Welcome to Stepping Aside…Where Magick Begins

©2025-2026 Jan Erickson 

The Week Ahead: Astrology, Runes, & Energetic Insights 2-8 August 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

• 7/29-8/6 – Full Moon to 3rd Qtr – with the light decreasing, energy is focused on planting/tending to bulbs, root crops, and perennials
• 8/6-8/8 – 3rd Qtr to New Moon – with the light continuing to decrease until the dark phase of the Moon, energy is focused on pruning, harvesting, managing the compost pile, weeding, and pest control

Retrograde Planets: Pluto, Juno, Neptune, Saturn, Chiron (8/4) 

Sun Sign: Leo (dignity)

Moon Sign/VOC/Phases

• 8/2/2025 – Sunday: Pisces until Aries at 1:36p; Void of Course: 5:32a-1:36p Phase: Waning, Disseminating
• 8/3/2025 – Monday: Aries; Void of Course: Not today; Phase: Waning, Disseminating
• 8/4/2025 – Tuesday: Aries until Taurus at 7:35p; Void of Course: 11:51a-7:35p; Phase: Waning, Disseminating
• 8/5/2025 – Wednesday: Taurus; Void of Course: Not today; Phase: Waning, Disseminating
• 8/6/2026 – Thursday: Taurus until Gemini at 11:07p; Void of Course: 4:24p-11:07p; Phase: Waning, 3rd Qtr at 7:22p, 13°Ta40
• 8/7/2026 – Friday: Gemini; Void of Course: Not today; Phase: Waning, 3rd Qtr
• 8/8/2026 – Saturday: Gemini; Void of Course: 10:26p-EOD; Phase: Waning, 3rd Qtrg, Full

Additional Planets in Sign

• Mercury – Cancer
• Mars – Gemini
• Venus – Virgo (fall); Libra (dignity) on 8/6 at 12:13p
• Jupiter – Leo
• Saturn – Aries (fall))

Out of Bounds

• The Moon (8/7-8)
• Mars (8/3-8)
• BML (all week)

© 2025-2026 Jan Erickson

General Astrological Insights

Boundaries and expectations at the beginning of the week may interfere with both giving and receiving support. Remember to nurture yourself during this period. In doing so, it will help you nurture and support others. During the rest of the week, if you’re experiencing issues with finances, avoid resorting to impulsive decisions.

You may find that conveying solutions to others may become challenging at the beginning of the week, and you may not feel as flexible as you should. You could be caught between wanting to express yourself in a more reserved way and speaking truth to power. In any event, self-restraint will likely be your best option. On a more positive note, your focus is sharp, and this may also be a time when you can pursue a new career that provides emotional fulfillment.

Moon Influence

The Moon’s influence on Sunday suggests you may need to reexamine the boundaries you set with others so that your relationships are more realistic. As the week continues, you’re independent-minded and drawn to synchronicities and the messages they offer. During the latter part of the week, you may pursue study or travel that involves spirituality, philosophy, or experiencing other cultures.

Daily Readings

Sunday, 2 August 2026

You may be involved in a situation or project that doesn’t quite align with your values and principles, and stepping back may be necessary until such time as you can find a way forward. While you want to collaborate with others, you may need to explore other options. However, don’t make any decisions until you have more information. There may be someone who comes into your life who understands your point of view and is willing to assist.

For the magickally inclined: Staying true to your values can be challenging at times. However, your strength of character matters, and if you’re in a situation where something feels off or wrong, it likely is. A meditation or journeying exercise can be helpful to keep your focus centered on staying true to yourself. Design the exercise in a way that helps you stay on the path, and then sit in a quiet area where you won’t be disturbed. Use visualization to help with the process.

Influences: Universal numerology/Day: 11/2; Runes: Dagaz, Puella; Tarot: Knight of Cups; Human Design Gate/Line 33.3 Spirit

Monday, 3 August 2026

Don’t allow self-doubt to lead to inaction or interfere with the ability to lead or move forward. Stay as optimistic as possible to bring whatever it is you’re working on to its completion. You could be missing something important that brings not only clarity, but also emotional security.

For the magickally inclined: The rune Berkano ᛒ can be chanted softly to bring calm and positivity when embarking upon something new that feels challenging. Vocalizing the runes seems to have a positive impact on concerns and emotional stability.

