Today is the day of the New Moon and this inevitably means a period of heightened moods and feelings that for some may represent a significant challenge.

As a result emotions may range from tense nervous restlessness to feelings of agitation and trouble in settling. In addition there will be notable fears and concerns so that all problems will appear magnified. This mounting apprehension and anxiety will likely contribute to an unsettled mood outlook with insecurity and a reluctance towards reaching major decisions. Indeed there may be a general loathing of responsibility and important choices may well be left until a more favourable moment.

As with any New Moon setting there may be aggressive moods and inclinations with an easy tendency towards arguments, confrontation or disagreements in general. On the whole however this mood may tend towards a coolly dispassionate atmosphere rather than raging hostility.

It should be noted that Saturn remains in opposition to Neptune and this can result in feelings of intense emotional frustration as well as mental chaos and confusion. In real terms it may mean that although some aspects of this mood may verge towards zestful enthusiasm and a strong determination to get things done; other aspects - most notably those influenced by Saturn - will tend to instil feelings of futility, easy disappointment and overall discouragement. Inevitably if these feelings are too intense they can also lead to some degree of melancholia or depression, but yet again the cross influence of the more zestful side of this alert will prevent these feelings from becoming too unsettling.

Mars and Jupiter still remain in opposition though this conjunction is now fading fast but is still powerful enough to exert influence. For the last month or so this has meant powerful and aggressive moods with an enthusiastic and zestful attitude together with an active ability to enjoy life. The fact that these feelings were not as strong as they might have been is due to other contrasting factors over the same period, but in ten days when this alignment has run its course the difference will be noticeable.

The next few days should see a continuation of the heightened New Moon atmosphere so that feelings will be very much on edge. The next 24 hours will see the alignment of the Moon and Mercury and this will sharpen moods even further adding yet more power to an already strong mood atmosphere.

Alert is 8. Moon 0% illuminated.