We are currently just around a day away from the Full Moon (occurring at 21:18 GMT, or 17:18 EDT on the 16th of August) and many will already know that this is contributing to intense, alert, and at times extreme mood variations. In addition there will be increased anxiety and tension with notable apprehensions, and also the potential for anger, irritability as well as contentious encounters with the possibility of friction within the family setting.

This month the Full Moon is further heightened by numerous potent planetary alignments that come at one of the years most crucial and concentrated periods of celestial activity. For example Mars and Uranus still remain at the peak of their opposition and this is creating a more intense and unstable mood environment with the chance of over-excitable, erratic and unpredictable emotions that may strongly deviate from the norm. Indeed most will experience out of character behaviour and inclinations that may give cause for concern and these moods will be even further accentuated where there is the consumption of alcohol as its effects will be greatly magnified.

There will also be a strong temptation to drink more than usual and this combination may lead to extremely explosive scenes and outbursts. Indeed where arguments develop there may be very little restraint in what is said or done and feelings may swiftly become radical and even violent.

The Mars/Uranus opposition may also tend towards rebellious, erratic and chaotic mood impulses with a contempt for control and order and a very strong willed and selfish disposition. Under these circumstances it is not only necessary to exert a firm degree of self control, but also imperative to make strong allowances for the behaviour of others.

Another of the major mood influencing alignments of this period features Saturn, Venus and Mercury. This is currently at a peak and likely mood traits involving deeply contrasting emotions will range from reserved, inhibited and depressive moods with poor self confidence to ones of an altogether more harmonious and agreeable nature with strong affections, intimacy, and a better understanding of the needs of others.

The Sun still remains at the peak of its alignment with Neptune and for around two weeks now this has contributed to a period of sensitive and delicate moods with impressionable feelings and inclinations. Some may find this added sense of awareness disturbing and capable of evoking very penetrating feelings, or rekindling long lost memories with profound feelings of nostalgia, sadness or melancholia. Added to this there may be a sentimental, idealistic or reformative disposition with ideas for self improvement that may instigate a genuine desire to better ones outlook and circumstances.

As we have said many times already this constitutes a complex and difficult mood environment that for some will approach crisis level. However others may see this as a period of zestful enterprise with an energetic and resourceful disposition filled with opportunity and new ideas. Whatever the case we have a difficult and challenging mood atmosphere, that will be prone to easy disappointment, so that even the most cheerfully inclined person will have to dig deeply to find the necessary determination to surmount the inevitable problems that are sure to unfold. And once more we must emphasise this atmosphere is not forever and that before long other less strident moods are sure to exert their influence.

Alert is 8.5. Moon 98% illuminated.