Welcome to Stepping Aside…Where Magick Begins

©2025-2026 Jan Erickson 

The Week Ahead: Astrology, Runes, & Energetic Insights 1-7 November 2026

The Week Ahead is a compendium of information that includes a weekly forecast, current astrological information, correspondences, and recommendations for working magick, as well as weekday rune and tarot readings that help you navigate the coming week. Love and Blessings to all!

Quick Reference

Retrograde Planets

• Mercury in Scorpio; SD (11/13/2026)
• Venus in Scorpio (detriment); Libra (10/25, 2:10a); SD 11/13/2026
• Uranus in Gemini; SD 2/8/2027
• Neptune in Aries; SD 12/12/2026
• Saturn in Aries (fall); SD 12/10/2026
• Chiron in Aries; SD 1/6/27
• Pallas in Aries; SD 11/30/2026
• Vesta in Aries; SD 11/28/2026

Sun Sign: Scorpio

Moon Sign/VOC/Phases

• 11/1/2025 – Sunday: Leo; Void of Course: Not today; Phase: Waning, Disseminating; 3rd Qtr at 12:28p
• 11/2/2025 – Monday: Leo; Void of Course: 4:10p-EOD; Phase: Waning, 3rd Qtr
• 11/3/2025 – Tuesday: Leo until Virgo at 12:27a; Void of Course: Until 12:27a; 10:57p-EOD; Phase: Waning, 3rd Qtr
• 11/4/2025 – Wednesday: Virgo; Void of Course: All day; Phase: Waning, 3rd Qtr
• 11/5/2026 – Thursday: Virgo until Libra at 6:38a; Void of Course: Until 6:38a; Phase: Waning, Balsamic 
• 11/6/2026 – Friday: Libra; Void of Course: Not today; Phase: Waning, Balsamic
• 11/7/2026 – Saturday: Libra until Scorpio (fall); Void of Course: 5:19a-2:39p; Phase: Waning, Balsamic 

Additional Planets in Sign

• Mercury – Scorpio
• Mars – Leo
• Venus – Libra (dignity)
• Jupiter – Leo
• Saturn – Aries (fall)

Out of Bounds

• Pluto (all week)
• Ceres (all week)
• BML (all week)

© 2025-2026 Jan Erickson

General Astrological Insights

At the beginning of the week, you may find following rules to be challenging, especially if they don’t align with your own ideas or beliefs. However, you have a powerful influence on others, and setting a positive example may be more important than how you see a situation. Given that Mercury is in retrograde, it may also be that miscommunication could be the source of the conflict, so give yourself time to be certain of what’s required.

Throughout the week, you instinctively want to expand your efforts without compromising your values and principles. Ask yourself if you’re accomplishing what you want to do, or if you’re hanging onto situations, relationships, or beliefs that are actually preventing you from pursuing new opportunities.

The Moon’s influence this week:

Step back to understand a situation to better formulate a new strategy or plan. You’re in touch with the wilder side of your emotions, which you’re comfortable expressing to others. That said, if your impulse control is lacking, emotional sensitivity is possible, and more objectivity may be needed.

Friendships are important and bring a sense of emotional security during the latter part of the week; however, on Saturday, you may choose to spend your time pursuing time alone.

Daily Readings

Sunday, 1 November 2026

To be successful today, you need to recognize and identify patterns that develop the structure for cooperation. In doing so, the resulting collaboration may be more practical and reliable, especially if you encounter someone who wants to control the outcome in a way that preserves his/her personal agenda.

For the magickally inclined: Studying more than one divination method can enhance your overall understanding of an issue. Whether the methods offer opposing views or reinforce a specific view, I find doing this to be helpful. The Wheel of Fortune from the Rider-Waite deck, along with Jera ᛃ from the Elder Futhark, both describe cycles. While the Wheel of Fortune centers more on prosperity and success, Jera describes balance, give-and-take, transformation, and alignment. It might be said that Jera describes more of the process one takes to achieve the success described by the Wheel of Fortune. You might, for example, draw the Wheel of Fortune and then look at the interpretation of Jera from a variety of rune practitioners to discover ways to achieve success or fortune, particularly if you’re unclear on how you achieve that success.

