Welcome to Stepping Aside…Where Magick Begins

©2025-2026 Jan Erickson 

The Week Ahead: Astrology, Runes, & Energetic Insights 20-26 September 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: Pluto, Juno, Neptune, Saturn, Chiron, Pallas, Vesta

Sun Sign: Virgo; Libra (fall) at 9/22

Moon Sign/VOC/Phases

• 9/20/2025 – Sunday: Capricorn (detriment); Void of Course: Not today; Phase: Waxing; 1st Qtr
• 9/21/2025 – Monday: Capricorn (detriment) until Aquarius at 10:14a; Void of Course: 7:31a-10:14a; Phase: Waxing; 1st Qtr
• 9/22/2025 – Tuesday: Aquarius; Void of Course: Not today; Phase: Waxing; 1st Qtr
• 9/23/2025 – Wednesday: Aquarius until Pisces at 8:23p; Void of Course: 1:18a-8:23p; Phase: Waxing; Gibbous
• 9/24/2026 – Thursday: Pisces; Void of Course: Not today; Phase: Waxing; Gibbous
• 9/25/2026 – Friday: Pisces; Void of Course: Not today; Phase: Waxing; Gibbous
• 9/26/2026 – Saturday: Pisces until Aries at 3:22a; Void of Course: 1:31a-3:22a; Phase: Waxing/Gibbous; Full at 9:48a, 03°Ar37

Additional Planets in Sign

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

Out of Bounds

• The Moon (9/20)
• Pluto (all week)
• BML (all week)

© 2025-2026 Jan Erickson

General Astrological Insights

As the Sun enters the 12th House in Libra on Tuesday, you move from being analytical and organized to reflecting on the boundaries you’ve set with others and whether or not you’re taking care of your own needs. The Fall Equinox happens at the same time (5:05p PDT), when dark and light are roughly the same, after which the dark time of the year begins to increase. It can be a time for reflection and getting ready for the coming year.

At the beginning of the week, although you look for ways to improve your communication with others, you may struggle to convey your opinion or understanding of a shared problem or situation. During the latter part of the week, you may be too focused on details at the expense of the overall picture. Or you may be insecure regarding how others view your insights, leaving you to be less assertive. That said, something could change in your career that allows you to express your creativity.

The Moon’s influence this week:

You begin the week preferring structure in your life, and although you can adapt to changes, they can be a source of insecurity. As the week continues, you’d rather spend time with friends, especially if your work environment feels challenging or boundaries are unclear. During the latter part of the week, increased stress may impact your emotional balance and/or your overall health and wellbeing.

Daily Readings

Sunday, 20 September 2026

Judgment can really get in the way of a sacred moment. How you express yourself to others matters today, and if you ridicule someone who needs to make peace with you, or judge that person harshly, you end up micromanaging a personal situation that the individual in question should retain the agency to control. There has to be a point where you realize that to move forward, you have to allow a situation to find its own level, and quietly accept what’s offered.

For the magickally inclined: We talk about trying to influence a situation; healing is an example, with magick, but in truth, the real magick begins within. The ego tries to restrict human experience, while magick raises the soul’s vibration to enable it to work in a different realm of experience, one where ego cannot have its influence. Using a Norn rune, such as Nauthiz,ᚾ can support you in your personal growth, suggesting you access the inner resolve, will, or fire to overcome restriction and meet your goals. Nauthiz can bind you to your higher self so you can exert inner control without trying to control others. Carry it, wear it, or use it in a charm bag that you carry with you at all times.

Influences: Universal numerology/Day: 3/2; Runes: Nauthiz, Fortuna Major; Tarot: 3 of Wands; Human Design Gate/Line 6.6 The peacemaker 

Monday, 21 September 2026

A more conservative, practical approach may help today, so your ego doesn’t push you into behavior that exceeds your boundaries. Ground yourself in reason, and avoid risks that could set you up for disappointment or failure. Foster a more realistic balance with partners, and avoid micromanaging a situation.

For the magickally inclined: The Page of Swords can engage in youthful folly by taking unnecessary risks born from inexperience. Although this Page is vigilant and intelligent, and quite the diplomat in his/her own right, he or she can also become reactive, taking the bait to become petty and ill-dignified. In a reading, Gebo ᚷ, the gift of reciprocity and balance, can offer counsel that preserves your own balance and strengthens it in partnerships. Isa ᛁ, used twice to create the X pattern, and Kenaz ᚲ in all directions, provide the foundational structure for this higher consciousness rune, aligning you in Spirit and expressing that vibration outward into a balanced energy exchange with others.

