Welcome to Stepping Aside…Where Magick Begins

©2025-2026 Jan Erickson 

The Week Ahead: Astrology, Runes, & Energetic Insights 15-21 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

• Saturn in Aries (fall); SD 12/10/2026
• Uranus in Gemini; SD 2/8/2027
• Neptune in Aries; SD 12/12/2026
• Chiron in Aries; SD 1/6/27
• Pallas in Aries; SD 11/30/2026
• Vesta in Aries; SD 11/28/2026

Sun Sign: Scorpio; Sagittarius 11/21 at 11:23p

Moon Sign/VOC/Phases

• 11/15/2025 – Sunday: Capricorn (detriment) until Aquarius at 1:23a; Void of Course: Until 1:23a; Phase: Waxing, Crescent
• 11/16/2025 – Monday: Aquarius; Void of Course: Not today; Phase: Waxing, Crescent
• 11/17/2025 – Tuesday: Aquarius until Pisces at 1:19p; Void of Course: 6:25a-1:19p; Phase: Waxing, 1st Qtr at 3:48a, 25°08
• 11/18/2025 – Wednesday: Pisces; Void of Course: Not today; Phase: Waxing; 1st Qtr
• 11/19/2026 – Thursday: Pisces until Aries at 9:51p; Void of Course: 5:45p-9:51p; Phase: Waxing; 1st Qtr
• 11/20/2026 – Friday: Aries; Void of Course: Not today; Phase: Waxing; 1st Qtr
• 11/21/2026 – Saturday: Aries; Void of Course: 11:38p-EOD; Phase: Waxing; Gibbous 

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

Balance your will and your emotions during the first half of the week. A relationship or a financial situation may be changing, and making a decision may be necessary to preserve a future path. If you’re risk-oriented or aggressive in your response, you need to pull that energy back and not behave in an egoic or excessive manner. The new path opening may enhance both your emotional and financial security. Later in the week, you may stand up for others’ rights in inspiring ways.

The Moon’s influence this week:

You’re drawn to interactions that favor rationality over emotions at the beginning of the week. Midweek, however, you discover that frequent changes in your personal life can lead to feelings of insecurity, with boundaries suffering. If you’re still feeling that way by the end of the week, spend time at home where you can focus on clearing out the emotional clutter and spend time with people you love.

Daily Readings

Sunday, 15 November 2026

Taking a progressive approach today may help you know when your insights can be shared with others. There may be too much going on to fully understand where people are in their own understanding, and what you have to share may only confuse them. So, it may be best to hang onto what you know until you’re sure they’re ready to collaborate.

For the magickally inclined: The 10 of Wands illustrates a man walking with his head down while holding ten staffs in a splayed-out fashion. A house, possibly his own, sits beyond a dual line in the distance. The staffs (wands) may represent the struggle experienced by many commitments, as well as the need to prioritize. They also might represent perseverance and limited awareness or vision. However, he may be looking downward because he trusts the process and knows where he’s going. The staffs are splayed out in a fanned-out pattern, creating a sense of organization. The ten in numerology indicates endings and beginnings, and may suggest he could be going home to show his family the opportunities or jobs he’s working on. When the 10 of Wands appears in a reading, it may indicate new opportunities are coming the querent’s way, and to trust that he either knows how to prioritize them, or the need to do so.

Influences: Universal numerology/Day: 9/6; Runes: Othala, Conjunctio; Tarot: 10 of Wands; Human Design Gate/Line 43.5 Progression 

Monday, 16 November 2026

A pessimistic attitude today may prevent progress and a successful outcome. If this is true for you, then it’s up to you to analyze the situation and then let go of any illusions or perceptions that prevent you from meeting your goals. Integrating or collaborating with others may be the necessary response.

For the magickally inclined: The 10 of Swords illustrates a man lying on the ground with 10 swords piercing his back. A large body of water separates him from the mountains in the distance where the night appears to be lifting, and the light is returning. His head is turned toward the light. The suit of Swords reflects the Air element and our intellect, communication, balance, justice, and truth versus deception. If the 10 of Swords is drawn in a reading, it can mean that the querent needs to allow the light to help reveal the self-deception the querent has been engaging in, and to let that same light invoke a new day.

