Welcome to Stepping Aside…Where Magick Begins

©2025-2026 Jan Erickson 

The Week Ahead: Astrology, Runes, & Energetic Insights 9-15 August 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

Garden Planting by Moon phase

• 8/9-12 – 3rd Qtr to New Moon – with the light continuing to decrease until the dark phase of the Moon, energy is focused on pruning, harvesting, managing the compost pile, weeding, and pest control
• 8/12-15 – New Moon to 1st Qtr – with the light increasing, energy is focused on the growth of above-ground plants such as grain crops, cruciferous plants (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower), lettuce, and spinach

Retrograde Planets: Pluto, Juno, Neptune, Saturn, Chiron

Sun Sign: Leo (dignity)

Moon Sign/VOC/Phases

• 8/9/2025 – Sunday: Gemini until Cancer at 12:45a; Void of Course: Until 12:45a; Phase: Waning, Balsamic 
• 8/10/2025 – Monday: Cancer; Void of Course: 12:30a-EOD; Phase: Waning, Balsamic 
• 8/11/2025 – Tuesday: Cancer until Leo at 1:37a; Void of Course: Until 1:37a; Phase: Waning, Balsamic 
• 8/12/2025 – Wednesday: Leo; Void of Course: 10:36a-EOD; Phase: Waning, Balsamic; New at 10:37a, 20°Le01
• 8/13/2026 – Thursday: Leo until Virgo at 3:17a; Void of Course: Until 3:17a; 12:23p-EOD; Phase: Waxing, New
• 8/14/2026 – Friday: Virgo; Void of Course: All day; Phase: Waxing, New
• 8/15/2026 – Saturday: Virgo until Libra at 7:19a; Void of Course: Until 7:19a; Phase: Waxing, New

Additional Planets in Sign

• Mercury – Cancer; Leo (8/9, 9:28a)
• Mars – Gemini; Cancer (fall) (8/11, 1:30a)
• Venus – Libra (dignity)
• Jupiter – Leo
• Saturn – Aries (fall)

Out of Bounds

• The Moon (8/9-10)
• Mars (all week)
• Pluto (8/12-15)
• BML (all week)

© 2025-2026 Jan Erickson

General Astrological Insights

This week’s New Moon in 12th House Leo on Wednesday, in conjunction with the Sun also in 12th House Leo, asks you to surrender your ego to Spirit. Spend some quiet time in reflection and nurture the compassion you feel for yourself. This is a time to focus on your heart and on how you express love for yourself and others.

New thoughts and perspectives may be influenced by others during this period. Sensitivity increases and you seek harmony and peace in your life. You inspire both friends and groups; however, be careful not to let your ego drive your 

Daily Readings

Sunday, 9 August 2026

You may need to take control of a situation today, especially if others are hesitant to engage. If so, any decisions you make should be made with reason and without becoming emotional. Your ideals will serve you well, and the potential is there to turn a crisis into an opportunity.

For the magickally inclined: Study the 2 of Swords from the Rider-Waite Tarot to understand the need to leave emotion out of a decision you need to make. The symbolism of the blindfold, of turning away from the emotional turmoil represented by the choppy water, and the balance represented by the crossed arms with each hand holding a sword, all come together as a blueprint of sorts to help you understand the components necessary in that type of decision-making.

Influences: Universal numerology/Day: 9/9; Runes: Inguz, Amissio; Tarot: 2 of Swords; Human Design Gate/Line 7.5 The general

Monday, 10 August 2026

Don’t allow challenging circumstances to prevent you from moving in a positive direction today. It’s easy to lose heart and sight of your goals when difficulties arise. It may feel “too much,” and you may not be able to acknowledge the support that’s available to you. Instead of succumbing to the situation, draw your attention back to your inner voice, and allow your Higher Self to flow freely into your awareness. Your intuition is strong and can be relied upon to find the solutions you need.

For the magickally inclined: Perform a reading with the 4 of Cups and the rune Laguz from the Elder Futhark. Hold the 4 of Cups in your hand and study its meaning. The man sits near an oak tree without actually leaning against it. Three cups are on the ground in front of him while a hand reaches out from a cloud offering a fourth. The man’s arms and legs are crossed, signifying a defensive posture. Although he appears to look in the direction of the three cups, he’s clearly stuck in his own emotions and is unable to understand the emotional support they represent, nor does he acknowledge the cup or the hand that’s offering it.

From there, hold the rune, Laguz ᛚ, in your hand and visualize your Higher awareness flowing into your physical reality and align that soul energy with your emotional presence. Place the rune in the center of the 4 of Cups and then meditate on how you can integrate your Higher Self with your emotions so you can understand not only the bigger picture, but also the support that exists for you to draw from.