Influences: Universal numerology/Day: 3/3; Runes: Berkano, Laetitia; Tarot: Ace of Cups; Human Design Gate/Line: 21.1 Warning (detriment)

Tuesday, 4 August 2026

A problem may resolve today due to your leadership and experience. You balance practicality and patience with wisdom and a clever approach. Those around you can rely on you for inspiration, so if future problems arise, they may be ready to tackle them in wise and realistic ways.

For the magickally inclined: The numerology of four involves grounding, foundations, practicality, reliability, patience, and structure. When dealing with problems, embracing the energy of the number four can help you view the situation more realistically. Implementing a decision on a day with four as its numerology can provide additional support.

Influences: Universal numerology/Day: 4/4; Runes: Gebo, Fortuna Major; Tarot: Knight of Pentacles; Human Design Gate/Line: 12.4 The Prophet 

Wednesday, 5 August 2026

Sometimes you have to step away from the chaos and find your inner harmony. Today may be that day. Although things may be difficult and chaotic, they may also give way for something new and better to happen. Give yourself time to calm your thoughts and regain your balance. Doing so may also give you a new perspective, after which you may be better able to observe and analyze the situation.

For the magickally inclined: Hagalaz, one of the Norn runes from the Elder Futhark, describes destruction within boundaries. Its keyword is hail, which suggests something that can destroy or harm without leaving any trace once it melts. A chaotic situation, such as an argument, can be experienced the same way. After the argument is over, it may ultimately clear the air, and a new beginning may be possible if everyone has the opportunity to state their concerns. Although Hagalaz can mean protection and can be used in trancework, its basic message can help you move through difficulties with resolution as the final goal.

Influences: Universal numerology/Day: 5/5; Runes: Hagalaz, Fortuna Major; Tarot: King of Swords; Human Design Gate/Line: 62.4 Asceticism

Thursday, 6 August 2026

You may need assistance today from someone with more experience to protect the progress you’ve made thus far. This may be someone whose views are opposite from your own; however, don’t let that stop you from listening to his or her advice. In doing so, you might experience a new level of support and emotional satisfaction.

For the magickally inclined: When you become frustrated by challenges, enter a meditative or trance state while visualizing Eihwaz ᛇ, the rune from the Elder Futhark that can be used in trance workings to draw down higher awareness into your physical reality. Visualize that higher energy of your soul entering your awareness, enhancing your vision in the context of whatever challenges you are facing. 

Influences: Universal numerology/Day: 6/6; Runes: Eihwaz, Fortuna Minor; Tarot: 9 of Cups; Human Design Gate/Line: 33.1 Avoidance

Friday, 7 August 2026

You project a pragmatic approach when achieving your goals today. You stand your ground when it’s important, and inspire others to do the same. You’re willing to adapt to new circumstances today or shift your perspective when someone else offers a better idea or solution. And, you foster harmony and balance when collaborating with others.

For the magickally inclined: Both a seven numerology and the 7 of Wands from the Rider-Waite Tarot incorporate observation, balance, and justice. Seven describes the need to observe and let a situation settle before responding. With the 7 of Wands, the man is standing on a small hill or overlook with his staff in his hand in a defensive posture while he looks down on six other staffs pointing up at him. He surveys the situation below him to determine his next move. Taking that time (whenever possible) can be a valuable tool when assessing a situation. Studying both the card and the seven numerology helps you do that.

Influences: Universal numerology/Day: 7/7; Runes: Hagalaz, Acquisitio; Tarot: 7 of Wands; Human Design Gate/Line: 46.3 Projection

Saturday, 8 August 2026

You want approval from someone today, possibly an employer; however, you may not be as effective a leader as is needed. Perhaps you have been focused on the goal at the expense of the process itself. You may be stuck in one set of perceptions that keeps you from considering other options, or the overall picture. To move past this, you may need to acknowledge any mistakes and go back to the drawing board.

For the magickally inclined: Perform a reading with the 3 of Pentacles as significator. Place the rune Raidho ᚱ in the center of the card and then draw three more cards to place below the significator and rune. The 3 of Pentacles indicates a potential commercial transaction along with practicing one’s craft, while Raidho indicates a soul journey, harmonious/integrated movement, process over goal, rhythm, and partnership. Together they indicate a different methodology may be necessary for success. The three additional cards may give you insight into how to make that happen.

