Rising Decan Physiognomy Model - Evidence from 432 Timed Horoscopes
12 signs x 3 decans x 12 rulers = 432 examples
Published August 21, 2024. Long read: 2-3 hours.
This study presents the strongest statistical case to date for a specific method of astrological physiognomy—namely, that the sign placement of the ruler of the rising decan is the most reliable predictor of the shape of the face, outperforming traditional indicators such as the rising sign, planets in the Ascendant, or planetary aspects. Using a dataset of 432 timed horoscopes, the study tests six candidate significators and finds that the rising decan ruler’s sign correctly corresponds to facial features in 92% of cases, far exceeding all others.
The paper builds on earlier historical research into astrological physiognomy, extending it with modern empirical testing. A companion paper (2024) traced the literary history of physiognomy across Greek, Arabic, and Latin traditions. This new study shifts from theory to practice, offering both a prescriptive model and a quantitative test. With special attention to birth time precision, the author selected charts from Astrodatabank that fall near the center of each decan to avoid boundary errors and maximize accuracy. Cases are judged qualitatively, drawing from twenty years of experience and codified visual traits associated with each zodiac sign.
The results are unambiguous: the sign placement of the rising decan ruler consistently corresponds to facial features more accurately than the rising sign (28%) or planets in the Ascendant sign (18%). The paper includes detailed delineations, a diagnostic flowchart for practitioners, and photographic examples illustrating how these physiognomy rules apply in practice. This is particularly important for rectification, as knowing the decan—not just the sign—can dramatically narrow down the possible Ascendant degree range.
By reviving a long-neglected method of sign-based appearance analysis and testing it across all twelve signs and thirty-six decans, this paper lays the groundwork for a modern, falsifiable, and high-yield system of visual astrology. It represents a significant methodological advance for astrologers interested in face reading, decan-based delineation, or chart rectification through observable traits.