Merry Christmas to all who celebrate.

This is now the day of the Full Moon and although moods will generally continue to be tense and nervous, there will be a steady diminishing in the power of the celestial pattern that has brought extremely heightened emotions over the course of the last week.

However this remains a period of great nervous restlessness coupled with typical Full Moon aggression and forcefulness. As a result nerves may be stretched with the possibility of arguments and contentious encounters in which tempers may occasionally blaze brightly. In addition there may be simmering resentments with the potential for petty squabbling, irritability and occasional loss of control.

This may not be the best time for reasoned thought and deliberation and important decisions are best left for a better time. Under these circumstances concentration will be far from optimal and a certain amount of mental confusion is to be expected.

The proximity of Christmas is also of paramount importance, and whether one celebrates it or not, it is difficult to avoid the tensions it is capable of generating. In part these concern the very special celestial forces that are active at this time, and help go some way towards explaining why this period has always been given over to major feasting; probably as a means of coping with the altered cosmic energy of this period.

One bright feature of this alert is the alignment of the Sun and Jupiter, which is ideal for the festive season as it provides the possibility of those most Christmasy of qualities - joy and goodwill. This will undoubtedly add optimism and enthusiasm to the current atmosphere, and brighten up all social occasions. However there is also the risk of exaggerated and over boisterous behaviour that may be objectionable to others. It can also lead to unnecessary risks with carelessness and lack of responsibility. In short there may be little brake against emotions that in this party and festive period may tend towards extremes.

Christmas Day itself may be a little less extreme than of late, but there is still need to be wary as even the most convivial of settings may suddenly turn nasty. It also pays to choose ones company with the greatest of care as differences will be sharply delineated. Where this is not possible some restraint may be necessary as there may be a natural tendency to speak ones mind.

Alert is 7.5. Moon 100% illuminated.