The Ascendant, Rays, and Other Astrological Influences ~ 13-19 February 2022

---

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 continues to exert a strong influence on the ability to assert oneself until Thursday when it begins to lessen.

Although the 2nd Ray of love and wisdom increases on Thursday, its moderate impact at the beginning of the week suggests that the ability to act with love, empathy, and wisdom may be overshadowed by the 1st Ray’s greater strength and impulse control could be challenging until it reaches the same strength as the first Ray on Thursday. The expression of love, empathy, and wisdom becomes stronger than the 1st Ray’s influence on Saturday.

The 3rd Ray of active intelligence begins strong at the beginning of the week, lessening somewhat on Tuesday and remaining steady until it increases again on Saturday suggesting that instinct and adaptability to change remain relatively moderate throughout the week. 

With the overall reduced influence of the 4th Ray of harmony through conflict, the willingness to cooperate with others to find solutions may be less. And although a disciplined or logical approach to seeking truth may be greater with the strong influence of the 5th Ray of concrete knowledge and science, it may not reach the point of shared agreement with others.

The influence of the 6th Ray of devotion and idealism is balanced by 2nd Ray energy and with love and wisdom less of an impact than the 6th Ray, the moderate to strong impact of the 6th Ray on expressions of ideology or fundamentalist devotion could still be impacting interactions and expectations throughout the week.

Overall, the moderate 7th Ray influence on ceremonial order throughout the week suggests that ego awareness may continue to have less of an impact on one’s overall perspective.

---

The Ascendant

Pisces – a feminine sign, Pisces individuals are less likely to take risks and are somewhat dependent on the motivation of others. Imagination and sensitivity are strong as is intuition and psychic awareness. Pisces individuals may also be empathic and find it difficult to either shield themselves from intrusive energies, or to release their focus on the emotions of others. At times, the Pisces individual may feel as if he or she is like a wish floating away on the wind without any control over his or her own fate or direction.

Aspects: 

• Neptune conjunct The Ascendant – feelings of separation are accentuated by increased sensitivity and a lack of focus on activities that bring out your creative side. (2/18-19)
• The Moon opposite The Ascendant – you prefer to be in a committed relationship with co-dependency possible. (2/18)

---

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. With this placement, we also know what we value or desire, however, how difficult that is to achieve depends upon the balance we strike.

Aspects: 

• Sun square N Node – achieving new goals may be challenging during this time (2/13-17)
• Mercury trine N Node – communication skills will assist you in career-oriented opportunities (2/13)
• Pluto trine N Node – you influence others by stepping outside the norm and pursuing endeavors that are challenging. One caution would be to respect the views of others. (2/13-19) 
• Moon square N Node – experience is your greatest teacher which counsels you toward emotional control so that you achieve the best outcome (2/16)

---

Planetary Aspects with a Strong Impact

The Sun ~ 12th House/Aquarius (2-18); 12th House/Pisces (2-19)

This transit allows you to explore expressions of compassion for others, especially the women in your life. The Sun square Ceres (2/19)

The Moon ~ 5th/Cancer (2/13), 5th/Leo (2/14), 6th/Leo (2/15-16), 6th/Virgo (2/17), 7th/Virgo (2/18), 7th/Libra (2/19)

• Moon trine Neptune – you are sensitive and intuitive and others benefit from your insight (2/13)
• Moon trine Pallas – allow your intuition to inform a new strategy or plan that may be in order (2/14)
• Moon opposite Juno – strike a balance between expressing and receiving nurturing from partners in your life (2/14)
• Moon opposite Saturn – develop inner self-esteem that doesn’t need to rely on others that may, in the long run, leave you feeling unsupported (2/15)
• Moon (Full) opposite The Sun – balance is off between emotions and expressions of ego with lack of empathy or indecision the result (2/16)
• Moon quincunx Pluto – an obsessive focus can lead to a loss of objectivity (2/16)
• Moon opposite Neptune – boundaries with others may be sketchy and you may unrealistically idealize others (2/18)
• Moon trine Mercury – although you communicate your feelings well to others, at times you may resort to manipulation to get what you want (2/19)
• Moon trine Juno – you’re nourished by having loved ones around and you love to return that sentiment by planning and cooking family meals together (2/19)

Mercury ~ 11th House/Capricorn (2/13-17), 11th House/Aquarius (2/18-19)

You prefer meaningful conversations and research to experiences that are more superficial superficial nature. Additionally, self-assertion is strong and you’re willing to speak truth to power. You may pursue a communication-oriented path in life that may involve counseling others. Toward the end of the week, partners may seek you out for your insight. Mercury conjunct Pluto (2/13); Mercury trine Ceres (2/13-16); Mercury conjunct Juno (2/18-19) 

Venus ~ 11th House/Capricorn (2/13-16), 11th House/Aquarius (2/17-19)

Although you respect individual differences and enjoy a lively give and take with others, sometimes your expectations can be too great, not only of others but also yourself. Your home and family provide a strong sense of well-being and as a result, you attract positive relationships in your life. Venus conjunct Mars (2/13-19); Venus conjunct Vesta (2/13-19) 

Mars 11th House/Capricorn (2/13-19)

You need to focus on what creates not only passion in your life, but also what provides inspiration to others, whether it involve your career or how you express sexual energy. Mars conjunct Vesta (2/13-19)

Neptune ~ 1st House/Pisces (2/13-19)

Boundaries may be difficult to establish within a disciplined situation such as your career. Neptune square the MC (2/13-15)

Pluto ~ 11 House/Capricorn (2/13-19)

See the Nodes

Goddess Planets

A new strategy may be needed to understand the overall situation between you and the women in your life so that more nurturing relationships can develop. Pallas sextile Ceres (2/13-19)

---

Retrograde Planets – none

---

References

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

---

Sign up February 2nd through February 27th, save 15% when you register for the course and upgrade your enrollment with the ever-popular Botanical Skin Care Recipe Book

---