The Week Ahead: Astrology, Runes, & Energetic Insights

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The Week Ahead is a compendium of information that includes a weekly forecast, current astrological information, a section on herbalism, 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!

Inside this addition:

• The Forecast (General Astrological Outlook, Daily Readings)
• Current Astrological Information
• As Above, So Below Weekday Readings
• Herbalism Profile ~ Borage
• Weekly Spellcasting Correspondences
• Spellcasting Tips and Recommendations

The Forecast

General Astrological Outlook

One aspect that stands out, particularly at the beginning of the week, is that you may feel the need for structure in your life and in your work. Plus, you may feel more comfortable with conversations that are more intellectual and rational than emotional, especially if finances are involved. And, concerning finances, if you’re experiencing stress or are unable to control your emotions or impulses, you may make decisions that negatively impact your financial security.

With the Sun now in Capricorn, it may be beneficial to engage in some self-reflection to reestablish boundaries and enhance feelings of stability. New opportunities may arise that involve your career, and you may be recognized this week for your achievements. You’re motivated to pursue new goals in a practical, grounded way. However, caution is recommended when expressing your ideas so you don’t exclude other viewpoints.

At the end of the week, you may keep to yourself and be unavailable to express support for others. Spending time in nature may help you return to a better emotional balance.

Daily Readings

Sunday, 21 December 2025; Winter Solstice; Yule begins and continues through Jan 1, 2026

On this Winter Solstice, reflect on the shared path you’ve taken with others. Although isolation or withdrawal can lead to greater awareness, your greatest strength today may be found in unity with those on the same path. With the return of the Light, remember that you shape your experiences, and new beginnings are always possible.

Influences: Universal numerology: 6; Runes: Uruz, Puella; Human Design Gate/Line 10.2 The Hermit

Monday, 22 December 2025

Your potential can be maximized from limitations that may appear to prevent progress, but in reality, inspire you to transform a situation into one that works for you instead of working at cross purposes. So, release any ambivalence you may feel and let your curiosity lead you in a different direction.

Influences: Universal numerology: 7; Runes: Jera, Puella; Human Design Gate/Line: 60.4 Resourcefulness

Tuesday, 23 December 2025

Your energy level may be less today, and collaboration with others may provide the boost necessary to accomplish your objective. Your leadership helps awaken their own creativity, and the clarity you express helps them achieve their goals. In doing so, you may receive the acknowledgment you’ve been waiting for and the accolades you deserve.

Influences: Universal numerology: 8; Runes: Kenaz, Conjunctio; Human Design Gate/Line: 58.3 Electricity

Wednesday, 24 December 2025

Remaining aligned with your ideals will help you choose the next direction you take. Although your past accomplishments can see you through, seek guidance from someone with relevant experience that may help you determine the appropriate way to begin. Concentrate your efforts on removing any impediments that may currently exist or could arise in the future, and move forward in a progressive manner to prevent unexpected challenges from deterring your progress. 

Influences: Universal numerology: 9; Runes: Isa, Fortuna Minor; Human Design Gate/Line: 26.1 A bird in the hand

Thursday, 25 December 2025; Christmas Day

During the end-of-year holidays, express your love and joy with people whom you regard as family, whether they be actual family or the family you’ve built over time. Although holiday get-togethers can sometimes be difficult to manage, they can also be a time for healing and new beginnings. A revolutionary idea, perhaps, especially during this time of separation and division. While you may decide that holiday gatherings aren’t the best time to attempt to heal the divisiveness that is so prevalent right now, coming together with people who share your beliefs, irrespective of the holiday you’re celebrating, can bring a sense of joy and peace.

Influences: Universal numerology: 1; Runes: Berkano, Laetitia; Human Design Gate/Line 62.2 Restraint

Friday, 26 December 2025; Kwanzaa

Your values and principles that challenge existing norms could either thwart a collaborative effort or may inject a new perspective that could move the group in a new direction today. The potential is there to create a more integrated process, as well as the ability to work in harmony. So don’t hesitate to be the outlier in the group. Shaking things up could be exactly what’s needed.

Influences: Universal numerology: 2; Runes: Inguz, Caput Draconis; Human Design Gate/Line: 10.5 The heretic

Saturday, 27 December 2025

You may need to seek outside assistance to understand a confusing situation that poses a challenge today. While the details may not yet be clear, staying optimistic may keep you on track and open to new ideas that can give you the clarity you need to successfully deal with the situation at hand.

