We are now less than 48 hours away from the next Full Moon and inevitably tensions will be running high. This month the Full Moon also comes at a time of extremely heightened planetary activity that is contributing to a particularly challenging period of moods and emotions. Many of these factors are combining to considerably intensify the overall Full Moon tension with increased nervous restlessness and anxiety.

As with any Full Moon setting there is the risk of arguments and contentious encounters. It is also important to state that where arguments develop there will be very little restraint in what is said or done and in these circumstances explosive situations may develop over the merest trifle or simply just for the love of giving vent to ones moods and feelings. There is also the potential for violence and hurtful comments with spiteful actions whose consequences may be around for a long time to come.

However this is far from being just an unpleasant mood period that is best over with as soon as possible. In fact there are factors associated with this current alert pattern that will act as a firm boost for a whole range of activities, and more especially those that involve a high degree of energy and inspiration. It means that provided the intensity of this period can be challenged correctly then its forces can be put to very good use. Similarly there may be those who through fortunate personal circumstances may find an intense sense of well being and actively able to enjoy life to the full.

By the same virtue others may be smitten with a carefree or adventurous attitude that may find pleasure in new and exciting ventures. Either way there will certainly be a strong desire for change and where this may not be possible there will be a powerful creative drive that will act as a firm boost to all activities of an expressional nature.

Again it should be warned that even the most convivial of settings may suddenly turn nasty, and there will also be a propensity to conceit, arrogance or feelings of self superiority that may be objectionable to others.

The continuing alignment between the Sun and Mercury means a very heightened sense of awareness that for some may be a little too much for comfort. In addition this may give way to vulnerable or apprehensive moods and emotions that could make one prone to anxiety or even panic attacks. The alignment between the Sun and Mercury can also lead to raised perception that goes beyond the ordinary and will enhance activities of a mystical or spiritual nature, or at the very least open a door to further enquiry or discovery.

As on previous days some measure of restraint may come from the opposition between Saturn and Neptune. Likely mood traits include acute emotional frustration with hesitance and lack of resolve. Similarly there may be some mental chaos and confusion with an easy sense of disappointment. It means that for all the very positive and aggressive qualities of this alert pattern there is also an undercurrent of a considerably more limited nature that may instil doubts and misgivings as well as some melancholia and even depression. Practically it means that although this atmosphere disposes to highly motivated activity with strong vibrant energy there is also a counter influence that will make one prone to easy disappointment, disillusionment and depression.

One welcome feature of the coming days, and one that will certainly tone down the harshness of the atmosphere is the opposition between the Moon and Venus. This is just beginning to develop and the alignment will stay active until around 22:00 GMT (17:00 EDT) on the 19th of April. Likely mood traits include friendly, popular, and very affectionate inclinations along with a better sense of emotional balance.

It will be seen that we are in the midst of an extremely complex celestial setting and emotions will inevitably reflect this fact with a whole range of moods that will add considerable colour to the days ahead.

Alert is 8.5. Moon 96% illuminated.