Today is the day of the Full Moon which this month is made especially heightened by the presence of numerous powerful planetary alignments. As a result moods and emotions will be very much on edge with tense nervous restlessness, anxiety and the inevitable aggression and irritability that accompanies every Full Moon setting.

In reality however this is far from being a straightforward Full Moon atmosphere. For example the high degree of assertive energy and aggression that normally goes with this period may find some restraint from the influence of Saturn. Not only is Saturn currently in opposition to Neptune - bringing emotional frustration and confusion - but it also lies trine (or 120 degrees) to the Sun.

It is not often we make mention of trine alignments, but in this case it is important to do so as it explains a lot about this present mood. For unlike most Full Moon’s this one does carry a noticeable undercurrent of melancholia or depression, with a tendency to easy disappointment, disillusionment or even futility.

Under these circumstances it may be easy to feel discouraged and there could be intense agitation or feelings of inadequacy or dissatisfaction at the way things are going. At the same time fears and insecurities may be exaggerated so that problems loom large with a seemingly insoluble edge to them. This may lead to chronic fears and apprehensions with doubts that may linger in the mind and make it impossible to settle or feel at ease.

On the other hand this mood is also influenced by powerfully energising factors that are the exact reverse of those just mentioned above. For example the waning alignment between the Sun and Mercury carries the potential for extremely heightened moods and feelings with increased awareness and perception.

Similarly the ongoing opposition between Mars and Jupiter will add to overall levels of aggression with confrontational moods that will be high on adrenaline fuelled episodes. These will be all the more likely where there is the consumption of alcohol as its effects will be greatly heightened and may lead to unpleasant thoughts or conflict with others.

Today also sees the opposition of the Moon and Mercury. Likely mood traits to result from this include strong mental and nervous activity with yet more tendency to worry and needless apprehension. There will also be a strong desire for variety and change, which in this Full Moon setting will be even more powerfully felt.

There is no avoiding the fact that we are in the midst of a highly challenging mood pattern, and some are likely to feel driven to the very edge of what they feel they can stand. On the other hand others may be glad of the high degree of nervous energy and able to harness it to extremely good effect. Whatever the case an unavoidable fact of this time is that extremely motivated intentions will also be prey to very negative thoughts, with a likely conflict between the two that will not be so easily resolved until the Full Moon has run its course.

For those who may be feeling more than just a little stressed at this time there may be some consolation in the thought that after the middle of the week moods should become considerably less strident.

Alert is 9. Moon 100% illuminated.