The Ascendant, Rays, Nodes, and Other Strong Influences (3-9 April 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.

The 1st Ray of will and power remains moderate this week with a steady influence on the ability to assert oneself this week in a trustworthy manner and with integrity.

The 2nd Ray of love and wisdom is significantly less at the beginning of the week with it fluctuating during the remainder suggesting that one’s ability to act with love, empathy, and wisdom may be impacted. And with the 6th Ray of devotion and idealism somewhat less of an influence, it suggests that wisdom and love may have a stronger impact on expressions of ideology and fundamentalist devotion over the week.

As with last week, the 3rd Ray of active intelligence’s continuing moderate impact suggests that instinct and adaptability to change remain relatively stable until they again increase slightly at the end of the week.

The moderately low impact of the 4th Ray of harmony through conflict suggests that the willingness to cooperate with others to find solutions will likely be challenging throughout the week. And with the disciplined or logical approach to seeking truth from the 5th Ray exerting a similar effect, achieving a shared agreement with others may continue to be difficult.

Overall, the moderate 7th Ray influence on ceremonial order throughout most of the week suggests that a narrow-minded attitude may be overshadowed by one that is more practical in nature until the end of the week when higher awareness increases.

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The Ascendant

Taurus – a feminine sign, Taurus individuals need a strong foundation to feel secure in their lives. A practical approach is favored over one that embraces risk. They have the self-discipline to stay the course and can be relied on by others. 

• Moon conjunct The Ascendant – Intuition is strong as is your sensitivity to others (4/3)
• Saturn square The Ascendant – release old patterns and relationship paradigms that become challenging during this period (4/8-9)
• Uranus conjunct The Ascendant – you stand out from others with your strong need to forge your own path (4/3-4)
• Vesta square The Ascendant – partnerships come into focus which will either help or hinder your progress (4/2

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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. 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: 

• Moon conjunct N Node – you follow your feelings more than you do your perceptions, and you may find it challenging to express your feelings to others (4/4)
• Mars square N/S Nodes – new opportunities may develop today (4/5-9)
• Jupiter trine S Node – you may either reconnect with old friends or become acquainted with someone new (4/5-9)
• Saturn square N/S Nodes – you lack discipline which may compromise success (4/6-9)
• Neptune trine the South Node ~ you tend to rely on intuition more than established facts (4/3-8)
• Juno square N/S Nodes ~ relationships may undergo change during this time with an emphasis on the expression of personal freedom 4/3)

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Planetary Aspects with a Strong Impact (Conjunct, Square, Trine, Opposition, Inconjunct/Quincunx)

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The Sun 12th House/ Aries (4/3-9) ~ reflect on how you express yourself in a manner that respects others. If hesitancy arises, it may be that past wounds are influencing, giving you the ability to work through anything that is impacting self-expression, particularly if you’re less inclined to listen to the input of others. Beginning Wednesday, your problem-solving skills are productive and accepted by others. Sun conjunct Chiron (3/29-31; 4/1-4); Sun conjunct Mercury (3/31; 4/1-4); Sun conjunct Pallas (4/6-9)

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The Moon

• 12th House/Taurus (4/3)
  • Moon square Vesta – emotions may interfere with your focus today
  • Moon conjunct Uranus – your penchant for individualism may cause conflict with authority figures

• 1st House/Taurus (4/4)
  • Moon square Mars – suggests that your temper may impact your interactions with others today
  • Moon square Saturn – insecurities may affect your responses to challenges
  • Moon square Juno – emotional neediness may impact interactions between you and a partner
  • Moon trine The Midheaven – you prefer a job that gives you both emotional satisfaction along with making a difference

• 1st House/Gemini (4/5)
  • None

• 2nd House/Gemini (4/6)
  • None

• 2nd House/Gemini (4/7)
  • Moon trine Venus – you love beautiful surroundings and prefer harmony and an easy exchange with others
  • Moon conjunct Lilith – emotions run high and you may be given to manipulation of others

• 3rd House Cancer (4/8)
  • Moon square Chiron – you may feel misunderstood by your mother or other women in your life due to past emotional wounds

• 3rd House/Cancer (4/9)
  • Moon trine Jupiter – today is the day to set off on an adventure and to try new experiences

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Mercury ~ 12th House/Aries (4/3-9) You may struggle with self-expression during this period, possibly due to early childhood experiences. On the positive side, given your strong intuitive/empathic awareness, others may be drawn to your valuable insight. A project at work on Saturday may bring about some intense interactions. Mercury conjunct Chiron (4/1-3); Mercury conjunct Pallas (4/4-6); Mercury square Pluto (4/9); Mercury square The Midheaven (4/9)

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Venus ~ 11th House/Aquarius (3/13-4/5); 11th House/Pisces (4/6-9) ~ trust your instincts involving relationships with others. Venus trine Lilith (4/5-6)

♂

Mars ~ 11th House/Aquarius (4/3-9) Although you may find yourself in a leadership position with others, beginning on Thursday, you may benefit from exercising some self-control over how you assert yourself with partners. Mars conjunct Saturn (4/3-7); Mars conjunct Juno (4/2-9)

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Jupiter ~ 12th House/Pisces (4/3)/ 11th House/Pisces (4/4-9) Your intuition is strong during this period and you may be drawn to metaphysical pursuits. Jupiter conjunct Neptune (4/3-8)

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Saturn ~ 11th House/Aquarius  (4/3-4/8); 10th House/Aquarius (4/9) You seek a partner that provides you with security and respect. Saturn conjunct Juno (4/3-5)

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Uranus ~ 12th House/Taurus (4/3-) something unexpected may arise with a partner during this period. In addition, you may struggle with staying on task. Uranus opposite The Descendant (4/3); Uranus square Vesta (4/3-9)

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Pluto ~ 10th House/Capricorn (4/3-9) You may choose a career that offers leadership potential as well as one that has a strong impact on others Pluto conjunct. The Midheaven (4/7-9)

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Retrograde Planets – None are currently in retrograde. Upcoming retrogrades include Mercury (10 May), and Pluto (29 Apr)

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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.