This is fast turning into an extremely tense and volatile mood pattern that comes at the height of one of the years most intense periods of planetary alignments.

For example the Sun is now closely aligned by each of Jupiter, Pluto and Mercury, each of which are in opposition to Mars. Then of course there is the proximity of the Full Moon in around two or three days - according to the various time zones - and also the impending Solstice that occurs exactly at 06:08 GMT, or 01:08 EST on the 22nd of December. Added to this the Moon will also be at perigee - its closest approach to Earth in the monthly cycle - on the same date.

Precise predictions of the likely moods to result from all this would be extremely difficult and need volumes of room to accommodate all the likely scenarios. Suffice it to say though that conditions are likely to be tense and on edge and with the proximity of Christmas with its own micro-climate of emotions this is likely to push more than just a few people to the very edge of what they feel they can stand.

For a period of the year that is habitually thought of in terms of good will and understanding there may be the paradox of very aggressive, short tempered behaviour with confrontational attitudes that may relish conflict even if only for the sake of it. In this climate tempers may flare brightly and where arguments develop there may be little restraint in what is said or done. As well as anything emotions may be subject to vulnerable and penetrating feelings with significant doubts and misgivings, and at times this may give way to moods of futility or despondency, or the belief that events may be getting the better of you.

By contrast the influence of Jupiter, as it now aligns with the Sun may bring the possibility of good humoured fun and entertainment, but the clash of other forces means that its power will be weakened. Even so the typical Jovian moods of exaggerated or extravagant behaviour may find resonance in this party atmosphere, and any celebrations may well be taken to extremes.

The reality is that this is never anything less than a highly combustible atmosphere and given the increased levels of alcohol consumed at this time of year the chances of trouble and unhappy events becomes all the more greater. Unfortunately coming days may see a further heightening in moods and feelings, which many may misinterpret as the pressures of Christmas, but which actually relate to one of the most complex celestial patterns for quite some time.

Alert is 8.5. Moon 85% illuminated.