Capricorn 10°-20° — the Nine of Pentacles
The second decan of Capricorn runs Dec 31 - Jan 9, is ruled by Mars under the Chaldean order, and carries the Nine of Pentacles — titled Lord of Material Gain by the Golden Dawn.
Nine of Pentacles
Lord of Material Gain
Upright: Abundance, luxury, self-sufficiency, financial security
Reversed: Self-worth, over-investment in work, hustling, financial setbacks
Full Nine of Pentacles meaning →Mars in Capricorn
Mars in Capricorn is traditionally the planet's most effective placement - force with structure - and the Three of Pentacles, Lord of Material Works, is its natural card: a craftsman in a cathedral consulted by a monk and an architect. Everyone in the image has a distinct role. Mars supplies the execution, Capricorn the plan, and the decan reads for collaborative work where the collaboration is actually functioning. It is one of the few cards in the deck about competence being recognised while the job is still in progress.
Using this decan for timing
In timing this decan marks a project mid-build with a real schedule. The Three of Pentacles answering 'when' points at a defined phase with other people's dates attached to it - one of the more literal timing cards in the suit.
Where it sits in Capricorn
Capricorn spans thirty degrees and divides into three decans, each with its own ruler and its own card from the Suit of Pentacles. This one is the middle ten degrees.
| Decan | Dates | Ruler | Card | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0°-10° | Dec 22 - Dec 30 | Jupiter | Eight of Pentacles | Lord of Prudence |
| 10°-20° | Dec 31 - Jan 9 | Mars | Nine of Pentacles | Lord of Material Gain |
| 20°-30° | Jan 10 - Jan 19 | Sun | Ten of Pentacles | Lord of Wealth |
The sign as a whole is attributed to The Devil in the Major Arcana — see why Capricorn carries that card.