Welcome to Stepping Aside…Where Magick Begins

©2025-2026 Jan Erickson 

The Week Ahead: Astrology, Runes, & Energetic Insights 4-11 October 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

Retrograde Planets

• Venus in Scorpio (detriment); SD 11/14/2026
• Pluto in Aquarius; SD 10/16/2026
• Uranus in Gemini; SD 2/8/2027
• Neptune in Aries; SD 12/12/2026
• Saturn in Aries (fall); SD 12/10/2026
• Chiron in Aries; SD 1/6/27
• Pallas in Aries; SD. 11/30/2026
• Vesta in Aries; SD 11/28/2026

Sun Sign: Libra (fall)

Moon Sign/VOC/Phases

• 10/4/2025 – Sunday: Cancer (exalted) until Leo at 3:53p; Void of Course: Until 3:53p; Phase: Waning, 3rd Qtr
• 10/5/2025 – Monday: Leo; Void of Course: Not today; Phase: Waning, 3rd Qtr
• 10/6/2025 – Tuesday: Leo until Virgo at 7:52p; Void of Course: 3:21a-7:52p; Phase: Waning, 3rd Qtr
• 10/7/2025 – Wednesday: Virgo; Void of Course: 11:56a-EOD; Phase: Waning, Balsamic 
• 10/8/2026 – Thursday: Virgo; Void of Course: Not today (Void continues all day); Phase: Waning, Balsamic 
• 10/9/2026 – Friday: Virgo until Libra at 1:10a; Void of Course: Until 1:10a; Phase: Waning, Balsamic 
• 10/10/2026 – Saturday: Libra; Void of Course: 4:07p-EOD; Phase: New at 8:49a, 17°Li21

Additional Planets in Sign

• Mercury – Scorpio
• Mars – Leo
• Venus – Scorpio (detriment)
• Jupiter – Leo
• Saturn – Aries (fall)

Out of Bounds

• The Moon (10/4)
• Pluto (all week)
• BML (all week)

© 2025-2026 Jan Erickson

General Astrological Insights

It may feel as if nothing is going your way at the beginning of the week, and obstacles seem to be everywhere. You may struggle with strategy and understanding the overall picture or have difficulty communicating with others, including authority figures. Instead of resisting the situation, the better option might be to remain flexible and focus more on collaboration in lieu of trying to control the outcome.

During the latter part of the week, strong instincts will serve you well, and you may seek time alone if your emotions intensify. Otherwise, self-restraint will be necessary in both your relationships and finances. 

The Moon’s influence this week:

You enjoy working in your career and the opportunities it provides to express your creativity and imagination. However, as the week progresses, a stressful situation may make you turn to your friends for support. You may be perceived as erratic, and you may be emotionally triggered by the comments or behavior of someone close to you, especially if an unexpected truth is revealed. A relationship may suffer, particularly on Saturday’s New Moon, and you may need to reflect on the boundaries you’ve set. A narrow perspective is possible, and you should guard against insensitivity.

Daily Readings

Sunday, 4 October 2026

Working on your own today may be fine, but you may miss an overall truth that could impact the direction you take. You may be feeling scattered or possibly ambivalent about collaborating with or asking for assistance from others with more experience. However, an older or more experienced woman may reveal information that could take you down a different path, and, if so, don’t immediately reject what she offers. 

For the magickally inclined: If you are pursuing or considering a new opportunity or direction, perform a reading that includes Berkano ᛒ from the Elder Futhark, and the Queen of Wands as significators, followed by three additional Tarot cards that can provide more specific details. Berkano indicates new beginnings, healing, and growth, while The Queen of Wands may either represent qualities that you can emulate, or it might represent someone of value that can influence an overall outcome, even if it means stepping outside your typical comfort zone. Meditate on the message of both the rune and card, to help you focus your intent to grow and to develop a new perspective. From there, draw three more cards that can provide more specific details for you to consider. You may also benefit by writing down your impressions from the reading.