Influences: Universal numerology/Day: 4/1; Runes: Jera, Rubeus; Tarot: Wheel of Fortune; Human Design Gate/Line 44.2 Management

Monday, 2 November 2026

Instead of trusting the process and making the most of your undeveloped potential, outmoded ideas may hinder solutions and leave you feeling isolated from others today. You may become so caught up in cause and effect that you become stuck there, unable to see the overall picture. Protecting your ideas is one thing; allowing inertia to take hold is quite another.

For the magickally inclined: Perthro ᛈ from the Elder Futhark involves chance, understanding fate, cause and effect, and synchronicity. Carcer 𜻩, a geomancy rune, looks like a birdcage or ampule, and suggests self-imprisonment, isolation, outmoded ideas or attitudes, and evil. Lastly, The Fool from the Major Arcana describes undeveloped potential, a leap of faith, trust, innocence, and no expectations. Together, they can be studied to understand how you get in the way of your own progress and what you can do to watch for synchronicities that invoke your potential. 

Influences: Universal numerology/Day: 5/2; Runes: Perthro, Carcer; Tarot: The Fool; Human Design Gate/Line: 4.2 Acceptance (juxtaposition)

Tuesday, 3 November 2026

You may be reluctant to share your insights with others today. However, in doing so, you may shape the outcome in a way that lessens your achievement or success. Realize that support is available to you, and the assistance you could be turning away from could make all the difference.

For the magickally inclined: The keyword for Uruz ᚢ from the Elder Futhark is aurochs, a large, bull-like animal now extinct, signifying inner power and the strength to manifest or shape your experiences. It also involves endurance, health, and healing. Its “legs” point downward into manifestation. Uruz suggests that each of us has power we should not give away to others or to challenging circumstances. That inner power and strength stem from a higher power that we not just possess, but in fact, is our nature and reality.

Influences: Universal numerology/Day: 6/3; Runes: Uruz, Conjunctio; Tarot: 6 of Wands; Human Design Gate/Line: 4.2 Acceptance (detriment)

Wednesday, 4 October 2026

Be on alert to patterns that signal manipulation by others today. A door may be opening to new opportunities, and you don’t want anyone else preventing you from moving in a new direction or taking that opportunity from you. Before reacting, pay close attention to anything that seems off, and when you’re certain, a practical response is best, as is keeping your own counsel.

For the magickally inclined: Othala ᛟ from the Elder Futhark invokes and expresses light from higher consciousness to create a sacred space that involves protection, ancestral heritage, prosperity, loyalty, tradition, material security, and peace. Essentially a bindrune, Othala involves Kenaz ᚲ in all directions, Gebo ᚷ at the bottom, which also involves not only Kenaz but also Isa ᛁ crossed, and Inguz ᛜ at the top. So, there are several influences at work that provide the energetic foundation for Othala. Study its meaning along with the meanings of the other runes that provide its foundation. Othala is a powerful rune that can be carried or worn, especially if you believe your sacred space or personal choices that involve material security are threatened. 

Influences: Universal numerology/Day: 7/4 Runes: Othala, Caput Draconis; Tarot: 2 of Wands; Human Design Gate/Line: 44.5 Manipulation

Thursday, 5 November 2026

A situation may arise today where you may need to temporarily switch gears to maintain a productive flow. The original plan may not protect you enough from impulsive behavior on the part of someone whose personal agenda is in play. That individual may try to micromanage the situation in a way that doesn’t really serve the overall objective. So, take whatever measures necessary to keep moving forward.