Influences: Universal numerology: 3; Runes: Wunjo, Caput Draconis; Human Design Gate/Line 36.4 Espionage

Additional Planetary Information

Retrograde Planets: Jupiter, Uranus, Chiron

Sun Sign: Capricorn 7:03a; Winter Solstice

Moon Sign/VOC/Phases

• 12/21/2025 – Sunday – Capricorn (detriment); Void of Course – Not today; Phase: Waxing, New
• 12/22/2025 – Monday – Capricorn (detriment) until Aquarius at 7:51a; Void of Course – 6:42a-7:51a; Phase: Waxing, New
• 12/23/2025 – Tuesday – Aquarius; Void of Course – Not today; Phase: Waxing, New
• 12/24/2025 – Wednesday – Aquarius until Pisces at 5:08p; Void of Course – 1:40p-5:08p; Phase: Waxing, Crescent
• 12/25/2025 – Thursday – Pisces; Void of Course – Not today; Phase: Waxing, Crescent
• 12/26/2025 – Friday – Pisces; Void of Course – 11:02-EOD; Phase: Waxing, Crescent
• 12/27/2025 – Saturday – Pisces until Aries at 12:01a; Void of Course – Until 12:01a; Phase: Waxing, Crescent; 1st Qtr at 11:10a, 06°Ar17

Additional Planets in Sign

• Mars – Capricorn (exalted)
• Mercury – Sagittarius (detriment)
• Venus – Capricorn (12/24, 8:26a)
• Jupiter – Cancer (exalted)
• Saturn – Pisces

Out of Bounds

• Moon – 12/21
• Venus – all week
• Mars – all week
• Black Moon Lilith – all week

As Above, So Below Weekday Readings

Herbal Profile/Information

Borage ~ Borago officinalis

In my experience, once you plant the seeds, this lovely plant will reseed itself for years to come. As you can see from the picture above, borage attracts bees and other pollinators, and when it gets overly abundant (because it will), I cut it back and give it to my chickens, who absolutely love it!

Medicinal uses: The dried leaves contain essential oils, mucilage, tannins, and saponins. Borage reduces fever, purifies the blood, helps itchy skin conditions, nervousness, acts as an expectorant, anti-inflammatory, tonic, galactagogue, and diaphoretic. Borage is useful as an eyewash, for adrenal stress, respiratory infections, and as a source of calcium and potassium. However, Borage should not be used while pregnant or breastfeeding.

Magickal Correspondences and Uses: Ruled by the planet Jupiter, and the sign of Leo, Borage’s day correspondence is Thursday, its power is To Know, its element is Air, and its direction is East. Borage’s energetic effect is Masculine, projective, and active, and Sachiel (angel) and Bethor (Olympic Spirit) are its deities. Place the blue flowers on the altar or in a mojo bag for courage and to dispel nervousness and increase inner strength, justice, understanding, prosperity, leadership, and wealth. The flowers can also be floated in a crystal bowl along with other flowers.

Disclaimer

The information contained in this post is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose any condition or prescribe any treatment. Please consult your medical/herbal professional for further advice regarding the medicinal use of herbs, particularly if you’re already taking prescribed medications to avoid any unnecessary or harmful interactions. 

Please seek treatment from a medical professional should symptoms occur that do not quickly resolve on their own. If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, please consult your medical/herbal professional before using any herbs.

Weekly Spellcasting Correspondences

Below are the corresponding astrological and other energies for working magick, as well as the current correspondence charts for the week. ~  et incipit magia

Sunday, 21 December 2025

Magickal focus: clarity, truth, healing, courage, removing barriers, leadership

• Universal Numerology: 6 – assistance, shared path, empathy, love, guidance/ Day – 3
• The Sun in Capricorn 7:03a; Winter Solstice
• The Moon in Capricorn
• Moon Void of Course: Not today
• Lunar Phase: Waxing, New
• Planetary governance: The Sun ☉
• Governing Planet Ray – 2nd (love/wisdom): Strongest Ray: 3rd
• Favorability: Neutral
• Polarity: Feminine
• Elemental Balance: In order of strength: Earth, Water, Fire/Air
• Strongest Sign Mode: Cardinal
• Mansion of the Moon: 23rd – Caadebolach (Sa’d Bula) 12°Cp51; swallowing; divorce, freeing of prisoners, healing 
• Retrograde planets: Jupiter, Uranus, Chiron
• Planets Out of Bounds: Moon -26°16; Venus -23°29; Mars -24°10;   BML -25°04

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, 22 December 2025

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

• Universal Numerology: 7 – observation, balance, justice, the scales, magick, spirituality/ Day- 22
• The Sun in Capricorn
• The Moon in Capricorn until Aquarius at 7:51a
• Moon Void of Course: 6:42a-7:51a
• Lunar Phase: Waxing, New
• Planetary governance: The Moon ☽
• Governing Planet Ray: 4th ray (harmony through conflict); Strongest Ray: 3rd/7th
• Favorability: Very good
• Polarity: Feminine
• Elemental Balance: In order of strength: Earth/Water, Fire/Air
• 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: Jupiter, Uranus, Chiron
• Planets Out of Bounds: Venus -23°33; Mars -24°08;   BML -25°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, 23 December 2025

