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 ten-day spans are somewhat arbitrary in order to allow for the five (and sometimes six) extra days in the year beyond the 360 days required for the thirty-six decans. According to accepted prodcedure, these days have thus been added to form various six-day periods instead of five. 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."

The planetary influences described under the decans are valuable in "shading" the traits of many individuals, but are generally subordinate to the stronger characteristics associated with the primary Zodiac Sign. In some people, the traits of the decans may only be slightly traced...in others, they are very marked. As a general rule, the primary Sign of an individual details his or her characteristics with what can be surprising exactitude, but where such individual traits may seem at variance with the accepted patterns of the Sign, then the answer may be found in that person's decan. A study of the decans may also reveal hidden factor's to which a person may be susceptible, even though his or her major traits are fully delineated under his or her primary sign.

The First Decan of Leo is also known as the Leo Decante and the "Week of Authority." This Decan is the most typical of its native Sign, meaning that individuals born during this period possess a tremendous amount of added staying power. Once these subjects set out to accomplish something, they will persist regardless of encountered obstacles, until success is attained. Added to this determination is a driving ability which helps supply the energy and stamina necessary for such persistance. The personality and physical appearance of these First Decan Leo natives has a certain brightness and sparkle often envied by others who are not so blessed. There is an accented personal pride associated with this Decan...a pride easily noticed by anyone who is aware of the erect walk and upward tilt of the head. When these Leo individuals arrive upon the scene, everyone is immediately aware of the regal presence and naturally tends to respect, honor and make room. Since command of the spotlight is so easily achieved, these Leo natives need to exercise care that they do not overdo or abuse such a privilege. It is easy for others to experience envy or resentment toward them. Thus, First Decan individuals should practice giving those around them a small portion of the limelight from time-to-time...if they wish to be as well-liked and highly regarded as they appear to desire. There will probably be some natural acting talent and ability here and it is not unusual for those who fall within the jurisdiction of this First Decan to be involved in the theater in some fashion...or utilizing these talents quite positively in other vocations as well as in everyday personal life. These Leo natives are gregarious souls who fail to feel fulfilled unless they can relate freely and frequently to others in both their business and personal lives. It is imperative that First Decan Leo subjects avoid accepting any role or position which would necessitate them becoming anything resembling a recluse or too private of a person. The influence of the Sun (primary governing planet of this Decan) is dominant here, but any waverings will allow the gloom of Saturn (secondary planet governing this Decan) to take hold. Thus, these natives may become boastful and arrogant, sometimes resorting to violence if ideas are opposed. Through contol of such moods, the knowledge afforded by Saturn can be added to the power of the Sun, resulting in individuals who are generous and steadfast by nature, free from worry and able to override misfortune. These are also warm individuals who love to surprise and please those around them. Subjects of this First Decan are very interested in sports and family, but can be amazingly stubborn when they believe they are "in the right." They also like to keep things and people in a "straight line" according to accepted rules and are somewhat predictable in their actions. First Decan Leo individuals require respect from friends and family almost as much as they need air and water. They also harbor a great desire to distinguish themselves in their chosen fields, express themselves in a creative fashion and find that "certain someone" with whom they can share it all. The motto of the First Decan of Leo is "Rulership."

The constellation associated with this Decan is Crater, a faint constellation which resembles a cup and is also referred to as "a furnace of fire that has tremendous concentrated energy." Crater the Cup is representative of great power which is often expressed in terms of a ruler or leader. In mythology, Corvus the Crow was sent by Apollo (God of the Sun) to fetch a cup of water, but was slow in returning because he had been waiting for a fig near the spring to ripen. Eventually arriving with the cup of spring water and bearing the water-serpent known as Hydra in his claws, Corvus informed Apollo that he had been delayed due to an attack upon his person by Hydra. Knowing that the Crow was lying, the Sun God placed all three into the heavens as constellations. Crater the Cup is to the West of Corvus...within reach, but Hydra the Sea-Serpent constantly prevents the Crow from quenching his thirst.

The Second Decan of Leo is also known as the Sagittarius Decante and the "Week of Balanced Strength." The influence of Jupiter, secondary planet governing this Decan, can induce numerous and rather interesting differences but chiefly amplifies, enlarges and magnifies the more traditional characteristics associated with the Sign of Leo. Jupiter also helps the Leo sense of humor in a very positive way which aids in relating to others. In addition, it appears to add an element of good luck, which is often helpful when things do not seem to be going the way this Leo native would wish. This secondary planetary influence appears to add something of the gambler's instinct to certain Second Decan Leo subjects since they do enjoy taking chances from time-to-time and this element of risk adds a special interest to the lives of such individuals. Hugely interested in advanced education, Second Decan subjects can be motivated toward becoming students for much of their lives. Their ability to communicate in an intelligent fashion impresses others, who may well assume that this native is a college graduate even if he or she has never gone beyond high school. While it is generally true that these Leo natives can (and normally do) relate well to those around them, they do not easily tolerate any form of relationship with another which will be so close or binding as to markedly restrict personal freedom. The enjoyment of freedom is so great here that Second Decan individuals may be willing to fight for the right to choose, should such become necessary. With a love of travel, these natives will likely visit faraway places and other countries more than most. It is also possible that they will reside for periods of time in a foreign land or at least live a long distance away from the birth home area. Basically, the Second Decan of Leo is counted among the strongest to be found in the entire Zodiac. Common sense is frequently accompanied by a most generous disposition which is both open-minded and open-hearted. The "will to win" inherent in natives of the Sun (primary governing planet of this Decan), coupled with talent to "see things through" which is provided by Jupiter, results in individuals who are understanding, tolerant and tactful when dealing with those around them...often able to overlook the foibles of friends and family. Courtesy of Jupiter's influence, these are also witty and philosophical souls who live to inspire and teach others. Indeed, these subjects search constantly for meaning, truth and ethics...even though such may sometimes alienate others. In short, the thirst for knowledge is intense in these individuals, coupled with strong beliefs and a tendency to occasionally be overly-hard on themselves and loved ones. These natives often benefit from being alone and thus, accountable to no one. Nonetheless, they are generally gentle and noble characters who possess a tempering attribute which makes for a magnificent leader and they will doubtless have many friends of both sexes. Perhaps the greatest fault of these natives is overconfidence, which can lead to conceit and may cause those who fall under the jurisdiction of this Decan to place self-interest above the honesty which this Second Decan customarily represents. The motto of the Second Decan of Leo is "Reform."