Influences: Universal numerology/Day: 1/7; Runes: Mannaz, Acquisitio; Tarot: 10 of Swords; Human Design Gate/Line: 13.3 Pessimism

Tuesday, 17 November 2026

You may be torn between waiting for the right moment to act and feeling obligated to do so today. The issue with feeling obligated, however, could be that you act before knowing all the facts simply because someone expects that of you. Or you could be looking for acknowledgement or approval from someone with a questionable personal agenda. Today, though, your intuition is strong, and you should be able to rely on what your inner voice is telling you, especially if you find support through collaboration or partnership with others with integrity.

For the magickally inclined: Consider the as above (Laguz ᛚ) so below (Tristitia  𜻡 ) expression of higher vibrational energy versus lower vibrational energy. Laguz describes flow, intuition, and harmony. It also describes clairisentience and is useful in trance or meditation work. It also invokes soul energy to purify and cleanse your mind and heart. Tristitia, on the other hand, describes becoming caught up in sadness and grief to the point that you engage in condemnation, protection, secretiveness, temper, and holding grudges. A mindset like one described by Tristitia might be considered evil, but in my opinion, it’s more likely a total fixation on the ego’s perception that’s guiding one’s responses. However, you can see that Laguz and Tristitia lie at opposite ends of a vertical continuum, with Laguz at the top representing flow from higher awareness, and Tristitia at the bottom expressing overwhelming ego. In a trance working or meditation, your focus would be to invoke Laguz downward into Tristitia in an attempt to transmute ego into Spirit. An empath might also visualize the energetic attachments/entanglements (threads) between themselves (higher awareness) and the other side of the thread (ego-centered energy), see the threads dissolve, and then use Laguz as a tool to draw back the empath’s own energy to a pre-defined center. It’s one method an empathically aware person can use to let go of energy that isn’t their own that may cause discomfort or a feeling of being overwhelmed. This is particularly true if that energy is vampiric in nature.

Influences: Universal numerology/Day: 2/8; Runes: Laguz, Tristitia; Tarot: 4 of Wands; Human Design Gate/Line: 29.3 Evaluation (juxtaposition)

Wednesday, 18 October 2026

Winning at all costs today likely won’t preserve any trust you’ve built with others. It puts you too far out on the edge of something you ultimately won’t have control of and risks a superficial approach that doesn’t understand the entire picture. It may make you seem domineering when a more subtle and collaborative approach is what’s needed. What you’re building could be needlessly threatened, and the loyalty and success you could achieve may not manifest.

For the magickally inclined: Study the Knight of Swords to understand the difference between acting swiftly in protection of others or for a higher purpose and doing so to serve the ego. This Knight is a battle-hardy soldier who has integrity and courage. He accepts challenges, and he possesses integrity and can observe and analyze a situation with a keen intellect. However, he can also be domineering and deceitful to achieve his goals. If so, he can take a “winning at all costs” attitude when quickly making decisions, which may or may not result in a positive outcome.

Influences: Universal numerology/Day: 3/9; Runes: Othala, Puella; Tarot: Knight of Swords; Human Design Gate/Line: 28.6 Blaze of Glory

Thursday, 19 November 2026

Focus less on the outcome today and more on the process used to achieve that outcome. Your unique ideas may inspire others to collaborate, but you can’t lose sight of the value of a grounded and practical approach either. A new look at the methods may result in a better understanding so you avoid impulsive decisions.

For the magickally inclined: Pairing Thurisaz ᚦ from the Elder Futhark with Fortuna Minor 𜻬 from geomancy may provide a richer divination experience when you are trying to understand how to proceed in a challenging situation. You may feel the need to go it alone when collaboration or outside assistance is what makes more sense. Thurisaz references your own impulsive behavior that may be the actual opposing force instead of believing it’s coming from an outside source. Fortuna Minor describes looking at a situation progressively so you can incrementally analyze what’s going on to see if changes are needed. It also suggests not ruling out asking for outside assistance from someone with relevant experience.

Influences: Universal numerology/Day: 4/1; Runes: Thurisaz, Fortuna Minor; Tarot: Justice; Human Design Gate/Line: 29.2 Assessment 

Friday, 20 November 2026

Changes may be needed to achieve your objectives today that involve working with others. Although you may prefer to work independently, collaborating with others may stimulate new and innovative ideas. Doing so may also increase your personal growth and make use of leadership skills that otherwise might remain hidden. Maintain your values and principles, but also encourage new thinking and participation.

