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 Taurus is also known as the Taurus Decante and the "Week of Manifestation." This Decan is the most typical of its native Sign, meaning that individuals born during this period may well be the most materialistic, hedonistic and sensuous of all Taurus subjects...they are the ones most influenced by the primary ruling planet of Venus. Here, for better or worse, all the usual Taurus characteristics are more pronounced. To these natives, money does indeed talk and they may need to somewhat curb this money-oriented trait in order to avoid losing out on many of the other good and satisfying things in life. In short, they need to learn that money is not everything. If wealth is allowed to become their "god," then they will have little, if any, time for anything else. Consequently, these individuals could become exceedingly rich but find themselves totally alone and unloved. If wealth does become all-important, then there is likely to be a tendency to question whether those who express love truly feel the emotion or are simply "in it for the money." Thus, suspicions regarding the motivations of others can lead to much personal misery. This Decan possesses an accented appetite for food, drink and sexual encounters and those who fall under its influence would do well to strive for moderation, lest such appetites turn into "masters," causing an over-abundance of personal problems and grief. The approach to life taken by these subjects is rather deliberate. They like to take things slow and easy, dislking to be rushed since they tend to savor just about anything they do. With its dual secondary planetary influences of Mars and Mercury, the natural sympathy of this Decan is easily roused to quickness and over-activity which can lead to worry and dissatisfaction. Trivial matters and immediate goals can disturb the romantic side of the individual nature in this instance. The influence of Mars is responsible for angry moods that play havoc with the normal trend. It is important that individuals who fall within the jurisdiction of this First Decan be tactful, rather than aggressive. Passionate and lusty to the core, these Taurus individuals tend to believe that too much is never quite enough. On a more positive note, First Decan Taurus natives are normally very attractive, musical, artistic and sensual individuals who are inherently fond of animals, the land, virgin forests and beautiful hand-made crafts. In short, they embrace earthly pleasures with much gusto. The nurturing and fruitful qualities of the earth are often emphasized in this Decan and the ability to acquire wealth and items of value can be quite extraordinary. However, an abundance of lust for such material things can lead to moral and spiritual blindness. Prosperity based on hard work is usually indicated, together with an eagerness to cooperate with family and friends. The motto of the First Decan of Taurus is "Determination."

The constellation associated with this Decan is Lepus (The Hare), a faint group of stars which is, nevertheless, easy to find in the heavens because of its location directly South of Orion. In ancient times, this constellation was often referred to "Orion's chair." Egyptian skywatchers interpreted Lepus as the Boat of Osiris. This constellation was originally named by the Greeks and Romans. Since Orion was particularly fond of hunting hares, it seemed appropriate to place one below his feet in the heavens. Traditionally, the hare is thought to be a timid animal and has long been considered a symbol of fertility.

The Second Decan of Taurus is also known as the Virgo Decante and the "Week of the Teacher." The influence of Mercury, the secondary planet governing this Decan, can induce interesting differences but chiefly makes for a bright and well-organized person who is an excellent communicator with a fine critical ability. Nonetheless, care should be taken to resist the temptation to find fault with others and instead, use such talent to avoid going to personal extremes. Here, Virgo traits cause these natives to be the most hardworking of all Taurus individuals...ones who like money and are sufficiently industrious to put forth the effort necessary to accumulate wealth. Not really adept at "wheeling-and-dealing," these Taurus subjects tend to believe that system, order and dedication to work will bring the desired materials gains. Very aware of details, these natives believe there is a place for everything and that everything should be in its place. The influence of Mercury will provide a good mind, mental curiosity and a desire for self-improvement, thus increasing the chances of material success and the ability to say or write whatever might be necessary to reach this positive result. Second Decan Taurus individuals count among the most effective salespersons and a career or business closely associated with selling may be the best choice for achieving the monetary rewards sought by these natives. Here, the concept of accumulating wealth hinges most importantly on economy, conservation, efficiency of operation and keeping more of what comes in, as opposed to simply increasing the intake with little regard as to how it is to be managed. It is important that individuals born under the jurisdiction of this Decan be staunch and steady, pushing the strength of Taurus to its fullest capacity. Lunar influences are prone to affect this Decan and, given the changeability of the Moon, can invoke the indolence which is one of the great weaknesses of the primary Venus nature. However, the impulse of Mercury is helpful here since it can aid in rousing an individual from the "doldrums." Second Decan Taurus natives should never take up anything they do not care for, or the inherent nature of Venus will rebel and fail to "make the most of it." Those born within this period need to set a goal and avoid petty jealousy while seeking to attain such a goal. Natives of this Decan will doubtless face many conflicts and have to overcome many physical and mental challenges before the day is through. Sensitive to noise and very detail-conscious, those who fall under the influence of this Decan detest tight schedules, interruptions and surprises. There is a tendency toward teeth-grinding during sleep and sore muscles in the neck, throat and jaw. The opinions of these individuals are strong, but are often better going unexpressed...unless particularly requested to voice them. The motto of the Second Decan of Taurus is "Struggle."

