We are now just two or three days short of the New Moon, and inevitably moods and emotions are likely to see an increase in stress and tension. So far this has yet to materialise to any dramatic extent, though the potential for sudden changes in mood continues to be there.

On the whole this tends to be a nondescript atmosphere but with the likelihood of sensitive or vulnerable emotions that occasionally may tend towards melancholia or mild depression.

Under these circumstances any difficulties may be magnified and problems weigh on the mind. This in turn may give way to doubts and insecurities, or of mild paranoia, such as repeatedly checking things that one has already done. In addition it may feel harder to get going with a disposition towards taking things easy, or an unhurried demeanour that will readily leave tasks unfinished or left for another time.

Communication with others may be tricky and prone to misunderstandings, displaying a degree of aloofness or of not wanting to share too much, either materially, or emotionally. Concentration will be far from optimal and ones sense of focus may have to compete with distracting influences of a highly escapist nature. In the present circumstances happy will be those who are able to take things at their own pace, and make few demands on their time and efforts.

Another feature of this period - at least in the northern hemisphere - is that time may seem to flow unusually fast, with scarcely enough time to complete even the most routine of ones daily tasks. Certainly those who find themselves constrained by a tight deadline may come to feel especially pressured and some compromise in quality may be necessary to complete things in time.

As we move closer to the New Moon on the 9th of December, there is a growing potential for irritable moods and emotions with the potential for argumentative behaviour, contentious encounters, and volatile expression. This will become all the more probable with the consumption of alcohol whose effects are likely to be magnified, and lead to unpleasant scenes with objectionable behaviour.

All in all this present mood is not a major source of concern, though swift and sudden changes may catch one off guard. However there may be a tendency towards awkward moods and feelings with minor frustrations that can result in some degree of personal agitation.

Alert is 7. Moon 9% illuminated.