The decans, each comprising a third of a sign, are often mentioned as a side note, or not at all, in contemporary astrological texts. Yet these neglected elements of astrology have a well-illustrated history- one adorned with hundreds of beautiful and disturbing images. From the wildly surreal gnostic imagery of the late Hellenistic period to the realistic but symbolically charged pictures of Renaissance texts, no other element of astrology has left such a rich visual trail.
This talk traces the history and use of this under-appreciated piece of astrology through its different incarnations, tracking down symbolism that stretches for four millennia.
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