Today sees the peak of the Sun/Mercury alignment which comes just several days ahead of the New Moon, at a time which represents one of the years most concentrated periods of planetary alignments.

For several days now the Sun/Mercury alignment has contributed towards an atmosphere of increased alertness and awareness with powerful mental and nervous activity. For some this may be just a little too much for comfort and in combination with the impending New Moon will mean strong moods and feelings with tense and anxious emotions.

Under these circumstances there will be raised fears and apprehensions and those susceptible to sensitive mood atmospheres may find this period difficult, and make them prone to nervous episodes, panic attacks ,or generalised agitation. In addition problems may appear magnified or assume undue dimensions. There is also likely to be a strong desire for change and variety with an unsettled disposition that may not easily be calmed. Inevitably under these circumstances people may find themselves drinking more than usual or else resorting to limitless coping techniques and strategies designed to alleviate the high emotions this period is capable of generating.

The on going opposition between Mars and Uranus is also approaching its peak. This has been active for close on a week and will continue to exert influence until around the end of August.

As with any alignment associated with Uranus it pays to be on the watch against extremes of mood and circumstance. In this case we have two of the most volatile planets in conjunction with one another and this is bound to have important mood implications. Mars for example is renowned for its passion and strong energy with self willed, forceful and often aggressive mood traits. Uranus on the other hand is noted for its powerful deviation from the norm with eccentric, bizarre and out of character mood traits that can, and often do tend towards extremes. When you put both planets together in a single alignment then there is obvious need for concern. For example there may be added tension in the family setting with the possibility of arguments and disagreements that in this pre New Moon environment have the potential for arguments and disagreements of an extremely nasty nature.

In a period that is filled full of powerful and at times extreme mood influences the effects of the Venus/Neptune opposition offer some variety, but also an added source of concern. Likely mood traits can tend towards delicate and refined emotions with idealistic, sentimental or affectionate emotions. This can lead to a better sense of harmony and rhythm with an appreciation of the finer things in life, either through the arts, or through an altered emotional perspective that may allow a fuller appreciation of more refined tastes and attitudes.

Unfortunately however this same alignment can tend towards confusion and easy disillusionment so that although there may be plenty of impetus towards initiating new schemes and ventures, the first difficulties may prove difficult to surmount.

There is no doubt this is a very difficult and at times extreme mood atmosphere with high nervous energy that may not be easy to utilise correctly. Added to this there may be thoughts and feelings that could feel as if they are those of a different person with a slightly altered outlook and perspective, but also the ability to think and act - whether for better or for worse - in a manner that one may never previously have considered.

Alert is 8. Moon 12% illuminated.