Influences: Universal numerology/Day: 6/4; Runes: Berkano, Puella; Tarot: Queen of Wands; Human Design Gate/Line 48.3 Incommunicado

Monday, 5 October 2026

You might enhance your strength and position today by surrendering to the majority’s views. They may see that a new direction is possible, and joining in their perspective may give you opportunities that becoming obstinate or refusing to do so may prevent. Before adding your own opinions to the conversation, observe and listen to why each person feels the way they do. You may be surprised at the insights you gain.

For the magickally inclined: The Hierophant from the Major Arcana represents a priest/teacher offering divine wisdom and hidden knowledge to his students (monks) who sit in a lower position. However, you don’t learn only from someone with the credentials to teach. You can realistically learn from any number of people, children included. Ideals can be expressed by co-workers or a stranger who can impact how you see your life and the world around you. Raidho ᚱ, a rune from the Elder Futhark, can help you see the value of integration and harmony with others. Relating it to its higher form of unity consciousness, the interpretation of Raidho and The Hierophant can provide a broader view of how you expand your awareness and personal growth.

Influences: Universal numerology/Day: 7/5; Runes: Raidho, Via; Tarot: The Hierophant; Human Design Gate/Line: 33.2 Surrender

Tuesday, 6 October 2026

Your intention matters. However, if you are unwilling to share that with others today, they may believe you to be impulsive or dishonest and not respect your leadership. Although letting go of some boundaries may feel emotionally disruptive, letting go of some external control in the long run can foster more loyalty and make you a better leader.

For the magickally inclined: The Tower is an interesting card irrespective of which Tarot deck it appears. It describes letting go and allowing anything from disruption to catalytic change to make you stop and evaluate how you see things or make decisions. Instead of seeing two people fall or jump out of a window to their demise, The  Tower illustrates the need to let go of perceptions or beliefs that have likely never positively served you, and drop any resistance you might feel to reevaluate and then transform your awareness to something more appropriate.

Influences: Universal numerology/Day: 8/6; Runes: Othala, Puer; Tarot: The Tower; Human Design Gate/Line: 31.4 Intent (detriment)

Wednesday, 7 October 2026

If you’re in a supervisory position, you may need to assess behavioral patterns in those you supervise to determine your best management strategy. Your intelligence has led to your own success, and you realize a “one-size-fits-all” approach doesn’t always draw out the best in others; therefore, you avoid micromanaging them by giving each a mandate that maximizes their abilities and responsibilities that increase their personal growth.

For the magickally inclined: Fortuna Minor, a geomancy rune, along with the Queen of Pentacles, can help direct your own leadership skills when in a supervisory position. The Queen of Pentacles blends ambition with trustworthiness and wisdom, qualities that help you keep others on the right track. Fortuna Minor describes success and achievement, but also warns against a self-reinforcing perfectionistic attitude and micromanaging others. Together, the Queen of Pentacles and the counsel of Fortuna Minor demonstrate the positive traits of a leader that might improve your own leadership skills.

Influences: Universal numerology/Day: 9/7; Runes: Berkano, Fortuna Minor; Tarot: Queen of Pentacles; Human Design Gate/Line: 44.2 Management

Thursday, 8 October 2026

Refusing to approach a task with self-discipline may not prevent a successful outcome today, but doing so can reinforce behavior that, at some point, will do exactly that. If this applies to you, it may be time for reevaluation. If it applies to someone you engage with (personal life/work life), you may be seeing a destructive pattern that needs to stop. Either way, there could be something personal going on that is impacting your or someone else’s decisions. It’s best to confront either your own behavior or that of another before it becomes habitual.

For the magickally inclined: The Norn runes, Hagalaz ᚺ, Nauthiz ᚾ, and Isa ᛁ, can help identify issues that can be personally destructive. Each of Norn runes can protect as well as invoke change. Hagalaz zeroes in on a problem that needs reevaluation and addressing. Isa involves aligning in higher consciousness to understand the overall picture. Lastly, Nauthiz invokes the higher will to resolve the unwanted behavior. It can be helpful to create a mandala-like wheel with three lines, placing each rune on a separate line. After establishing the focus of each line, write down what behavior needs to be addressed and the message of each respective rune that can help to address the problem. Sometimes seeing everything in one picture can be a helpful tool. Chant each rune in the order that feels most appropriate as you study the mandala. Add in crystals such as black tourmaline and clear quartz to clear out negative behavior and replace that with clarity. Refer to the mandala often as you work through the issues you’re experiencing.

