Moods and emotions may feel a little less stressed than of late with the possibility of few great highs or lows.

The unsettling atmosphere of the Moon/Uranus opposition is now over, but Saturn is still very much in opposition to Uranus. As reported numerous times already this may create widely differing circumstances that could range from very keen, determined and focused ambition, to a more hesitant, doubt filled attitude with the possibility of depression or melancholia.

It should be stressed that Saturn and Uranus will remain in opposition for some months to come and its effects will tend to be absorbed and taken for granted.

It is a matter of note that we are now entering what is habitually one of the most stressful times of the year. Towards the end of the year tensions and anxiety in general tend to mount and although some of these anxieties hinge around the anticipation of Christmas and the preparations that go with it there are other more dynamic reasons behind this change that go some way towards explaining why there is such a major festival at this time of year.

In the Northern hemisphere we are now approaching the darkest part of the year, and especially in Europe the hours of darkness increase quite dramatically, and with it come cold and generally miserable conditions. This too has important mood implications, but is by no means the only reason for increased stress at this time.

Another more potent celestial explanation of why this period is different comes from the fact that during the latter part of the year the Sun aligns against the centre of our Galaxy the Milky Way. This is relevant because it means that the Suns energy is also supplemented quite considerably by increased Cosmic radiation that all finds its way directed to Earth. This then interacts with the Earth’s biosphere producing subtle variations of mood and emotion that are distinct from any other time of year. Amongst other things this can produce more sensitive, emotional or acute feelings, but also the potential for reduced concentration, irritability and anger.

Perhaps as a means of lightening the overall atmosphere of this time, ancient societies, dating back to ancient Egypt and possibly beyond took to holding particularly vibrant celebrations around this time of year. Eventually of course Christmas too came to be celebrated towards the end of the year, and in so doing followed in a long line of tradition that goes back many thousands of years.