For the magickally inclined: Fortuna Major 𜻣, a geomancy rune, describes greater fortune, achievement, and success. However, it also involves ego expression, a perfectionistic attitude, and micromanaging others. It’s self-reinforcing as well, which can thwart one’s efforts if the ego is allowed to determine everything. Thurisaz ᚦ, or Thor’s rune, describes what opposes you, typically impulsive behavior or chaotic situations. It involves protection and defense, and can also imply new beginnings. Fortuna Major and Thurisaz can be studied together to understand how one can influence or complicate the other. For example, if the ego is kept at bay, then a situation that is out of control may be more easily managed. If what opposes you is your own ego response, then you may be able to make a different choice that leads to a more positive outcome. Fortuna Major may caution against self-reinforcing behavior that Thurisaz can help define as something that creates more problems than you need, etc. 

Influences: Universal numerology/Day: 8/5; Runes: Thurisaz, Fortuna Major; Tarot: Ace of Cups; Human Design Gate/Line: 29.1 The draftee

Friday, 6 November 2026

It may be up to you today to maintain your values and principles if a situation you believed was viewed in a particular way is changing. Someone could be opposing you, and you may be unsure how to address his or her concerns. Ask for assistance from a trusted advisor if necessary, but don’t follow along with the crowd and automatically accept what that person says is true. In the end, you may not win the argument, which may make things difficult, but at least you stood up for what you believe is right.

For the magickally inclined: The 5 of Pentacles from the Minor Arcana describes a change in circumstances so extreme it causes destitution. The two people on the card are walking in the snow in clothing that is tattered and torn, and one appears to be injured. What appears to be a church to their left has a stained-glass window; however, no doors are visible. Although the scene depicts a specific situation that leads to destitution and/or injury, it can also have a broader meaning: something extreme has happened, leaving you feeling the need for support and healing that seems out of reach. Its message may be to see the bigger picture and to let others in to help you. Or it could be acknowledging that the support you thought should be there just isn’t, and it’s up to you to keep moving forward irrespective of the challenges that await.

Influences: Universal numerology/Day: 9/6; Runes: Eihwaz, Populus; Tarot: 5 of Pentacles; Human Design Gate/Line: 32.4 Right is Might

Saturday, 7 November 2026

Someone may look to you for support today. Perhaps he or she has become overconfident and has gotten involved in something that will not pan out as initially believed. The bond you share with this person is intuitively based, and you convey your support in a manner that both inspires and transmutes illusion into truth. The light has returned, and it’s the dawn of a new day.

For the magickally inclined: The 10 of Swords from the Minor Arcana depicts a body laying on the sand or ground next to a body of water with mountains appearing on the other side. The night appears to be lifting, with a yellow sky emerging at the bottom. Ten swords are piercing the person’s back, and his face is turned toward the morning light. There’s a sense of endings, as if some betrayal is complete, and the difficulty is over. The swords represent the Air element and the intellect, communication, truth, and deception. The number 10 can represent endings and beginnings, suggesting the end of illusion and the dawn of a new day. Drawing this card in a reading can suggest the end of negative self-talk, deception, and the light returning.

Influences: Universal numerology/Day: 1/7; Runes: Ehwaz, Acquisitio; Tarot: 10 of Swords; Human Design Gate/Line 17.6 The bodhisattva

©2025-2026 Jan Erickson

Weekly Correspondences

Below are the corresponding astrological and other energies for working magick for the week. ~  et incipit magia

Sunday, 1 November 2026

Magical focus: The Sun governs; clarity, truth, healing, courage, removing barriers, leadership

• Universal Numerology: 4 – grounding, foundation, practicality, reliability, patience, structure/Day – 1 –  Uniqueness, Freedom, Talent, Governance, Leadership, and Revolution
• The Sun in Scorpio
• The Moon in Leo
• Moon Void of Course: Not today
• Lunar Phase: Waning, Disseminating; 3rd Qtr at 12:28p
• Planetary governance: The Sun ☉
• Governing Planet Ray – 2nd (love/wisdom): Strongest Ray: 1st/4th
• Favorability: Excellent
• Polarity: Masculine
• Elemental Balance: In order of strength: Fire, Water, Air, Earth (0)
• Strongest Sign Mode: Fixed
• Mansion of the Moon: 10th – Algebha (Al Jabhah) 25°Cn42; neck/forehead of Leo; fosters love and compassion, assists in defeating enemies, and strengthens structures; at 10:59a, 11th – Azobra (Al Zubrah) 8°Le34; hair of the lion’s head, increases profits, positive for travel, taking captives 
• Retrograde planets: Mercury, Venus, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Chiron, Pallas, Vesta
• Planets Out of Bounds: Pluto -23°36; Ceres +23°58;  BML -26°11