Influences: Universal numerology/Day: 1/8; Runes: Hagalaz, Tristitia; Tarot: 7 of Wands; Human Design Gate/Line: 4.3 Irresponsibility

Friday, 9 October 2026

Self-doubt may lead to unnecessary caution today and prevent the successful outcome you desire. You need to awaken to the truth that you have more support than you believe, and viewing things from an either/or perspective may prevent you from acknowledging the overall picture.

For the magickally inclined: The suit of Wands represents the Fire Element and our expression of will and creativity in various situations (ex., new opportunities). Draw a card, and in this exercise, select the 9 of Wands to represent your issue or concern, and place it on a table before you. Then find the 7 and 8 of Wands in the deck and place them on the table before the 9. You’re going to be reading the cards as a progression.

• The 7 of Wands shows a man who is standing on higher ground holding a staff in a defensive posture with both hands. Six more staffs rise up toward him from below. Essentially, he’s standing his ground and getting above the fray to see what’s coming in on him. 
• The 8 of Wands shows eight staffs appearing to be thrown into view, suggesting a lot is coming in on you, whether it’s an attack, new opportunities, many ideas to consider, etc. 
• The 9 of Wands illustrates the idea of order, support, resolve, strength, and the battles we each face, whether internal or external. A man is pictured on the card with his head bandaged, holding a staff. The man looks back at eight more staffs arranged in a line behind him just beyond a dual line. He’s been through a battle that we’re not completely certain he’s won, yet he does appear to have support behind him. 

If you look at the 7, 8, and 9 of Wands in order, they could be describing a situation where you might find yourself standing your ground to protect and defend an idea you have (7 of Wands). You may then hear a variety of ideas from others that demand to be acknowledged (8 of Wands). From there, after addressing or considering those ideas, you come to the 9 of Wands, where it appears you may have won the battle (although honestly, unless the cards around it indicate it, I’m rarely ever sure about that) while the staffs from the 8 are still waiting in the wings. And I see them that way because they’re behind that dual line that appears in some of the Tarot cards, which indicate to me that they’re on the other side of the situation.

The point of the exercise is to try to see the steps that exist in a situation that bring you to the present moment. Although you can draw random cards to gain awareness, sometimes looking at cards from the same suit that come before or after (or both) a particular card (random or otherwise) can offer interesting insight.

One last thing. Add in the 10 of Wands after the 9. Here we see a man leaning forward, carrying 10 staffs fanned out. A house appears ahead of him, behind another dual line. How would you interpret the last card? Does it suggest you might now be carrying a heavier burden if you won the battle in the 9? Or are you carrying all of the ideas, your own and those of others, because you want to explore each one?

Influences: Universal numerology/Day: 11/9; Runes: Fehu, Rubeus; Tarot: 9 of Wands; Human Design Gate/Line: 44.1 Conditions (detriment)

Saturday, 10 October 2026

A new chapter may be in the works where you can shape your experiences and express your talent and leadership. Your endurance is strong, and you can now move forward with confidence and allow your intuition to guide your decisions. And if others try to dissuade you from your next steps, they just might experience your courage when you stand up for what you desire.

For the magickally inclined: When crafting a spell or ritual to enhance your success in a new endeavor, Uruz ᚢ can help you summon up the strength to shape that experience. Uruz is shaped like its keyword, the aurochs, a large animal now extinct, similar to the bison. Its powerful image defines its essence, and you can draw on that essence as you move forward. Draw it on a piece of paper to place on the altar and add crystals for strength and success, such as onyx for strength and to absorb negative energy, carnelian to increase motivation and creativity, green aventurine for positive results, and citrine for prosperity and to manifest your objectives. Bay leaves can be used to write down goals, etc.; thyme to increase willpower, and basil to increase prosperity. And don’t forget borage flowers for courage. You can also make a charm bag for the herbs in dried form along with small crystals to carry with you. Include a representation of Uruz in the charm bag or draw it on the outside. Otherwise, you can focus your intention on the rune and visualize your intentions as successful.

