Joie de Vivre: The Dynamic Energy of Aries III
Catherine Gnatek Catherine Gnatek

Joie de Vivre: The Dynamic Energy of Aries III

If you’ve been following along on my 36 Decans series, you know we’ve already explored the first two decans of Aries, and now it’s time to dive into the third and final decan—Aries III. This is where things get really interesting because we see how the energy of Aries evolves and deepens as we move through the sign. In this video, I’ll unpack what makes Aries III unique, including its planetary rulers—Venus and Jupiter—and how their influence creates a dynamic mix of charisma, creativity, and ambition. We’ll also connect this energy to the Four of Wands tarot card, which beautifully captures the themes of celebration, harmony, and building something that lasts.

I’ve included a video transcript below, but it’s not just a word-for-word version—I’ve rewritten and expanded on the content to add extra insights and examples. So, whether you prefer to watch, read, or do both, the transcript offers something additional to explore.

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Aries II, the Alchemy of Leadership
Catherine Gnatek Catherine Gnatek

Aries II, the Alchemy of Leadership

Today’s post explores the energy of Aries II, the second decan of Aries. There are two systems of rulership for decans, and the Sun rules this decan under both systems. We’ll uncover how this decan’s solar qualities of stability, leadership, and inspiration intertwine with Aries’s fiery, cardinal energy to create a dynamic archetype of courageous creativity and growth.

Drawing connections to the Three of Wands in tarot and esoteric numerology, I’ll also explore how the number three’s symbolism of expansion and receptivity deepens our understanding of this decan. For example, while Aries II is often associated with achievement and leadership, reframing it through a lens of abundance reveals its potential for channeling creative energy into something new and meaningful.

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Aries I: Winners vs. Losers or Stepping into Life?!
Catherine Gnatek Catherine Gnatek

Aries I: Winners vs. Losers or Stepping into Life?!

In this blog post (and accompanying video), I’ll cover the energy of Aries I—the first 10 degrees of the zodiac—ruled by Mars in both decan systems. I’ll also explore how different perspectives, like Rachel Pollack’s Shining Tribe Tarot and teachings on nonduality, add depth to our understanding of these archetypes. For example, while many astrologers looking at traditional images of this decan have described it as relating to “domination” and “submission, i.e., notions of “winners” and “losers,” this understanding is one-sided and ego-driven; it misses a more holistic Self-oriented approach to its energy. Pollack’s tarot deck and my experience with esoteric and nondual teachings reveal that this decan is also about a receptive relation to life, the courage to follow spirit into life—to take action in the world that flows out of a sense of your integrated connection with life.

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Unlocking the Secrets of the Zodiac - A Decan Walk Journey
Catherine Gnatek Catherine Gnatek

Unlocking the Secrets of the Zodiac - A Decan Walk Journey

Today marks the beginning of a unique journey—my year-long YouTube video series exploring the 36 decans of the zodiac. Many practitioners explore each 10-degree segment of the zodiac every 10 days throughout the year as a personal practice.

My approach is different. I hope to unlock the deeper meaning of the astrological signs through a multidisciplinary approach, grounding and deepening this process by weaving in Hellenistic and Traditional Astrology, esoteric wisdom (e.g. alchemy, IChing), Carl Jung's work, Rachel Pollack’s Shining Tribe tarot deck, and more.

Check out my YouTube video and abridged/revised transcript below to better understand the Decan Walk process. I’ve added and subtracted from the original transcript to make it more like a blog post for folks who prefer written content. If you want to join me on this journey, sign up for my Mailing List (link below) and/or subscribe to the video series on my YouTube channel.

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