Today sees the alignment of the Moon with Venus and Jupiter which will last until around 20:00 GMT (15:00 EDT)

In addition we are only a matter of two or three days short of the New Moon, and this is sure to represent a time of added stress and anxiety together with increased nervous restlessness. Similarly there is the potential for volatile moods and outbursts with short tempered behaviour that could result in contentious encounters, arguments and simmering resentment. These moods will be especially likely where there is the consumption of alcohol whose effects will be magnified at this time.

The fact is this is far from representing an average New Moon situation. This is mainly because of the above mentioned alignment between the Moon, Venus and Jupiter, but also because of the on going alignment between Mercury and Neptune which over the course of the next few days will also be joined by the Sun. Inevitably this means that the course of this week will be subject to highly complex celestial forces with a swift changing variety of moods.

The alignment of the Moon with Venus and Jupiter is likely to result in a better disposed atmosphere with a generous and sympathetic outlook together with affectionate and sociable moods. This may lead to improved co-operation with others and result in a more gregarious and optimistic disposition. Unfortunately it may also add episodes of exaggerated or extravagant behaviour with recklessness and unnecessary risks as well as the possibility of the expenditure of large sums of money without proper thought and deliberation.

This propensity towards extravagance or ill considered actions may be further accentuated by the continuing alignment between Mercury and Neptune. This has been with us for several weeks now and its likely mood traits include confused or chaotic behaviour with absent-mindedness and easily disturbed feelings. This alignment can also give rise to acute emotional sensitivity and many may have found the last few weeks susceptible to unusually penetrating or insightful feelings that could give rise to depression, melancholia or just generally feeling ill at ease.

On the more positive side this mood offers the potential for imaginative expression and will act as a boost for all creative activities or wherever there is a strong need for original thought and ideas. This atmosphere may also engender a reformative, idealistic or restorative outlook with a strong desire to set right the ills of the past.

Coming days will see a general heightening of moods and emotions as we come to yet another peak of planetary activity that centres around the New Moon on the 7th of the month and the days immediately following it. Certain to say this will represent a challenging but hopefully not unrewarding experience as there will be opportunities to broaden ones horizons or just take stock of the general situation.

Alert is 7.5. Moon 8% illuminated.