Aries 0°-10° — the Two of Wands

Mars in Aries

Mars ruling the first decan of Mars's own sign is the most concentrated fire in the zodiac - the opening degrees of the opening sign, with nothing diluting them. The Two of Wands sits here, and the Golden Dawn title, Lord of Dominion, is more specific than the card's usual reading of 'planning'. The figure holds a globe and looks out from a fortification he already owns. This is not the excitement of a new idea; it is the moment of surveying territory and deciding to extend it. Mars in Mars gives that decision no hesitation at all, which is both the strength and the risk of this ten days. Read it as the point where intention becomes commitment before the difficulties are known.

Using this decan for timing

In timing work this decan points at the ten days after the equinox, and at beginnings that are already funded rather than merely hoped for. If the Two of Wands answers a 'when' question, it usually means the window is open now and will not stay open by itself. Paired with Cups the reading softens toward wanting; paired with Pentacles it hardens into an actual plan.

Where it sits in Aries

Aries spans thirty degrees and divides into three decans, each with its own ruler and its own card from the Suit of Wands. This one is the opening ten degrees.

The sign as a whole is attributed to The Emperor in the Major Arcana — see why Aries carries that card.