Influences: Universal numerology/Day: 4/3; Runes: Gebo, Fortuna Major; Tarot: Page of Swords; Human Design Gate/Line: 60.3 Conservatism

Tuesday, 22 September 2026; Fall Equinox (5:05p PDT); Mabon

Your home life is a sacred space where joy and laughter abound. You find your strength there, and it’s where you shape your experiences and manifest your dreams with love and commitment. If you celebrate Mabon, the second of three harvest festivals during the year, use fruits and vegetables from the garden for dinner. For example, make an apple pie, make a soup, and/or bake some bread. If you don’t grow a garden, visit a local farm or orchard to gather what you need. You can also create an altar or decorate your home inside and out with fall colors using items that represent a fall harvest. 

For the magickally inclined: Observe the Fall Equinox by using a black and a white chime candle (or any size you have); place the white candle on a table or altar and the black candle to its right. The white candle represents daylight and the issues you’re aware of, and the black candle represents darkness or the shadow work you can do to address those issues. If you have a Witch rune set, you can scribe the Sun on the white candle and the Moon on the black candle. In the center, place the Rings rune in the center to unite the two. You could also use Dagaz if you want to represent the end of one phase and the beginning of another. Light the candles and sit quietly as you think about the issues of concern. When you’re ready, consider the shadow work you need to do to address the issues.

Influences: Universal numerology/Day: 5/22; Runes: Uruz, Laetitia; Tarot: 10 of Cups; Human Design Gate/Line: 56.1 Quality (detriment)

Wednesday, 23 September 2026

You may experience frustration today when realizing that clarity doesn’t necessarily result in solutions. Although the solutions you’ve considered may seem innovative, you may discover more realistic options by collaborating with, and accepting guidance from, others. In fact, this could be a time for new beginnings that bring a new level of emotional fulfillment. 

For the magickally inclined: Studying the Aces in the Tarot can benefit you by understanding the Elemental beginnings of each suit. The Ace of Cups describes emotional beginnings and represents Elemental Water; The Ace of Pentacles describes the manifestation of physical reality, including our bodies, home, education, and material security, and Elemental Earth; The Ace of Swords represents the beginning of new ideas, clarity, truth versus deception, and invoked energy, and Elemental Air; and the Ace of Wands represents the beginning of creative thought, power, energy, and force, and Elemental Fire. Study each element and how each one relates to the birth of its respective suit, and see how the elements really define the Aces and the rest of the suits.

Influences: Universal numerology/Day: 6/5; Runes: Ansuz, Conjunctio; Tarot: Ace of Cups; Human Design Gate/Line: 57.6 Utilization

Thursday, 24 September 2026

You don’t need to be responsible for everything today. Instead, observe and then delegate what you can to others. Offer guidance if needed; otherwise, give them the space to direct their own process and avoid trying to control what that looks like. This is not an either/or situation, but one that should flow freely and may increase inner growth.

For the magickally inclined: Berkano ᛒ is a complex rune that involves Isa ᛁ, Laguz ᛚ, Raidho ᚱ, and Kenaz forward once ᚲ and reversed twice ᐳ. It describes fertility, birth, family, and bringing something to fruition, such as a project or goal. Berkano’s keyword is the birch tree, which means new beginnings, a new cycle, rebirth, and purification or clearing away of past issues that could be impacting one’s life. Berkano can be chanted to bring calm and clear away past stuff to bring a new focus, for example. And Berkano can also help one shift from a more controlling perspective to one that steps back for others to determine their own destiny. Keep Berkano near you, wear it, include it in a charm bag that you carry with you to help align with the energy of rebirth, renewal, and purification.

Influences: Universal numerology/Day: 7/6; Runes: Berkano, Rubeus; Tarot: Queen of Cups; Human Design Gate/Line: 7.6 The administrator

Friday, 25 September 2026; Maiden Phase

Winning at all costs may seem like the right idea today, but in the long run you have to ask yourself whether or not it’s worth it. It might seem like success, but your ambitions may not survive the experience. A balanced approach may be the better option where you collaborate with others instead of remaining stuck in the belief that you can go it alone.

For the magickally inclined: On the day before the Full Moon, which can be considered the Maiden phase of the Full Moon, set your intentions for a new beginning or for a new path to open. Consider what inspires you, and journal what creative steps you can take to manifest something new in your life.

Influences: Universal numerology/Day: 8/7; Runes: Gebo, Via; Tarot: Queen of Pentacles; Human Design Gate/Line: 28.6 Blaze of Glory

Saturday, 26 September 2026: Full Moon (Mother phase)

On today’s Full Moon in Aries, you may experience additional energy that increases your leadership potential. Although you express your ideals and generosity to others, it may not be enough to sway the opinions of authority figures. If you end up in a conversation like that today, it may be best to use caution and listen to your inner voice before asserting yourself. 