Influences: Universal numerology/Day: 1/1; Runes: Laguz, Cauda Draconis; Tarot: 4 of Cups; Human Design Gate/Line: 53.5 Assertion

Tuesday, 11 August 2026

Don’t allow your ego to influence or control the perceptions or behavior of others today. If you do, you may get in the way of your own process and prevent yourself from meeting your goals. Collaboration may be the best option to help you control your own impulsivity and see beyond any self-imposed restrictions of your own.

For the magickally inclined: Studying the three Norn runes from the Elder Futhark, Hagalaz, Nauthiz, and Isa, can provide a window into your own inner power. They can help you overcome the ego’s influence on your thoughts and behavior, and help you understand the overall picture in a positive way. Hagalaz helps you break down barriers without losing your values and principles. Nauthiz helps you invoke the fire within to meet your goals and objectives, as well as overcome self- or other-imposed restrictions. Isa helps you align in higher consciousness, develop your inner will, and maintain your focus. 

Influences: Universal numerology/Day: 11/2; Runes: Nauthiz, Puer; Tarot: 8 of Swords; Human Design Gate/Line: 15.3 Ego inflation 

Wednesday, 12 August 2026; New Moon in Leo

Your wisdom and attention to detail benefit others today. You’ve established your legacy and foundation through hard work and a strong skillset. Because of all that, not only do you succeed, you also influence others to do the same. Today begins a period where you build on all you’ve accomplished.

For the magickally inclined: Perform a reading that includes the 8 of Pentacles from the Rider-Waite Tarot and Berkano ᛒ from the Elder Futhark to determine the next steps in your life or career. The 8 of Pentacles describes hard work, craftsmanship, building your skills, establishing your foundation, and increasing your material security. Berkano represents the birch tree, family, new beginnings, healing, growth, and bringing projects to completion. So, both can represent building a new life and a new direction. Add additional cards for more information if needed.

Today’s New Moon in Leo can provide the basis for rituals, including increasing self-worth and sovereignty, as well as manifesting your goals.

Influences: Universal numerology/Day: 3/3; Runes: Berkano, Albus; Tarot: 8 of Pentacles; Human Design Gate/Line: 31.4 Intent

Thursday, 13 August 2026

It may be necessary to take a different path today or make a separate contribution if you discover that others don’t share your values, principles, or work ethic. While individual differences are expected, sometimes those differences are just too much to find a way to collaborate effectively. Someone’s influence may create instability, making completing your objectives next to impossible. So, find a way to participate more independently and see if that makes a difference in achieving the desired outcome.

For the magickally inclined: Mannaz ᛗ, in my opinion, represents not only the higher truth of unity consciousness, but also makes one think about how he or she integrates into physical reality. Mannaz itself is a complex bindrune that involves Kenaz ᚲ, the torch or illumination, in all directions, Gebo ᚷ, the rune of balanced energy exchange and reciprocity, Laguz ᛚ, the rune of intuition, harmony, clairsentience, emotional balance, and flowing in Spirit, forward and reversed, Isa ᛁ, the rune of alignment in Spirit, will development, and becoming, Wunjo ᚹ forward and reversed that indicates jou, wishes, peace, fellowship, success, and happiness, and Dagaz ᛞ, the rune of endings and beginnings, awakening, and a new day. So, there is a lot to consider and work with when using this valuable rune to understand your own integration with others in physical reality as well as the unity consciousness within which our greater soul awareness fully resides. 

Influences: Universal numerology/Day: 4/4; Runes: Mannaz, Puer; Tarot: The World; Human Design Gate/Line: 33.3 Spirit

Friday, 14 August 2026

If you’ve been having emotional issues or difficulty dealing with problems, it may be time to seek help. Doing so could help you learn how to process situations in a more realistic and balanced way, and help you face challenges without losing sight of the bigger picture. You may also find that your perceptions change and a new path is possible.

For the magickally inclined: When dealing with problems, the Norn rune, Isa ᛁ, from the Elder Futhark, describes the stillness within, alignment in higher self, will development, and focus. It’s useful in meditations that involve bringing your thoughts and attention to a still point to let go of perceptions, etc., that have no value anymore. The geomancy rune, Tristitia, should be studied to see how sadness or grief can escalate to an unhealthy place where the grief may dominate your thinking to the point that you protect yourself at all costs and stay stuck there, which can devolve further into holding grudges and becoming quick-tempered. Lastly, the 10 of Swords from the Rider-Waite Tarot illustrates the end of illusion, turning your attention to the light, and moving on from a difficult situation. All three can help you understand the process involved in healing and help you move forward more awakened and enlightened.

