Being Born at a Critical Degree

The exact date and time the Sun exits one sign of the zodiac and enters the next zodiacal sign wiggles a bit from year to year. For example, I know a young woman born on July 22 who thought she was a Cancer Sun sign because “the dates” for Cancer are listed as June 21 through July 22. However, she was born on July 22^nd at 8:25pm, a few hours after the Sun entered the sign of Leo.

A man born on November 23 claimed Sagittarius as his Sun sign. However, he was born in the early hours of the morning, before the Sun entered Sagittarius giving him a Scorpio Sun sign.

I know two people, both born April 20, one is an Aries and one is a Taurus.

If you are born around the time the Sun is changing signs, you want to do a bit of homework to determine your actual Sun sign. There are many free online chart calculators. Check at least two of them to verify that the results match. Or better yet, contact me!

Forget anything you may have heard about being born “on the cusp”. The signs of the zodiac do not have cusps, only the houses (the twelve segments of astrological chart) have cusps. Being born on July 22 does not make you part Cancer, part Leo. If you are born when the Sun is in Leo you are a Leo Sun sign no matter how close you were to being born a Cancer.

I hope that explanation may have cleared up any common misconceptions about being born at the beginning or end of a sign. However, there is something quite special about being born during the first or last 24 hours of a any Sun sign. In Astrology, the zodiac is a 360 degree circle. Each of the twelve zodiacal signs covers 30 degrees. If you are born during the first 24 hours after the Sun changes sign your Sun is at 0 degrees and if you are born during the last 24 hours of that sign your Sun is at 29 degrees. These are known as the Critical Degrees. Having any planet in your natal chart in a critical degree dials up the intensity of sign in which it is placed.

When the Sun, or any planet is at 0 degrees, its expression is pure and is associated with new beginnings, potential and learning a new lessons. There is a young, fresh and enthusiastic quality to those born at the 0 degree.

In contrast, the 29^th degree represents mastery that is meant to be passed along to others. It is called the Anaretic degree and indicates maturity. The individual is ready to complete a lesson; confronting issues associated with the sign in order resolve unfinished business. They often experience much change in their lives.

Let’s look at some examples.

Sun at 0 degrees Virgo

Virgo wants to become skilled at something that is useful to others. I have found that the 0 degree of Virgo, while still analytical and detail oriented, is less likely to allow worry over perfection to derail their efforts. A sense of humor is usually present. They are well prepared and organized, and have much success in achieving their goals. Think steady and dependable rather than flashy.

Sun at 29 degrees Libra

These people are meant to achieve mastery over relationship. They have figured out the delicate balance of give and take. They are learning to value themselves as much as they value the relationship and may be tested on this lesson. Perhaps an early partnership with someone who is selfish or someone who wants to sweep issues under the rug. The 29 degree Libra is meant to confront issues to achieve real intimacy and not to over sacrifice for the sake of the relationship.

Mercury at 0 degrees Gemini

This is an extremely youthful placement. Curiosity is turned up to max volume. So are enthusiasm and the ability to be open minded. These individuals have quick minds and absorb information at the speed of light. Their minds can be overactive and it’s important for them to channel their nervous energy into physical activity to help them relax.

Mercury at 29 degrees Capricorn

Passing along accumulated expertise and wisdom is the path for this placement. It evokes an image of a much learned professor, imparting a lifetime of knowledge to his/her students. The path is not smooth, but obstacles are met and overcome with perseverance and grit that is impressive.

Venus at 0 degrees Pisces

These people have much empathy and compassion and it springs forth naturally. People are drawn to them; it’s like they can see into your soul, but not in a way that feels intrusive or threatening. They have a comforting quality born of sensitivity. Their appearance can be soft, even beautiful. Often, they find music soothing and enjoy peaceful surroundings, with plants and flowers around them.

Venus at 29 degrees Aquarius

Venus in Aquarius needs freedom in relationship. If their partner attempts to change them, tell them what to do or (heaven forbid!) is clingy, Venus in Aquarius runs like the wind. Life with them can be exciting and your personal freedom and individuality will be respected. At 29 degrees it’s go time! Your person is someone who accepts you, flaws and all. Your relationship may be unconventional in some way. In order to succeed you must release partnerships that are confining and make a real effort to be open and vulnerable.

Mars at 0 degrees Aries

This is a very potent placement for two reasons. Mars rules Aries and 0 degrees of Aries is the very first degree of the zodiac. Mars takes off running with passion and drive that is unsurpassed. Anger control is likely to cause conflict and navigating these stormy waters is a new lesson, like a child learning to play nicely in the sandbox.  However, like a child, plunging unafraid into life is exhilarating.

Mars at 29 degrees Scorpio

Mars is also the traditional ruler of Scorpio. (Pluto is the modern ruler) Mars in Scorpio is more strategic, willing to take calculated risks. At 29 degrees of Scorpio, this placement is an invitation to confront and conquer that which is feared. The individual has to dig deep and confront some uncomfortable truths in order to do so. Honesty is key to success and these people can make excellent therapists.

Please let me know if you or anyone you know has these placements and if the descriptions fit. If you are curious about your own natal placements, I can help. Consider a brief 30 minute chart reading to explore your inner planets. Use promo code ASKME26. Of course, a full natal chart reading is always available.