For the magickally inclined: On the Full Moon, if you’ve taken time to set your intentions on the night before (Maiden phase), you can visualize your intentions manifesting during a Full Moon ritual. Use the rune Fehu ᚠ to cast the intentions to the universe or collective consciousness to help create the space for the manifestation to occur. You can also include the astrological significance of the sign the Full Moon is in to provide an additional focus or definition to the ritual.

Influences: Universal numerology/Day: 9/8; Runes: Fehu, Populus; Tarot: The Hermit; Human Design Gate/Line 21.3 Powerlessness

©2025-2026 Jan Erickson

Weekly Correspondences

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

Sunday, 20 September 2026

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

• Universal Numerology: 3 – Self-Expression, Entertainment, Optimism, Imagination, and Friendliness; reason, mental acuity, detail-oriented; Day -2 – Collaboration, Closeness, Kindness, Harmony, and Assistance, balance, decisions
• The Sun in Virgo
• The Moon in Capricorn (detriment)
• Moon Void of Course: Not today
• Lunar Phase: Waxing; 1st Qtr
• Planetary governance: The Sun ☉
• Governing Planet Ray – 2nd (love/wisdom): Strongest Ray: 3rd/7th
• Favorability: Very good
• Polarity: Feminine
• Elemental Balance: In order of strength: Air/Water, Earth, Fire
• Strongest Sign Mode: Cardinal
• Mansion of the Moon: 23rd – Caadebolach (Sa’d Bula) 12°Cp51; swallowing; divorce, freeing of prisoners, healing 
• Retrograde planets: Saturn, Uranus, Pluto, Neptune, Chiron, Pallas, Vesta
• Planets Out of Bounds: Moon -25°53; Pluto -23°36;  BML -28°02

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, 21 September 2026

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

• Universal Numerology: 4 – grounding, foundation, practicality, reliability, patience, structure/Day – 3 – Self-Expression, Entertainment, Optimism, Imagination, and Friendliness; reason, mental acuity, detail-oriented
• The Sun in Virgo
• The Moon in Capricorn (detriment) until Aquarius at 10:14a
• Moon Void of Course: 7:31a-10:14a
• Lunar Phase: Waxing; 1st Qtr
• Planetary governance: The Moon ☽
• Governing Planet Ray: 4th ray (harmony through conflict); Strongest Ray: 3rd/7th
• Favorability: Neutral
• Polarity: Feminine
• Elemental Balance: In order of strength: Air/Water, Earth, Fire
• Strongest Sign Mode: Cardinal
• Mansion of the Moon: 24th – Caadacohot (Sa’d al-Su’ud) 25°Cp42; star of fortune; increases compassion between married people, military victory, obstructs government  
• Retrograde: Saturn, Uranus, Pluto, Neptune, Chiron, Pallas, Vesta
• Planets Out of Bounds: Pluto -23°37;  BML -28°03

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, 15 September 2026, Fall Equinox, Mabon

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

• Universal Numerology: 7 – observation, balance, justice, the scales, magick, spirituality/Day: 6 – assistance, shared path, empathy, love, guidance
• The Sun in Virgo; Libra (5:05p) (fall); Autumn Equinox
• The Moon in Aquarius
• Moon Void of Course: Not today
• Lunar Phase: Waxing; 1st Qtr
• Planetary governance: Mars ♂
• Governing planet in sign: Mars in Cancer (fall)
• Governing Planet Ray: 6th ray (devotion and idealism), Strongest Ray: 3rd
• Favorability: Very good
• Polarity: Masculine
• Elemental Balance: In order of strength: Air, Water, Fire/Earth
• Strongest Sign Mode: Cardinal
• Mansion of the Moon: 25th – Caadalhacbia (Sa’d al-Akhbiyah) 8°Aq34; butterfly spreading forth; revenge and attack, destroys enemies and fosters divorce, reinforces buildings and prisons, useful in spells that prevent sexual intercourse and fosters impotence in men 
• Retrograde Planets: Saturn, Uranus, Pluto, Neptune, Chiron, Pallas, Vesta
• Planets Out of Bounds: Pluto -23°37;  BML -28°02

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, 23 September 2026

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

• Universal Numerology: 6 – assistance, shared path, empathy, love, guidance/ Day – 5 – protection, pentagram, travel, innovation, freedom versus restriction
• The Sun in Libra (fall)
• The Moon in Aquarius until Pisces at 8:23p
• Moon Void of Course: 1:18a-8:23p
• Lunar Phase: Waxing; Gibbous
• Planetary governance: Mercury ☿
• Governing planet in sign: Mercury in Libra
• Governing Planet Ray: 4th (harmony through conflict); Strongest Ray: 3rd/7th
• Favorability: Very good
• Polarity: Masculine
• Elemental Balance: In order of strength: Air, Water, Fire, Earth(0)
• Strongest Sign Mode: Cardinal
• Mansion of the Moon: 25th – Caadalhacbia (Sa’d al-Akhbiyah) 8°Aq34; butterfly spreading forth; revenge and attack, destroys enemies and fosters divorce, reinforces buildings and prisons, useful in spells that prevent sexual intercourse and fosters impotence in men; at 4:05a, 26th – Almiquedam – (Al Fargh al-Awwal) 21°Aq25; first drawing; promotes unity, health of prisoners, destroys buildings and prisons 
• Retrograde Planets: Saturn, Uranus, Pluto, Neptune, Chiron, Pallas, Vesta
• Planets Out of Bounds: Pluto -23°37;  BML -27°56

