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 Libra is also known as the Libra Decante and the "Week of the Perfectionist." This double Libra Decante ruled by Venus (Libra's governing Planet) strives to find a balance between diplomacy and compromise...between extreme factions and opposing parties. The ability to harmonize divergent tendencies and bring people together depends upon a subtle understanding of human nature and those governed by this Decan possess the kindliest of natures, albeit one that is highly oversensitive. There is a strong sense of justice here which causes natives of this Decan to go "all out" for a losing cause. The sympathy invoked by Venus tends to go to the extreme, given the influence of the Moon (secondary Planet ruling this Decan). Artistry, soulful meditation and fondness for the deeper things in life are very evident in this subject, where the power of Venus accentuates artistic and romantic tendencies. These natives must guard against defining themselves in terms of a significant other and strive to "be their own person," which will raise self-esteem and make them no less loveable in the process. Social and family get-togethers receive top-billing from individuals born during this time period. They adore art, music, beauty, celebration and harmony, and seem to look especially wonderful in the color blue. At heart, those ruled by this Decan are essentially true lovers of peace, prone to avoid most confrontations. They possess a soul-deep desire for harmony and companionship. A staunch and generous friend, the inherent social skills and gift for self-expression here will take these natives far in any career. To such Libra individuals, sex and love are one...indivisible. The motto of the First Decan of Libra is "Judgment."

The constellation associated with this Decan is Serpens the Serpent, often thought to be symbolic of power, wisdom and temptation. In the night sky, Serpens is the snake being grasped by Ophiuchus, the Snake-Handler or Serpent-Holder. Originally, Serpens and Ophiuchus were considered to be a single constellation, out of which developed an associated myth related to the founding of medicine. Ophiuchus is said to be representative of the legendary physician Asclepius, who learned the secrets of life and death from one serpent that was bringing healing herbs to another serpent Asclepius had tried to destroy. In order to prevent the human race from becoming immortal under Asclepius' care, Zeus eventually killed him with a bolt of lightning, but placed him in the Heavens to honor his good works. Thus, this constellation is linked to the Caduceus, the magic wand of the Greek God Hermes, also known as the Staff of Asclepius, which is used as a symbol by many medical organizations. Other sources maintain that the figure of Ophiuchus is representative of the demise during the Trojan War of the Trojan priest Laocoon, who was strangled by a snake or sea-serpent after warning the Trojans against accepting the Trojan horse. Yet another interpretation of this constellation is that it depicts Apollo wrestling with the Python in order to take control of the Oracle at Delphi.

The Second Decan of Libra is also known as the Aquarius Decante and the "Week of Society." Individuals born during this period are fair-minded but unsettled in disposition. Their ability to understand other people make them natural leaders and they are often shrewd enough to turn this to their own advantage. When swayed by the moody influence of Saturn (the primary Planet governing this Decan), these natives can display impatience and will frequently use considerable daring in an effort to attain immediate goals. Nonetheless, the powers of Saturn and Uranus (this Decan's secondary ruling Planet), can result in a true humanitarian, one who could succeed in science, medicine or government. Alternatively, the power of Uranus can lead to a something of a rebellious character...one that balks against restrictions and places immense value on liberty and autonomy. Something of a social creature, a native of this Decan wants to make a splash in society and has a strong desire to make friends. Still, they tend to play the edges in relationships...pushing the envelope at every opportunity. With a strong dislike of hypocrites, individuals born during this time period take immense pleasure in exposing such persons. Their acquaintances are usually eclectic and come from all walks of life. Driven more by logic and less by love-hunger, those ruled by this Decan are basically free spirits...ones who are blessed with sex appeal and who are popular and outgoing. The inherent gift for self-expression and original thinking can result in real wealth and there is a natural link to future technology, coupled with marvellous ideas and the ability to sell them. In addition, natives born during this time period would probably make for passionate defense attorneys. The motto of the Second Decan of Libra is "Poise."

