16, 28°
The moon rules Cancer, giving these placements lots of nurturing and caring energy and an affinity for all things home-related. Leo – 5, 17, 29° “The degrees of Leo relate to the Sun and open the way to creative personal expression and enjoyment of life,” says Ridout.
Virgo – 6, 18°
These degrees of Virgo indicate analytical skills and physical health due to the rulership of Mercury. Scales – 7, 19° Libra degrees focus on “making connections and using the mind to understand the laws of cause and effect,” says Ridout.
Scorpio – 8, 20°
Mars and Pluto are associated with the degrees of Scorpio and are associated with receiving gifts and using creative power towards higher ideals.
Sagittarius – 9, 21°
With Sagittarius, travel and higher philosophy are key thanks to their ruling planet, Jupiter.
Capricorn – 10, 22°
Steady work and focus on long-term goals are essential for Saturn-ruled Capricorn degrees.
Aquarius – 11, 23°
These degrees are associated with Saturn and Uranus and are associated with self-expression and resourcefulness.
Pisces – 12, 2 °
Associated with Jupiter and Neptune, Pisces deals with all things mystical.
Critical degrees
Certain degrees have more weight in the birth chart. “If you have a critical degree in your chart, you’re more likely to face challenges in that sign until the time comes when you turn that challenge into your greatest strength,” says Ridout. “When critical degrees are changed, they have great power and influence.”
- FOR THE CARDINAL SIGNS (Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn) the critical degrees are 0, 13 and 26.
- FOR THE FIXED SIGNS (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius) the critical degrees are 8, 9, 21 and 22.
- FOR THE Mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces) critical degrees are and 17.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you read astrological degrees?
Each zodiac consists of 30 degrees (0-29) that form a circle (12 signs x 30 degrees = 360 degrees),” explains Ridout. That’s the degree and minute of the placement.”
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