Welcome to Stepping Aside…Where Magick Begins

©2025-2026 Jan Erickson 

The Week Ahead: Astrology, Runes, & Energetic Insights for 19-25 April 2026

The Week Ahead is a compendium of information that includes a weekly forecast, current astrological information, correspondences, and recommendations for working magick, as well as weekday rune and tarot readings that help you navigate the coming week. Love and Blessings to all!

Quick Reference

Garden Planting by Moon phase

• 4/19-22: Plant lettuce, spinach, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and grain crops
• 4/23-25: Plant corn, beans, tomatoes, peas, peppers, squash, and melons

Retrograde Planets: none

Sun Sign: Aries (exalted); Taurus 4/19 at 6:39p

Moon Sign/VOC/Phases

• 4/19/2025 – Sunday – Taurus (exalted) until Gemini at 9:17a; Void of Course – 8:44a-9:17a; Phase: Waxing, New Moon
• 4/20/2025 – Monday – Gemini; Void of Course – Not today; Phase: Waxing, New Moon
• 4/21/2025 – Tuesday – Gemini until Cancer at 10:00a; Void of Course – Until 10:00a; Phase: Waxing, Crescent
• 4/22/2025 – Wednesday – Cancer; Void of Course – Not today; Phase: Waxing, Crescent
• 4/23/2026 – Thursday – Cancer until Leo at 12:40p; Void of Course – 12:27p-12:40p; Phase: Waxing, Crescent; 1st Qtr at 7:32p, 03°Le56
• 4/24/2026 – Friday – Leo; Void of Course – 3:20p-EOD; Phase: Waxing, 1st Qtr
• 4/25/2026 – Saturday – Leo until Virgo at 6:04p; Void of Course – Until 6:04p; Phase: Waxing, 1st Qtr

Additional Planets in Sign

• Mercury – Aries
• Mars – Aries
• Venus – Gemini
• Jupiter – Cancer (exalted)
• Saturn – Aries (fall)

Out of Bounds

• The Moon (4/19-23)
• Black Moon Lilith (4/19)

© Jan Erickson

General Astrological Insights

• At the beginning of the week, you prefer freedom to conformity, and you may resist an authority figure’s attempt to curtail your independence. Although this may be a passing situation, it could also signal that you are ready to pursue new career options. At the end of the week, interactions with a partner or partners may become intense and unpredictable, with respect for boundaries lacking, making it challenging to maintain partnerships. 
• Beginning on Sunday, two stelliums stand out: one involving Venus, the Moon, and Uranus, which suggests the need for unique opportunities for independence in a partnership, while Sunday through Tuesday, Neptune, Saturn, Mars, and Mercury form a stellium that indicates you may be inspired to pursue a new opportunity that past experience and vision help you flesh out.
• A T-square on Thursday involving Mercury/Juno, the Sun, and the Moon suggests an issue between your career goals and personal needs, and the need to resolve things via a clarity-based discussion with your partner.
• Elemental Fire at the beginning and end of the week, along with Elemental Air during the middle of the week, dominate the elemental influences and suggest that the expression of ideas between you and others may occur. A blend of Fixed and Cardinal energies continues to be the strongest this week, with the 7th, 4th, and 1st rays of ceremonial order and magic having the strongest influence during the week. Refer to the correspondences below for additional information.

Daily Readings

Sunday, 19 April 2026

You may experience some counterproductive or chaotic circumstances today. However, instead of becoming frustrated, reach out to a mentor or other individuals whose perspective or experience could help you deal with what seems insurmountable. You may also need to analyze what’s going on in a new way to determine if any of the challenges actually provide a window into a greater understanding of the situation.

For the magickally inclined: The rune, Othala ᛟ, may be used to help gather your energy and focus to a still point where alignment with higher awareness is possible. Determine your intention (involves the situation/issue/goal), and then visualize all information (in a general sense, not necessarily specific information, unless you already know it) surrounding that intention compressed into a single point within the top half of Othala. From there, move that point into the lower half of Othala in the center of the X. When ready, expand all the information outward from the X center point. Note what stands out to see how or if it provides insight into the current situation. 

