The Moon remains in opposition to Mars and the pair will continue to be aligned until around 18:00 GMT (13:00 EDT).

As with yesterday 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.

We are now just three or four days short of the New Moon, and this means that moods and emotions will soon begin to exhibit rather more stress and anxiety together with tense nervous restlessness. In the days immediately prior to the New Moon and for several days afterwards the Moon will align with numerous planets in turn. For example the 4th of February sees the Moon align with both Venus and Jupiter. The following day it is with both Mercury and Neptune. Inevitably this is bound to create a roller coaster of emotions with complex moods that will be subject to swift change and variety.

Mercury and Neptune are still very much in alignment as they have been for close to two weeks. During this time they 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. This alignment can also lead to increased perception with intuitive, idealistic or imaginative impulses, but is susceptible to vague fears and imaginings, as well as the potential for confused or chaotic thoughts and feelings.

Another very influential alignment is the still powerful conjunction between Venus and Jupiter. Fortunately in an otherwise tense and insecure atmosphere this can engender warmer moods and emotions with a better sense of harmony and understanding. This will be especially noticeable in ones dealings with others as there will be a friendlier and more affectionate disposition with greater co-operation between individuals. This alignment can also lead to improved optimism and hopefulness and a better overall sense of well being and enjoyment. Less attractive however is a tendency towards extravagant or exaggerated behaviour that may be objectionable to others.

To a certain extent many of the above mentioned traits will tend to clash or cancel one another out, in what remains a highly complex celestial situation, and one that is set to become even more complex over the coming days. This could mean a brief but intense period of emotions and could prove a time of challenge but also of opportunity as some of this influence is likely to open up new avenues of personal enlightenment.

Alert is 7. Moon 14% illuminated.