The Esoteric Forecast: The Ascendant, Rays, Nodes, and Planetary Influences ~ 23-29 October 2022 Edition

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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.

Cosmic 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 specific Rays, along with their average strength this week, are as follows:

• 1st Ray – will/power; average strength: 5
• 2nd Ray – love/wisdom; average strength: 3
• 3rd Ray – active intelligence; average strength: 4
• 4th Ray – harmony through conflict; average strength: 14
• 5th Ray – concrete science and knowledge; average strength: 5
• 6th Ray – devotion and idealism; average strength: 2
• 7th Ray – ceremonial order and magick; average strength: 2

Strongest Rays

Over the course of the week, the strongest Ray influence continues to be the 4th Ray of harmony through conflict indicating that balance, problem-solving, and cooperation with others will improve. All other Rays have a reduced impact with the 1st (will/power) and 5th (concrete science and knowledge) next in strength and in balance with each other.

It’s possible that the lesser impact of the 1st Ray’s expression of will and power may continue to make cooperation easier without the self-assertion that could spark conflict. And the 5th Ray in balance with the 1st suggests that collaboration with others will have the flexibility to investigate additional options or areas of interest.

Weakest Rays

The 2nd and 6th Rays’ lesser influence suggests a reduced focus on expressions of love and wisdom along with selflessness or expressions of ideology, while the reduced strength of the 3rd Ray of active intelligence suggests that objectivity that serves others may be less. Finally, we may have difficulty organizing our experiences in a meaningful, ordered manner with the reduced strength of the 7th Ray of ceremonial order and magic. 

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The Ascendant 

Scorpio – A feminine sign that functions on the 4th Ray of harmony through conflict, a Scorpio individual is concerned with balanced expression. S/he is perceptive, focused, and independent, and at times possesses a strong will. A Scorpio individual can also be emotionally intense, secretive, and have health issues.

Your emotions enhance your sensitivity and intuition and your charm and genuine warmth attract others to the insights you offer. In fact, you have a powerful influence on others and you’re successful in a manner that makes you stand out in the crowd.

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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.

Chiron in retrograde is still inconjunct the South Node counseling you that you’re continuing to reevaluate a situation that you may need to let go of so that you can move forward. 

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Planetary Aspects

The Sun ~ You are loving and idealistic and others seek you out for advice due to your compassionate concern for their needs. However, you may have difficulty meeting your own goals due to a lack of moderation or overconfidence. Inner reflection can help you better understand your motivations. 

The Moon ~ Friendships are an important part of your life that brings you peace and security, and you feel a sense of loss when they’re either unreliable or you lose contact with them. In short, you need a better balance between taking care of the needs of others and your own, and you may benefit periodically from pursuing a more solitary lifestyle. You express yourself intuitively, with imagination and feeling, and others respect you for your self-confident ability to pursue your goals. However, insecurity may arise if you feel others don’t support your ideas. And given your intensity and penchant for drama, reflection may be necessary so that you avoid an egoic or narrow perspective should changes in your life (career, home, etc.) result in fluctuations in your material security. Trust your feelings and balance them with your more rational or intellectual side so that you avoid impulsivity or self-indulgence.

Mercury ~ You are known for careful planning and your intuition provides you insight regarding the interactions of others. At times, however, you feel challenged when conveying solutions to others and worry that your ideas are perceived as unrealistic. But the truth is that although you are intelligent and interact well with others, you also may express your opinions in a thoughtless manner at the expense of others. So begin from a place of respect and carefully consider the tone and tenor of your words.

Venus ~  As you search for a life partner, your expectations of may be unrealistic, and you might benefit from taking time to see the beauty in what you already have. And although you’re likely a devoted partner you shouldn’t depend on the approval of others to determine your choices.

Mars ~ You collaborate well when you can express your ideas and focus your energy and intention on issues that provide inspiration to others. You should be aware, however, that your intense self-expression and behavior can be off-putting to others. So, be mindful and focus on respecting boundaries.

 Jupiter ~ (Retro) Although you are searching for a way to express your spirituality, your moods or inner woundings may find their way to the surface during this period with outbursts possible. And though it’s fine to express yourself as you wish, know that staying present in the moment will help you keep your wild side in check.

Saturn ~ You continue to work diligently with others and contribute a unique perspective or insight to any situation or challenge that arises. However, when around authority figures who don’t appreciate your unique approach, you also continue to experience feelings of insecurity. Seeking an inner compromise may be both valuable and necessary.

Uranus ~ (Retro) Conventional relationships aren’t particularly interesting to you given your preference for those that align with your need for individuality and freedom of expression. You may also meet new people during this period who appreciate and benefit from your original approach to problem-solving.

Neptune ~ (Retro) Your creativity continues to be aligned with your intuition and it may allow you to embrace a sense of unity consciousness with those on the same path. However, you may need a different strategy when interacting with others so that you achieve a sense of balance.

Pluto ~  Interactions with partners or family members continue to be fairly intense with power struggles during this period. As with last week, consider how you express your own need for personal power to others and stand firm if your boundaries or opinions are not respected.

 Chiron ~ (Retro) You can be fearful when asserting yourself, a feeling that is likely born from childhood wounds that are still impacting your life. Reflection is necessary but you need to employ some out-of-the-box creativity to move past this difficult issue. And although it may feel uncomfortable, nurturing your own needs is just as important as those of others

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Retrograde Planets – Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune, Chiron, Eris 

References

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