We are now just hours away from the New Moon which this month occurs at precisely 2:20 GMT on the 3rd of July, or 22:20 EDT on the 2nd of July.

Inevitably at a time like this there is bound to be plenty of nervous tension and anxiety with increased awareness and perception. Unfortunately those of a sensitive disposition may find this atmosphere too powerful for comfort and make them prone to nervous episodes, panic attacks and a heightened state of agitation. Indeed some may find themselves driven to the very edge of what they feel they can stand.

As always at a time like this it may feel difficult to settle with increased nervous restlessness, poor concentration and also lapses in memory as the mind may be filled with a whirl of separate thoughts and feelings. Some may find this added zest to be exhilarating and conducive to increased output and inspiration. For the most part however there may be a struggle to cope with circumstances that will never be anything less than highly stressful and demanding.

New Moon situations can also lead to raised fears and apprehensions and difficulties will be magnified and made to assume undue proportions. Here there may be a tense and worrying attitude with the possibility of extremes of experience that may include highly desperate thoughts and feelings. Inevitably this will lead to a desire to relieve the intensity of this period through escapism in it s limitless guises and more specifically through either drugs or drink or eating more than usual.

As reported in the previous edition of Mood Alert Mars is now beginning to align with Saturn in a conjunction that will have fundamental mood implications for the next three weeks. Likely mood traits include limited and controlled emotion, but with a tendency to hard and ambitious inclinations. Taken to an extreme these may turn to violent or unscrupulous behaviour, but will more likely tend towards forceful and assertive mood patterns. This alignment will also see materialistic and constructive energy but so too a propensity towards destructive and cruel emotions. This alignment has yet to come to a peak, but already its influence is beginning to make itself apparent and in combination with the current New Moon atmosphere will seem all the more powerful.

It should also be remembered that Mars is still in opposition to Neptune. This can 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.

It should be mentioned that as with every New Moon situation there is the possibility of increased anger and aggression, with the potential for confrontational moods and feelings. Indeed arguments may erupt on the merest pretext and although this mood pattern is not specifically orientated to bellicose attitudes there is always the possibility that nasty scenes and episodes may flare up with very little provocation.

There is no doubt that this atmosphere has elements of an extremely intense nature that will prove difficult for many. On the other hand it offers dynamic energy for on going schemes and ventures and although it will not be easy to concentrate perseverance may bring quite notable rewards. In any case this atmosphere needs the right balance between physical and mental activity and although this is always vital for a well ordered life, in these circumstances it becomes essential to maintaining any worthwhile sense of well being.

Alert is 8.5. Moon 1% illuminated.