Influences: Universal numerology/Day: 6/1; Runes: Othala, Fortuna Minor; Tarot: 6 of Cups; Human Design Gate/Line 3.4 Charisma (detriment)

Monday, 20 April 2026

Collaborate with others today to gain outside perspectives and maximize your progress. Bouncing ideas off each other can enhance creativity and clarity. In addition, your keen observations will motivate others, increase accuracy, and help cut through illusions and what doesn’t serve your overall goals.

For the magickally inclined: When in a group setting, placing a series of crystals in the center of a table, for example, can help align energies and bring clarity to a discussion. Crystals include: amethyst, citrine, selenite, clear quartz, dragon stone, or fluorite.

Influences: Universal numerology/Day: 7/2; Runes: Kenaz, Conjunctio; Tarot: Queen of Swords; Human Design Gate/Line: 35.3 Collaboration

Tuesday, 21 April 2026

Expressing a give-and-take attitude preserves respect for others’ opinions. That said, if you’re in a leadership role, you may need to manage or help work through a situation today that unfolds between individuals who aren’t willing to share the same attitude. Before tempers fly, it might be best to bring all involved together to hear each person’s viewpoint. In doing so, the truth of the matter may become clear. And it’s also possible that the difficulty was simply because not everyone listened to each other to begin with. In bringing everyone together, you help everyone define the problem and then look for solutions.

For the magickally inclined: When mediating a situation between people, cast two astrological charts representing 1) the initial conflict, and 2) the mediation. Determine the date, time, and location of each event, and use the first chart to help you understand the cause of the conflict and any other influencing aspects, and the second chart to help you understand the influences that may resolve the conflict. Before beginning the mediation, share what you’ve learned with the individuals involved so that everyone begins on the same page.

Influences: Universal numerology/Day: 8/3 Runes: Jera, Tristitia; Tarot: Queen of Wands; Human Design Gate/Line: 17.6 The bodhisattva

Wednesday, 22 April 2026

You may need to assert yourself today if it becomes clear that someone is trying to interfere with or undermine you in some way. If so, be prepared for the situation to escalate before it is resolved. Truth is on your side, and standing your ground is essential to stay in control. You’ve worked too hard to achieve your goals to allow someone with an agenda to upend your progress and success. 

For the magickally inclined: When preparing for a situation where self-assertion is needed, study and/or meditate on the Ace of Wands. Visualize your self-assertion as the hand holding a club in the card forcefully exploding onto the scene from an unseen realm. The club represents your self-assertion, a creative force that brings fiery energy to the moment, helping you to stand your ground and assert your higher truth.

Influences: Universal numerology/Day: 9/22; Runes: Gebo, Fortuna Major; Tarot: Ace of Wands; Human Design Gate/Line: 21.2 Might is right

Thursday, 23 April 2026

If a confusing or challenging situation involving material security arises, be assured that maintaining your sense of self is essential to resolving any issues you might have. You might need more reliable information to alleviate any concerns you have. Or, you need to be sure that support or advice is there if this is a new opportunity for you. Either way, the confusion may be signaling the need to ask more questions before you make a decision.

For the magickally inclined: Perform a Tarot reading that uses the 3 of Pentacles and the rune, Othala ᛟ as the significators. Place them above the area where you’ll draw three cards, and place them in the center of the table or workspace. The 3 of Pentacles involves practicing one’s craft, progression, and a commercial transaction, while Othala invokes, among other things, prosperity, material security, loyalty, and possessions. Read the three cards from left to right as 1) the issue, 2) what facts you need from the situation or opportunity, and 3) the solution. If you need more information for any of the three cards, draw an additional card or cards for each one. The goal is to discern the truth of the matter and what needs to happen to resolve any of your concerns.

Influences: Universal numerology/Day: 1/5; Runes: Othala, Amissio; Tarot: 3 of Pentacles; Human Design Gate/Line 53.4 Assuredness

Friday, 24 April 2026

If you’re hesitant to engage regarding a problem today, it may be that the individual(s) you’re interacting with are more superficial than you’d like. This may be especially true if the situation needs immediate attention and they seem unwilling to move forward. Although they may be hesitant for their own reasons, gathering more facts to present to them may be your best option, so they can better understand the situation and then collaborate to find a solution.

