The Ascendant, Rays, and Other Weekly Influences for 2-8 January 2022

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Ray Influences

The effect of the seven cosmic Rays essentially impacts the soul/ego balance at any given moment. As the Rays move through the universe and ultimately reach each individual, they color (or influence) our perceptions and behavior. If we perceive our experiences from a soul perspective, then our overall perspective resonates from a higher vibration; whereas, if we react from the standpoint of ego, our resonance becomes lower and more reactive.

Over the coming week, the 1st Ray of will and power has a strong influence on our ability to assert ourselves in the beginning of the week and begins to lessen somewhat from Tuesday through Friday, while increasing again on Saturday.

Coupled with the 2nd Ray of love and wisdom’s significantly lower strength throughout most of the week, the ability to act with love, empathy, and wisdom may be overshadowed by the 1st Ray’s effect and impulse control could be lacking, even when the 2nd Ray increases somewhat beginning on Thursday.

The 3rd Ray of active intelligence remains strong throughout the week suggesting that adaptability to change is good and instincts are strong; however, with the moderate influence of the 4th Ray of harmony through conflict, the willingness to cooperate with others to find solutions may be less. And with the moderate influence of the 5th Ray of concrete knowledge and science, a disciplined or logical approach to seeking truth may also be impacted.

The low to moderate influence of the 6th Ray of devotion and idealism is balanced by 2nd Ray energy and with love and wisdom less of an impact, expressions of ideology or fundamentalist devotion could still be somewhat active during the coming week fostering a skeptical approach to science and shared truth.

Overall, the strong 7th Ray influence on ceremonial order suggests that ego awareness may have a greater impact on one’s overall perspective during the week with ideology influencing one’s reactions and perceptions.

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The Ascendant

Capricorn – a feminine sign, Capricorn individuals are naturally risk-averse until all factors are known made more interesting given its initiating Cardinal energy. With Capricorn, there’s a delicate balance between ambition and cautious persistence. A Capricorn individual prefers to carefully plan and then work diligently in a process-oriented manner. 

Aspects: A conjunct with The Sun continues throughout the week suggesting that you have a positive influence on others and you may be recognized for your achievements. Beginning Wednesday, Juno conjuncts The Ascendant, increasing your charm and innocence with partners, reinforcing the conjunct with Venus on Thursday and the desire to engage in harmony with others. A sextile with Pallas on Saturday increases the ability to solve problems.

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Black Moon Lilith

5th House/Gemini — Interactions will flow smoothly while Lilith is in Gemini as long as you listen to the input from others. That said, in the 5th House of creativity, play, and children this may challenge your inner Lilith to observe how you approach responsibility and not blame others for any self-imposed difficulties that might arise. Although you need to accept the wild child within and the positive effect that has on your creativity, you still need to engage respectfully with others. You need to stay focused to avoid miscommunication as well as to keep your competitive attitude under control. The way through such transformation is to trust your instincts, embrace the shadow side of self, and focus on compassion and nurturing relationships with both self and others.

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Node Influences

N Node: Taurus; S Node: Scorpio – a transformative combination that describes strong emotions that can lead to expressions of victimhood, and the need for a focus on a spiritual perspective that views the behavior of others as a window into one’s own issues. The challenge involves forgiving the self for judging others. 

Aspects: The N Node trine Mercury on Monday indicates the need to both listen to others as well as your inner voice, while a square between Jupiter and both Nodes suggests that interactions with others could be strained with reevaluation necessary so that you don’t overcommit yourself. A conjunct between the N Node and Ceres retrograde beginning on Monday and lasting through the week suggests you might reflect on how supportive you are to the needs of others.

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Planetary Aspects

• The Sun (12th/Capricorn) trine Uranus (3rd/Taurus R) – your innovative thinking may result in new experiences (Jan 2-3)
• The Sun conjunct Juno (1st/Capricorn) – you have the respect of family and friends and they look to you for guidance (Jan 6-8)
• The Sun (12th/Capricorn) conjunct Venus (1st/Capricorn) – enjoy time with a close partner or spouse today (Jan 7-8)
• The Sun (12th/Capricorn) conjunct Vega at 15°Cp36 – suggests a charismatic and magickal persona (Jan 5-6)
• The Sun (12th/Capricorn) conjunct Rukbat (16°Cp56) – suggests both steadiness and strength (Jan 7)

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• The Moon (12th/Capricorn) conjunct The Sun (12th/Capricorn) – your intuition is strong and new beginnings are possible (Jan 2)
• The Moon (1st/Aquarius) conjunct Saturn (1st/Aquarius) – you tend to be reserved when around others today (Jan 4)
• The Moon (12th/Capricorn) trine Uranus (3rd/Taurus R) – you’re free to express yourself in unique ways (Jan 2)
• The Moon (1st/Aquarius) square Uranus (3rd/Taurus R) – avoid acting on impulse, particularly around close partners (Jan 4)
• The Moon (2nd/Pisces) conjunct Neptune (2nd/Pisces) – emotions may be overwhelming today and you may benefit from time alone to meditate or take a walk in nature (Jan 7)
• The Moon (1st/Capricorn) conjunct Pluto (1st/Capricorn) – emotions are strong today with drama the likely result (Jan 3)
• The Moon (1st/Capricorn) trine Ceres (4th/Taurus) – you seek out the women in your life with whom you share experiences (Jan 3)

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• Mercury (1st/Aquarius) conjunct Altair at 21°Cp54 – asks you to boldly explore new opportunities and experiences (Jan 3)

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• Venus (1st/Capricorn) sextile Neptune (2nd/Pisces) – practicality gives way to dreaming new dreams (Jan 4-6)
• Venus (1st/Capricorn) conjunct Juno (1st/Capricorn) – indicates engaging with a partner with compassion and integrity (Jan 4-8)

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• Mars (11th/Sagittarius) square Pallas (2nd/Pisces) – asserting yourself may require a different strategy today (Jan 4-8)
• Saturn (1st/Aquarius) square Uranus (3rd/Taurus R) – you may rebel against established routine, and compromise may be challenging (Jan 3-6)
• Neptune (2nd/Pisces) conjunct Pallas (2nd/Pisces) – discernment may be challenging today (Jan 6-8)
• Pluto (1st/Capricorn) trine Ceres (4th/Taurus R) – your support for others is strong and transformative (Jan 4-8)
• Vesta (12th/Sagittarius) conjunct Acumen (29°Sg02) – warns against enduring attacks that weaken your resolve (Jan 7-8)
• MC (16°Sc00 conjunct Elgenubi (15°Cp36) – suggests the potential for positive social reform (Jan 6)

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Retrograde Planets

• Chiron – reflect on inner woundings, apply their message, and then move on. (Ends on 20 Dec 2021 at 08°Ar26)
• Venus – reflection and reassessment of relationships, finances, values, and where you express beauty in your life (Begins on 20 Dec 2021 at 26°Cp29)
• Eris – time to explore and reevaluate your expression of feminine power to maximize your potential. 
• Uranus – indicates a focus on esoteric studies and original thought. (Ends on 19 Jan 2022 at 10°Ta49)
• Ceres – reflect on the manner in which you extend/receive nurturing and consider whether or not your approach is balanced and respectful of boundaries, both your own and those of others.

Upcoming Retrogrades to be aware of: Mercury (Begins 14 Jan 2022 – 10°Aq20/Ends 4 Feb 2022 – 24°Cp23)

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References

• Erickson, Jan. Witch Notes. Kindle. 2019.  
• Erickson, Jan. Shifting Perception. Draft2Digital. 2020.
• Erickson. Jan. Magick and the Aligned Witch. Kindle.