Welcome to Stepping Aside…Where Magick Begins

©2025-2026 Jan Erickson 

The Week Ahead: Astrology, Runes, & Energetic Insights 19-25 July 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

• 7/14-20 – New Moon to 1st Qtr: With the light increasing, energy is focused on the growth of above-ground plants such as grain crops, cruciferous plants (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower), lettuce, spinach
• 7/21-25 – 1st Qtr to Full Moon: With the light of the Moon increasing to its strongest energy, this is a good time for above-ground plants such as tomatoes, beans, peas, peppers, squash, and melons, and corn, and to focus on flowering and fruit production

Retrograde Planets: Pluto, Juno, Mercury (SD 7/23), Neptune 

Sun Sign: Cancer; Leo (dignity; on 7/22 at 12:13p)

Moon Sign/VOC/Phases

• 7/19/2025 – Sunday: Libra; Void of Course: Not today; Phase: Waxing, Crescent
• 7/20/2025 – Monday: Libra; Void of Course: Not today; Phase: Waxing, Crescent
• 7/21/2025 – Tuesday: Libra until Scorpio (fall) at 6:34a; Void of Course: 4:05a-6:34a; Phase: Waxing, Crescent; 1st Qtr at 4:05a
• 7/22/2025 – Wednesday: Scorpio (fall); Void of Course: 2:48p-EOD; Phase: Waxing, 1st Qtr
• 7/23/2026 – Thursday: Scorpio (fall) until Sagittarius after 6:06p; Void of Course:Until 6:06p; Phase: Waxing, 1st Qtr
• 7/24/2026 – Friday: Sagittarius; Void of Course: Not today; Phase: Sagittarius
• 7/25/2026 – Saturday: Sagittarius; Void of Course: 7:57a-EOD; Phase: Waning, Waxing, Gibbous

Additional Planets in Sign

• Mercury Rx (SD 7/23) – Cancer
• Mars – Gemini
• Venus – Virgo (fall)
• Jupiter – Leo
• Saturn – Aries (fall)

Out of Bounds

• The Moon (7/23-25)
• BML (all week)

© 2025-2026 Jan Erickson

General Astrological Insights

Even though Mercury is in retrograde until Thursday, there is a shadow effect that lasts for a few days to a week longer, so you may still experience issues with communication for a few more days. You may also benefit from taking care of yourself instead of becoming overly self-critical.

At the beginning of the week, you may be tempted to assert yourself before knowing all the facts. Do your due diligence, and trust your intuition to lead you in the right direction. 

Midweek, you may fixate on ideas or beliefs and feel frustrated when your goals aren’t met. Could it be that you’re resisting reevaluating your process, or are you hesitant to seek counsel from someone with more experience?

At the end of the week, you may need time for reflection to move past issues with clarity and resolve, especially if you’re involved in a power-related conflict with a partner, possibly finance-related. Passions may run high, and self-restraint may be important.

Daily Readings

Sunday, 19 July 2026

You may collaborate with others today, and in doing so, you benefit from practical ideas and suggestions. Although you’re willing to take risks, a more vigilant and intelligent approach suits your best interests. Your self-confidence is strong, and you express your talents well.

For the magickally inclined: Sowilo ⵢ, the rune of higher will from the Elder Futhark, invokes the Higher Self to infuse Spirit energy into our physical reality, increasing self-confidence and fostering healing. It can be carried with you when you need additional inner support to help you succeed.

Influences: Universal numerology/Day: 9/1; Runes: Sowilo, Conjunctio; Tarot: Page of Swords; Human Design Gate/Line 56.1 Quality

Monday, 20 July 2026

Others may look to your intuitive and sensitive nature to resolve interpersonal problems today. Whether this involves individuals in your personal life or work life, your unique approach may be needed to sort out issues between others that are impacting their relationships and/or the group around them. Integration may be lacking, or impulsiveness or risk-oriented behavior may be at the heart of the problem, or it could be that unrealistic perceptions are the cause. But whatever it is, listen to each person’s position, and then, if possible, help them come to a shared resolution.

For the magickally inclined: Raidho ᚱ can provide insight into how to create lasting partnerships and how to stay on track during collaborative efforts. It asks you to consider whether the process used can actually achieve your intended goal, or whether harmony is evident in the situation. Is respect part of the equation, and is the focus on everyone involved being on the same page? Understanding the meaning of Raidho can provide a blueprint when a partnership or collaborative effort has gotten off track.

