We are now just five days short of the Full Moon and only a few days short of the Solstice, which this year takes place at 06:08 GMT, or 01:08 EST on the 22nd of December. This also coincides with a particularly complex period of celestial alignments including the close alignment of the Sun with Jupiter, Mercury, and Pluto, each of which are in opposition to Mars.

We must also remember that Uranus and Saturn are also in long term alignment in what is undoubtedly one of the years most concentrated periods of planetary alignments.

When it comes to moods and emotions it will not be easy to evaluate the various permutations possible, but certain to say there will be a clash of quite distinct and at times opposing forces that to some extent may tend to cancel each other out. For instance there is the good humoured, optimistic, and sympathetic moods associated with Jupiter, that are contrasted by the more aggressive, forceful and headstrong attitudes of Mars.

Other Jovian traits include exaggerated or extravagant gestures with a propensity towards risks or careless behaviour that may lead to boastful, or boisterous moods and emotions.

In combination with this there are the Full Moon characteristics of confrontational, argumentative, or rebellious behaviour, that will in turn be heightened by the powerful nervous restlessness of Mercury in alignment with the Sun. This may result in increased tension and anxiety with alert and sharpened moods that will heighten ones awareness to a degree that some may find stimulating but others maybe quite disturbing.

Under these circumstances problems may be magnified with an acute sense of vulnerability that may bring strong doubts and misgivings. This may relate to the effects of Saturn as it aligns with Uranus, causing widely polarised emotions that may range from cruel hard edged emotions to a more hesitant, irresolute or even depressive nature that will shrink from important decisions and choices, and display a very low sense of self confidence or responsibility.

Coming days will see tensions increase yet further and for some may represent a period of intense crisis. Coming at a time of the year that for some is already very stressful this may prove an extremely challenging period. For more on this please see the short feature below.

Alert is 8. Moon 71% illuminated.