The dominant feature of this current alert is the continuing opposition between Mars and Jupiter. This will be active for some weeks to come and has been extending influence for around a month.

Traditionally known as the planets of war, Mars and Jupiter can bring about particularly volatile world events and happenings. This is more than aptly demonstrated by a look at world headlines at this time. These are dominated by serious unrest in numerous parts of the globe and in particular Kenya and Pakistan. Kenya was recently convulsed with serious rioting after claims that recent elections were fixed and subject to widespread corruption. For more on this please turn to the following report:

[1] http://news.scotsman.com/world/More-than-100-dead-as.3631596.jp

Meanwhile areas of Pakistan lurched towards anarchy following days of rioting after the assassination of Benazir Bhutto. For more on this please go to the following report:

[2] http://www.kansascity.com/105/story/426666.html

On a personal level any alignment between Mars and Jupiter is likely to lead to restless emotions with a tendency towards extremism, aggression and confrontational behaviour. Added to this there may be feelings of superiority with complex idealism, leading to the idea of grand schemes and ventures.

On another level Mars/Jupiter alignments may lead to a greater degree of adventure and enthusiasm and the ability to actively enjoy life to the full.

If anything the more strident traits of the Mars/Jupiter alignment will be more evident in the days to come as the present atmosphere continues to be affected by the current phase of the Moon which tends towards more sedate moods and emotions. However we are now about to commence the rise to the first New Moon of the year, in around five or six days time. This means added zest and enthusiasm but also a pronounced move towards more contentious and passionate emotions with the risk of arguments and volatile expression.

This atmosphere is also influenced by the continuing opposition between Saturn and Uranus. This has been active for several months and will continue to exert influence until around the end of February. Its effects are a strange polarisation of contrasting emotions that can swiftly alternate according to circumstances. Hence there may be a tendency towards subdued and depressive feelings with low confidence and enthusiasm, followed very shortly afterwards by more determined and ambitious moods with elements of ruthlessness or even cruelty.

As mentioned above there will shortly be a definite rise in nervous restlessness that will highlight moods of aggression and belligerence so that existing sources of contention - like the current world flashpoints mentioned above - will be magnified and made to seem all the more critical.

Once again this will also be a period that will be susceptible to natural disasters and catastrophes with a heightened risk of major earthquakes in areas prone to such events and even earthquakes in regions of the world where they are not normally experienced.

Alert is 7. Moon 31% illuminated.