Many will notice a discernible climb down from the high moods and emotions of the last few days. Nevertheless we still remain in the midst of a highly complex pattern of celestial alignments and there is still need to be wary.

For example today sees the opposition between the Moon and Neptune, with the pair remaining aligned until around 06:00 GMT (01:00 EDT) on the 28th December This is likely to lead to extreme emotional sensitivity, with the chance of unstable, confused, or chaotic thoughts. On the more positive side it is also likely to lead to refined, subtle, and responsive attitudes with enhanced imaginative abilities that will verge on the psychic.

In reality many of the above mentioned traits will be balanced, enhanced or cancelled out by other alignments at this time. In particular there is the alignment between the Sun and Jupiter, both of which are now in opposition to Mars. Resulting emotions will address traditional Jovian values of harmonious good humoured behaviour with optimistic and conscientious attitudes. On the other hand the opposition to Mars will bring powerful self expression with assertiveness and the possibility of contentious encounters, arguments and volatile expression, which however will not be anywhere near as forceful as even a few days ago.

With Christmas now come and gone some may feel deflated, depressed, or a sense of anticlimax. On this occasion these feelings will be made all the more apparent by the fading Full Moon, which although still powerful is now beginning to lose its influence, resulting in more relaxed and easy going moods that for some may equate to melancholia or boredom.

Of course we still remain very much in the party and festive season with New Year celebrations just ahead. It should be warned that where there is a degree of enforced company of family members or friends over the holiday period there is the recipe for considerable conflict, especially since this is also a time of increased alcohol consumption.

A curious feature is that a matter of restraint may prevail over Christmas Day itself, and opinions may well be restrained or moderated so as not to spoil the occasion. However on successive days this restraint may evaporate, and tempers that may have been simmering for some time are likely to explode into quite spectacular expressions of rage or anger.

The fortunate thing is that New Year celebrations will not have to contend with anywhere near the forceful mood situation of Christmas, and will be to a background of a much more lowered tone.

Alert is 7.5. Moon 88% illuminated.