The Ascendant, Rays, Nodes, and Aspects Influencing 8-14 May 2022

---

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.

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 continues to be reduced this week suggesting that the ability to assert oneself or to express one’s will in a positive manner continues to be challenging throughout the week.

The 2nd Ray of love and wisdom continues to provide a moderate to strong influence this week suggesting that one’s ability to act with love, empathy, and wisdom may continue its increased impact this week. And with the 6th Ray of devotion and idealism still 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.

Continuing from last week, the 3rd Ray of active intelligence’s significantly low impact suggests that instinct and adaptability to change are having a minimal impact throughout the week.

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

Overall, the lesser 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, a Gemini individual loves a good conversation with others, is flexible, and considers all options before making a decision, with a lack of commitment possible. (5/8-13)

Cancer – A feminine/receptive sign, individuals with the Ascendant in Cancer tend to be risk-averse and are less likely to initiate new endeavors. A born nurturer, this compassionate individual takes care of family and friends but may also be given to moodiness. (5/14)

• Mercury R trine The Ascendant (Cancer) – Reflect on how your emotions impact your self-esteem. Your intuition is strong right now and can inform your perspective. (5/14)
• Jupiter square The Ascendant (Gemini 5/12-13; Cancer (5/14)) – Although your self-confidence is high and relationships with others flow well, you may need to take some time for yourself to reflect and regroup (5/12-14)
• Saturn trine The Ascendant (Gemini 5/8-9) – You proceed with confidence and inner strength that draws others to you. You treat those around you with respect and dignity and are appreciated for your experience and resolve (5/8-9)
• Uranus semisquare The Ascendant (Gemini 5/13) – Timing may play a role in when and how you express your unique ideas, especially with newer people in your life or if expectations from others are unrealistic.
• Neptune square The Ascendant (Gemini 5/8) – Self-expression may be difficult during this time with expectations of both self and others in flux.

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: 

• The Sun conjunct N Node/opposite S Node – Release any hesitance to new experiences by learning to balance responsibilities at home with those in your career. (5/10-14)
• Moon trine N Node/sextile S Node – You may feel the need to reevaluate the course you’ve chosen (5/11)
• Mars sextile N Node/trine S Node – Allow Higher awareness to guide your perspective (5/12-14)
• Saturn square N/S Nodes – You lack discipline which may compromise success (5/8-11)
• Neptune trine the South Node ~ You tend to rely on intuition more than established facts (5/8)

Planetary Aspects with a Strong Impact

☉

The Sun 12th House/Taurus (5/8-14) ~  You have plenty of energy during this time to pursue new opportunities and experiences, particularly those you share with others. Innovative ideas come easily and others are happy to listen to your input as long as you’re willing to listen to their input as well. If challenges arise, you should not only reevaluate both your process as well as your objective but also listen to your intuition so that you know you’re on the right path. Sun sextile Mars (5/1-8), Sun sextile Mars (5/9-11) Sun square Saturn (5/13); Sun sextile Neptune (5/14)

☽

The Moon

3rd House/Leo (5/8-9) On Sunday, your emotions may be in flux and you could be sensitive to the energies surrounding you. Let go of the need to control the process or outcome, drop resistance to the emotions you’re experiencing, and express compassion instead of judgment. On Monday, you may experience some setbacks and others may be unwilling to provide support or assistance. Stay focused on your objective and don’t allow your emotions to impact your choices. Moon square Uranus; Moon trine Chiron; Moon opposite Saturn; Moon opposite Vesta

4th House/Virgo (5/10-11) Home doesn’t feel all that stable to you right now and it may feel as if you’re struggling against the current. Your relationship with a partner may feel off and you may not be focused enough on your own needs. Communicate what you need and then be willing to accept the support that’s offered. You’ll likely find on Wednesday that you have more support than you know. That said, an opposition with Mars indicates that you may experience some mood swings. If so, breathe through it and know that it will pass. Moon inconjunct (quincunx) Venus, Moon opposite Juno (5/10); Moon trine the Sun,  Moon opposite Mars (5/11)

5th House/Libra (5/12-5/13) You seek activities that promote peace and harmony, and your self-expression flows well with others. On Friday, a partner may need your support. Moon trine Mercury (5/12), Moon opposite Chiron (5/13)

5th House/Scorpio (5/14)You may be given to drama today and with Mercury beginning its retrograde last Tuesday, decision-making may prove difficult. In addition, conflict with others may possible and you’ll want to be careful in your responses to others to avoid any miscommunication. Moon inconjunct Mercury R

☿

Mercury ~ 12th House/Gemini (5/8-14) – retrograde begins on Tuesday, 10 May Even though you relate well to others, you may need to step back and engage in some reflection during this period, especially if interactions with others have been difficult. It’s important to examine whether or not your words have actually alienated the very people from whom you need support. Mercury square Juno (5/8-12) 

♀

Venus ~ 11th House/Aries (5/8-14) Although you love to engage with others, you need to trust your instincts surrounding a partner during this period. Not everything may be as it seems and you may need to offer additional understanding and compassion, especially if you have misjudged your partner, or if Mercury’s retrograde effect is making interactions difficult. Venus square Lilith (5/8-9); Venus conjunct Chiron (5/10-14); Venus semisquare Saturn (5/10-11)

♂

Mars ~ 10th House/Pisces (5/8-14) As you search for spiritual meaning in your life, your intuition is strong and you inspire others with your unique perspective. However, a semisquare with Pallas suggests that you could come to a conclusion today without having enough information. It may be that you’ve been under some stress and you would benefit from some time to regroup. Mars semisquare Pallas (5/8-12); Mars conjunct Neptune (5/10-14)

♃

Jupiter ~ 10th House/Pisces (5/8-10); 10th House/Aries (5/11-14) You may be rather impatient when expressing your unique ideas and perspectives during this period because it may seem that others don’t necessarily agree or perhaps their expectations of you are unrealistic. Jupiter semisquare Uranus (5/1-13); Jupiter square Ceres (5/10-13); Jupiter square Lilith (5/12)

♄

Saturn ~ 9th House/Aquarius (5/8-14) – You need to strike a better balance between work and taking time for yourself so that you don’t lose focus. If boundaries are lacking, be clear in your message to others but above all, own your own issues without blaming anyone else. Saturn conjunct Vesta (5/8-14); Saturn sextile Eris (5/10-14); Saturn trine Lilith (5/14)

♅

Uranus ~ 12th House/Taurus (5/8-9); 11th House/Taurus (5/10-14) Something unexpected may arise that invokes inspiration during this period. Your intuition is strong and you understand the motivations of others. You may also be attracted to unconventional metaphysical pursuits that might impact support from others. Uranus septile Neptune (5/8-9); Uranus semisquare Ceres (5/14)

♆

Neptune ~ 10th House/Pisces (5/8-14)  Your career choice may need to be re-defined during this period. You may be experiencing issues with co-workers that leave you feeling out of sorts.  Neptune square Ceres (5/8)

♇

Pluto ~ 8th House/Capricorn R (5/8-14) you may obsess over challenges or problems that arise to the point that you cannot understand the overall picture. And relationships may become more transactional than usual which impacts a shared outcome. Pluto R inconjunct Ceres (5/8-12)

---

Current Retrograde Planets

• Pluto
• Mercury beginning 10 May.

Upcoming retrograde Planets

• Saturn – 4 June 2022
• Neptune – 28 June 2022
• Vesta – 7 July 2022
• Chiron 19 July 2022
• Eris – 21 July 2022
• Juno – 24 July 2022
• Jupiter – 28 July
• Uranus 24 Aug 2022

---

References

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