The constellation associated with this Decan is Centaurus the Centaur, representative of the manner in which the human spirit learns how to cooperate with animalistic prowess, coupled with the ability to fight for a cause and bring about progressive improvements. Centaurus is a huge constellation which includes the bright Milky Way, Alpha Centauri, Beta Centauri and many other fine examples of celestial bodies. Found at the foot of the Centaur, Alpha Centauri is only 4.3 light years away and is the nearest neighbor to the Sun. Beta Centauri and Alpha Centauri are the bright "pointers" to the Southern Cross. In mythology, Centaurus symbolizes Chiron, who features widely in Greek folklore. Chiron was one of the Centaurs...creatures who were half-man and half-horse. However, unlike others of his species who were monstrous and brutal, Chiron was immensely wise and tutored such Greek heroes as Heracles and Jason. According to the fable, Heracles accidently wounded Chrion, resulting in the Centaur experiencing great pain but, due to his immortality, being unable to die. Thus, Chiron appealed to the Gods to end his suffering. Mercifully, Zeus heeded the Centaur's plea and then placed his likeness among the stars.

The Third Decan of Leo is also known as the Aries Decante and the "Week of Leadership." The influence of Mars, secondary planet governing this Decan, can induce some rather excieting and interesting characteristics but chiefly provides the ability to concentrate and focus the power and warmth afforded by the Sun (primary planet governing this Decan), so that such power and warmth may be utilized most efficiently for whatever might need to be accomplished. When this immensely potent energy force is used wisely, then few things can stand in the way of Third Decan Leo natives for very long regarding their progress in life. The external ego is strong here due to the influence of Leo, but is even more accentuated because of the effect of Aries, first Sign of the Zodiac. Thus, it may be necessary for these subjects to exercise some restraint in order to avoid overbearance with regard to interpersonal relationships which could lead to serious problems. Personal pride and natural dynamism are readily apparent here, but will only appear admirable if they do not impose upon the egos and rights of others. The high energy courtesy of Mars makes Third Decan Leo natives very active and quick-moving. Indeed, it is difficult for these individuals to remain idle for even the most brief periods of time and, due to this inherent restlessness, seldom need to be concerned with obesity. Since these subjects respond so well to challenges, they are happier when setting a rather difficult personal goal...and once this has been accomplished, another should be set immediately. In terms of a career, it is important that these Leo natives not settle for the totally ordinary or routine since they can all too easily become bored. Contact sports may have a very special appeal to individuals who fall within the jurisdication of this Decan and they may excel where a lot of competition is involved. If this native stays active, then there is no reason why he or she should not lead a very interesting and fulfilled life. Others generally like to be in the company of these Third Decan subjects because their zest for life seems to inspire those around them to the point of believing that life truly is worth living. The dominance of the Sun is probably at its most forceful in this Decan of Leo, resulting in natives whose disposition is both brave and virile. These are also inspirational, knowledgeable and enlightened souls who are competitive and physical, but possess an absolute aversion of being told what to do. There is a thirst for real adventure here, coupled with honesty and strength of purpose. However, due to the influence of Mars, there is also the danger of its subjects becoming too impulsive and domineering or even overly-aggressive and difficult. Thus, those who fall under the jurisdiction of the Third Decan of Leo often experience serious rivalries in both business and the social arenas. Courtesy of Mars, these natives are also often driven to work for the love of work itself. Finding it impossible to resist a challenge, these individuals are prone to flirt with danger and are independent to a fault...although there may be a secret desire to find someone who will take care of them. There appears to be a great attraction to the color red exhibited by these natives, together with a love of high performance machinery and people who can anticipate personal needs and "deliver the goods." Friendship is very important to these subjects and they should further it by showing appreciation of others, rather than boasting of their own achievements. The motto of the Third Decan of Leo is "Ambition."

The constellation associated with this Decan is Corvus the Crow (also sometimes referred to as Corvus the Raven), representative of a strong character which feeds upon the weak and wounded and one which may also be ruthless and zealous in striving for goals. This constellation contains TV Corvi (also known as Tombaugh's Star), discovered as a nova by Clyde Tombaugh in 1931 while searching for planets, and the Ring-Tailed Galaxy (also known as the Antennae or Rat-Tailed Galaxy). In mythology, Corvus the Crow was sent by Apollo (God of the Sun) to fetch a cup of water, but was slow in returning because he had been waiting for a fig near the spring to ripen. Eventually arriving with the cup of spring water and bearing the water-serpent known as Hydra in his claws, Corvus informed Apollo that he had been delayed due to an attack upon his person by Hydra. Knowing that the Crow was lying, the Sun God placed all three into the heavens as constellations. Corvus the Crow is to the East of Crater the Cup...within reach, but Hydra the Sea-Serpent constantly prevents the Crow from quenching his thirst.