General Correspondences

• Element: Fire
• Color: Gold, yellow
• Direction: South
• Energy: masculine/projective
• Power: To Will
• Deities: Sol, Apollo, Helios, Och (Olympic Spirit)
• Crystal: emerald, topaz, bloodstone, chrysolite
• Resin: mastic, frankincense, copal, saffron, red sandalwood, cinnamon, honey
• Herbs: Angelica, juniper, calendula, hyacinth, rosemary, mint, ivy, pepper, vine, sunflower, cedar, marjoram, bay, vervain, gentian, Dittany, ginger, peony, balm, marigold, heliotrope

Monday, 2 November 2026

Magickal focus:  The Moon governs; feminine magicks, healing, intuition, cycles, reincarnation, astral travel, balance, change

• Universal Numerology: 5 – protection, pentagram, travel, innovation, freedom versus restriction/ Day – 2 – Collaboration, Closeness, Kindness, Harmony, and Assistance, balance, decisions
• The Sun in Scorpio
• The Moon in Leo
• Moon Void of Course: 4:10p-EOD
• Lunar Phase: Waning, 3rd Qtr
• Planetary governance: The Moon ☽
• Governing Planet Ray: 4th ray (harmony through conflict); Strongest Ray: 1st/4th
• Favorability: Excellent
• Polarity: Masculine
• Elemental Balance: In order of strength: Fire, Water, Air, Earth(0)
• Strongest Sign Mode: Fixed
• Mansion of the Moon: 11th – Azobra (Al Zubrah) 8°Le34; hair of the lion’s head, increases profits, positive for travel, taking captives; at 9:20a, 12th – Alsarfah (Al Sarfah) 21°Le25; tail of Leo; increases harvest, obstructs sailors, promotes care for employees and captives 
• Retrograde: Mercury, Venus, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Chiron, Pallas, Vesta
• Planets Out of Bounds: Pluto -23°36; Ceres +24°00;  BML -26°24

General Correspondences

• Element: Water
• Color: Silver, white
• Direction: West
• Energy: feminine/receptive
• Power: To Dare
• Deities: Diana, Luna, Selene, Artemis, Mani, Phul (Olympic Spirit)
• Crystal: Pearl, moonstone, selenite, beryl, marcasite
• Resin: mastic, frankincense, copal, saffron, red sandalwood, cinnamon, honey
• Herbs: almond, mugwort, moonwort, yellow ranunculus, palm, lily, willow, violet, poppy, fennel, iris

Tuesday, 3 November 2026

Magickal focus: Mars governs; passion, manifestation, creativity, self-assertion, reducing conflict

• Universal Numerology: 6 – assistance, shared path, empathy, love, guidance/ Day – 3 – Self-Expression, Entertainment, Optimism, Imagination, and Friendliness; reason, mental acuity, detail-oriented
• The Sun in Scorpio
• The Moon in Leo until Virgo at 12:27a
• Moon Void of Course: Until 12:27a; then begins again at 10:57p-EOD
• Lunar Phase: Waning, 3rd Qtr
• Planetary governance: Mars ♂
• Governing planet in sign: Mars in Leo
• Governing Planet Ray: 6th ray (devotion and idealism), Strongest Ray: 4th
• Favorability: Excellent
• Polarity: Masculine
• Elemental Balance: In order of strength: Fire, Water, Air, Earth
• Strongest Sign Mode: Fixed
• Mansion of the Moon: 12th – Alsarfah (Al Sarfah) 21°Le25; tail of Leo; increases harvest, obstructs sailors, promotes care for employees and captives; at 8:04a, 13th – Alhaire (Al Awwa) 4°Vi17; dog stars/wings of Virgo; fosters compassion, travel, harvest, gain, freedom of captives 
• Retrograde Planets: Mercury, Venus, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Chiron, Pallas, Vesta
• Planets Out of Bounds: Pluto -23°36; Ceres +24°03;  BML -26°50

