A special warning now exists for the period up until around midnight GMT (19:00 EDT) on the 16th of December. This concerns the alignment between the Moon and Uranus, which is one of the most unsettling, not to mention extreme, of the routine monthly alignments.

As frequent visitors to this site will know, it often lies behind several of the more callous and extreme crimes, particularly those concerning brutal murders or mass killings, such as lone gunmen going on a crazed shooting spree.

Likely moods to come from the Moon/Uranus alignment include changeable, restless, highly strung and emotionally charged feelings with the likelihood of eccentric, drastic, or extreme inclinations. Out of character thoughts and emotions may well take hold with actions that may deviate powerfully from ones ‘normal’ behaviour. As a consequence there may be friction within the family setting with the risk of argumentative or rebellious behaviour. Indeed where arguments develop there may be little restraint in what is said or done and the consequences may be around for some time to come.

In reality the current effects of the Moon/Uranus alignment are likely to be balanced by a number of factors in what is fast becoming a highly complex celestial setting that represents one of the years most concentrated periods of planetary alignments.

Some measure of restraint will come from the fact that both the Moon and Uranus are currently in opposition to Saturn. This means the worst elements of Uranus will be tempered by the traditional qualities of Saturn corresponding to control, discipline and limited emotional expenditure. However this may also lead to lack of confidence, with a depressive and diffident nature that may feel low on enthusiasm and inspiration. In the event the two forces are likely to balance each other out so that neither becomes too extreme.

Another complicating factor is that the Sun is now beginning to develop a cluster of aligning planets. The Sun/Mercury alignment is now at a peak, but Jupiter and Pluto are now also beginning to align, and very shortly all four will be in opposition to Mars, thus creating a highly complex celestial setting. Inevitably this will also lead to equally complex moods and feelings with clashing emotions that may not be easy to unravel. For example there is the genial, sympathetic, generous and friendly disposition of Jupiter together with the strident, alert and nervously powerful nature of Mercury. Soon this will also be combined with the aggressive headstrong qualities of Mars that all means a highly interesting and potentially volatile end to the year. For example the run up to Christmas will have to contend with the unsettling nature of the Full Moon which occurs right on Christmas Eve and will no doubt add substantial stress and anxiety to what is already a season over laden with emotional apprehension (see feature)

We must also remember that into this very turbulent mixture of celestial influence comes the Winter Solstice which is also renowned for its strong moods and feelings.

All in all this is going to a period of hugely diverse moods and feelings - some of which will be challenging and difficult and others that will instil hope and determination and ideas for future plans and ventures.

Alert is 7.5. Moon 41% illuminated.