For the magickally inclined: Invoke the energy of Thurisaz ᚦ before meeting with others who seem reluctant to deal with a problematic situation. Thurisaz expresses energy that deals with forces that oppose you, helps create new beginnings, and controls impulsive behavior. Carry the rune with you, mentally draw it on the palms of your hands, or over your 3rd eye chakra area to help you see a situation clearly and create the space to find resolution.

Influences: Universal numerology/Day: 11/6; Runes: Thurisaz, Amissio; Tarot: 8 of Wands; Human Design Gate/Line: 20.1 Superficiality

Saturday, 25 April 2026

It’s one thing to protect your position, but another to avoid sharing ideas that lead to success. Although you have a strong and reliable intuition, collaboration may help you better attain your goals and could help broaden your perspective should negotiations become necessary.

For the magickally inclined: A reading can be performed that seeks to inform business discussions, collaboration, or negotiations. Using the 3 of Wands as a significator, along with the Elder Futhark rune, Nauthiz ᚾ, to provide information for clearing any obstacles and creating positive results. Place the 3 of Wands in the upper center of the area in which the reading is performed. Place Nauthiz in the center of the card, and then draw three more cards and place them below. Interpret the three newly drawn cards to gain insight into the issue at hand. 

Influences: Universal numerology/Day: 5/9; Runes: Nauthiz, Laetitia; Tarot: 3 of Wands; Human Design Gate/Line 17.5 No human is an island (detriment)

©2025-2026 Jan Erickson

Weekly Correspondences

Below are the corresponding astrological and other energies for working magick for the week. ~  et incipit magia

Sunday, 19 April 2026

Magickal focus: clarity, truth, healing, courage, removing barriers, leadership

• Universal Numerology: 6 – assistance, shared path, empathy, love, guidance/ Day – 1
• The Sun in Aries (exalted); Taurus at 6:39p
• The Moon in Taurus (exalted) until Gemini at 9:17a
• Moon Void of Course: 8:44a-9:17a
• Lunar Phase: Waxing, New Moon
• Planetary governance: The Sun ☉
• Governing Planet Ray – 2nd (love/wisdom): Strongest Ray: 7th
• Favorability: Very good
• Polarity: Masculine
• Elemental Balance: In order of strength: Fire, Air, Earth, Water
• Strongest Sign Mode: Cardinal/Fixed
• Mansion of the Moon: 5th  Almices (Al Haqa) 21°Ta25; fosters return from travel; increases scholarship; reinforces structures; promotes good health and good will; at 4:10p, 6th  Athaya (Al Hana) 4°Ge17; little star of great light; good for hunting, attacking cities, revenge of authority, destroys harvest, prevents doctors from healing 
• Retrograde planets: none
• Planets Out of Bounds: Moon 24°53; BML -23°27

General Correspondences

• Element: Fire
• Color: Gold, yellow
• Direction: South
• Energy: masculine/projective
• Power: To Will
• Deities: Sol, Apollo, Helios, Och (Olympic Spirit)
• Crystal: emerald, topaz, bloodstone, chrysolite
• Resin: mastic, frankincense, copal, saffron, red sandalwood, cinnamon, honey
• Herbs: Angelica, juniper, calendula, hyacinth, rosemary, mint, ivy, pepper, vine, sunflower, cedar, marjoram, bay, vervain, gentian, Dittany, ginger, peony, balm, marigold, heliotrope

Monday, 20 April 2026

Magickal focus:  The Moon governs; feminine magicks, healing, intuition, cycles, reincarnation, astral travel, balance, change

• Universal Numerology: 7 – observation, balance, justice, the scales, magick, spirituality/ Day- 2
• The Sun in Taurus
• The Moon in Gemini
• Moon Void of Course:  Not today
• Lunar Phase: Waxing, New Moon
• Planetary governance: The Moon ☽
• Governing Planet Ray: 4th ray (harmony through conflict); Strongest Ray: 4th
• Favorability: Very good
• Polarity: Masculine
• Elemental Balance: In order of strength: Air, Fire/Earth, Water
• Strongest Sign Mode: Fixed
• Mansion of the Moon: 6th – Athaya (Al Hana) 4°Ge17; little star of great light; good for hunting, attacking cities, revenge of authority, destroys harvest, prevents doctors from healing; at 12:57p, 7th  Aldirah (Al Dhira) 17°Ge8; arm of Gemini; promotes friendship and love, gain, destroys courts 
• Retrograde: none
• Planets Out of Bounds: Moon 27°31

