We are now entering another of the years densest periods of planetary activity, that will last until the early autumn. It means that the coming weeks will be subject to complex patterns of influence, with a variety of often clashing emotions that may not be easy to predict.

For the moment we are only four days short of the New Moon and the first effects will now begin to make themselves apparent. These include tense and nervous energy with restless moods and feelings together with a gradual rise in overall anxiety and apprehension. It will also mean a noticeable increase in more aggressive moods and inclinations with the possibility of contentious encounters, confrontation or arguments.

The above moods will be made all the more likely because Mars is now coming into opposition to Jupiter, and the pair will remain conjunct until around the middle of September. The opposition is still at least a week from its peak, but its most obvious traits will not be slow to announce themselves. These include enthusiastic, assertive, or forceful attitudes, along with adventurous inclinations that for some may tend towards extremes.

Indeed extremist tendencies may be all too apparent in most situations, as Mars/Jupiter alignments are well known for their belligerent or bullying attitudes. These go together with wasteful, boastful, and boisterous emotions, that may foster something of a superiority complex with a strong element of idealism.

Some of the above mentioned traits will be made all the more forceful by the on going opposition of the Sun and Neptune.This can result in sensitive and penetrating emotions with impressionable moods, and the possibility of confusion and self deception. Problems may be acutely felt and give way to pressing apprehensions with obsessive, almost neurotic reactions. In addition there may be an intense feeling of escapism that could prove distracting so that extra discipline may be required to keep to ones daily tasks and requirements.

In reality most of the above mentioned moods will blend together in trade off that may tend to cancel out some of their more extreme qualities. However it cannot be too strongly emphasised that this is a highly complex celestial atmosphere and extremes of emotion cannot be ruled out.

On the positive side this period should be particularly productive for those who engage in artistic or creative pursuits. Similarly this is a great time for enhanced spiritual or mystical awareness, that may open up new avenues of personal enlightenment. On a much more earthly footing there is also the possibility of heightened enjoyment especially at social gatherings that have the potential to become particularly vibrant and will relate well to already existing inclinations of an escapist nature.

Alert is 7. Moon 10% illuminated.