The Ascendant, Rays, Nodes, and Aspects Influencing 17-23 July 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 is relatively strong all week suggesting that the ability to assert oneself or to express one’s will in a positive manner is powerful and effective.

The significantly lower 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 little impact on expressions of ideology and fundamentalist devotion over the course of the week with aggressiveness possible.

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

The 4th Ray of harmony through conflict’s moderate impact this week indicates an average willingness to cooperate with others to find solutions. And with the disciplined or logical approach to seeking truth from the 5th Ray having its own average impact, achieving a shared agreement with others may be possible.

Overall, the strong 7th Ray influence on ceremonial order throughout most of the week suggests that a practical attitude will influence perceptions and decisions until Saturday when it decreases significantly.

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The Ascendant 

Leo – A masculine sign, a Leo individual is purposeful and self-reliant. He or she is gregarious and loves to plan get-togethers with others. They prefer to lead rather than follow but have a tendency toward manifesting pride in a manner that can lead to failure.

• Moon square The Ascendant – Your emotions are intense and intuition is strong and you benefit from remaining open to the feelings of others. (7/22)
• Saturn opposite The Ascendant – You may reevaluate a close relationship during this period which may result in a deeper commitment or a separation. (7/18-23)

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

Aspects: 

• Moon trine N Node/sextile S Node – Reevaluation of your intended goals or path may center on making choices that support how you feel instead of simply from a practical perspective. (7/17)
• Uranus conjunct N Node/opposite S Node – Something unexpected could arise that aligns you with your true nature or destiny (7/17-23)

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Planetary Aspects/Patterns with a Strong Impact

The Sun ~ This is a time where inner balance is necessary, especially if self-assertion doesn’t allow for input from others. So that conversations don’t devolve into arguments or power struggles, allow yourself to drop resistance and listen to what others have to offer. Interactions with others should improve by the end of the week.

The Moon

• 17 July 2022 You have an inner need to understand the greater message behind your experiences. You prefer harmony as well as a strong emotional bond with family and friends and you’re always ready to embrace the unexpected.

• 18 July 2022Your energy is high today and you need to choose wisely where you invest your time and inner resources. Issues with a partner could arise especially if expressing your feelings is challenging.

• 19-20 July 2022You’re motivated to explore the higher realms of awareness during this time with healing inner wounds a particular focus. You’ll benefit by learning to trust your feelings so that a new perspective is possible.

• 21 July 2022 Your emotions may play a role in any stress you feel and it may be best to focus on routine tasks instead of taking on new endeavors, even though you may feel like you can take on the world.

• 22 July 2022You work diligently on your career and you’re recognized for your achievements. However, if you’re feeling somewhat insecure today, it could be that you’re not in sync with others. Avoid reacting and view the situation as temporary.

• 23 July 2022Ideas abound today and your curiosity is on overdrive. However, you still have routine tasks to take care of and you’re having a difficult time balancing that with your emotional need for new experiences. Meditation may help you gain a more realistic perspective.

Mercury ~ Spend some time in reflection during this week as well as with those you love. They appreciate your creativity and imagination; however, if you become overly obsessed, they may not be as receptive as you might want. Take a step back and don’t let your enthusiasm spoil a good time.

Venus ~ You love socializing and sharing ideas and experiences with friends and family. That said, if interactions are too superficial or aren’t stimulating enough, you tend to lose focus or become uncomfortable. If that’s the case, trust your instincts and find someone new with whom to interact. 

Mars ~ You need a break from your normal routine, which may include pursuing or expanding upon a spiritual path. You’re in sync with your partner and you’re both ready for new and innovative experiences.

Jupiter ~ You are feeling positive and others look to you for insight and wisdom. However, you may also have difficulty taking care of your routine tasks during this period because your attention or focus seems off or scattered. Try to see the overall picture and be clear with your objectives.

Saturn ~ (Retro) You’re torn between collaborating with others and making a real commitment to the process. However, it may be that you’ve gone as far as you can and want a new experience on which to focus. Take time to reflect on what you really want so that you can find your true purpose.

Uranus ~ Choose a career that allows you both freedom and the ability to explore the unexpected or unconventional. You want the ability to express yourself, but you also need to respect authority as well. Although conformity can be challenging, you have the ability to collaborate on a shared path with others.

Neptune ~ (Retro)  Feelings of spirituality increase and by nurturing your relationships with others you could experience a profound change in your life. Your empathy is strong and you intuitively understand how to show compassion for the needs of others.

Pluto ~ (Retro) Changes in your health or routine could be experienced this week that could cause major changes in your life. Be careful not to view support from others in a transactional manner. Instead, simply be grateful for their love and support and leave it there.

Chiron ~ (Retro)  Although your self-worth is impacted when feeling rejected by others, a greater purpose may be at work that helps you redefine your true direction in life. Use your past experiences to gain insight that can transform your relationships with others. 

Retrograde Planets – Pluto; Saturn; Neptune, Vesta, Chiron, Eris. Upcoming retrogrades include Jupiter – 28 July; Uranus – 24 Aug 2022; Juno – 24 July 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.