Influences: Universal numerology/Day: 1/2; Runes: Raidho, Puer; Tarot: 7 of Cups; Human Design Gate/Line: 57.4 The director

Tuesday, 21 July 2026

Others may look to your intuitive and sensitive nature to resolve interpersonal problems today. Whether this involves individuals in your personal life or work life, your unique approach may be needed to sort out issues between others that are impacting their relationships and/or the group around them. Integration may be lacking, or impulsiveness or risk-oriented behavior may be at the heart of the problem, or it could be that unrealistic perceptions are the cause. But whatever it is, listen to each person’s position, and then, if possible, help them come to a shared resolution.

For the magickally inclined: Raidho ᚱ can provide insight into how to create lasting partnerships and how to stay on track during collaborative efforts. It asks you to consider whether the process used can actually achieve your intended goal, or whether harmony is evident in the situation. Is respect part of the equation, and is the focus on everyone involved being on the same page? Understanding the meaning of Raidho can provide a blueprint when a partnership or collaborative effort has gotten off track.

Influences: Universal numerology/Day: 1/2; Runes: Raidho, Puer; Tarot: 7 of Cups; Human Design Gate/Line: 57.4 The director

Wednesday, 22 July 2026

You may feel a momentum building, especially if you’re nearing the end of a project at work or at home. However, make an effort not to micromanage the situation, or you may lose support from others involved. Offer what you’ve learned from past success and remain open to suggestions. In doing so, you protect what you’ve done thus far as well as achieve your intended goal.

For the magickally inclined: The 2 of Cups from the Rider-Waite Tarot illustrates a man and a woman coming together in love, balance, and healing. Each offers a chalice to the other, with the man appearing to initiate the exchange. They have stepped away from the home to a neutral area where the possible disagreement happened to affirm their love for each other. The 2 of Cups expresses emotional balance, healing, love, and friendship/partnership. Studying its message can help focus your own efforts to achieve the same.

Influences: Universal numerology/Day: 3/22; Runes: Berkano, Fortuna Major; Tarot: 2 of Cups; Human Design Gate/Line: 53.2 Momentum

Thursday, 23 July 2026

Others trust your influence because they’ve witnessed your results. They appreciate your reliability as well as the innovative ideas you offer. However, you may also be experiencing grief today that feels insurmountable. If so, you could be feeling insecure and unable to trust. Plus, the sadness you feel may interfere with your ability to engage in harmony with others. If this is going on for you today, and if you feel comfortable doing so, you might consider sharing what’s going on with a friend, partner, or counselor to help process your feelings and begin to move forward.

For the magickally inclined: It’s not uncommon to be consumed by sadness or grief. When that happens, vibrating various runes (chanting them aloud) can be helpful to raise your frequency and help you process the sadness you feel. Wunjo ᚹ, the wish rune, invokes joy, peace, fellowship, harmony, and happiness, and some people say that vibrating or chanting its name helps them experience peace and calm. The same is true for Berkano ᛒ, Laguz ᛚ, and Ansuz ᚨ. This can also be used during meditations that are meant to rebalance or recenter your mind or emotions.

Influences: Universal numerology/Day: 4/5; Runes: Wunjo, Tristitia; Tarot: 4 of Pentacles; Human Design Gate/Line: 31.4 Intent

Friday, 24 July 2026

A situation may arise today in which it becomes necessary to take a significant pause to gather more reliable information before you respond. Do your due diligence so you don’t react impulsively and impact the harmony you’ve established. Ask for guidance if necessary.

For the magickally inclined: Staying in control can be difficult when an unexpected or upsetting situation happens. One way to keep yourself under control is to visualize a bubble of light around you. View it as a means to keep you safe from harm and to help you pause before reacting.

Influences: Universal numerology/Day: 5/6; Runes: Wunjo, Amissio; Tarot: Page of Pentacles; Human Design Gate/Line: 52.1 Think before you speak

Saturday, 25 July 2026

You may need to recognize today that confronting forces that have control could be a futile effort. It may be that, after further observation, you realize that nothing you say or do will affect the overall situation, and now may be the time to consider other options. Your well-being is more important than someone else’s agenda.