General Correspondences

• Element: Fire
• Color: Red, rust
• Direction: South
• Energy: masculine/projective
• Power: To Will
• Deities: Ares, Mars, Tyr, Phaleg (Olympic Spirit)
• Crystal: Amethyst, bloodstone, lodestone, diamond, jasper
• Resin: Juniper, dragon’s blood, red sandalwood
• Herbs: Absinthe, cayenne, basil, asafoetida, rue, garlic, black pepper, nettle, wormwood, onion, mustard, leeks, ginger, wolfsbane, thorny trees (Hawthorn)

Wednesday, 4 November 2026

Magickal focus: Mercury governs; communication, interactions, balance, justice, revelation

• Universal Numerology: 7 – observation, balance, justice, the scales, magick, spirituality/ Day- 4 – grounding, foundation, practicality, reliability, patience, structure
• The Sun in Scorpio
• The Moon in Virgo
• Moon Void of Course: All day
• Lunar Phase: Waning, 3rd Qtr
• Planetary governance: Mercury ☿
• Governing planet in sign: Mercury in Scorpio
• Governing Planet Ray: 4th (harmony through conflict); Strongest Ray: 4th
• Favorability: Excellent
• Polarity: Masculine
• Elemental Balance: In order of strength: Fire/Water, Air, Earth (0)
• Strongest Sign Mode: Fixed
• Mansion of the Moon: 13th – Alhaire (Al Awwa) 4°Vi17; dog stars/wings of Virgo; fosters compassion, travel, harvest, gain, freedom of captives; at 7:10a, 14th – Azimeth (Al Simak) 17°Vi8;  the spike of Virgo; fosters marital love, heals the sick, increases sailor’s profits; prevents overland travel 
• Retrograde Planets: Mercury, Venus, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Chiron, Pallas, Vesta
• Planets Out of Bounds: Pluto -23°36; Ceres +24°06;  BML -27°21

General Correspondences

• Element: Air
• Color: yellow, purple
• Direction: East
• Energy: masculine/projective
• Power: To Know
• Deities: Hermes, Mercury, Thoth, Odin/Woden, Ophiel (Olympic Spirit)
• Crystal: Agate, emerald, fluorite, topaz, citrine, red marble
• Resin: benzoin, gum arabic,  frankincense
• Herbs: marjoram, horehound, bergamot, cinnamon, lavender, caraway, cloves, licorice, mullein, peppermint, star anise, hyssop

Thursday, 5 November 2026

Magickal focus: Jupiter governs; social justice, healing, abundance, income, growth, achieving goals

• Universal Numerology: 8 – Materialistic Approval, Achievement, Striving for Success, leadership, and Acknowledgment; Day – 5 – protection, pentagram, travel, innovation, freedom versus restriction
• The Sun in Scorpio
• The Moon in Virgo until Libra at 6:38a
• Moon Void of Course: Until 6:38a
• Lunar Phase: Waning, Balsamic 
• Planetary governance: Jupiter ♃
• Governing planet in sign: Jupiter – Leo 
• Governing Planet Ray: 2nd Ray (love and wisdom): Strongest Ray: 4th
• Favorability: Neutral
• Polarity: Masculine
• Elemental Balance: In order of strength: Fire/Water, Air, Earth (0)
• Strongest Sign Mode: Fixed
• Mansion of the Moon: 14th – Azimeth (Al Simak) 17°Vi8;  the spike of Virgo; fosters marital love, heals the sick, increases sailor’s profits; prevents overland travel; at 6:38a, 15th – Algafra (Al Ghafr) 1°Libra; covered flying; finding treasure, digging holes or pits, creates tension and discord as well as divorce, destroys homes and enemies, and interrupts travel 
• Retrograde Planets: Mercury, Venus, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Chiron, Pallas, Vesta
• Planets Out of Bounds: Pluto -23°35; Ceres +24°09;  BML -27°41