The constellation associated with this Decan is Draco the Dragon. The name is derived from a word meaning "to see" or "to watch." Draco is identified with a number of ancient myths. Perhaps the most well-known is associated with Hercules. One of this hero's twelve labors was to steal the golden apples from the Garden of the Hesperides, whose entrance was guarded by a dragon. However, Hercules had no idea where to find the apples, which Juno, Goddess of Heaven, had received from the Goddess of the Earth upon her wedding to Jupiter, and had entrusted to the keeping of the daughters of Hesperus. Making his way to a mountain range in Africa, Hercules presented his problem to Atlas, one of the Titans who had warred against the Gods and, after being defeated, had been condemned to bear the weight of the world on his shoulders. Atlas did indeed know the whereabouts of the golden apples and offered to retrieve them for Hercules, but pointed out two problems. First, he could not simply drop his burden and second, there was the issue of the terrible guardian dragon. Hercules responded by hurling his spear into the Garden and killing the hundred-headed beast. Then, taking the world upon his own shoulders, Hercules freed Atlas so he could retrieve the apples. It was with some reluctance that Atlas resumed his burden, but resume it he did after giving Hercules the apples, and Hera placed the dragon in the night sky as a reward for its faithful service. Another equally popular interpretation for the existence of this constellation is associated with Cadmus, the brother of Europa who was carried away to Crete by Zeus, who had adopted the form of a bull. Ordered by his father to go in search of Europa, Cadmus was told he could not return until he found his sister and brought her home. After wandering the world and failing to find Europa, Cadumus knew he could not return to his native soil. So, he made a pilgrimage to Apollo's oracle pleading for direction as to which land he should now choose as a home. Following Apollo's advice, Cadmus found a suitable site for his new city and sent his attendants to find fresh water to offer as a libation to Jupiter. They unearthed a spring within a cave and as they were gathering water, were all massacred by the Serpent of Mars. When his companions did not return, Cadmus himself entered the cave and discovered the dragon. He killed it with his spear and then, upon the order of Minerva, sowed the creature's teeth in the ground. From these teeth sprang warriors, who battled each other until only five were left standing. These five, along with Cadmus, were the founders of the City of Thebes. In yet another legend, the Greek Goddess Athena tossed a dragon into the sky, wrapping its twisted body around the celestial North Pole, after it attacked her while she was fighting against the Titans.

The Third Decan of Libra is also known as the Gemini Decante and the "Week of Theater." There is an inherent tendency here for love of luxury and the social life, coupled with a good nature and generosity in continuous expressions of friendship. Wide interests and the ability to make friends quickly often leave doubt as to the sincerity of individuals born during this period. They have a marked fondness for persons of the opposite sex and if they lose old friends, have little trouble in making new ones. This Decan is ruled primarily by Mercury with Jupiter as a secondary influence. However, it is the effects of the latter Planet which supplies an idealism that can be helpful to the overly-changeable temperament associated with this Decan. Probably more independent than any other Decan of Libra, individuals born during this time period also have a strong sense of justice. The influence of Mercury makes for a skillful communicator, but one who is prone to nervous tension. Recreation that exercises the body and frees the mind will be most helpful to persons who fall within the parameters of this Third Decan. These are individuals who are versatile, lively, witty and funny...eternally youthful with a touch of the "wild child" in their personalities. They also enjoy a good debate and thrive in the world of communications. Education is very important here. Indeed, these natives would much rather discuss ideas with someone who presents a challenge to the mind. An avid reader, those born during this time period may exhibit an interest in politics and history, and would make extremely proficient prosecutors. The motto of the Third Decan of Libra is "Independence."

The constellation associated with this Decan is Lupus the Wolf. Lupus is said to often prey upon the weak and unwary. There are two myths associated with this constellation. One is that it depicts a wolf that was speared by Centaurus (the half-man, half-horse who was tutor to Jason, leader of the Argonauts) in readiness for sacrifice...although some sources maintain that it is the legendary Centaur's wineskin. The other tale is that the stars represent King Lycaon of Arcadia, who offered a plate of food mixed with the human flesh of a child to Zeus when the God came to Earth to investigate tales of wickedness by mortal men. Immediately divining what Lycaon had done, Zeus turned him into a wolf and tossed him into the Heavens.