For the magickally inclined: Create a grid-based altar that represents emotional healing and balance. Use fresh flowers such as echinacea, chamomile, and roses, along with crystals that can include blue lace agate, quartz (aqua aura is nice), and amethyst. Malachite can also be useful. Moonstone is helpful to bring peace of mind and for inner work. Hold your hands over the grid when you need to feel more balanced. 

Influences: Universal numerology/Day: 6/7; Runes: Kenaz, Puer; Tarot: The World; Human Design Gate/Line 21.3 Powerlessness

©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 July 2026

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

• Universal Numerology: 9 – idealistic, generous, and kind; Altruism, Humanitarianism, Generosity, Sympathy; endings/ Day: 1 –  Uniqueness, Freedom, Talent, Governance, Leadership, and Revolution
• The Sun in Cancer 
• The Moon in Libra
• Moon Void of Course: Not today
• Lunar Phase: Waxing, Crescent
• Planetary governance: The Sun ☉
• Governing Planet Ray – 2nd (love/wisdom): Strongest Ray: 3rd
• Favorability: Very good
• Polarity: Masculine
• Elemental Balance: In order of strength: Air, Fire, Earth/Water
• Strongest Sign Mode: Cardinal
• Mansion of the Moon: 15th – Algafra (Al Ghafr) 1°Libra; covered flying; finding treasure, digging holes or pits, creates tension and discord as well as divorce, destroys homes and enemies, and interrupts travel; at 9:45p, 16th – Azubene (Al Jubana) 12°Li51; horns of Scorpio; obstructs travel and weddings along with harvest and redeems captives 
• Retrograde planets: Mercury, Pluto, Juno; Neptune 
• Planets Out of Bounds: BML -27°59

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 July 2026

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

• Universal Numerology: 1 –  Uniqueness, Freedom, Talent, Governance, Leadership, and Revolution/Day-2 – Collaboration, Closeness, Kindness, Harmony, and Assistance, balance, decisions
• The Sun in Cancer
• The Moon in Libra
• Moon Void of Course: Not today
• Lunar Phase: Waxing, Crescent
• Planetary governance: The Moon ☽
• Governing Planet Ray: 4th ray (harmony through conflict); Strongest Ray: 3rd
• Favorability: Very good
• Polarity: Masculine
• Elemental Balance: In order of strength: Air, Fire, Earth/Water
• Strongest Sign Mode: Cardinal
• Mansion of the Moon: 16th – Azubene (Al Jubana) 12°Li51; horns of Scorpio; obstructs travel and weddings along with harvest and redeems captives; at 10:16p, 17th – Alchil (Al-Iklil) 25°Li42; crown of Scorpio; reverses destitution, strengthens love and buildings and assists sailors 
• Retrograde: Mercury, Pluto, Juno, Neptune
• Planets Out of Bounds: BML -27°54

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 July 2026

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

• Universal Numerology: 11 – Master number, awakening, enlightenment/Day-3 Self-Expression, Entertainment, Optimism, Imagination, and Friendliness; reason, mental acuity, detail-oriented
• The Sun in Cancer
• The Moon in Libra until Scorpio (fall) at 6:34a
• Moon Void of Course: 4:05a-6:34a
• Lunar Phase: Waxing, Crescent; 1st Qtr at 4:05a
• Planetary governance: Mars ♂
• Governing planet in sign: Mars – Gemini
• Governing Planet Ray: 6th ray (devotion and idealism), Strongest Ray: 7th
• Favorability: Neutral
• Polarity: Feminine
• Elemental Balance: In order of strength: Water, Fire, Earth, Air
• Strongest Sign Mode: Fixed
• Mansion of the Moon: 17th – Alchil (Al-Iklil) 25°Li42; crown of Scorpio; reverses destitution, strengthens love and buildings and assists sailors; at 11:21p, 18th – Alchab (Al Qalb) 8°Sc34; heart of Scorpio; creates discord, conspiracy; revenge against authority and from enemies, releases prisoners, helps structures 
• Retrograde Planets: Mercury, Pluto, Juno, Neptune
• Planets Out of Bounds: BML -27°50

