A Happy New Year to you all.

New years celebrations take place under a much less strident emotional situation than heralded in Christmas. In fact we are now at a phase of the Moon that may be broadly reminiscent of the emotional doldrums with few great highs or lows.

In some respects this may be an atmosphere of lowered inspiration and enthusiasm, and it may feel harder to get going. As with previous days lucky will be those able to place few demands on their time and efforts and able to take things very much at their own pace. On the other hand those faced by tight deadlines may come to feel especially pressured and time may seem to evaporate with distressing haste.

Sometimes this phase of the Moon can result in melancholic or depressive moods and emotions with a pessimistic outlook and lowered sense of confidence. Under these circumstances there may be a bleak view of the future with doubts and misgivings together with a hesitant, non committal attitude that may lead to a loathing of having to make decisions of any kind.

Under these circumstances important choices may best be left for another time and there may well be an aversion to responsibility or any adherence to strict routine and discipline.

Some measure of zest and enthusiasm may come from the continuing opposition between Mars and Jupiter. This may lead to more aggressive moods and emotions and instil a level of passion to what is otherwise a lethargic and sluggish atmosphere. Some degree of hostility may be evident with simmering resentment but this should be nowhere near the high passions and feelings generated during the course of last week. Even so this is a period well known for its excess of alcohol consumption and this could still lead to significant animosity, and liveliness but still not as touchy or as frenetic as the Christmas period which had to contend with considerably more forceful influences.

All in all this atmosphere inclines to a more sedate and easy going atmosphere that will be more appropriate to rest and relaxation than wild partying.

Alert is 6.5. Moon 49% illuminated.