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

• Universal Numerology: 8 – Materialistic Approval, Achievement, Striving for Success, leadership, and Acknowledgment; Day-5
• The Sun in Capricorn
• The Moon in Aquarius
• Moon Void of Course: Not today
• Lunar Phase: Waxing, New
• Planetary governance: Mars ♂
• Governing planet in sign: Mars in Capricorn (exalted)
• Governing Planet Ray: 6th ray (devotion and idealism), Strongest Ray: 3rd/7th
• Favorability: Very good
• Polarity: Feminine
• Elemental Balance: In order of strength: Earth/Water, Fire/Air
• 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: Jupiter, Uranus, Chiron
• Planets Out of Bounds: Venus -23°36; Mars -24°07;   BML -25°07

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, 24 December 2025

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

• Universal Numerology: 9 – idealistic, generous, and kind; Altruism, Humanitarianism, Generosity, Sympathy; endings/ Day-6
• The Sun in Capricorn
• The Moon in Aquarius until Pisces at 5:08p
• Moon Void of Course: 1:40p-5:08p
• Lunar Phase: Waxing, Crescent
• Planetary governance: Mercury ☿
• Governing planet in sign: Mercury in Sagittarius (detriment)
• Governing Planet Ray: 4th (harmony through conflict); Strongest Ray: 3rd/7th
• Favorability: Very bad
• Polarity: Feminine
• Elemental Balance: In order of strength: Earth/Water, Fire/Air
• 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 
• Retrograde Planets: Jupiter, Uranus, Chiron
• Planets Out of Bounds: Venus -23°39; Mars -24°05;   BML -25°09

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, 25 December 2025

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

• Universal Numerology: 1 –  Uniqueness, Freedom, Talent, Governance, Leadership, and Revolution/Day-7
• The Sun in Capricorn
• The Moon in Pisces
• Moon Void of Course: Not today
• Lunar Phase: Waxing, Crescent
• Planetary governance: Jupiter ♃
• Governing planet in sign: Jupiter Rx in Cancer (exalted)
• Governing Planet Ray: 2nd Ray (love and wisdom): Strongest Ray: 3rd/7th
• Favorability: Very bad
• Polarity: Feminine
• Elemental Balance: In order of strength: Water, Earth, Fire, Air
• 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
• Retrograde Planets: Jupiter, Uranus, Chiron
• Planets Out of Bounds: Venus -23°41; Mars -24°03;   BML -25°10

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, 26 December 2025

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

• Universal Numerology: 2 – balance, unity, collaboration, cause/effect, decisions, healing, assistance, harmony/ Day – 8
• The Sun in Capricorn
• The Moon in Pisces
• Moon Void of Course: 11:02-EOD
• Lunar Phase: Waxing, Crescent
• Planetary governance: Venus ♀
• Governing planet in sign: Venus in Capricorn (12/24, 8:26a)
• Governing Planet Ray: 5th Ray (concrete knowledge and science): Strongest Ray: 3rd/7th
• Favorability: Very good
• Polarity: Feminine
• Elemental Balance: In order of strength: Water, Earth, Fire, Air
• 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 
• Retrograde Planets: Jupiter, Uranus, Chiron
• Planets Out of Bounds: Venus -23°42; Mars -24°00;   BML -25°12

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, 27 December 2025

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

• Universal Numerology: 3 – Self-Expression, Entertainment, Optimism, Imagination, and Friendliness; reason, mental acuity, detail-oriented; Day – 9
• The Sun in Capricorn
• The Moon in Pisces until Aries at 12:01a
• Moon Void of Course: Until 12:01a
• Lunar Phase: Waxing, Crescent; 1st Qtr at 11:10a, 06°Ar17
• Planetary governance: Saturn ♄
• Governing planet in sign: Saturn in Pisces
• Governing Planet Ray: 3rd Ray (active intelligence), Strongest Ray: 7th
• Favorability: Very good
• Polarity: Feminine
• Elemental Balance: In order of strength: Earth, Water, Fire, Air
• Strongest Sign Mode: Cardinal
• Mansion of the Moon: 1st – Alnath (Al Sharatain) 0°Aries; Horns of Aries; causes conflict and promotes travel 
• Retrograde Planets: Jupiter, Uranus, Chiron
• Planets Out of Bounds: Venus -23°43; Mars -23°57; BML -25°14

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

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

References

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

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© Jan Erickson