Degree Theory in Astrology — The Perry Rose Academy (2024)

Ever wonder what those numbers next to your zodiac placements mean?

If you’ve ever looked at your birth chart, you’ve probably noticed a set of numbers on the right of your zodiac placements. These are degrees and are quite specific based on your time of birth. Accurate birth times are imperative for applying degree theory when studying your natal chart.

Degrees serve numerous purpose in astrological study. For example, it helps us “tell time.” Consider how the Moon moves through each of the zodiac within two days. So, if we observe the moon at 28 degrees, we can safely estimate it will ingress into the next zodiac sign within a set time period, specifically half a degree per hour. Degrees also mark the exactitude of aspects and alignments or even transits like Retrogrades.

There’s an esoteric and energetic element to studying degrees. Those who consider themselves on the “cusp” of two signs will find that the degree of their placement can provide significant context, as it accurately marks the mathematical position of a planet as well as the decided zodiac sign.

Looking at my placements, most of my degrees are between 12 and 29. There’s a sense that I am picking up on previously started soul projects, and completing cycles passed on to me. Interestingly, I have the same Moon sign and placement (Aquarius in the third house) and Rising sign as my mother. Though at different degrees (mine later than hers), we enjoy exploring these “cosmic inheritances” when discussing our birth charts.

You may notice I have two placements at the 29th degree, aka the Anaretic degree. This marks the end or completion of a cycle; I personally like to reflect on endings simultaneously presenting beginnings. After 29 degrees, a planet or position ingresses into a new zodiac sign. The start of a new cycle begins at 0° of the following sign. For example, after 29° of Scorpio is 0° of Sagittarius.

It’s worth mentioning that degree theory can be used not only when interpreting natal charts, but also event charts.

Degrees follow the order of the Zodiac, with the first degree associated with Aries and its ruling planet Mars. The first twelve degrees continue this archetypal pattern until we reach the thirteenth degree. There, the idea of critical or Anaretic degrees comes into play. What you may notice is that the critical degrees are marked by Aries (Cardinal energy), Leo (Fixed energy), Sagittarius (Mutable), Capricorn (Cardinal Energy), and Taurus (Fixed Energy).

You can use the information on your degrees to analyze your chart. In my case, I look to which House in my chart Aries rules over for insight on the esoteric associations of my Sun sign’s degree — it’s a critical degree and Aries rules my 4th house (and seeps into my 5th based on the House System that I use). Then, I would look at any current transits or natal aspects that cross this house. You can get as intricate as you like with this information.

Below you will find the list of each degree and a (simplified) meaning of that degree.

Keep in mind, astrology has many layers to explore. This is a brief notation of the order of each degree.

0° - Marks the beginning of a new cycle, starting “all over” with relation to planetary energies and meanings, critical degree.

1° - Aries / Mars: car engines, abuse, sports/athlete, military, weapon, anger, business person, speed/quickness, the color red, coming first, “in front” arguments, war.

2° - Taurus / Venus: containment/small spaces, wealth, forest, trees, food, luxuries, voice, singing, the color green, earth.

Gemini / Mercury: two of something, siblings, hands, double, local, small town, neighborhood, groups, birds, tea, friends, the color yellow.

Cancer / Moon: mother, home, public, crowd, water, in the home, the color white, critical degree.

Leo / Sun: strong, royal, leader, high school, fun, athletics, gym/working out, outdoors, top of a hill, family, mountain, view, hair, ego, children.

Virgo / Mercury: health, “ex”, sickness/illness, work, routine, pets, hospitals, doctors, manual service.

Libra / Venus: beauty, luxury items, earrings/jewelry, fashion, couples, music, art, marriage, justice, associates, legalities, courtrooms.

Scorpio / Pluto: secrets, death, sex, insurance, taxes, jealousy, pregnancy/womb, someone else’s “things”.

Sagittarius / Jupiter: college, borders, professors, foreign, travel, archery, having a plan.

10° Capricorn / Saturn: public office, public official, public-facing, coal, slow, delay, the color black, shadow side, depression.

11° Aquarius / Uranus: interruptions, divorce, high places, flying, airports, high tech, engineers, helping others, friends, networks, organizations, electricity.

12° Pisces / Neptune: swimming, near water, disguises, illusions, missing, rain, flood, out of focus, misplaced, unclear, “foggy”.

As you can see, degrees 1 through 12 align with the zodiac calendar. Once you reach the 13th degree, you reset in the sign of Aries as you can see below:

13° Aries: critical degree.

14° Taurus

15° Gemini: assassinations or killings.

16° Cancer

17° Leo: critical degree.

18° Virgo

19° Libra

20° Scorpio: jealousy or revenge.

21° Sagittarius: large road, new places, critical degree.

22° Capciron: destruction, critical degree.

23° Aquarius: “to cut”.

24° Pisces

25° Aries

26° Taurus: critical degree.

27° Gemini

28° Cancer

29° Leo: kingdoms, critical degree.

