The Ascendant, Rays, Nodes, and Aspects Influencing 7-13 August 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.

The 1st Ray of will and power average influence all week suggests that the ability to assert oneself or to express one’s will in a positive manner may be only moderately effective.

The moderate impact of both the 2nd Ray of love and wisdom and the 6th Ray of devotion and idealism continues this week suggesting that one’s ability to act with love, empathy, and wisdom may have an average impact on expressions of ideology and fundamentalist devotion, and increased discernment will continue to be necessary.

The 3rd Ray of active intelligence’s reduced impact suggests that instinct and adaptability to change are having a lower influence on our interactions with others and the ability to solve problems this week.

The 4th Ray of harmony through conflict’s reduced impact this week indicates an unwillingness to cooperate with others to find solutions. And with the disciplined or logical approach to seeking truth from the 5th Ray having a stronger impact, it may be that achieving a shared agreement with others may be at odds no matter what you do.

Overall, the lesser 7th Ray influence on ceremonial order throughout most of the week suggests that practicality won’t have much of an influence on perceptions and decisions, and the organization may also be impacted.

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The Ascendant 

Virgo – A feminine sign, a Virgo individual is somewhat risk-averse and needs to know the overall picture before pursuing new opportunities. Although individuals with a Virgo Ascendant may be hesitant to initiate new endeavors, they are typically flexible and adaptable. However, a Virgo Ascendant can also be anxious, sensitive, reserved, and health-conscious.

• Moon opposite The Ascendant – you feel more emotionally secure when spending time with others than on your own (8/13)
• Mercury conjunct The Ascendant – You may pursue a career in communications or one in which you share ideas with others (8/7-13)
• Jupiter quincunx The Ascendant – How you see yourself may be in fact preventing you from pursuing new opportunities and it may be time for some reevaluation. (8/9-11)

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

Aspects: 

• The Sun square N Node/S Node – take advantage of today’s 8/8 portal and any new opportunities that may arise during this period (8/8-11)
• Uranus conjunct N Node/opposite S Node – Something unexpected could arise that aligns you with your true nature or destiny (8/7-13)

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Planetary Aspects/Patterns with a Strong Impact

The Sun ~ It may be time to reassess your current health focus and remain open to an alternate path that emphasizes a more wholistic approach. Your sense of individuality influences the choices you make and you’re ready for something new irrespective of the opinions of others. Stay focused on your objective and don’t let others deter you on your new path.

The Moon ~ You are torn between taking care of routine tasks this week and exploring new opportunities. However, you have plenty of support from others close to you should you need a different perspective. In reality, you prefer pleasure to responsibilities which may be the crux of the issue and it may impact harmony with or expectations from a close partner. If you’re willing to listen to your partner’s needs, it could open up a whole new level of awareness that’s been missing. At the end of the week you may find that you’re more emotional than usual and you may need to choose your responses carefully.

Mercury ~ Your ability to communicate with others may still be somewhat scattered at the beginning of the week, but then it begins to improve and you’re able to express your ideas in a meaningful manner with others. That said, this is also a time where you can reevaluate your objectives to have more clarity. 

Venus ~ Although compassion for others increases during this period you may also experience power struggles that involve a desire for control. While you may come to resent taking care of the needs of others, your need to do so is unrealistic and likely stems from your own insecurities. Some reflection is necessary to discover why so that a shift in mindset can take place.

Mars ~ You have a stubborn and tenacious manner and are unlikely to deal well with opposition from others. And you struggle with when to assert yourself and when to step back and observe. That said, you’re willing to take risks that others are reluctant to take. Respect their choices and avoid trying to control a collaborative endeavor no matter how much you believe you have the right answers.                                                                                                            

Jupiter ~ (Retro) Although nurturing and supporting others is your strong suit and is favored during this week it may prevent you from taking care of your own needs. And although Jupiter’s influence increases your optimism, you may find that your resentment and temper grow when you feel thwarted by a focus on others.

Saturn ~ (Retro) Your life has become a balancing act between knowing when to assert yourself and when to step back to gain more clarity. And you may also be coping with unrealistic expectations from others who wish to impose themselves on you. As uncomfortable as it might feel, you must set your boundaries so that you feel more in control.

Uranus ~ Your originality and individual approach allows you to pursue opportunities that others might miss. You make decisions quickly and are unwilling to let others determine your path, even if it involves individuals in authority or close partners. However, you need to realize that in order that you get what you want, some negotiation may be necessary.

Neptune ~ (Retro) Achieving spiritual harmony with your partner takes priority in your life and you have difficulty accepting anything less. Your sensitivity and compassion are both strong as is your willingness to cater to your partner’s needs. Because of that, your own needs take a back seat with loneliness or depression the result. A greater level of insight may be necessary to strike a better balance.

Pluto ~ (Retro) You would do well to continue avoiding an obsessive focus this week, both with your plans as well as with your interactions with others, otherwise, drama could result. Inner control is necessary as is some honesty with yourself.

Chiron ~ (Retro) Insight gained over this week from your own past experiences can benefit others, especially those who share similar concerns. Your ability to help others heal is born from a natural empathy that also assists you with your own healing. The potential is there for a powerful experience in that regard.

Retrograde Planets – Pluto; Saturn; Neptune, Vesta, Chiron, Eris, Juno, Jupiter. Upcoming retrogrades include Uranus (24 Aug 2022)

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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.