For the magickally inclined: Fehu ᚠ, a transactional rune from the Elder Futhark, describes wealth, abundance, growth, and success. Its keyword is cattle, which, in my opinion, describes wealth that can be transacted between parties. The Hierophant from the Major Arcana describes divine wisdom and mercy, and the teacher who expresses mastery and hidden knowledge. Transactions can fall along a continuum with a personal agenda that is at the expense of others on one end, or one that involves respect and dignity on the other. Fehu looks like an individual who is standing with his or her arms reaching outward from the body and upward toward Higher consciousness. If his business endeavors draw down information from Higher consciousness, then the transaction will bless both parties. If not, then the ego is driving the experience. Considering the interpretation of both Fehu and The Hierophant can keep you on a more respectful footing.

Influences: Universal numerology/Day: 5/2; Runes: Fehu, Conjunctio; Tarot: The Hierophant; Human Design Gate/Line: 32.4 Right is Might

Saturday, 21 November 2026

You may step away from a situation today to give yourself time for your thoughts to settle. Something new may be on the horizon, but you may not be certain how that fits into your life right now. Reach out to others who may have a perspective that could enhance your understanding. Sharing ideas with them may help you remain optimistic and keep you moving forward.

For the magickally inclined: Berkano ᛒ from the Elder Futhark can help you see a situation in a more positive way. Chanted, Berkano can bring a sense of peace or calm when you’re feeling unsure of the path forward. It may signal you’re ready to move from one phase to another, and it may signal healing that invokes personal growth. Berkano is comprised of the Norn rune Isa ᛁ (becoming, stillness, alignment in Spirit), Laguz ᛚ (flow, intuition, emotional balance, purification), Raidho (partnership, rhythm, cycles, integration, process over goal), Wunjo ᚹ (wishes, peace, fellowship, harmony, success, joy), and Kenaz ᚲ forward once and reversed twice (torch, light, illumination, clarity, healing, transformation, creativity, awakening) that suggests expressing the light of Spirit outward and receiving that light inward. A bindrune, essentially; Berkano’s complexity can teach you to view your experiences with compassion and clarity.

Influences: Universal numerology/Day: 6/3; Runes: Berkano, Conjunctio; Tarot: 4 of Swords; Human Design Gate/Line 17.5 No human is an island

©2025-2026 Jan Erickson

Weekly Correspondences

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

Sunday, 15 November 2026

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

• Universal Numerology: 9 – idealistic, generous, and kind; Altruism, Humanitarianism, Generosity, Sympathy; endings/ Day-6 – assistance, shared path, empathy, love, guidance
• The Sun in Scorpio
• The Moon in Capricorn (detriment) until Aquarius at 1:23a
• Moon Void of Course: Until 1:23a
• Lunar Phase: Waxing, Crescent
• Planetary governance: The Sun ☉
• Governing Planet Ray – 2nd (love/wisdom): Strongest Ray: 4th/5th
• Favorability: Neutral
• Polarity: Masculine
• Elemental Balance: In order of strength: Water, Air, Fire, Earth
• Strongest Sign Mode: Fixed
• 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; at 6:44p, 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, Neptune, Chiron, Pallas, Vesta
• Planets Out of Bounds: Pluto -23°33; Ceres +24°43;  BML -27°05

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, 16 November 2026

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

• 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 Aquarius
• Moon Void of Course: Not today
• Lunar Phase: Waxing, Crescent
• Planetary governance: The Moon ☽
• Governing Planet Ray: 4th ray (harmony through conflict); Strongest Ray: 4th/5th
• Favorability: Very good
• Polarity: Masculine
• Elemental Balance: In order of strength: Water, Air, Fire, Earth
• Strongest Sign Mode: Fixed
• 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 8:27p, 26th – Almiquedam – (Al Fargh al-Awwal) 21°Aq25; first drawing; promotes unity, health of prisoners, destroys buildings and prisons 
• Retrograde: Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Chiron, Pallas, Vesta
• Planets Out of Bounds: Pluto -23°33; Ceres +24°47;  BML -27°05

