What Degrees Mean in Astrology (And Why They Matter)

Everything in astrology has meaning. Whether you’re looking at your big three—sun sign, moon sign, and rising sign—or diving into the nuances of your birth chart, you can always find something new to discover and learn more about in astrology. Although there are many important aspects to consider while studying astrology, you don’t want to skip over the degrees.

In astrology, the degrees (from 0° to 29°59′) within each 30-degree zodiac sign add additional meanings and interpretations to planetary placements. The degrees of planets in your birth chart or of a transiting planet can speak to their planetary energy, characteristics, and even karmic destiny. Knowing what the degrees mean can give perspective as to how your birth chart placements may come across, or what to expect from a planet in your horoscope. Each degree means something different. There are various karmic degrees and the degrees of the zodiac signs to consider. Read on to learn more about what the degrees mean in astrology, the degree theory, karmic degrees, what the most important degrees are, and, of course, how to use the degrees while reading your birth chart.

What’s the Degree Theory?

Before diving into the degree theory, it’s important to understand that astrology is a highly mathematical divination practice. Calculating a birth chart or planet’s position boils down its calculations to determine the finite details. Astrologers have Nikola Stojanović to thank for the degree theory, since Stojanović’s theory brings a more meaningful interpretation of the stars and natal placements.

The degree theory is based on the astrological wheel, which is 360°. Since there are twelve zodiac signs in this 360° wheel, each zodiac sign spans across 30°. The degrees of the astrological wheel are paired with the zodiac signs, beginning with Aries at 1°. Each zodiac sign is associated with two or three specific degrees that represent the zodiac sign’s potential, strength, and personality. 

Aside from the signs associated with the zodiac signs, there are also critical degrees. Critical degrees refer to pertinent degrees that carry karmic significance and potent power. Some critical degrees represent the start or end of a placement’s potential, while others signify a modality group’s overall stamina and attributes.

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What Are the Karmic Degrees?

The Critical Degrees: 0° and 29°

The critical degrees—also known as the karmic degrees or anaretic degrees—represent heightened energy surrounding a planet. These degrees are extra special because they carry a karmic energy unlike any other degree.

Zero degrees, or 0°, represents the purest form of energy a planet or natal placement can be in. It is completely and totally undiluted, so any planet in any sign at zero degrees will operate with clarity and sterility. Since 0° is so pure, there’s a freshness to this energy. It can be perceived as naive or new, so anything placed at 0° will likely be more open-minded, curious, and even calmer as this energy takes its time embracing its world.

Twenty-nine degrees, or 29°, is the final degree that any placement can come to. Unlike the placidity and trueness of 0°, this critical degree often feels hectic and rushed. Think of 29° as the last leg in a marathon—you know the finish line is in sight, so you’ll push yourself to get there no matter how tired you might be. 29° often comes with this feeling of needing to achieve, complete, or gain something. So, placements at 29° may struggle with patience or feel it’s their life’s work to accomplish a specific goal. Some astrologers even believe that 29° can represent the potential ending of a massive karmic cycle if one’s soul can break free of the karmic patterns and lessons associated with their placement at 29°.

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The Critical Degrees of the Modalities

Additionally, there are specific critical degrees related to the modalities that are worth knowing. Modality refers to how a zodiac sign expresses its energy and stamina through its actions, personality traits, and decisions. Cardinal represents the leaders and go-getters with its initiatory strength; fixed aligns with the stabilizers and loyalists with its unwavering determination; mutable resonates with the editors and free spirits with its ability to ebb and flow. Each modality works best at the following degrees. LEARN MORE – The Modalities in Astrology: Cardinal, Fixed, Mutable Zodiac Signs

• Cardinal Modality: 0°, 13°, and 26°
  Cardinal signs include Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn.
• Fixed Modality: 8°, 9°, 21°, and 22°
  Fixed signs include Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius.
• Mutable Modality: 4° and 17°
  Mutable signs include Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces.

What Are the Degrees of the Zodiac Signs?

Each zodiac sign thrives at specific degrees. Having a natal placement in its preferred degree can strengthen your placement’s energy, helping you feel more connected to the talents and characteristics of the zodiac sign. Read on to discover the keywords for how the zodiac signs’ degrees present themselves. 

Aries Degrees: 1°, 13°, and 25°

Keywords: Independent, action-oriented, motivated, vibrant, fierce, courageous, hot-headed, passionate, impulsive, confident, instinctual, brave, and bold

Taurus Degrees: 2°, 14°, and 26°

Keywords: Steady, immovable, calm, sensory seeking, determined, plodding, materialistic, sensible, responsible, loyal, sensual, possessive, and grounded

Gemini Degrees: 3°, 15°, and 27°

Keywords: Curious, smart, witty, open-minded, adaptable, communicative, fickle, stimulating, two-faced, interchangeable, flighty, and multi-faceted

Cancer Degrees: 4°, 16°, and 28°

Keywords: Intuitive, nostalgic, moody, sentimental, family-oriented, fussy, vulnerable, retentive, protective, defensive, caring, domestic, contemplative, and tenacious 

Leo Degrees: 5°, 17°, and 29°

Keywords: Expressive, bold, theatrical, confident, vibrant, outgoing, personable, loyal, determined, dramatic, creative, generous, demanding, strong-willed, and selfish

Virgo Degrees: 6° and 18°

Keywords: Perfectionistic, editorial, nitpicking, critical, helpful, dutiful, sensitive, efficient, diligent, anxious, analytical, detailed, agile, and discerning

Libra Degrees: 7° and 19°

Keywords: Diplomatic, like-minded, romantic, sociable, peace-seeking, superficial, harmonious, just, congenial, compromising, thoughtful, and indecisive

Scorpio Degrees: 8° and 20°

Keywords: Powerful, sexual, proud, possessive, unyielding, obsessive, restorative, investigative, psychological, psychic, mysterious, and profound

Sagittarius Degrees: 9° and 21°

Keywords: Outgoing, explorative, cultured, adventurous, opinionated, boisterous, exuberant, jovial, philosophical, moralistic, insatiable, blunt, and restless

Capricorn Degrees: 10° and 22°

Keywords: Masterful, authoritative, serious, rigid, structured, responsible, stoic, accountable, mature, hard-working, controlled, ambitious, and restrictive

Aquarius Degrees: 11° and 23°

Keywords: Authentic, innovative, humanitarian, community-oriented, friendly, genuine, individualistic, aloof, scientific, unique, zany, eclectic, and free

Pisces Degrees: 12° and 24°

Keywords: Dreamy, fantastical, elusive, confusing, disarming, artistic, poetic, mystical, boundless, emotive, receptive, fluid, gentle, escapist, and empathetic

Using Degrees in Your Astrological Practice & Birth Chart

Now that we’ve covered the degree theory and what all the degrees mean, you might wonder how you can incorporate this newfound information in your cosmic studies. Whether you’re a beginner stargazer learning your birth chart or an advanced cosmic student learning more intermediate astrological theories, the degree theory allows for a more meaningful explanation of the stars.

Knowing the degrees of your natal placements may provide context as to why you don’t act in a stereotypical zodiac sign’s way. For example, a Capricorn sun at 25° will act differently than Capricorn sun at 10°. The Capricorn sun at 25° will have underlying Aries energy and traits since it’s associated with the Aries degree, whereas the Capricorn sun at 10° will embrace a deeper Capricorn energy because it’s associated with a Capricorn degree. Knowing how your natal placements are influenced by their degrees can give insight regarding how you may act or operate, which might be different than what one would expect. 

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