The principal feature of this current alert is the continuing opposition between the Moon and Saturn. The pair have been aligned now for over 24 hours and will remain conjunct until around 05:00 GMT on the 1st of May, or around midnight EDT.

Mood traits are likely to include a lowered sense of enthusiasm with reduced self confidence and optimism. There are also likely to be reserved, limited, or restrained emotions that may veer towards depression, melancholia or an easy sense of disappointment and disillusionment.

Under these circumstances it may feel harder to get going and the slightest excuse will seem like a good excuse to avoid the monotony of ones daily routine. Indeed escapism in its limitless guises will appear highly attractive and will contribute to an atmosphere in which time wasting activities, or actions towards instant emotional rewards are likely to be prevalent.

Another feature of this period may be a definite preoccupation with fears and concerns that may be blown out of all proportion and weigh heavily on the mind. As a result problems may appear magnified and loom larger than they should.

The underlying climate of this period with its emphasis on pessimistic or flattened emotions may promote some desire for change, and this could become a dynamic feature of this current alert. Indeed this may involve plans or ideas for life changing schemes, though as mentioned above there will be an easy sense of disappointment and difficulties will rarely meet with any great depth of determination. As a result there may be a strong degree of emotional frustration with the possibility of mental chaos and confusion.

Under these circumstances satisfaction will be hard to come by, hence the temptation to achieve it through other more immediate means, for example by eating or drinking more than usual. Either way it illustrates that the present period will see many looking for a much needed boost to their feelings.

A natural boost to emotions may still come from the continuing opposition between Mars and Jupiter. This has been active for over three weeks and although it is now on the wane it still remains influential. As a result there may be some degree of zest and enthusiasm and at the very least this will ensure that some of the other, less inspiring features of this alert period will not become too oppressive.

The Mars/Jupiter opposition is also capable of aggressive and confrontational moods and the potential for contentious encounters, arguments, or simmering resentments will certainly be there, but probably not of a dimension that would lead to major outbursts.

Alert is 7. Moon 31% illuminated.