Influences: Universal numerology/Day: 5/5; Runes: Isa, Tristitia; Tarot: 10 of Swords; Human Design Gate/Line: 18.5 Therapy 

Saturday, 15 August 2026

The chaos in your life you may be experiencing could be from self-defeating choices and behavior, and could be a continuation from yesterday’s reading. You may be caught up in negative self-talk or an egoic focus and resist seeking advice from a counselor or someone with experience. However, it’s time to realize that a new day is possible and it’s okay to do whatever is necessary to make that happen.

For the magickally inclined: The last three cards in the suit of Swords in the Major Arcana, the 8, 9, and 10 of Swords tell an interesting story of going within to turn off the noise around you to find your inner truth (8), letting go of destructive thoughts and beliefs (9), and surrendering to your higher power and turning your face to the light (10). Whenever you’re dealing with issues, emotional or otherwise, take time to review these three cards and consider how their progressive message can guide you forward.

Influences: Universal numerology/Day: 6/6; Runes: Dagaz, Rubeus; Tarot: 9 of Swords; Human Design Gate/Line 21.6 Chaos 

©2025-2026 Jan Erickson

Weekly Correspondences

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

Sunday, 9 August 2026

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

• Universal Numerology: 9 – idealistic, generous, and kind; Altruism, Humanitarianism, Generosity, Sympathy; endings/ Day-9 – idealistic, generous, and kind; Altruism, Humanitarianism, Generosity, Sympathy; endings/ Day-4
• The Sun in Leo (dignity)
• The Moon in Gemini until Cancer at 12:45a
• Moon Void of Course: Until 12:45a
• Lunar Phase: Waning, Balsamic 
• Planetary governance: The Sun ☉
• Governing Planet Ray – 2nd (love/wisdom): Strongest Ray: 2nd
• Favorability: Excellent
• Polarity: Masculine
• Elemental Balance: In order of strength: Air, Fire, Water, Earth
• Strongest Sign Mode: Cardinal/Mutable
• Mansion of the Moon: 8th – Annathra (Al Nathra) 1°Cancer; misty/cloudy; promotes love and friendship particularly with fellow travelers, rids area of mice, reinforces imprisonment 
• Retrograde planets: Saturn, Pluto, Juno, Neptune, Chiron
• Planets Out of Bounds: Moon +27°41; Mars +23°38; BML -25°40

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, 10 August 2026

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

• Universal Numerology/Day (same): 1 –  Uniqueness, Freedom, Talent, Governance, Leadership, and Revolution
• The Sun in Leo (dignity)
• The Moon in Cancer (dignity)
• Moon Void of Course: 12:30a-EOD
• Lunar Phase: Waning, Balsamic 
• Planetary governance: The Moon ☽
• Governing Planet Ray: 4th ray (harmony through conflict); Strongest Ray: 5th
• Favorability: Very Good
• Polarity: Masculine
• Elemental Balance: In order of strength: Air, Fire, Earth/Water
• Strongest Sign Mode: Mutable
• Mansion of the Moon: 9th – Atarf (Al Tarf) 12° Cn51; eye of lion; hinders trail, causes discord, and harms harvest; at 6:38p, 10th  Algebha (Al Jabhah) 25°Cn42; neck/forehead of Leo; fosters love and compassion, assists in defeating enemies, and strengthens structures 
• Retrograde: Saturn, Pluto, Juno, Neptune, Chiron
• Planets Out of Bounds: Moon +25°28; Mars +23°39; BML -25°18

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, 11 August 2026

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

• Universal Numerology (higher form)/Day: 11 – Master number, awakening, enlightenment/Day-2 Collaboration, Closeness, Kindness, Harmony, and Assistance, balance, decisions
• The Sun in Leo (dignity)
• The Moon in Cancer until Leo at 1:37a
• Moon Void of Course: Until 1:37a
• Lunar Phase: Waning, Balsamic 
• Planetary governance: Mars ♂
• Governing planet in sign: Mars – Gemini; Cancer (1:30a); (fall)
• Governing Planet Ray: 6th ray (devotion and idealism), Strongest Ray: 5th
• Favorability: Excellent
• Polarity: Masculine
• Elemental Balance: In order of strength: Fire, Air, Earth, Water
• Strongest Sign Mode: Fixed
• Mansion of the Moon: 10th  Algebha (Al Jabhah) 25°Cn42; neck/forehead of Leo; fosters love and compassion, assists in defeating enemies, and strengthens structures; at 3:40p, 11th – Azobra (Al Zubrah) 8°Le34; hair of the lion’s head, increases profits, positive for travel, taking captives 
• Retrograde Planets: Saturn, Pluto, Juno, Neptune, Chiron
• Planets Out of Bounds: Mars +23°40; BML -26°14

