This is now an atmosphere of the utmost celestial complexity with corresponding moods and emotions, whose effects and fluctuating feelings will be hard to predict. As a result moods will be very much on edge with tense nervous restlessness and a sensitivity of emotions that for some may approach crisis level.

It should be remembered that we are now just a day beyond the New Moon at a period that constitutes one of the years most concentrated periods of planetary alignments. In fact the next few days until early in the next week will see a particularly bewildering array of mood influences that will introduce even more pressures and anxieties and complicate the overall mood pattern still further.

Perhaps the dominant feature of the present alert pattern are the effects of the New Moon which will still be very much apparent. These will tend towards anxious and at times aggressive moods and feelings with a heightened sense of awareness and perception as well as a high degree of alertness that for some may be too much for comfort.

Under these circumstances arguments or disagreements may erupt on the merest pretext with the possibility of violence and highly volatile exchanges. Indeed where arguments do develop there will be very little restraint in what is said or done and belligerent, or over excitable moods will be particularly apparent where there is the consumption of alcohol. With reference to alcohol its effects will not only be magnified but there will also be a tendency to drink more than usual as a means of alleviating the intense moods that this period is capable of generating.

Some measure of restraint may come from the alignment between the Moon and Venus which lasts up until around 21:00 GMT (17:00 EDT) . Likely mood traits to result from this include a friendlier and more affectionate outlook that wil relate better to the needs of others. However this will be balanced by the harsher elements of the New Moon atmosphere and also the effects of the Mars/Uranus opposition. These include rebellious and excitable passions with self willed emotions that will be high on impatient or impulsive mood inclinations. This alignment can also lead to feelings that deviate powerfully from the norm and lead to out of character moods and dispositions that in some cases may tend towards extremes.

To complicate matters still further both the Moon and Venus are also in opposition to Neptune. This is likely to lead to extreme emotional sensitivity with idealistic, sentimental or delicate moods with a better sense of harmony and rhythm. On the other hand this combination will also dispose towards confusion and mental chaos with unstable emotions that will fall easy prey to neurotic or escapist tendencies.

Mental faculties will see a boost from the on going alignment between the Sun and Mercury. This is now close to an end but remains influential with extra alertness and awareness as well as sharp and penetrating moods and feelings that although adding zest and enthusiasm to the mood scene may also result in nervous upsets as well as a strong desire for variety and change.

Around 05:00 GMT (01:00 EDT) on the 3rd of August the Moon will begin to align with Saturn. This is likely to create more subdued or reserved emotions with inhibited moods and feelings including depressive or pessimistic inclinations that may be laden with self pity and low esteem. Fortunately this alignment is of short duration only but will play a significant role in the next alert period.

Coming days will be ones of supreme complexity with similarly disposed emotions. In a number of cases these will tend to cancel each other out with contrasting effects that will however make this into one of the years most challenging mood periods.

Alert is 8.5. Moon 1% illuminated.