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 July 2026

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

• Universal Numerology: Day-3 Self-Expression, Entertainment, Optimism, Imagination, and Friendliness; reason, mental acuity, detail-oriented/Day-22 Master number; Cosmic builder, manifesting
• The Sun in Cancer; Leo (dignity) at 12:13p
• The Moon in Scorpio (fall)
• Moon Void of Course: 2:48p-EOD
• Lunar Phase: Waxing, 1st Qtr
• Planetary governance: Mercury ☿
• Governing planet in sign: Mercury Rx in Cancer
• Governing Planet Ray: 4th (harmony through conflict); Strongest Ray: 7th
• Favorability: Very good
• Polarity: Feminine
• Elemental Balance: In order of strength: Water, Earth, Air, Fire
• Strongest Sign Mode: Cardinal
• Mansion of the Moon: 18th – Alchab (Al Qalb) 8°Sc34; heart of Scorpio; creates discord, conspiracy; revenge against authority and from enemies, releases prisoners, helps structures 
• Retrograde Planets: Mercury, Pluto, Juno, Neptune
• Planets Out of Bounds: BML -27°49

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 July 2026

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

• Universal Numerology: 4 – grounding, foundation, practicality, reliability, patience, structure/Day – 5 protection, pentagram, travel, innovation, freedom versus restriction
• The Sun in Leo (dignity)
• The Moon in Scorpio (fall) until Sagittarius after 6:06p
• Moon Void of Course: Until 6:06p
• Lunar Phase: Waxing, 1st Qtr
• Planetary governance: Jupiter ♃
• Governing planet in sign: Jupiter – Leo 
• Governing Planet Ray: 2nd Ray (love and wisdom): Strongest Ray: 5th
• Favorability: Very good
• Polarity: Masculine
• Elemental Balance: In order of strength: Fire, Earth/Water, Air
• Strongest Sign Mode: Fixed
• Mansion of the Moon: 19th – Exaula (Al Shaulah) 21°Sc25; tail of Scorpio; fosters attacking cities and towns, forces people to leave their homes, destroys sailors and prisoners 
• Retrograde Planets: Mercury SD 3:58p, Pluto, Juno; Neptune 
• Planets Out of Bounds: Moon -24°02; BML -27°50

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 July 2026

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

• Universal Numerology: 5 – protection, pentagram, travel, innovation, freedom versus restriction/ Day – 6 – assistance, shared path, empathy, love, guidance/
• The Sun in Leo (dignity)
• The Moon in Sagittarius
• Moon Void of Course: Not today
• Lunar Phase: Waxing, 1st Qtr
• Planetary governance: Venus ♀
• Governing planet in sign: Venus in Virgo (fall) 
• Governing Planet Ray: 5th Ray (concrete knowledge and science): Strongest Ray: 5th
• Favorability: Very bad
• Polarity: Masculine
• Elemental Balance: In order of strength: Fire, Earth, Air, Water
• Strongest Sign Mode: Fixed
• Mansion of the Moon: 20th – Nahaym (Al Na’am) 4°Sg17; a beam; tames wild animals, fortifies prisons, destroys the wealth of societies, compels someone to a specific place 
• Retrograde Planets: Pluto, Juno; Neptune 
• Planets Out of Bounds: Moon -26°33; BML -27°53

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 July 2026

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

• Universal Numerology: 6 – assistance, shared path, empathy, love, guidance/ Day – 7 – observation, balance, justice, the scales, magick, spirituality
• The Sun in Leo (dignity)
• The Moon in Sagittarius
• Moon Void of Course: 7:57a-EOD
• Lunar Phase: Waxing, Gibbous
• Planetary governance: Saturn ♄
• Governing planet in sign: Saturn in Aries (fall)
• Governing Planet Ray: 3rd Ray (active intelligence), Strongest Ray: 5th
• Favorability: Very bad
• Polarity: Masculine
• Elemental Balance: In order of strength: Fire, Earth, Air, Water
• Strongest Sign Mode: Fixed
• Mansion of the Moon: 21st – Elbeda (Al Baldah) 17°Sg8; which is a desert; increases gain, harvest, building strength, and successful travel, causes divorce 
• Retrograde Planets: Pluto, Juno; Neptune 
• Planets Out of Bounds: Moon -27°52; BML -27°55

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