Tensions are mounting ahead of the Full Moon with tense nervous restlessness, anxiety and increased aggression and belligerence. Indeed for some this may prove a crisis filled experience with highly challenging moods that may drive them to the edge of what they feel they can stand.

The truth is this is no ordinary Full Moon and the usual tensions and apprehension is further added to by numerous potent planetary alignments that will sharpen moods still further. Over the last week or so these have been extensively reported on this page and suffice it say that the overall combination of celestial forces at this time is at very high levels. A brief summary of these is given below.

The Sun and Neptune are still at the peak of their alignment. This is bringing delicate, refined and sensitive mood impulses with impressionable moods and feelings that have the potential to unsettle and disturb those of a naturally emotional disposition. In addition to this there will be a powerful sense of intuition and perception with near psychic levels of awareness that will enhance mystical or spiritual consciousness. Idealistic, sentimental and reformative views may also be strongly felt and there will be definite inclinations towards self refining gestures and actions.

The aggressive nature of the Full Moon will be further heightened by the on going opposition between Uranus and Mars. The pair have been aligned for at least three weeks and although the opposition is now approaching its end it still remains highly influential. This means erratic, forceful self willed moods and feelings with rebellious and aggressive mood swings that may be of a highly violent or confrontational nature.

Under these circumstances the merest provocation may lead to extreme acts and reactions so that even the most mundane of circumstances may suddenly turn nasty. The possibility of extreme circumstances will be made all the more likely by the consumption of alcohol whose effects will be magnified and in addition there may also be an urge to drink slightly more than usual.

The Uranus/Mars opposition may also lead to a powerful deviation from ones normal behaviour with out of character thoughts and feelings together with bizarre, unusual, or even perverse inclinations.

Another powerful mood influence at this time is the alignment between Saturn, Venus and Mercury. This is currently at a peak and likely mood traits involving deeply contrasting emotions may range from reserved, inhibited and depressive moods to ones of an altogether more harmonious and agreeable nature with strong affections, intimacy and a better understanding of the needs of others.

It should be said that a great many may find this current mood atmosphere difficult and highly challenging. Indeed some will be driven to extremes with the most intense and sharpened of feelings that will be difficult to bear. However, as we said yesterday coping with extreme atmospheres is sometimes a matter of achieving the correct balance. For example it is equally true that others may see this period as a time of zestful activity with high creative expression. But whatever the case no great sense of harmony can exist without balance and restraint, and even if this is lacking it can certainly be learnt.

On the other hand some may just want to wait out the storm until less stressful emotions arise when the Full Moon has come and gone. Either way this mood is not forever and those who might be suffering under its intensity should take comfort from that.

Alert is 8. Moon 94% illuminated.