General Correspondences

• Element: Fire, Water, Air
• Color: Blue
• Direction: South, West, East
• Energy: balanced
• Power: To Will, To Dare, To Know
• Deities: Zeus, Jupiter, Thor, Bethor (Olympic Spirit)
• Crystal: sapphire, jasper, emerald
• Resin: balm of Gilead, ambergris, saffron
• Herbs: basil, agrimony, mints, dandelion, borage, bugloss (alkanet), wood betony, hyssop, henbane, poplar, oak, plum, fig, meadowsweet

Friday, 6 November 2026

Magickal focus: Venus governs; compassion, love, harmony, attracting a partner, partnership issues, female sexuality, fertility, healing, friendship

• Universal Numerology: 9 – idealistic, generous, and kind; Altruism, Humanitarianism, Generosity, Sympathy; endings/ 6 – assistance, shared path, empathy, love, guidance
• The Sun in Scorpio
• The Moon in Libra
• Moon Void of Course: Not today
• Lunar Phase: Waning, Balsamic 
• Planetary governance: Venus ♀
• Governing planet in sign: Venus in Libra (dignity)
• Governing Planet Ray: 5th Ray (concrete knowledge and science); Strongest Ray: 4th
• Favorability: Neutral
• Polarity: Masculine
• Elemental Balance: In order of strength: Fire/Water, Air, Earth (0)
• Strongest Sign Mode: Fixed
• Mansion of the Moon: 15th – Algafra (Al Ghafr) 1°Libra; covered flying; finding treasure, digging holes or pits, creates tension and discord as well as divorce, destroys homes and enemies, and interrupts travel; at 6:25a, 16th – Azubene (Al Jubana) 12°Li51; horns of Scorpio; obstructs travel and weddings along with harvest and redeems captives 
• Retrograde Planets: Mercury, Venus, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Chiron, Pallas, Vesta
• Planets Out of Bounds: Pluto -23°35; Ceres +24°11;  BML -27°45

General Correspondences

• Element: Water
• Color: Green, rose
• Direction: West
• Energy: feminine/receptive
• Power: To Dare
• Deities: Venus, Aphrodite, Freyja, Hagith (Olympic Spirit)
• Crystal: Turquoise, lapis lazuli, beryl, rose quartz, coral
• Resin: sandalwood, ambergris, musk, orris root
• Herbs: apple, rose, myrtle, bugloss (alkanet), burdock, feverfew, lilac, marshmallow, vervain, valerian, thyme, coriander, pears, elder, pomegranate, passionflower, raspberry, strawberry, blackberry, vanilla, yarrow, violet, plantain

Saturday, 7 November 2026

Magickal focus: Saturn governs; restriction, bindings, summoning, harvest, purification, protection

• Universal Numerology: 1 –  Uniqueness, Freedom, Talent, Governance, Leadership, and Revolution/ Day – 7 – observation, balance, justice, the scales, magick, spirituality
• The Sun in Scorpio
• The Moon in Libra until Scorpio (fall)
• Moon Void of Course: 5:19a-2:39p
• Lunar Phase: Waning, Balsamic 
• Planetary governance: Saturn ♄
• Governing planet in sign: Saturn in Aries (fall)
• Governing Planet Ray: 5th Ray (concrete knowledge and science); Strongest Ray: 4th
• Favorability: Excellent
• Polarity: Masculine
• Elemental Balance: In order of strength: Fire/Water, Air, Earth (0)
• Strongest Sign Mode: Fixed
• Mansion of the Moon: 16th – Azubene (Al Jubana) 12°Li51; horns of Scorpio; obstructs travel and weddings along with harvest and redeems captives; at 6:32a, 17th – Alchil (Al-Iklil) 25°Li42; crown of Scorpio; reverses destitution, strengthens love and buildings and assists sailors 
• Retrograde Planets: Mercury, Venus, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Chiron, Pallas, Vesta
• Planets Out of Bounds: Pluto -23°35; Ceres +24°15;  BML -27°32