Influences: Universal numerology/Day: 8/8; Runes: Raidho, Via; Tarot: 3 of Pentacles; Human Design Gate/Line 21.6 Chaos 

©2025-2026 Jan Erickson

Weekly Correspondences

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

Sunday, 26 July 2026

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

• Universal Numerology: 11 – Master number, awakening, enlightenment/Day-2 Collaboration, Closeness, Kindness, Harmony, and Assistance, balance, decisions
• The Sun in Leo (dignity)
• The Moon in Pisces until Aries at 1:36p
• Moon Void of Course: 5:32a-1:36p
• Lunar Phase: Waning, Disseminating
• Planetary governance: The Sun ☉
• Governing Planet Ray – 2nd (love/wisdom): Strongest Ray: 2nd
• Favorability: Excellent
• Polarity: Feminine
• Elemental Balance: In order of strength: Earth, Fire, Water, Air
• Strongest Sign Mode: Mutable
• Mansion of the Moon: 28th – Arrexhe (Batn al-Hut) 17°Pi8; Pisces; increases harvest, protects travelers on a dangerous journey, increases joy between married couples, reinforces prisons and loss of possessions; at 1:36p, 1st – Alnath (Al Sharatain) 0°Aries; Horns of Aries; causes conflict and promotes travel 
• Retrograde planets: Saturn, Pluto, Juno, Neptune 
• Planets Out of Bounds: BML -26°53

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, 3 August 2026

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

• Universal Numerology/Day (same): 3 – Self-Expression, Entertainment, Optimism, Imagination, and Friendliness; reason, mental acuity, detail-oriented;
• The Sun in Leo (dignity)
• The Moon in Aries
• Moon Void of Course: Not today
• Lunar Phase: Waning, Disseminating
• Planetary governance: The Moon ☽
• Governing Planet Ray: 4th ray (harmony through conflict); Strongest Ray: 1st
• Favorability: Excellent
• Polarity: Masculine
• Elemental Balance: In order of strength: Fire, Earth, Air, Water
• Strongest Sign Mode: Fixed/Mutable
• Mansion of the Moon: 1st – Alnath (Al Sharatain) 0°Aries; Horns of Aries; causes conflict and promotes travel l at 1:02p, 2nd – Albochan (Al Butain) 12°Ar51; Belly of Aries; finds treasures and retains prisoners  
• Retrograde: Saturn, Pluto, Juno, Neptune 
• Planets Out of Bounds: Mars +23°27; BML -26°07

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, 4 August 2026

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

• Universal Numerology/Day (same): 4 – grounding, foundation, practicality, reliability, patience, structure
• The Sun in Leo (dignity)
• The Moon in Aries until Taurus at 7:35p
• Moon Void of Course: 11:51a-7:35p
• Lunar Phase: Waning, Disseminating
• Planetary governance: Mars ♂
• Governing planet in sign: Mars – Gemini
• Governing Planet Ray: 6th ray (devotion and idealism), Strongest Ray: 1st
• Favorability: Excellent
• Polarity: Masculine
• Elemental Balance: In order of strength: Fire, Earth, Air, Water
• Strongest Sign Mode: Fixed/Mutable
• Mansion of the Moon: 2nd – Albochan (Al Butain) 12°Ar51; Belly of Aries; finds treasures and retains prisoners; at 12:01p, 3rd – Azoraya (Al Thurayya) – 25°Ar42’; Showering, Pleiades, profitable for hunters, sailors, and alchemists 
• Retrograde Planets: Saturn, Pluto, Juno, Neptune, Chiron
• Planets Out of Bounds: Mars +23°30; BML -25°23

