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
The Forecast is a look at the weekly planetary influences and a daily reading derived from various esoteric sources. The general astrological outlook presented is from daily astrological charts over the week, while what the daily reading is gleaned from each day’s I Ching-based Human Design chart, runes from both the Elder Futhark and geomancy, and the universal numerology for the month, day, and year. Both the astrological and Human Design information are gleaned from charts that are cast for 8:00 am Pacific time. A weekly bindrune using the week’s Elder Futhark runes appears on the left to carry with you for energetic support.
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
Monday, 22 December 2025
Avoiding a superficial approach may be in order today. In fact, retreating or withdrawing to gain a new perspective may foster an unfolding awareness to form, one that includes more give and take with others as well as listening to your inner voice.
Tuesday, 23 December 2025
Expressing the light of Spirit to others creates awakening and a sense of fulfillment today. A new collaboration may result from this alignment in higher consciousness, with a new level of success in your future. Speak with clarity and resolve and embrace your ultimate transformation.
Wednesday, 24 December 2025
A rebalancing of will and emotion may be necessary today so you can remain on track and adapt to changes that may arise. Exercising self-control can help you stay focused and in the present moment so you don’t become distracted by outside influences.
Thursday, 25 December 2025
Lost focus that results in impulsive action may frustrate any progress made toward bringing a positive conclusion today. While growth is still possible, you need to get out of the way of your impulses and restore balance to your mind, body, and Spirit. Your intuition is strong, and it can be relied upon to guide you forward.
Friday, 26 December 2025
The potential is there today for you to succeed in a new endeavor. You’re on the threshold of new beginnings, and the seeds you’ve planted open the door to new ideas and opportunities. It’s time to step through and complete your path.
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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The post The Week Ahead: Astrology, Runes, & Energetic Insights for 21-27 December 2025 appeared first on Stepping Aside.