Additional Resources

I found this super user-friendly website where you can learn more about degree theories. All you'll need to do is select the degree and zodiac sign you wish to learn more about. Then, search for results. It’s easy and free! How lucky are we to have these resources?

Many astrologers recommend focusing on the degrees of your personal planets and placements. If you need recommendations for apps, podcasts, books, or blogs to uncover and understand these and other placements, check out my list of astrology resources here.

Degree Theory in Astrology — The Perry Rose Academy (2024)

FAQs

What is the degree theory in astrology? ›

The degree theory looks at a zodiac wheel as consisting of 360 degrees. Since there are 12 zodiac signs, we then divide 360 by 12, making the maximum number of degrees by sign or planet 30. These degrees come in handy when trying to determine one's persona and understand their birth chart.

What is the degree method of astrology? ›

It is a simple method for prediction through which, even a person with a basic knowledge of astrology can give predictions based on the birth chart. The method utilizes the degrees of the planets in the birth chart . The planets in the highest degree and lowest degree are taken into account.

What is the 12 degree in astrology? ›

12° Pisces / Neptune: swimming, near water, disguises, illusions, missing, rain, flood, out of focus, misplaced, unclear, “foggy”. As you can see, degrees 1 through 12 align with the zodiac calendar. Once you reach the 13th degree, you reset in the sign of Aries as you can see below: 13° Aries: critical degree.

What is the 13 degree in astrology? ›

13 degrees is an Aries Degree, Critical Degree and a Karmic Debt Degree. People with this degree in their chart have to work extremely hard for everything good in their life. Blessings may feel delayed. They constantly have to 'overcome' something standing in their way.

What are the powerful degrees in astrology? ›

Critical degrees are specific points within each sign that are known to have intensified astrological significance. These degrees are 0, 29, and sometimes 15 degrees. Each of these has a special energy and deals with beginnings, endings, and heightened traits or intensity.

Can you do a degree in astrology? ›

Cultural Astronomy and Astrology (MA) is the only academic degree in the world to examine our relationship with the cosmos. The programme draws on different disciplines from the Humanities in order to gain as full a view as possible of the entire subject.

How do I find my degree in astrology? ›

Look at the 12 zodiac signs encircling the outside of your chart. A circle is 360 degrees, and each zodiac sign takes up 30 degrees (one 12th of the circle). Each sign begins at 0 degrees and grows to 29 degrees going counterclockwise. Every time you hit 30, a new sign begins.

Where can I get a degree in astrology? ›

Kepler College is one of the longest-established schools of Astrology in the United States, founded in 1992 and named in honor of the 16th-century Astrologer, Astronomer, and Mathematician Johannes Kepler. Kepler College draws students worldwide seeking the best in quality Astrological education.

What are the famous degrees in astrology? ›

Fame degrees, in the simplest terms, are degrees within the chart that determine whether or not an individual has a higher possibility of having a career as a public figure or being well-known in some way. 5°, 17° and 29 are the most well-known variants of these.

What is the 0 degree in astrology? ›

The Ingress

In the natal chart, planets or points at 0° of a sign take a stance that either indulges in or embraces the very pure, undiluted nature of the sign. There's a fresh, unstudied quality to a planet at this degree.

How many degrees is one house in astrology? ›

In the whole sign house system, sometimes referred to as the 'Sign-House system', the houses are 30° each. The ascendant designates the rising sign, and the first house begins at zero degrees of the zodiac sign in which the ascendant falls, regardless of how early or late in that sign the ascendant is.

What is the 28th degree in astrology? ›

In astrology, the 28th degree of a sign is known as the anaretic degree. It holds a significant meaning and is often associated with: 1) A sense of urgency, completion, or crisis. 2) Karmic crossroads. 3) Heightened sensitivity and vulnerability.

What is the 14th degree in astrology? ›

What is the 14th degree in astrology? Having 14 degree in midheaven means you have a potential to become successful, but it's going to be very hard and much harder than for others. Rounder, softer features. Often have a seductive vibe to them like their sister sign, scorpio.

What is the 22 degree in astrology? ›

so the 22nd degree in astrology represents an area of your life. that you need to be very proud of yourself for for being tenacious. being disciplined and keep moving forward. even though it was difficult to do it.

What degree is 20 in astrology? ›

the 20th degree is the Scorpio degree in astrology.

How do you know your degree in astrology? ›

Find the degree markings located near the zodiac sign ring.

Not all charts will show degree markings. If this happens, remember that degrees grow from 0 to 29 counterclockwise and make your best estimate. Some charts might indicate minutes along with degrees if a planet is between degrees.

What does 3 degrees mean in astrology? ›

An astrologer would use the 3 degree Sun placement to determine that the Sun is in the first decanate of your Sun sign, which give slightly different personality traits than if it were in the other two decanates.

What are the degree ranges in astrology? ›

The circle is divided into 12 sign divisions of 30° each. The signs are divided into three decans of 10° each. There are degrees of separation called aspects and degrees of orb. There are also critical degrees, powerful degrees, and unlucky degrees as well as degree symbols for all 360°.

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