Influences: Universal numerology/Day: 3/1; Runes: Uruz, Caput Draconis; Tarot: Page of Cups; Human Design Gate/Line 21.2 Might is right 

©2025-2026 Jan Erickson

Weekly Correspondences

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

Sunday, 4 October 2026

Magical focus: The Sun governs; clarity, truth, healing, courage, removing barriers, leadership

• Universal Numerology: 6 – assistance, shared path, empathy, love, guidance/ Day – 6 – assistance, shared path, empathy, love, guidance/ Day – 4 – grounding, foundation, practicality, reliability, patience, structure
• The Sun in Libra (fall)
• The Moon in Cancer (exalted) until Leo at 3:53p
• Moon Void of Course: Until 3:53p
• Lunar Phase: Waning, 3rd Qtr
• Planetary governance: The Sun ☉
• Governing Planet Ray – 2nd (love/wisdom): Strongest Ray: 3rd/7th
• Favorability: Excellent
• Polarity: Masculine
• Elemental Balance: In order of strength: Water, Air, Fire, Earth (0)
• Strongest Sign Mode: Cardinal
• Mansion of the Moon: 9th – Atarf (Al Tarf) 12° Cn51; eye of lion; hinders trail, causes discord, and harms harvest; at 8:33a, 10th  Algebha (Al Jabhah) 25°Cn42; neck/forehead of Leo; fosters love and compassion, assists in defeating enemies, and strengthens structures 
• Retrograde planets: Venus, Saturn, Uranus, Pluto, Neptune, Chiron, Pallas, Vesta
• Planets Out of Bounds: Moon +23°53; Pluto -23°38;  BML -27°57

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, 5 October 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- 5 – protection, pentagram, travel, innovation, freedom versus restriction
• The Sun in Libra (fall)
• The Moon in Leo
• Moon Void of Course: Not today
• Lunar Phase: Waning, 3rd Qtr
• Planetary governance: The Moon ☽
• Governing Planet Ray: 4th ray (harmony through conflict); Strongest Ray: 1st/3rd
• Favorability: Neutral
• Polarity: Masculine
• Elemental Balance: In order of strength: Fire/Air, Water, Earth (0)
• 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; at 6:38a, 11th – Azobra (Al Zubrah) 8°Le34; hair of the lion’s head, increases profits, positive for travel, taking captives   
• Retrograde: Venus, Saturn, Uranus, Pluto, Neptune, Chiron, Pallas, Vesta
• Planets Out of Bounds: Pluto -23°38;  BML -27°58

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, 6 October 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-6 – assistance, shared path, empathy, love, guidance
• The Sun in Libra (fall)
• The Moon in Leo until Virgo at 7:52p
• Moon Void of Course: 3:21a-7:52p
• Lunar Phase: Waning, 3rd Qtr
• Planetary governance: Mars ♂
• Governing planet in sign: Mars in Leo (9/27 at 7:49p)
• Governing Planet Ray: 6th ray (devotion and idealism), Strongest Ray: 1st/3rd
• Favorability: Neutral
• Polarity: Masculine
• Elemental Balance: In order of strength: Fire/Air, Water, Earth (0)
• Strongest Sign Mode: Cardinal/Fixed
• Mansion of the Moon: 11th – Azobra (Al Zubrah) 8°Le34; hair of the lion’s head, increases profits, positive for travel, taking captives; at 4:54a, 12th – Alsarfah (Al Sarfah) 21°Le25; tail of Leo; increases harvest, obstructs sailors, promotes care for employees and captives 
• Retrograde Planets: Venus, Saturn, Uranus, Pluto, Neptune, Chiron, Pallas, Vesta
• Planets Out of Bounds: Pluto -23°38;  BML -27°48