General Correspondences

• Element: Water
• Color: Silver, white
• Direction: West
• Energy: feminine/receptive
• Power: To Dare
• Deities: Diana, Luna, Selene, Artemis, Mani, Phul (Olympic Spirit)
• Crystal: Pearl, moonstone, selenite, beryl, marcasite
• Resin: mastic, frankincense, copal, saffron, red sandalwood, cinnamon, honey
• Herbs: almond, mugwort, moonwort, yellow ranunculus, palm, lily, willow, violet, poppy, fennel, iris

Tuesday, 21 April 2026

Magickal focus: Mars governs; passion, manifestation, creativity, self-assertion, reducing conflict

• Universal Numerology: 8 – Materialistic Approval, Achievement, Striving for Success, leadership, and Acknowledgment; Day-3
• The Sun in Taurus
• The Moon in Gemini until Cancer at 10:00a
• Moon Void of Course: Until 10:00a
• Lunar Phase: Waxing, Crescent
• Planetary governance: Mars ♂
• Governing planet in sign: Mars in Aries
• Governing Planet Ray: 6th ray (devotion and idealism), Strongest Ray: 4th
• Favorability: Neutral
• Polarity: Masculine
• Elemental Balance: In order of strength: Air, Fire/Earth, Water
• Strongest Sign Mode: Fixed
• Mansion of the Moon: 7th – Aldirah (Al Dhira) 17°Ge8; arm of Gemini; promotes friendship and love, gain, destroys courts; at 10:00a, 8th – Annathra (Al Nathra) 1°Cancer; misty/cloudy; promotes love and friendship, particularly with fellow travelers, rids area of mice, reinforces imprisonment  
• Retrograde Planets: none
• Planets Out of Bounds: Moon 28°11

General Correspondences

• Element: Fire
• Color: Red, rust
• Direction: South
• Energy: masculine/projective
• Power: To Will
• Deities: Ares, Mars, Tyr, Phaleg (Olympic Spirit)
• Crystal: Amethyst, bloodstone, lodestone, diamond, jasper
• Resin: Juniper, dragon’s blood, red sandalwood
• Herbs: Absinthe, cayenne, basil, asafoetida, rue, garlic, black pepper, nettle, wormwood, onion, mustard, leeks, ginger, wolfsbane, thorny trees (Hawthorn)

Wednesday, 22 April 2026

Magickal focus: Mercury governs; communication, interactions, balance, justice, revelation

• Universal Numerology: 9 – idealistic, generous, and kind; Altruism, Humanitarianism, Generosity, Sympathy; endings/ Day-22
• The Sun in Taurus
• The Moon in Cancer
• Moon Void of Course: Not today
• Lunar Phase: Waxing, Crescent
• Planetary governance: Mercury ☿
• Governing planet in sign: Mercury in Aries 
• Governing Planet Ray: 4th (harmony through conflict); Strongest Ray: 7th
• Favorability: Very good
• Polarity: Masculine
• Elemental Balance: In order of strength: Air, Fire/Earth, Water
• Strongest Sign Mode: Cardinal/Fixed
• Mansion of the Moon: 8th – Annathra (Al Nathra) 1°Cancer; misty/cloudy; promotes love and friendship, particularly with fellow travelers, rids area of mice, reinforces imprisonment; at 7:24a, 9th – Atarf (Al Tarf) 12° Cn51; eye of lion; hinders trail, causes discord, and harms harvest. 
• Retrograde Planets: none
• Planets Out of Bounds: Moon 26°5426

General Correspondences

• Element: Air
• Color: yellow, purple
• Direction: East
• Energy: masculine/projective
• Power: To Know
• Deities: Hermes, Mercury, Thoth, Odin/Woden, Ophiel (Olympic Spirit)
• Crystal: Agate, emerald, fluorite, topaz, citrine, red marble
• Resin: benzoin, gum arabic,  frankincense
• Herbs: marjoram, horehound, bergamot, cinnamon, lavender, caraway, cloves, licorice, mullein, peppermint, star anise, hyssop

