← Back to Learn Hub

Astrology · Charubel Degrees

Charubel Degrees

360 clairvoyant visions, one for each degree of the zodiac, channelled by Welsh mystic Charubel in 1898. An alternative symbolic layer for exact degree placements in astrology.

| What Are Charubel Degrees?

Charubel Degrees are a set of 360 symbolic images, one for each degree of the zodiac, channelled through clairvoyant vision by the Welsh astrologer and mystic known as Charubel. Each degree carries a unique image or scene that adds interpretive meaning to the specific degree a planet or point occupies in your chart.

Published in 1898 in his book The Degrees of the Zodiac Symbolised, Charubel's system predates the more widely known Sabian Symbols by nearly 30 years. Where the Sabian Symbols were produced through a structured collaboration between clairvoyant Elsie Wheeler and astrologer Marc Edmund Jones, Charubel worked alone, relying entirely on his own psychic sight to perceive each degree's image.

His descriptions tend to be more concise and sometimes darker or more mystical in tone than the Sabian Symbols. This gives practitioners a distinct and complementary perspective when interpreting degree placements, especially when used alongside other degree symbol systems within Genetic Matrix.

Charubel Degrees are symbolic rather than literal. They work best as reflective prompts interpreted through chart context. Each image is designed to evoke meaning, not to predict specific events.

| Who Was Charubel?

Charubel was the pen name of John Thomas (1826–1908), a Welsh clairvoyant and astrologer who spent much of his life in rural Wales and later in England. He described himself as possessing an inner psychic sight from an early age, a faculty he believed allowed him to perceive symbolic images associated with each of the 360 zodiac degrees.

Unlike many astrologers of his era who relied on calculation and classical texts, Charubel's approach was deeply personal and visionary. He would meditate on each degree in turn, recording the image or scene that appeared to his inner eye. The result was a complete set of degree symbols drawn entirely from his own clairvoyant experience.

His work was published as The Degrees of the Zodiac Symbolised in 1898. While it never achieved the mainstream popularity of the Sabian Symbols that followed decades later, Charubel's system has endured among practitioners who value its directness, its mystical tone, and its independence from any collaborative or structured process.

Charubel worked in an era before modern astrology had standardised degree symbol systems. His contribution represents one of the earliest attempts to assign a unique symbolic image to every single degree of the zodiac.

| Charubel vs Sabian Symbols

Both Charubel Degrees and Sabian Symbols assign a symbolic image to each of the 360 degrees of the zodiac, but they were created independently and carry distinct qualities. Here is how they compare:

Origin

Charubel's symbols were produced through solitary clairvoyant vision and published in 1898. The Sabian Symbols were channelled through a structured collaboration between Elsie Wheeler and Marc Edmund Jones in 1925, nearly 30 years later.

Method

Charubel worked alone, meditating on each degree and recording the image he perceived through inner sight. The Sabian process involved Wheeler entering a trance state while Jones presented blank cards marked only with the degree. A more collaborative and externally structured method.

Tone and Style

Charubel's descriptions tend to be more concise and sometimes carry a darker, more mystical quality. Sabian Symbols are generally more narrative and scenic, often describing human situations, landscapes, or social interactions in greater detail.

Using Both Together

Many practitioners find value in comparing both systems for the same degree. Where the symbols agree, the theme may be especially strong. Where they differ, each system can illuminate a different facet of the degree's meaning, giving you a richer interpretive palette.

Neither system is more "correct" than the other. They are independent symbolic lenses, each valuable on its own and especially useful when compared side by side.

| How Genetic Matrix Uses Charubel Degrees

Genetic Matrix has added Charubel Degrees as a new chart type, available alongside the existing Sabian Symbol chart. This means you can now view both degree symbol systems for every person in your account, giving you two independent symbolic perspectives on the same placements.

  1. 1

    Select the person's name from My People

  2. 2

    Open their Astro Natal Chart

  3. 3

    In the View dropdown, select Charubel

  4. 4

    The full Charubel chart is displayed. Select individual degrees to reveal the symbolic image and description for that degree

Side-by-Side Comparison

With both Charubel and Sabian charts available, you can compare the symbolic images for any degree placement. This is especially useful when a transit or progression activates a key degree. Seeing both symbols together can reveal layers of meaning that one system alone might not capture.

Integrated with Your Chart

Charubel Degrees are automatically generated for every person in your Genetic Matrix account. There is no additional setup required. The chart is ready to view as soon as you select the Charubel option from the View dropdown.

Use Wisely

As with all degree symbol systems, Charubel Degrees work best as reflective prompts, not literal predictions. Let the chart context, the planet involved, and its aspects guide your interpretation of each symbol.

Each Charubel degree reveals a dedicated symbolic image and description, combining visual and written interpretation directly within the Genetic Matrix platform, just like the Sabian Symbol chart.

| Frequently Asked Questions

What are Charubel Degrees?
Charubel Degrees are a set of 360 symbolic images, one for each degree of the zodiac, channelled through clairvoyant vision by Welsh astrologer Charubel (John Thomas) and published in 1898. They provide an alternative interpretive layer for exact degree placements in astrology.
How are Charubel Degrees different from Sabian Symbols?
Both systems assign a symbolic image to each of the 360 zodiac degrees, but they were created independently. Charubel's symbols were channelled through solitary clairvoyant vision and published in 1898, while Sabian Symbols were produced through a collaboration between Elsie Wheeler and Marc Edmund Jones in 1925. Charubel's descriptions tend to be more concise and sometimes carry a darker, more mystical tone.
Who was Charubel?
Charubel was the pen name of John Thomas (1826–1908), a Welsh clairvoyant and astrologer. He described himself as possessing an inner psychic sight that allowed him to perceive symbolic images for each zodiac degree. His work was published as The Degrees of the Zodiac Symbolised in 1898.
Does Genetic Matrix support Charubel Degrees?
Yes. Genetic Matrix has added Charubel Degrees as a chart type alongside the existing Sabian Symbol chart. The Charubel chart displays the symbolic image and description for each degree placement, integrated directly into your astrology readings.
Can I use both Charubel Degrees and Sabian Symbols together?
Yes. Genetic Matrix supports both systems as separate chart views. Many practitioners find value in comparing the two. Where they agree, the theme may be especially strong, and where they differ, each system can illuminate a different facet of the degree's meaning.
Are Charubel Degrees meant to be taken literally?
No. Like Sabian Symbols, Charubel Degrees are symbolic and interpretive. They work best as themes and prompts that add depth to chart analysis, not as fixed predictions or literal descriptions. Let the chart context guide what each symbol means for you.

| Other Learn Topics

Explore Your Charubel Degrees

Discover the clairvoyant visions for every degree placement in your chart, with full visual presentation and descriptions in Genetic Matrix.

Get Pro →