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, 17 November 2026

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

• Universal Numerology: 2 – Collaboration, Closeness, Kindness, Harmony, and Assistance, balance, decisions/Day: 8 – Materialistic Approval, Achievement, Striving for Success, leadership, and Acknowledgment
• The Sun in Scorpio
• The Moon in Aquarius until Pisces at 1:19p
• Moon Void of Course: 6:25a-1:19p
• Lunar Phase: Waxing, 1st Qtr at 3:48a, 25°08
• Planetary governance: Mars ♂
• Governing planet in sign: Mars in Leo
• Governing Planet Ray: 6th ray (devotion and idealism), Strongest Ray: 4th/5th
• Favorability: Very good
• Polarity: Masculine
• Elemental Balance: In order of strength: Water, Air, Fire, Earth
• Strongest Sign Mode: Fixed
• Mansion of the Moon: 26th – Almiquedam  – (Al Fargh al-Awwal) 21°Aq25; first drawing; promotes unity, health of prisoners, destroys buildings and prisons; at 9:38p, 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, Neptune, Chiron, Pallas, Vesta
• Planets Out of Bounds: Pluto -23°33; Ceres +24°51;  BML -27°04

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, 18 November 2026

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

• Universal Numerology: 3 – Self-Expression, Entertainment, Optimism, Imagination, and Friendliness; reason, mental acuity, detail-oriented; Day 9 – idealistic, generous, and kind; Altruism, Humanitarianism, Generosity, Sympathy
• The Sun in Scorpio
• The Moon in Pisces
• Moon Void of Course: Not today
• Lunar Phase: Waxing; 1st Qtr
• Planetary governance: Mercury ☿
• Governing planet in sign: Mercury in Scorpio
• Governing Planet Ray: 4th (harmony through conflict); Strongest Ray: 4th
• Favorability: Neutral
• Polarity: Feminine
• Elemental Balance: In order of strength: Water, Fire, Air, Earth
• Strongest Sign Mode: Fixed
• 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 10:08p, 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, Neptune, Chiron, Pallas, Vesta
• Planets Out of Bounds: Pluto -23°33; Ceres +24°55;  BML -27°03

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, 19 November 2026

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

• 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 Pisces until Aries at 9:51p
• Moon Void of Course: 5:45p-9:51p
• Lunar Phase: Waxing; 1st Qtr
• Planetary governance: Jupiter ♃
• Governing planet in sign: Jupiter – Leo 
• Governing Planet Ray: 2nd Ray (love and wisdom); Strongest Ray: 4th
• Favorability: Very good
• Polarity: Feminine
• Elemental Balance: In order of strength: Water, Fire, Air, Earth
• Strongest Sign Mode: Fixed
• 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 9:51p, 1st – Alnath (Al Sharatain) 0°Aries; Horns of Aries; causes conflict and promotes travel 
• Retrograde Planets: Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Chiron, Pallas, Vesta
• Planets Out of Bounds: Pluto -23°32; Ceres +24°59;  BML -27°02

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, 20 November 2026

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

• 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 Aries
• Moon Void of Course: Not today
• Lunar Phase: Waxing; 1st Qtr
• Planetary governance: Venus ♀
• Governing planet in sign: Venus in Libra (dignity)
• Governing Planet Ray: 5th Ray (concrete knowledge and science); Strongest Ray: 4th
• Favorability: Very good
• Polarity: Masculine
• Elemental Balance: In order of strength: Fire/Water, Air, Earth
• Strongest Sign Mode: Fixed
• Mansion of the Moon: 1st – Alnath (Al Sharatain) 0°Aries; Horns of Aries; causes conflict and promotes travel; at 8:46p, 2nd – Albochan (Al Butain) 12°Ar51; Belly of Aries; finds treasures and retains prisoners  
• Retrograde Planets: Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Chiron, Pallas, Vesta
• Planets Out of Bounds: Pluto -23°32; Ceres +25°04;  BML -27°01

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, 21 November 2026

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

• 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; Sagittarius at 11:23p
• The Moon in Aries
• Moon Void of Course: 11:38p-EOD
• Lunar Phase: Waxing; Gibbous
• Planetary governance: Saturn ♄
• Governing planet in sign: Saturn in Aries (fall)
• 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
• Strongest Sign Mode: Fixed
• Mansion of the Moon: 2nd – Albochan (Al Butain) 12°Ar51; Belly of Aries; finds treasures and retains prisoners; at 6:55p, 3rd – Azoraya (Al Thurayya) – 25°Ar42’; Showering, Pleiades, profitable for hunters, sailors, and alchemists  
• Retrograde Planets: Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Chiron, Pallas, Vesta
• Planets Out of Bounds: Pluto -23°32; Ceres +25°08;  BML -27°00

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