The Ascendant, Rays, Nodes, and Strong Planetary Aspects (17-23 April 2022)

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Below are the Ray, Ascendant, and Node influences as well as strong planetary aspects over the coming week. Each daily chart is cast for 8:00 AM.

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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.

Check out Quantum Effect on Gaia with Randy Veitenheimer to explore the energetic nature of consciousness

The 1st Ray of will and power is reduced this week suggesting that the ability to assert oneself in a trustworthy manner and with integrity becomes more challenging.

The 2nd Ray of love and wisdom increases and provides a moderate influence this week suggesting that one’s ability to act with love, empathy, and wisdom may have a greater impact than it did last week. 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 lesser impact suggests that instinct and adaptability to change are having an average impact throughout the week.

The average impact of the 4th Ray of harmony through conflict suggests that the willingness to cooperate with others to find solutions will likely be better than last week, increasing on Thursday through Friday. And with the disciplined or logical approach to seeking truth from the 5th Ray exerting a reduced effect, achieving a shared agreement with others may continue to be difficult.

Overall, the reduced 7th Ray influence on ceremonial order throughout the week suggests that a narrow-minded attitude may be stronger than one that is more practical in nature.

The Ascendant

Gemini – a masculine sign, Gemini individuals are purposeful, and take initiative. Chatty and personal, Gemini individuals love a good conversation with others, are flexible, and consider all options before making a decision, with a lack of commitment possible. (4/15-23)

• Moon opposite The Ascendant – you desire close relationships with those you love but need to learn to care for your own needs as well (4/19)
• Mars square The Ascendant – balance is required so that you not only express yourself with respect and dignity, but also know when to assert your own opinions and when to defer to the views of others (4/17-22)

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 trine N Node – remain open to new opportunities that seem to fall right into your lap (4/22)
• Mercury conjunct The N Node – your future may involve a position as a teacher or instructor given your strong communication skills (4/22-23)
• Saturn square N/S Nodes – you lack discipline which may compromise success (4/17-23)
• Neptune trine the South Node ~ you tend to rely on intuition more than established facts (4/17-23)

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

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The Sun 12th House/ Aries (4/17-19); 12th House/Taurus (4/20-23) ~  Your problem-solving skills are productive and accepted by others; however, your emotions may be both unpredictable and possibly explosive. You may be given to overreaction as well. Sun conjunct Pallas (4/6-17); Sun square Pluto (4/17-22); Sun conjunct Vulcan (4/23)

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The Moon

6th House/Scorpio (4/17-18) – you tend to create your own drama that could impact your health in some manner

• Moon opposite Mercury – you may experience self-doubt today and decisions may prove challenging (4/17)
• Moon trine Jupiter – adventures that include friends or family may come your way today (4/18)

7th House/Sagittarius (4/19-20) – you have a need for independence and you appreciate a partner who supports your endeavors

• Moon opposite Lilith – emotions may be in flux and you may be given to blaming others for your own issues (4/19)
• Moon square Neptune – your emotions are typically at the surface which may be overwhelming at times, and you may benefit from channeling that energy into something more creative. (4/20)
• Moon opposite Ceres – interactions with the women in your life may be challenging today with emotional awareness at a minimum (4/20)

8th House/Capricorn (4/21) – although you prefer a structured experience, you also are drawn to expressions of higher awareness

• No strong aspects

9th House/Capricorn (4/22) – you may have difficulty focusing today which may become stressful if you need to stay organized

• Moon trine Mercury – interactions flow well today as do decisions; guard against manipulating others
• Moon inconjunct Ceres – Interactions with women in your life continue to be challenging today 

9th House/Aquarius (4/23) – although you are typically idealistic and innovative, you also may have difficulty relating on an emotional level to others

• Moon square The Sun – you find balancing self-assertion with emotional expression challenging

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Mercury ~ 12th House/Taurus (4/17-23) You express unique ideas and perspectives with those around you and they appreciate you interesting insights. On Tuesday, your curiosity increases and you’re drawn to the more sacred aspects of life. On Saturday, your focus may become obsessive and interactions may be challenging as a result. Mercury conjunct Uranus (4/17-18); Mercury square Vesta (4/19-23); Mercury square Saturn (4/23)

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Venus ~ 11th House/Pisces (4/17-23) You enjoy unity and harmony with others, and you feel strongly aligned with a partner or spouse. On Friday, you may feel let down by a close partner due to your own unrealistic expectations. Venus conjunct Neptune (4/22-23)

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Mars ~ 10th House/Pisces (4/17-23) You prefer relationships that favor independence and self-expression. So, you need to exercise discernment regarding the choice of partners so that your needs are respected. You may need to watch your tone and how you assert yourself beginning on Thursday through the remainder of the week. Mars conjunct Juno (4/17-20); Mars square Lilith (4/21-23)

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Jupiter ~ 11th House/Pisces (4/17-23) Your intuition is strong during this period and you may be drawn to metaphysical pursuits. Jupiter conjunct Neptune (4/10-23)

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Saturn ~ 10th House/Aquarius (4/17-23) – Although you enjoy working well with others, you may feel hesitant to express yourself in the workplace. See the Nodes for additional information.

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Uranus ~ 12th House/Taurus (4/17-23) Something unexpected may arise with a partner during this period. In addition, you may struggle with staying on task. Beginning Friday, you may express some innovative ideas with others. Uranus square Vesta (4/17); Uranus square The Midheaven (4/22-23)

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Pluto ~ 9th House/Capricorn (4/10-16) your self-confidence may be impacted over the week that may impact feeling grounded. Pluto conjunct The Midheaven (4/18-23)

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

References

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