General Correspondences

• Element: Earth
• Color: Brown, black
• Direction: North
• Energy: feminine/receptive
• Power: To Keep Silence
• Deities: Chronos, Aratron (Olympic Spirit)
• Crystal: Onyx, jet, jade, emerald, sapphire, smoky quartz, marcasite, lodestone, brown jasper
• Resin: alum, sulfur,  benzoin, balm of Gilead, myrrh
• Herbs: asafoetida, cypress, dragonwort, black hellebore, mandrake, opium, garlic, hemlock, ivy, mullein, nightshade, skullcap, St. John’s Wort, Solomon’s seal root, comfrey, boneset, pine

©2025-2026 Jan Erickson

Spellcasting Tips and Recommendations

Timing

• Dawn: healing, new beginnings, study, purification
• Noon: strength, opportunity, success, protection, wealth
• Sunset: letting go, release
• Night: spirituality, aligning with Spirit, healing, dreamwork, visions

Cosmic Rays

• 1st – will/power 
• 2nd – love/wisdom 
• 3rd – active intelligence
• 4th – harmony through conflict
• 5th – concrete science and knowledge
• 6th – devotion/idealism
• 7th – ceremonial magic and order

Polarity

• Feminine: compassion, empathy, and understanding 
• Masculine: motivation, initiation, and expressions of creativity
• Balanced: compassion, empathy, and understanding are balanced with motivation, initiation, and expressions of creativity.

Moon Phases

• Waxing (Magicks of Increase)
  • New (focused on opportunities with a tendency toward impulsiveness; time to look inward and make plans for the future)
  • Crescent (self-assertion is strong and you embrace challenges)
  • 1st Qtr (leadership skills are strong with high expectations of others)
  • Gibbous (seeking knowledge, working toward achieving goals, discovering one’s purpose)
• Waning (Magicks of Decrease)
  • Full (relationships are an important part of your life; a powerfully creative time for goals and projects)
  • Disseminating (motivated to share knowledge and wisdom with others)
  • 3rd Qtr (action from a place of strength with adaptability challenging at times)
  • Balsamic – (your destiny or future factors into life decisions, with leadership a potential role for you to play)

Recommendations

• Candles can be scribed, anointed in ritual oil, and then rolled in crushed herbs for additional effect
• Essential oils can be added to a carrier oil such as grape seed or almond to create a ritual oil
• When using planetary squares or seals, whenever possible, draw them out during the ritual itself
• If summoning anyone or anything to assist in the working, be sure to include the license to depart to thank and release the entity from your service
• Tarot cards and runes may be used to further enhance a working or to provide a focus
• Runes can be drawn in the air above workings for additional impact and to further define your intention

Areas of power

• Crossroads (the dirt can be used, also dirt from footprints)
• Graveyards (crushed mullein can be used in place of graveyard dirt)
• Outside altars/established sacred space
• Doorways, windows
• Boundaries of all kinds
• Sacred spots, especially ancient stone ruins

Times of power – Moon phases, planetary hours, eclipses, storms, equinoxes, solstices, charging water/crystals/mirrors/tools can be performed under a full moon

©2025-2026 Jan Erickson

References

• Erickson, Jan. Herbal Magicka. 2021
• Erickson, Jan. Witch Notes. Kindle. 2019.  
• Erickson, Jan. Shifting Perception. Draft2Digital. 2020.

If you’d like to support my blog, you’re welcome to do so by shopping at A Witch in Store, my Amazon affiliate storefront. Thank you

©2025-2026 Jan Erickson

Special Note: Unapproved Use of My Work

So, once again, another website is posting my work from Stepping Aside. This is upsetting, and although I understand that there are people out there who do this because it’s been done to me before, it’s completely unacceptable. My website has been up since 2012, and I’ve worked incredibly hard to publish work that I believe others might be interested in. I tried to contact the website in question, but the email address doesn’t appear to be valid. So, I’m doing what I can to deal with it. ~ Jan Erickson

©2025-2026 Jan Erickson