The principal feature of this present alert is the alignment of the Moon and Saturn, both of which will be in opposition to Neptune. This alignment commences around 15:00 GMT (11:00 EDT) and will persist until around 06:00 (02:00 EDT) on the 13th of August.

Likely mood traits to result from this alignment include a lowered sense of enthusiasm and inspiration with the likelihood of a pessimistic outlook with lowered self confidence. In addition there is likely to be a depressive, inhibited or restrained emotional disposition with cool self disciplined habits.

These circumstances may also dispose towards easy misunderstandings and emotional disappointments with frustration and a sense of personal limitation. As well as anything this can result in melancholia or depression with feelings of futility or easy discouragement in the face of even the most trivial of problems.

The above mentioned emotions will be made even more acute by the current phase of the Moon which at around 50% illuminated can result in a flattening of feelings in a short but significant period that we often refer to as the ‘emotional doldrums.’ Under these circumstances it may be difficult to summon the required enthusiasm for ones daily routine and even the thought of engaging in more exciting activities may be met with considerably reduced zeal and inspiration. Fortunately this is not a long lasting mood atmosphere and very shortly as we begin the rise to the next Full Moon more dynamic attitudes will quickly take their place.

For the whole of the above mentioned period until around 06:00 (02:00 EDT) on the 13th of August both the Moon and Saturn are also in opposition to Neptune. Indeed the Saturn/Neptune opposition is part of an on going long term alignment that will last until almost the first week in July. The Moon is simply an addition to this alignment, but one with important mood implications. Moon/Neptune alignments are also well known for their extreme emotional sensitivity with confused or chaotic thinking, coupled with unstable emotions that may verge towards neurotic or escapist tendencies. At the same time there may be an increased degree of perception with feelings that for some will be of a psychic quality and capable of evoking very powerful impressions, some of which may be of a highly unsettling nature.

It cannot be too highly stressed that the nature of this present emotional atmosphere is capable of a significant degree of depression with reduced zest and enthusiasm as well as severe misgivings concerning ones future development. Consequently there may also be a powerful urge to redress these feelings through either drink or drugs or through the limitless ways that may be indulged to lower what could be a period of highly flattened moods and emotions.

Alert is 7.5 Moon 53% illuminated.