DECILE
A decile is a minor aspect of 36°, created by subdividing a circle (360°) into ten parts.
It is half of a quintile (72°) and is thus related to the family of aspects derived from
dividing a circle into fifths. Like quintiles, deciles refer to the aptitudes or talents
related to the planets involved in the aspect, though the influence of a decile is less
marked. It is given an orb of influence of 1°–2°.
DECLINATION
The solar system lies more or less in one geometric plane, which is why astrological
charts can be drawn in two dimensions. If the celestial equator (which is the terrestri-
al equator extended out into space, and projected against the background of the stars)
is used as a point of reference, it is found that, at any given time, most celestial bodies
do not lie exactly in the same plane, but, rather, are located somewhat north or south
of the celestial equator. The angular distance (distance expressed in degrees and min-
utes) of these bodies north or south of the celestial equator is their declination.
Because some astrologers regard planets at the same declination as being in aspect
with one another, planets’ declinations are often recorded in ephemerides.
DECREASING ORINCREASING INLIGHT
From the new to the full moon, the Moon is said to be increasing in light, for obvious
reasons. Similarly, the Moon is said to be decreasing in light from full to new moon.
DECUMBITURE
A decumbiture chart is a horoscope calculated for the moment one goes to bed at the
start of an illness. It is sometimes used in medical astrology for prognosis.
DEGREE
A degree is^1 ⁄ 360 of the circumference of a circle. The number 360 may come from older
notions about the year being 360 days in length.
DEGREERISING
The degree rising is the degree of the sign of the zodiac on the ascendant.
DEGREES, MEANINGS OF
In astrologers’ quest for subsidiary bands of influence, the 12 signs of the zodiac have
been subdivided in various ways. Decans (10° arcs) and dwads (2^1 ⁄ 2 ° arcs) are two such
subdivisions. It was almost inevitable that astrologers would eventually speculate
about the astrological meanings of the individual degrees of the zodiac. Unfortunately,
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Degrees, Meanings of