Thursday, 23 April 2026

Magickal focus: Jupiter governs; social justice, healing, abundance, income, growth, achieving goals

• Universal Numerology: 1 –  Uniqueness, Freedom, Talent, Governance, Leadership, and Revolution/Day-5
• The Sun in Taurus
• The Moon in Cancer until Leo at 12:40p
• Moon Void of Course: 12:27p-12:40p
• Lunar Phase: Waxing, Crescent; 1st Qtr at 7:32p, 03°Le56
• Planetary governance: Jupiter ♃
• Governing planet in sign: Jupiter in Cancer (exalted)
• Governing Planet Ray: 2nd Ray (love and wisdom): Strongest Ray: 7th
• Favorability: Very good
• Polarity: Masculine
• Elemental Balance: In order of strength: Air, Fire/Earth, Water
• Strongest Sign Mode: Cardinal/Fixed
• Mansion of the Moon: 10th – Algebha (Al Jabhah) 25°Cn42; neck/forehead of Leo; fosters love and compassion, assists in defeating enemies, and strengthens structures  
• Retrograde Planets: none
• Planets Out of Bounds: Moon 23°55

General Correspondences

• Element: Fire, Water, Air
• Color: Blue
• Direction: South, West, East
• Energy: balanced
• Power: To Will, To Dare, To Know
• Deities: Zeus, Jupiter, Thor, Bethor (Olympic Spirit)
• Crystal: sapphire, jasper, emerald
• Resin: balm of Gilead, ambergris, saffron
• Herbs: basil, agrimony, mints, dandelion, borage, bugloss (alkanet), wood betony, hyssop, henbane, poplar, oak, plum, fig, meadowsweet

Friday, 24 April 2026

Magickal focus: Venus governs; compassion, love, harmony, attracting a partner, partnership issues, female sexuality, fertility, healing, friendship

• Universal Numerology: 11 – Master number, awakening, enlightenment/Day – 6
• The Sun in Taurus
• The Moon in Leo
• Moon Void of Course: 3:20p-EOD
• Lunar Phase: Waxing, 1st Qtr
• Planetary governance: Venus ♀
• Governing planet in sign: Venus in Gemini
• Governing Planet Ray: 5th Ray (concrete knowledge and science): Strongest Ray: 1st
• Favorability: Very bad
• Polarity: Masculine
• Elemental Balance: In order of strength: Fire/Air, Earth, Water
• Strongest Sign Mode: Fixed
• Mansion of the Moon: 11th – Azobra (Al Zubrah) 8°Le34; hair of the lion’s head, increases profits, positive for travel, taking captives  
• Retrograde Planets: none
• Planets Out of Bounds: none

General Correspondences

• Element: Water
• Color: Green, rose
• Direction: West
• Energy: feminine/receptive
• Power: To Dare
• Deities: Venus, Aphrodite, Freyja, Hagith (Olympic Spirit)
• Crystal: Turquoise, lapis lazuli, beryl, rose quartz, coral
• Resin: sandalwood, ambergris, musk, orris root
• Herbs: apple, rose, myrtle, bugloss (alkanet), burdock, feverfew, lilac, marshmallow, vervain, valerian, thyme, coriander, pears, elder, pomegranate, passionflower, raspberry, strawberry, blackberry, vanilla, yarrow, violet, plantain

Saturday, 25 April 2026

Magickal focus: Saturn governs; restriction, bindings, summoning, harvest, purification, protection

• Universal Numerology: 3 – Self-Expression, Entertainment, Optimism, Imagination, and Friendliness; reason, mental acuity, detail-oriented; Day – 7
• The Sun in Taurus
• The Moon in Leo until Virgo at 6:04p
• Moon Void of Course: Until 6:04p
• Lunar Phase: Waxing, 1st Qtr
• Planetary governance: Saturn ♄
• Governing planet in sign: Saturn in Aries (fall)
• Governing Planet Ray: 3rd Ray (active intelligence), Strongest Ray: 1st
• Favorability: Very bad
• Polarity: Masculine
• Elemental Balance: In order of strength: Fire/Air, Earth, Water
• Strongest Sign Mode: Fixed
• Mansion of the Moon: 12th – Alsarfah (Al Sarfah) 21°Le25; tail of Leo; increases harvest, obstructs sailors, promotes care for employees and captives 
• Retrograde Planets: none
• Planets Out of Bounds: none

