The Moon is now in opposition to Mars and will remain so until around 18:00 GMT (13:00 EDT) on the 3rd of February.

With regards to moods and emotions this means a period of energetic feelings with a keen sense of like and dislike together with rather more zestful and passionate period of experience. There will also be plenty of nervous restlessness with the possibility of confrontational moods and feelings along with forceful, indiscreet or intolerant behaviour. This is very much an alignment to speak ones mind and hence there may be the potential for arguments and explosive situations that should however be of short duration only.

The alignment between Mercury and Neptune which has been with us for at least the last ten days is still with us but beginning to fade. In just a day or two it will be joined by the Sun in what is a long series of Solar alignments that last well into the middle of March.

Concerning moods Mercury and Neptune have brought a period of heightened and intense emotional sensitivity that for some may have been a little too much for comfort and for just a few may have pushed them to the brink of what they feel they can stand. Above all this is an alignment that can evoke difficult moods and feelings with long forgotten memories or else alert and stabbing impulses that can be difficult to deal with.

We are now in the immediate run up to the next New Moon on the 7th of February and this will mean a time of more urgent, zestful, but also tension, or anxiety filled emotions that will gradually pick up pace the closer we get to the New Moon. Inevitably this means there will be an added potential for conflict with more aggressive or confrontational moods or simmering resentments with arguments that will just be waiting to happen.

One bright note is the continuing alignment between Venus and Jupiter. This is still at a peak and is exerting a more friendly and understanding attitude with feelings of strong affection and friendship together with a better sense or harmony and balance. As well as anything this can promote stronger emotional ties as well as better co-operation between individuals, but also carries with it the risk of exaggerated feelings with a degree of extravagance.

The Earth’s atmosphere is now being buffeted by strong Solar winds that have led to moderate levels of geomagnetic activity. For some this can result in definite physical symptoms such as sudden nausea, dizziness, palpitations or neuralgic complaints. Emotionally it can result in periods of increased irritation, poor concentration as well as confused or chaotic thinking. It should however be stressed that if related to geomagnetic activity these symptoms will be of short duration only and if persisting for longer than a few days are likely to be of some other origin.

Coming days are likely to see a gradual increase in tensions and anxiety as we come to the New Moon. In addition the Moon will be aspecting with a number of planets in a matter of a few days and this is sure to create a roller coaster of moods and emotions for the week ahead.

Alert is 7. Moon 22% illuminated.