The constellation associated with this Decan is Orion (The Hunter), a pattern of stars which has been distinctly recognized for thousands of years. The Chaldeans called this celestial grouping "Tammuz," in honor of the month during which the familiar belt of stars first rose prior to Sunrise. To the Syrians, Orion was "Al Jabbar the Giant" and to Ancient Egyptians, this constellation was known as "Sahu the Soul of Osiris." In Greek mythology, Orion was a giant and great hunter. One of the most famous tales associated with Orion concerns Artemis, Goddess of the Moon and the Hunt, who fell in love with the hunter and consequently neglected her task of lighting the night sky. Apollo, twin brother of Artemis, seeing Orion swimming far out to sea, challenged his sister to hit what was no more than a dot among the waves. Not realizing this was Orion, Artemis shot an arrow and killed him. Later, when Orion's body washed-up on the shore, Artemis saw what she had done. Inconsolable, she placed his body within the heavens, together with those of his hunting dogs. According to certain legends, this explains why the Moon always looks so sad and appears so cold.

The Third Decan of Taurus is also known as the Capricorn Decante and the "Week of the Natural." The influence of Saturn, the secondary planet governing this Decan, can induce interesting differences but chiefly makes for an individual possessed of a potent desire to succeed, coupled with the patience, will and drive to do so. Alternatively, this planetary influence can make for a person who is overly-serious and self-disciplined to a fault. In such circumstances, these subjects should try to stop second-guessing past decisions and worrying over future possibilities. In short, they need to give themselves permission to enjoy life in the "here and now." Wherever Third Decan Taurus individuals might be on the ladder of success at any given time, they are never truly content since their eyes and hearts are constantly focused on the next higher rung. Subjects who fall under the jurisdiction of this Decan may well experience many problems, delays, setbacks and outright failures in their attempts to move up, but the will to keep on trying never allows them to give in. It makes little difference to these natives the number of times they might be "brought to their knees" since they seem to understand that few things of worth will be realized unless they are earned. These are people who rarely expect "something for nothing," although they may wish that such things could be realities. Here, courtesy of Saturn, all the combined sympathy and self-will which characertizes the Taurus nature can falter through doubt and worry if allowed to take control. However, Third Decan Taurus natives are strong and impulsive individuals who can override obstacles and avoid such pitfalls. The goal is for such persons is to "be themselves" and shake off any morbid moods. If this is accomplished, then the influence of Saturn manifests itself only with regard to studious desires, which should be taken advantage of, but not allowed to keep these natives from participating in activities they might prefer. Naturally gifted in business and finance, Third Decan Taurus subjects make excellent designers, architects and artists, often found in positions of authority and responsibility. They benefit from private and solitary times taken away from crowds and nature has a curative effect on such individuals. They tend to be slow in "warming-up" to others, while allowing them to earn trust and respect. Perhaps the most negative aspect of this Decan is that its natives take life, themselves, everyone and everything much too seriously. They would be well-advised to develop a more positive attitude and outlook, not to mention a better sense of humor. The dedication to success and achievement here can bring about an extremely negative effect on family and home life if the individual fails to learns how to devote some time to matters other than career, profession and/or business. The motto of the Third Decan of Taurus is "Mastership."

The constellation associated with this Decan is Auriga (The Charioteer), a lovely multi-sided grouping which is easy to find in the night sky, due largely to the brightness of its major attribute, Capella the She-Goat Star and her retinue of three little kids. Capella has been seen as a she-goat since the time of the Ancient Romans. Almost fifty light years away, Capella is similar to the earth's Sun, only larger. In mythology, Auriga is portrayed as a charioteer carrying a goat on his shoulder and two or three kids on his arm, which are believed to represent control and protection of the weak. Auriga is also perceived by some cultures as Erechtheus, son of the lame Greek Smith God, Hephaestus (known to the Romans as Vulcan), who invented a chariot in order to more easily mobilize his crippled body.