Today sees the alignment of the Moon and Mars, with the two also in opposition to Venus, with of course the Earth in between. This also comes at a time when we are in the immediate run up to the first Full Moon of the year in two or three days time, and also at a period which sees one of the years highest concentration of planetary alignments.

With regard to the Moon/Mars alignment this is likely to sharpen the overall Full Moon atmosphere, introducing more assertive, aggressive and forceful behaviour with a keen sense of like and dislike. Under these circumstances passions will be easily aroused and there may be a high degree of restless energy.

Fortunately the harsher elements of the Moon/Mars alignment will be toned down by the fact that both will be in opposition to Venus. This means there is the possibility of friendlier, more affectionate and understanding moods with a better sense of balance and rhythm. Creative energy will be well to the fore and this should add colour to all expressional activities.

The Venus/Mars opposition is now at a peak and this will contribute to highly passionate feelings of a sensual nature with the possibility of these becoming too excessive for common sense to prevail. In turn this may result in unhappy emotional relationships, or turbulent affairs with little regard for a responsible attitude.

The Mars/Moon alignment, and opposition to Venus will be at a peak from around 17:00 GMT (12:00 EDT) and will remain influential for around 14 hours. This period also sees the beginning of the alignment between Neptune and Mercury. The two will remain conjunct for over two weeks, and likely mood traits include an easily disturbed nervous system with a disposition to vague fears and imaginings. There may also be a tendency towards confused or chaotic thinking, but also a propensity towards idealistic or impressionable thoughts with a better harmony of expression.

It will be seen from the above mentioned details that this is a highly complex period of moods and feelings with clashing emotions, that in the case of the ongoing Venus/Mars opposition could not be more sharply polarised. Inevitably many of these moods may tend to cancel each other out and this may lead to some confusion or frustration. Certain to say however that the coming days will see an increase in tense nervous energy as we come up to the Full Moon on the 22nd of January.

Alert is 7.5. Moon 87% illuminated.