Much of this week until around Friday will fall very much under the influence of the alignment between the Sun and Neptune. In fact this is very much the only notable alignment at this time and hence its traits will be all the more apparent as it will only have a diminished cross influence from other sources.

As detailed in previous alerts the likely mood traits to arise from the Sun/Neptune alignment include powerful sensitivity of emotion with a self refining atmosphere that will act as a much needed chance to take stock of ones direction in life. In addition there may be vulnerable and impressionable moods and feelings that at times may tend towards confusion, deceitfulness, or even neurotic reactions to quite ordinary situations.

A strong element of escapism may also be apparent and this may lead some to take the edge off the atmosphere and the harsher realities of the world around them through either drugs or drink. However this mood offers the chance of healthier options through a better appreciation of things of beauty either through the arts or the limitless ways in which one can access higher awareness through the natural senses. This means an enhanced opportunity for mystical and spiritual awareness together with renewed perception that may open up fresh pathways of personal consciousness and insight. Similarly this atmosphere may prove of enormous benefit to all artistic and creative activities with a high degree of expressional ability.

Because of the unusually sensitive atmosphere of this time there will be a great susceptibility to personal criticism and this could create friction or a sense of inadequacy or loss of confidence. Indeed there may be a constant battle between thoughts of a more elevated nature filled with lofty enthusiasm, and those of an altogether more pessimistic inclination that may be filled with doubts and misgivings.

Also apparent at this time will be impressionable or idealistic thoughts that may bring easy allegiance towards ambitious aims and desires particularly those with a strong humanitarian, political or religious agenda.

During the course of the week the phase of the Moon may tend to diminish the intensity of some of these moods and by this time the Sun will also be coming into opposition with Saturn, which will add restraint and discipline but also make some more prone to depression or melancholia with a reduced sense of optimism.

It may also be of interest to note that this is one of the years most sparsest periods of planetary alignments in a year which has some of the most concentrated periods of planetary activity for quite some years.

Because we are only just four days beyond the New Moon there may still be a degree of aggressive energy that could incline towards irritability and argumentative behaviour, or else frustrating and niggling emotions that could create tension and anxiety. However this is not an overtly confrontational atmosphere and contentious situations are likely to be of short duration only.

Alert is 7.5. Moon 21% illuminated.