The Ascendant, Rays, Nodes, and Aspects Influencing 25 September to 1 October 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 specific Rays, along with their average strength this week, are as follows:

• 1st Ray – will and power; average strength: 5
• 2nd Ray – love and wisdom; average strength: 7
• 3rd Ray – active intelligence; average strength: 12
• 4th Ray – harmony through conflict; average strength: 3
• 5th Ray – concrete science and knowledge; average strength: 2
• 6th Ray – devotion and idealism; average strength: 5
• 7th Ray – ceremonial order and magick; average strength: 8

Over the course of the week, the strongest Ray influence is the 3rd Ray of active intelligence indicating that both instinct and adaptability are having a stronger impact on our interactions with others. In addition, it also suggests that our ability to solve problems is also strong. The 7th Ray of ceremonial order and magick follows in strength indicating that organizational skills have increased somewhat this week.

The 2nd Ray of love and wisdom is still exerting a stronger influence over the 6th Ray of devotion and idealism; however, the lesser impact of both rays suggests that love and wisdom may indeed overshadow any ideological impulses. And with the lesser strength of the 1st Ray of will and power, the 2nd Ray effect may also control the ego’s power over expressions of will.

Lastly, the 4th and 5th Rays are having the least impact this week suggesting that cooperation with others and general knowledge are significantly reduced.

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The Ascendant 

Libra – A masculine sign, a Libra individual takes initiative to pursue opportunities that come his/her way. Relationships are important and although you are assertive, thoughtful, polite, and well-mannered, you may also be indecisive. You insist on fairness and justice and are concerned with taking care of others. Diplomacy and mediation are also a focus.

• Saturn R trine The Ascendant – You have an overall understanding of what you can accomplish and your networking with others builds new relationships (10/1)
• The Moon conjunct The Ascendant – Your intuition is strong and others are drawn to your compassion and empathy. (9/26)
• Chiron R opposite The Ascendant – A path to healing in a close relationship may open during this period particularly if both parties are open to remaining honest with each other. (9/25-10/1)

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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.

Aspects: 

• Chiron R quincunx The S Node – You have the ability during this time to reevaluate a situation that you may need to let go of in order that you can move forward. (9/25-10/1)

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Planetary Aspects/Patterns with a Strong Impact

The Sun ~ Although your self-expression is strong, you need to listen to others instead of offering your own opinions. Working toward a balance between expressing a sense of inner grounding while pursuing new opportunities may help you improve your relationships with others. Otherwise, you may be perceived as someone who has ego issues and is unable to leave room for the perspective of those around you.

The Moon ~ Your intuition tells you that it may be wise to step back and reflect before making any commitments during this period. Although you may feel triggered by those closest to you, it may be that reciprocity and support are lacking, and you need to balance your intrinsic sensitivity with more realistic expectations. Remember that emotional reactions can cause issues that patience and reflection will prevent.

Mercury (Retro) ~ While Mercury is still in retrograde, observe and listen more than you speak, and offer support where needed. Although you are highly perceptive, use caution in your assessment of a situation so that you are certain of the truth. You may also need to consider what others are saying so that you’re not swayed by any personal agendas they might have.

Venus ~ You may be too trusting in your relationships with others and it could leave you vulnerable to deception. You have a strong need for supportive relationships that you can trust. Use this time to reevaluate your expectations, both financial and personal. Do you expect too much? Are your expectations realistic? 

Mars ~ You’re disciplined and motivated, but you need to be certain that you see a current situation with clarity so that you make any adjustments necessary to achieve your objectives. Although you are forthright in expressing your opinions, you may also tend to keep some ideas to yourself.

Jupiter ~ (Retro) You may need to reflect on how you balance realism with optimism this week. It may be that your own ego is getting in the way, especially if you feel that others are preventing you from achieving your objectives. As a result, you’re less likely to cooperate which may not be the best choice to make.

Saturn ~ (Retro) You work well with others but you may feel compelled to reevaluate how you approach collaborative efforts so that they support stability and financial security at home. You’re self-disciplined, perhaps more so than others, and it may impact how you see your role in the group especially if you have any self-esteem issues or trouble communicating your needs.

Uranus ~ (Retro) Unexpected issues surrounding authority may arise this week and your self-esteem may be on the line. Achieving a compromise may be necessary particularly if creative differences occur. You have a deep need to make a difference in the lives of others even if others don’t appreciate your unique perspective.

Neptune ~ (Retro) Your spirituality is expressed through higher awareness and you seek out situations that increase your mind, body, and spirit balance. You should also be mindful of your own health so that you’re taking care of your own wellness as well as that of others. Aligning with the natural realm can keep you grounded.

Pluto ~ (Retro) It may be time to seek a broader understanding regarding your home life. While you may want a more intensely personal experience, others at home may feel compelled to retreat which could account for the conflict that tends to surface between you and your loved ones. Your expectations may be too high causing you to demand a level of commitment that feels overwhelming to others. 

Chiron ~ (Retro) While Chiron continues its placement in the 7th House of partnership, you’re ready to reevaluate issues that are impacting close relationships with others. However, on Wednesday, Chiron moves into the 6th House where personal wellness is favored and you may seek out alternative healing modalities as an option to regain your balance.

Retrograde Planets – Mercury, Pluto, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Vesta, Chiron, Eris, Juno, Jupiter. 

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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.