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, 5 August 2026

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

• Universal Numerology/Day (same): 5 – protection, pentagram, travel, innovation, freedom versus restriction
• The Sun in Leo (dignity)
• The Moon in Taurus
• Moon Void of Course: Not today
• Lunar Phase: Waning, Disseminating
• Planetary governance: Mercury ☿
• Governing planet in sign: Mercury in Cancer
• Governing Planet Ray: 4th (harmony through conflict); Strongest Ray: 2nd/5th
• Favorability: Neutral
• Polarity: Feminine
• Elemental Balance: In order of strength: Earth, Fire, Air, Water
• Strongest Sign Mode: Fixed
• Mansion of the Moon: 3rd – Azoraya (Al Thurayya) – 25°Ar42’; Showering, Pleiades, profitable for hunters, sailors, and alchemists; at 10:32a, 4th – Aldebaran (Al Dabaran) 8°Ta34; eye/head of Taurus; destroys buildings, water sources, gold mines, prevents winged insects from escaping, fosters conflict 
• Retrograde Planets: Saturn, Pluto, Juno, Neptune, Chiron
• Planets Out of Bounds: Mars +23°32; BML -24°54

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, 6 August 2026

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

• Universal Numerology/Day (same): 6 – assistance, shared path, empathy, love, guidance
• The Sun in Leo (dignity)
• The Moon in Taurus until Gemini at 11:07p
• Moon Void of Course: 4:24p-11:07p
• Lunar Phase: Waning, 3rd Qtr at 7:22p, 13°Ta40
• Planetary governance: Jupiter ♃
• Governing planet in sign: Jupiter – Leo 
• Governing Planet Ray: 2nd Ray (love and wisdom): Strongest Ray: 2nd/5th
• Favorability: Neutral
• Polarity: Feminine
• Elemental Balance: In order of strength: Earth, Fire, Air, Water
• Strongest Sign Mode: Fixed
• Mansion of the Moon: 4th – Aldebaran (Al Dabaran) 8°Ta34; eye/head of Taurus; destroys buildings, water sources, gold mines, prevents winged insects from escaping, fosters conflict, at 8:37a, 5th  Almices (Al Haqa) 21°Ta25; fosters return from travel; increases scholarship; reinforces structures; promotes good health and goodwill 
• Retrograde Planets: Saturn, Pluto, Juno, Neptune, Chiron
• Planets Out of Bounds: Mars +23°34; BML -24°46

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, 7 August 2026

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

• Universal Numerology/Day (same): 7 – observation, balance, justice, the scales, magick, spirituality
• The Sun in Leo (dignity)
• The Moon in Gemini
• Moon Void of Course: Not today
• Lunar Phase: Waning, 3rd Qtr
• Planetary governance: Venus ♀
• Governing planet in sign: Venus in Virgo (fall); Libra (dignity) (8/6 at 12:13p) 
• Governing Planet Ray: 5th Ray (concrete knowledge and science): Strongest Ray: 2nd
• Favorability: Excellent
• Polarity: Masculine
• Elemental Balance: In order of strength: Air, Fire, Earth, Water
• Strongest Sign Mode: Mutable
• Mansion of the Moon: 5th  Almices (Al Haqa) 21°Ta25; fosters return from travel; increases scholarship; reinforces structures; promotes good health and goodwill; at 6:18a, 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: Saturn, Pluto, Juno, Neptune, Chiron
• Planets Out of Bounds: Moon +26°20; Mars +23°35; BML -24°57

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, 8 August 2026

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

• Universal Numerology/Day (same): 8 – Materialistic Approval, Achievement, Striving for Success, leadership, and Acknowledgment
• The Sun in Leo (dignity)
• The Moon in Gemini
• Moon Void of Course: 10:26p-EOD
• Lunar Phase: Waning, 3rd Qtr
• Planetary governance: Saturn ♄
• Governing planet in sign: Saturn in Aries (fall)
• Governing Planet Ray: 3rd Ray (active intelligence), Strongest Ray: 2nd
• Favorability: Neutral
• Polarity: Masculine
• Elemental Balance: In order of strength: Air, Fire, Earth, Water
• Strongest Sign Mode: Mutable
• Mansion of the Moon: 7th  Aldirah (Al Dhira) 17°Ge8; arm of Gemini; promotes friendship and love, gain, destroys courts 
• Retrograde Planets: Saturn, Pluto, Juno, Neptune, Chiron 
• Planets Out of Bounds: Moon +23°27; Mars +23°37; BML -25°18

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

©2025-2026 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

©2025-2026 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

©2025-2026 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

©2025-2026 Jan Erickson