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, 7 October 2026

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

• Universal Numerology: 9 – idealistic, generous, and kind; Altruism, Humanitarianism, Generosity, Sympathy; endings/ Day-7 – observation, balance, justice, the scales, magick, spirituality
• The Sun in Libra (fall)
• The Moon in Virgo
• Moon Void of Course: 11:56a-EOD
• Lunar Phase: Waning, Balsamic 
• Planetary governance: Mercury ☿
• Governing planet in sign: Mercury in Libra; Scorpio (4:45a)
• Governing Planet Ray: 4th (harmony through conflict); Strongest Ray: 3rd
• Favorability: Excellent
• Polarity: Masculine
• Elemental Balance: In order of strength: Air, Water, Fire, Earth
• Strongest Sign Mode: Cardinal
• Mansion of the Moon: 12th – Alsarfah (Al Sarfah) 21°Le25; tail of Leo; increases harvest, obstructs sailors, promotes care for employees and captives; at 3:23a, 13th – Alhaire (Al Awwa) 4°Vi17; dog stars/wings of Virgo; fosters compassion, travel, harvest, gain, freedom of captives  
• Retrograde Planets: Venus, Saturn, Uranus, Pluto, Neptune, Chiron, Pallas, Vesta
• Planets Out of Bounds: Pluto -23°38;  BML -27°26

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, 8 October 2026

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

• Universal Numerology: 1 –  Uniqueness, Freedom, Talent, Governance, Leadership, and Revolution/Day- 8 – Materialistic Approval, Achievement, Striving for Success, leadership, and Acknowledgment;
• The Sun in Libra (fall)
• The Moon in Virgo
• Moon Void of Course: Not today (Void continues)
• Lunar Phase: Waning, Balsamic 
• Planetary governance: Jupiter ♃
• Governing planet in sign: Jupiter – Leo 
• Governing Planet Ray: 2nd Ray (love and wisdom): Strongest Ray: 3rd
• Favorability: Neutral
• Polarity: Masculine
• Elemental Balance: In order of strength: Air, Water, Fire, Earth
• Strongest Sign Mode: Cardinal
• Mansion of the Moon: 14th – Azimeth (Al Simak) 17°Vi8;  the spike of Virgo; fosters marital love, heals the sick, increases sailors’ profits; prevents overland travel 
• Retrograde Planets: Venus, Saturn, Uranus, Pluto, Neptune, Chiron, Pallas, Vesta
• Planets Out of Bounds: Pluto -23°38;  BML -26°59

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, 9 October 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 – 9 – idealistic, generous, and kind; Altruism, Humanitarianism, Generosity, Sympathy;
• The Sun in Libra (fall)
• The Moon in Virgo until Libra at 1:10a
• Moon Void of Course: Until 1:10a
• Lunar Phase: Waning, Balsamic 
• Planetary governance: Venus ♀
• Governing planet in sign: Venus in Scorpio (detriment)
• Governing Planet Ray: 5th Ray (concrete knowledge and science); Strongest Ray: 1st/3rd/7th
• Favorability: Excellent
• Polarity: Masculine
• Elemental Balance: In order of strength: Air, Water, Fire, Earth(0)
• 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 
• Retrograde Planets: Venus, Saturn, Uranus, Pluto, Neptune, Chiron, Pallas, Vesta
• Planets Out of Bounds: Pluto -23°38;  BML -26°37

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, 10 October 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 -1 –  Uniqueness, Freedom, Talent, Governance, Leadership, and Revolution/
• The Sun in Libra (fall)
• The Moon in Libra
• Moon Void of Course: 4:07p-EOD
• Lunar Phase: New at 8:49a, 17°Li21
• Planetary governance: Saturn ♄
• Governing planet in sign: Saturn in Aries (fall)
• Governing Planet Ray: 5th Ray (concrete knowledge and science); Strongest Ray: 1st/3rd/7th
• Favorability: Very good
• Polarity: Masculine
• Elemental Balance: In order of strength: Air, Water, Fire, Earth(0)
• 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  
• Retrograde Planets: Venus, Saturn, Uranus, Pluto, Neptune, Chiron, Pallas, Vesta
• Planets Out of Bounds: Pluto -23°38;  BML -26°26 

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.

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©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