DISCLAIMER: While I’ve really sat with this for a year and done my utmost research before finally posting this, it is NOT a complete guide and I am not an expert. I just simply love learning and teaching, and want to share the things that I’m finding! In my own readings/theories/interpretations, I only use the whole sign system and I do not believe in cusps.
What is the degree theory?
The degree theory views the zodiac wheel similar to math - because it is comprised in the form of a circle, it must be 360 degrees. Then when we factor in that there are twelve zodiac signs, so we divide 360 by 12 which results in 30. This is how we get to those little degrees you see next to your zodiac sign when you put your info into a natal chart calculator.
The name commonly associated with the degree theory is Nikola Stojanovic. He is known for inventing it as well as giving the interpretation upon the 22nd degree, which we’ll talk about later.
What are the Aries degrees?
To take the degree theory a step further, there are certain degrees that give an underlying energy of that sign. For example, a Cancer sun at 1 degree, is someone who was born a Cancer but their personality reminds you a little bit of an Aries. They may be extra fiery, extra bold, and a little more outgoing than your average Cancer sun!
Each zodiac sign has three degrees attributed to them that feel a little more their speed, or would give them more influence on your planets. For Aries, these degrees are 1, 13, and 25.
The aforementioned degrees are often summarized as denoting abuse, struggles, leadership, battle, beginning, struggling, sports/athletes, the police, the color red, taking action as well as control over your life, and the theme of bravery.
However, they are also known for: flames, matchsticks, lighters, fire, firemen, fireplaces, torches, blood, the act of bleeding, the head, the nose, nails, knives, needles, the act of cutting something, machines, tools, engineers, mechanical engineering, soldier, armies, uniforms, weapons, rifles, pistols, bullets, military barracks, shooting ranges, factories, workshops, factory owners, production, construction workers, masons, the act of demolishing, building contractors, someone who hates monotony, and to be at an angle.
What do the Aries degrees symbolize?
There are several interpretations that I’ve done research on, so I’ll share the perspective from each researcher.
Someone destined to have few friends, to be self reliant, self confident, and always willing to assert their opinions and show off their strengths.
Published by Sepharial who claims it’s a translation of La Volasfera By Antonio Borelli/Bonelli
Someone who can stand the hardest of tests, not because of faith or any spiritual determination, but more so spite and because they have a goal in mind they must reach by any means necessary. They can also be competitive, which breeds envy in those around them if they feel inadequate.
From The 360 Degrees of the Zodiac by Adriano Carelli, 2004
Someone with great hyper focus and talent in math and science but can deter themself in their studies due to a temper.
Rules mathematics, science, and the mid brain mescencephalon. This is also the degree of a surgeon. Someone who can have a high religious position, be an organizer, and cause self destruction through means of brute force, sickness, disgrace, misfortune, and compulsive change.
From Degrees of the Zodiac by Donna Walter Henson
This is the degree of someone who is rash in their decision making, and often involves themselves in situations that many don’t agree with.
From Zodiacal Symbology and its Planetary Power by Isidore Kozminsky
There is a desire to be the first in everything and a sense of competitiveness. This person is also drawn towards art.
From Degrees of the Zodiac by Esther V. Leinbach, 1973
This interpretation echoes the talent in science and mathematics as well as someone who can tend to be rash in their decision making. There is a chance of having a nervous breakdown due to working oneself too much.
From Fixed Stars and Degrees of the Zodiac analyzed by Ec Mathews, 1968
Grouchy, unsocial, and envious with great capability of carving out their own career. This person grows through life’s experiences instead of the advice of others.
From Zodiac Degrees by Lind Weber
This is someone who can be a good organizer once self control is gained.
From The Degrees of the Zodiac Analyzed by Ada Muir, 1967
Isolation is the key word here. This is someone destined to live a life with few friends, people unwilling or unable to help them, a life with a lot of traveling, and feelings of being an outcast. There is possibility to be exiled within this lifetime.
Published by Sepharial who claims it’s a translation of La Volasfera By Antonio Borelli/Bonelli
Someone considered above or below average depending other aspects.
From The 360 Degrees of the Zodiac by Adriano Carelli, 2004
Someone destined to rule or command. Whatever is considered the southeast of your birthplace is where you’re meant to find success in a worldly sense.
A degree known for bakers, dietetics, and physicians. Can compete in games or sports, especially tennis. They value their independence, easily see through liars, and rarely make mistakes in their judgment of others.
From Degrees of the Zodiac by Donna Walter Henson
This is someone who strives to lead through the act of teaching but can be become too consumed in the idea of making a mistake or being disliked.
From Zodiacal Symbology and its Planetary Power by Isidore Kozminsky
Despite being destined to go through tough trials, this is someone who is patient when staring in the face of adversity. They trust in a great purpose and an even greater payoff.
From Degrees of the Zodiac by Esther V. Leinbach, 1973
This interpretation echoes being the chart of bakers and athletes. This interpretation sees this as a karmic degree.
From Fixed Stars and Degrees of the Zodiac analyzed by Ec Mathews, 1968
Double the trouble and challenges, someone who is also often disliked and overweight. (It literally says this!)
From Zodiac Degrees by Lind Weber
This is someone who, when they have an idea or theory, expects others to follow. If it’s found in bad faith, betrayal can follow.
From The Degrees of the Zodiac Analyzed by Ada Muir, 1967
Someone who is meant to do great things, of which can be helped or hurt, by those around him. Choose your company wisely. Attainment is the key word.
Published by Sepharial who claims it’s a translation of La Volasfera By Antonio Borelli/Bonelli
Someone very ambitious and driven. A spiritual/artistic/scientific talent that only feeds off of others, it can seldom be nurtured alone. Depending on the aspects, support is guaranteed in any path this person follows.
From The 360 Degrees of the Zodiac by Adriano Carelli, 2004
Unless this person is born rich, they are meant to be a nomadic beggar.
A degree often found in charts of spiritualists or Christian scientists. Also known for travel, literature, the skull, exploration, and discovery.
From Degrees of the Zodiac by Donna Walter Henson
The degree of someone who not only struggles greatly but falls prey to enemies who harass and worry them. After a great fight, they may have to hand over something to someone stronger than them. The key word here is dependence.
From Zodiacal Symbology and its Planetary Power by Isidore Kozminsky
This person struggles to admit they’re wrong, and holds steadfast to their pride. They also have a desire to be at the top of whatever they want, which can be further driven with positive goals. As long as there is an awareness of their own greater good, it’ll be easier to achieve.
From Degrees of the Zodiac by Esther V. Leinbach, 1973
This interpretation echoes the finding of this degree in charts of spiritualists or Christian scientists.
From Fixed Stars and Degrees of the Zodiac analyzed by Ec Mathews, 1968
Marked for success in life, religious or spiritual, often recognized and admired, and typically grows and accumulates due to their vocation and who they’re married to.
From Zodiac Degrees by Lind Weber
Someone who is creatively intelligent but lacking in a material sense.
From The Degrees of the Zodiac Analyzed by Ada Muir, 1967
I hope this has been helpful! Check your charts to see if you have any aries degrees and let me know what you think. I’m considering making a part two and three showing how the Aries degrees can show up in each house, and maybe even how you can use the degree theory to develop on your astrocartography chart. If you’d like that kind of content, let me know!
Lastly, if you’d like to book me for any readings (astrology, tarot, bone readings, etc), DM me! Take care of yourselves <3