We are now coming to the peak of three planetary alignments in what continues to be a spell of intense celestial activity. This means that the coming week, which sees a slow rise to the next Full Moon in around seven days time will be subject to a rich variety of moods and emotions.

For the moment the dominant factor of the current alert is the developing alignment between the Sun and Mercury. This is likely to contribute to a period of raised nervous restlessness with increased awareness and perception. In addition there is the potential for increased psychic abilities together with enhanced appreciation of spiritual and mystical values.

The Sun/Mercury alignment may also lead to a period of receptive and assimilative thoughts that could spawn ideas and plans for future ventures as well as adding zest and inspiration to existing ones. In addition there will be a wealth of creative and artistic energy that will act as a distinct boost to all activities of an expressional nature.

The opposition between Mars and Jupiter is also coming to a peak. This has been influential for around two weeks now and has contributed to more aggressive and forceful emotions laden with enthusiasm, determination and self expansive impulses with implications and consequences (either good or bad) that may be around for a long time to come. As well as anything this may - in the appropriate circumstances - result in a profound sense of well being and a tendency to actively enjoy life to the full.

Unfortunately this alignment can also inspire extremist thoughts and ideas with the possibility of a superiority complex that may be most evident in activities associated with politics, religion or humanitarian ventures. This may also apply to any enterprise requiring a pioneering or crusading approach and may involve haughty, self centred opinions with the risk of over boastful or bullying attitudes. It is a matter of record that earlier cultures often looked at Mars/Jupiter alignments as a time of strife and turmoil and referred to them as the “planets of war.”

Some measure of restraint may come from the more limiting effects of the Saturn/Neptune opposition. This has been with us for several weeks now and will remain influential until around the end of June. Likely mood effects include acute emotional frustration with inhibited creative potential, that is in direct conflict with the more imaginative properties of the Sun/Mercury alignment described above.

The Saturn/Neptune opposition can also result in confused, impractical or chaotic thoughts leading to large financial losses, accidents or a crippling sense of indecision. There is also likely to be poor concentration and under the circumstances what decisions that are made are likely to be the result of impulsive or instinctive reactions, rather than well, considered thought and deliberation.

Although this is far from being a depressive atmosphere the current phase of the Moon habitually leads to more sedate moods and feelings. However this month the competing effects of the alignments mentioned above mean that this ‘doldrum period’ will not be quite so acutely felt. Even so there may be some sense of melancholia, poor self confidence or feelings of not quite hitting the mark.

Alert is 7.5. Moon 58% illuminated.