General Correspondences

• Element: Earth
• Color: Brown, black
• Direction: North
• Energy: feminine/receptive
• Power: To Keep Silence
• Deities: Chronos, Aratron (Olympic Spirit)
• Crystal: Onyx, jet, jade, emerald, sapphire, smoky quartz, marcasite, lodestone, brown jasper
• Resin: alum, sulfur,  benzoin, balm of Gilead, myrrh
• Herbs: asafoetida, cypress, dragonwort, black hellebore, mandrake, opium, garlic, hemlock, ivy, mullein, nightshade, skullcap, St. John’s Wort, Solomon’s seal root, comfrey, boneset, pine

©2025 Jan Erickson

Spellcasting Tips and Recommendations

Timing

• Dawn: healing, new beginnings, study, purification
• Noon: strength, opportunity, success, protection, wealth
• Sunset: letting go, release
• Night: spirituality, aligning with Spirit, healing, dreamwork, visions

Cosmic Rays

• 1st – will/power 
• 2nd – love/wisdom 
• 3rd – active intelligence
• 4th – harmony through conflict
• 5th – concrete science and knowledge
• 6th – devotion/idealism
• 7th – ceremonial magic and order

Polarity

• Feminine: compassion, empathy, and understanding 
• Masculine: motivation, initiation, and expressions of creativity
• Balanced: compassion, empathy, and understanding are balanced with motivation, initiation, and expressions of creativity.

Moon Phases

• Waxing (Magicks of Increase)
  • New (focused on opportunities with a tendency toward impulsiveness; time to look inward and make plans for the future)
  • Crescent (self-assertion is strong and you embrace challenges)
  • 1st Qtr (leadership skills are strong with high expectations of others)
  • Gibbous (seeking knowledge, working toward achieving goals, discovering one’s purpose)
• Waning (Magicks of Decrease)
  • Full (relationships are an important part of your life; a powerfully creative time for goals and projects)
  • Disseminating (motivated to share knowledge and wisdom with others)
  • 3rd Qtr (action from a place of strength with adaptability challenging at times)
  • Balsamic – (your destiny or future factors into life decisions, with leadership a potential role for you to play)

Recommendations

• Candles can be scribed, anointed in ritual oil, and then rolled in crushed herbs for additional effect
• Essential oils can be added to a carrier oil such as grape seed or almond to create a ritual oil
• When using planetary squares or seals, whenever possible, draw them out during the ritual itself
• If summoning anyone or anything to assist in the working, be sure to include the license to depart to thank and release the entity from your service
• Tarot cards and runes may be used to further enhance a working or to provide a focus
• Runes can be drawn in the air above workings for additional impact and to further define your intention

Areas of power

• Crossroads (the dirt can be used, also dirt from footprints)
• Graveyards (crushed mullein can be used in place of graveyard dirt)
• Outside altars/established sacred space
• Doorways, windows
• Boundaries of all kinds
• Sacred spots, especially ancient stone ruins

Times of power – Moon phases, planetary hours, eclipses, storms, equinoxes, solstices, charging water/crystals/mirrors/tools can be performed under a full moon

©2025 Jan Erickson

References

• Erickson, Jan. Herbal Magicka. 2021
• Erickson, Jan. Witch Notes. Kindle. 2019.  
• Erickson, Jan. Shifting Perception. Draft2Digital. 2020.

If you’d like to support my blog, you’re welcome to do so by shopping at A Witch in Store, my Amazon affiliate storefront. Thank you

©2025 Jan Erickson

Special Note: Unapproved Use of My Work

So, once again, another website is posting my work from Stepping Aside. This is upsetting, and although I understand that there are people out there who do this because it’s been done to me before, it’s completely unacceptable. My website has been up since 2012, and I’ve worked incredibly hard to publish work that I believe others might be interested in. I tried to contact the website in question, but the email address doesn’t appear to be valid. So, I’m doing what I can to deal with it. ~ Jan Erickson

©2025 Jan Erickson