Aries 10°-20° — the Three of Wands
The second decan of Aries runs Mar 31 - Apr 9, is ruled by Sun under the Chaldean order, and carries the Three of Wands — titled Lord of Established Strength by the Golden Dawn.
Three of Wands
Lord of Established Strength
Upright: Progress, expansion, foresight, overseas opportunities
Reversed: Playing small, lack of foresight, unexpected delays
Full Three of Wands meaning →Sun in Aries
The Sun in Aries is fire warmed rather than sharpened - Mars's drive with the Sun's steadiness behind it. The Three of Wands, Lord of Established Strength, shows a figure watching ships already at sea. The critical word in the title is established: the work of the first decan has been done and is now producing something without further pushing. Where Aries 1 is the decision, Aries 2 is the period after the decision when it starts to look like it might hold. The solar influence gives this decan a confidence the other two Aries decans lack, and the characteristic error is mistaking early traction for a finished result.
Using this decan for timing
For timing, this is the stretch where an early result arrives and has to be judged. The Three of Wands answering 'when' generally means the thing is already in motion and the date has passed - what remains is waiting for return. Read alongside the Eight of Wands it accelerates; alongside the Seven of Pentacles it stretches.
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 middle ten degrees.
| Decan | Dates | Ruler | Card | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0°-10° | Mar 21 - Mar 30 | Mars | Two of Wands | Lord of Dominion |
| 10°-20° | Mar 31 - Apr 9 | Sun | Three of Wands | Lord of Established Strength |
| 20°-30° | Apr 10 - Apr 19 | Venus | Four of Wands | Lord of Perfected Work |
The sign as a whole is attributed to The Emperor in the Major Arcana — see why Aries carries that card.