We are now just three or four days away from the New Moon and already the first signs of its influence are beginning to make themselves apparent. This means a gradual increase in overall tension and anxiety so that moods will have a stronger and more zestful feel to them.

In addition there will be a more urgent sense of awareness and perception that will lead to increased concern and apprehension. Consequently problems may begin to appear magnified or assume undue proportions. Similarly there may be irrational fears and obsessions and some of these may be directed towards issues of personal health. This could mean that symptoms of a minor nature become magnified and linger in the mind causing yet further stress and anxiety.

As with any impending New Moon situation there will be the possibility of raised tempers with irritability and anger. This could lead to needless arguments and conflict and any areas of contention may be unduly magnified. This will be especially likely where there is the consumption of alcohol whose effects will be magnified and could lead to nasty scenes and episodes. Added to this there will be a temptation to drink more than usual as a means of taking the edge off a steadily increasing period of strained moods and feelings.

In this connection it is worth pointing out that the alignment between the Sun and Venus which for over a month has contributed pleasanter and more agreeable moods to the emotional spectrum has now run its course. At the very least it meant a balancing influence that ensured that some of the harsher mood elements of this period did not become quite so intense. Now this influence is gone there will be rather less restraint to temper some of the more strident New Moon feelings that will become ever more apparent in the days ahead.

Mars still remains at the height of its opposition with Neptune and this is contributing to sensitive and at times highly vulnerable moods and emotions. This will tend to highlight personal fears and anxieties and sharpen overall tension with a gnawing sense of insecurity that may not be easy to dispel. As a consequence there may be a heavy reliance on escapist tendencies that could prove injurious to a well ordered routine. Under these circumstances distractions will be hard to resist and there will be a particular attraction for activities that appear to offer instant emotional rewards.

As we have mentioned numerous times already, the Mars/Neptune opposition may work to produce powerful self refining impulses with a renewed resolve to rid oneself of those habits and inclinations that may be less than desirable. Unfortunately this alignment also disposes towards self deception, confusion and poor concentration. On the more positive side this atmosphere could inspire activities of a creative or artistic nature or indeed any pursuits of an expressional disposition.

Coming days will see a gradual rise in tensions so that problems and difficulties may appear magnified with a heightened mood atmosphere that although more zestful and inspiring than of late may not be to everyone’s taste.

Alert is 7. Moon 19% illuminated.