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, 12 August 2026; New Moon

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

• Universal Numerology/Day (same): 3 – Self-Expression, Entertainment, Optimism, Imagination, and Friendliness; reason, mental acuity, detail-oriented
• The Sun in Leo (dignity)
• The Moon in Leo
• Moon Void of Course: 10:36a-EOD
• Lunar Phase: Waning, Balsamic; New at 10:37a, 20°Le01
• Planetary governance: Mercury ☿
• Governing planet in sign: Mercury in Cancer; Leo (8/9) 9:28a
• Governing Planet Ray: 4th (harmony through conflict); Strongest Ray: 5th
• Favorability: Neutral
• Polarity: Masculine
• Elemental Balance: In order of strength: Fire, Air, Earth, Water
• Strongest Sign Mode: Fixed
• Mansion of the Moon: 11th – Azobra (Al Zubrah) 8°Le34; hair of the lion’s head, increases profits, positive for travel, taking captives; at 12:55p, 12th – Alsarfah (Al Sarfah) 21°Le25; tail of Leo; increases harvest, obstructs sailors, promotes care for employees and captives 
• Retrograde Planets: Saturn, Pluto, Juno, Neptune, Chiron
• Planets Out of Bounds: Mars +23°41; Pluto -23°26; BML -26°30

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, 13 August 2026

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

• Universal Numerology/Day (same): 4 – grounding, foundation, practicality, reliability, patience, structure
• The Sun in Leo (dignity)
• The Moon in Leo until Virgo at 3:17a
• Moon Void of Course: Until 3:17a; 12:23p
• Lunar Phase: Waxing, New
• Planetary governance: Jupiter ♃
• Governing planet in sign: Jupiter – Leo 
• Governing Planet Ray: 2nd Ray (love and wisdom): Strongest Ray: 2nd/5th
• Favorability: Excellent
• Polarity: Masculine
• Elemental Balance: In order of strength: Fire, Air, Earth, Water
• Strongest Sign Mode: Mutable
• Mansion of the Moon: 12th – Alsarfah (Al Sarfah) 21°Le25; tail of Leo; increases harvest, obstructs sailors, promotes care for employees and captives; at 10:33a, 13th – Alhaire (Al Awwa) 4°Vi17; dog stars/wings of Virgo; fosters compassion, travel, harvest, gain, freedom of captives 
• Retrograde Planets: Saturn, Pluto, Juno, Neptune, Chiron
• Planets Out of Bounds: Mars +23°41; Pluto -23°26; BML -26°49

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, 14 August 2026

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

• Universal Numerology/Day (same): 5 – protection, pentagram, travel, innovation, freedom versus restriction
• The Sun in Leo (dignity)
• The Moon in Virgo
• Moon Void of Course: Entire day
• Lunar Phase: Waxing, New
• Planetary governance: Venus ♀
• Governing planet in sign: Venus in Libra (dignity)
• Governing Planet Ray: 5th Ray (concrete knowledge and science): Strongest Ray: 2nd/5th
• Favorability: Excellent
• Polarity: Masculine
• Elemental Balance: In order of strength: Fire, Air, Earth, Water
• Strongest Sign Mode: Mutable
• Mansion of the Moon: 13th – Alhaire (Al Awwa) 4°Vi17; dog stars/wings of Virgo; fosters compassion, travel, harvest, gain, freedom of captives; at 8:39a, 14th – Azimeth (Al Simak) 17°Vi8;  the spike of Virgo; fosters marital love, heals the sick, increases sailor’s profits; prevents overland travel 
• Retrograde Planets: Saturn, Pluto, Juno, Neptune, Chiron
• Planets Out of Bounds: Mars +23°42; Pluto -23°27;  BML -27°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, 15 August 2026

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

• Universal Numerology/Day (same): 6 – assistance, shared path, empathy, love, guidance
• The Sun in Leo (dignity)
• The Moon in Virgo until Libra at 7:19a
• Moon Void of Course: Until 7:19a
• Lunar Phase: Waxing, New
• Planetary governance: Saturn ♄
• Governing planet in sign: Saturn in Aries (fall)
• Governing Planet Ray: 3rd Ray (active intelligence), Strongest Ray: 5th
• Favorability: Neutral
• Polarity: Masculine
• Elemental Balance: In order of strength: Air, Fire, Earth, Water
• Strongest Sign Mode: Cardinal
• Mansion of the Moon: 14th – Azimeth (Al Simak) 17°Vi8;  the spike of Virgo; fosters marital love, heals the sick, increases sailor’s profits; prevents overland travel; at 7:19a, 15th – Algafra (Al Ghafr) 1°Libra; covered flying; finding treasure, digging holes or pits, creates tension and discord as well as divorce, destroys homes and enemies, and interrupts travel 
• Retrograde Planets: Saturn, Pluto, Juno, Neptune, Chiron 
• Planets Out of Bounds: Mars +23°42; Pluto -23°27;  BML -27°33

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