One of the principal features of this current alert is the alignment of the Moon and Mercury. The two will start to align around 09:00 GMT (04:00 EDT) and will remain aligned for around 12 hours.

Likely mood traits to result from this include powerful mental and nervous activity with a firm need for variety and change. There will also be an urgent sense of awareness with alert and sensitive mental faculties that for some may just be a little too sharp for comfort. In turn this may lead to an indecisive attitude prone to worrying with reduced concentration and tense nervous restlessness.

Inevitably the sharpened elements of the Moon/Mercury alignment will tend to heighten the existent New Moon atmosphere which is still highly influential. This means that feelings will be unusually receptive with increased awareness and acuity that may contribute yet further to moods laden with apprehension, anticipation or intense anxiety.

On the other hand if a correct balance is maintained this may turn into a highly productive and stimulating period of mental activity with the potential for the highest degree of intellectual thought and expression. In reality it may not be easy to come to terms with the increased restless energy of this period and many may wish to take the edge off the atmosphere through eating or drinking more than usual.

It should be warned that the effects of caffeine will be greatly magnified at this time and even moderate consumption may lead to extra anxiety and apprehension.

As with any post New Moon situation there is bound to be a degree of latent aggression so that arguments or disagreements may develop out of nothing. Similarly there may be simmering resentment or animosity, with the potential for explosive situations under which there may be little restraint in what is said or done. Primarily however this mood is one of acute awareness with heightened moods and feelings that for some will come close to crisis point.

Towards the end of the week there should be a noticeable decline in the intensity of moods and emotions but there are also several important Lunar alignments to contend with including the highly disruptive Moon/Uranus alignment on the 12th and 13th of this month. However more on that in a future alert.

Alert is 8. Moon 1% illuminated.