Today is the day of the New Moon which occurs precisely at 19:24 GMT or 15:24 EDT. This month the New Moon’s effects are likely to be even stronger than usual because it coincides with Lunar Perigee, the point in the Moon’s monthly cycle when it is at its closest to Earth.

As with any New Moon there is likely to be a period of intense nervous restlessness with strong moods and feelings together with general stress and anxiety. Under these circumstance there will be noticeable tensions so that all problems may appear magnified or assume undue importance.

This atmosphere will also exhibit greater emotional sensitivity with a vulnerable or insecure disposition that may be unfavourably susceptible to the intense energy that this period is capable of generating. As a result it could feel harder to settle and concentration may be rather less than optimal. Consequently it may prove difficult to focus on the task in hand and this atmosphere will suit physical tasks rather than those requiring a high degree of mental dexterity. This mood pattern may also lead to an intense desire for change and variety with the allure of travel a very definite possibility. In addition there will be strong escapist tendencies that could prove injurious to ones daily routine as exciting or more instantly rewarding activities will prove hard to resist.

In keeping with any New Moon setting there is the possibility of aggressive or assertive moods that may easily result in arguments and conflict, and even if this is not an overtly confrontational atmosphere moods may swiftly turn volatile. This will be all the more likely where there is the consumption of alcohol as its effects will be magnified and there will also be a temptation to drink more than usual as a means of taking the edge off the atmosphere.

As on previous days the effects of the Sun/Venus alignment will add a more agreeable and sympathetic element to the mood scene with the potential for amorous or romantic thoughts and inclinations. Today both the Sun and Venus will also be in opposition to the Moon and this will accentuate these feelings still further, creating a better sense of rhythm and balance. It will also enhance creative or artistic abilities or indeed any activity relying on a high degree of expressional inspiration.

In the coming days the Sun and Venus will be aligning with Mercury and this is likely to lead to a powerful sense of awareness with a highly alert and vivid degree of perception that at times may border on psychic intuition. It can also lead to unsettled or unstable thoughts with a strong desire for change that may be difficult to resist.

It should be remembered that Saturn is still very much in opposition to Neptune and will remain so until around the end of the month. The two have been conjunct since the end of March and have contributed to rather inhibited or impractical thoughts and ideas with the possibility of intense emotional frustration. Added to this there may be a confused or chaotic disposition with timid, unsure or hesitant attitude that could be detrimental to forward progress. Because this is a long term alignment its effects will have largely been absorbed and taken for granted, but if the last few months have been unusually sluggish in terms of progress or a time of unexpected financial burden then this alignment could be the reason.

Alert is 8. Moon 0% illuminated.