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, 24 September 2026

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

• Universal Numerology: 7 – observation, balance, justice, the scales, magick, spirituality/Day: 6 – assistance, shared path, empathy, love, guidance
• The Sun in Libra (fall)
• The Moon in Pisces
• Moon Void of Course: Not today
• Lunar Phase: Waxing; Gibbous
• Planetary governance: Jupiter ♃
• Governing planet in sign: Jupiter – Leo 
• Governing Planet Ray: 2nd Ray (love and wisdom): Strongest Ray: 3rd/7th
• Favorability: Very bad
• Polarity: Masculine
• Elemental Balance: In order of strength: Air/Water, Fire, Earth(0)
• Strongest Sign Mode: Cardinal
• Mansion of the Moon: 26th – Almiquedam – (Al Fargh al-Awwal) 21°Aq25; first drawing; promotes unity, health of prisoners, destroys buildings and prisons; at 4:26a, 27th – Algarf almuehar (Al Fargh al-Thani)  4°Pi17; second drawing; increases harvest, income, healing; obstructs buildings, causes danger at sea, creates annoyance and mischief  
• Retrograde Planets: Saturn, Uranus, Pluto, Neptune, Chiron, Pallas, Vesta
• Planets Out of Bounds: Pluto -23°37;  BML -27°44

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, 25 September 2026

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

• Universal Numerology: 8 – Materialistic Approval, Achievement, Striving for Success, leadership, and Acknowledgment/Day-7 – observation, balance, justice, the scales, magick, spirituality
• The Sun in Libra (fall)
• The Moon in Pisces
• Moon Void of Course: Not today
• Lunar Phase: Waxing; Gibbous
• Planetary governance: Venus ♀
• Governing planet in sign: Venus in Scorpio
• Governing Planet Ray: 5th Ray (concrete knowledge and science); Strongest Ray: 3rd/7th
• Favorability: Very bad
• Polarity: Masculine
• Elemental Balance: In order of strength: Air/Water, Fire, Earth(0)
• Strongest Sign Mode: Cardinal
• Mansion of the Moon: 27th – Algarf almuehar (Al Fargh al-Thani)  4°Pi17; second drawing; increases harvest, income, healing; obstructs buildings, causes danger at sea, creates annoyance and mischief; at 4:11a, 28th – Arrexhe (Batn al-Hut) 17°Pi8;Pisces; increases harvest, protects travelers on a dangerous journey, increases joy between married couples, reinforces prisons and loss of possessions 
• Retrograde Planets: Saturn, Uranus, Pluto, Neptune, Chiron, Pallas, Vesta
• Planets Out of Bounds: Pluto -23°37;  BML -27°31

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, 26 September 2026

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

• Universal Numerology: 9 – idealistic, generous, and kind; Altruism, Humanitarianism, Generosity, Sympathy; endings/ Day-8 / Materialistic Approval, Achievement, Striving for Success, leadership, and Acknowledgment
• The Sun in Libra (fall)
• The Moon in Pisces until Aries at 3:22a
• Moon Void of Course: 1:31a-3:22a
• Lunar Phase: Waxing/Gibbous; Full at 9:48a, 03°Ar37
• Planetary governance: Saturn ♄
• Governing planet in sign: Saturn in Aries (fall)
• Governing Planet Ray: 5th Ray (concrete knowledge and science); Strongest Ray: 7th
• Favorability: Very good
• Polarity: Masculine
• Elemental Balance: In order of strength: Air/Water, Fire, Earth(0)
• Strongest Sign Mode: Cardinal
• Mansion of the Moon: 28th – Arrexhe (Batn al-Hut) 17°Pi8; Pisces; increases harvest, protects travelers on a dangerous journey, increases joy between married couples, reinforces prisons and loss of possessions; at 3:22a, 1st – Alnath (Al Sharatain) 0°Aries; Horns of Aries; causes conflict and promotes travel  
• Retrograde Planets: Saturn, Uranus, Pluto, Neptune, Chiron, Pallas, Vesta
• Planets Out of Bounds: Pluto -23°37;  BML -27°20

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