Very definite tensions hold sway in what is habitually one of the years most difficult and challenging emotional periods. As well as firm astronomical reasons, which are included below there is also the proximity of Christmas which acts as its own mood source and can bring widely polarised emotions that can all too easily tend towards extremes.

In addition to this we have now commenced the rise to the next New Moon in around five days time. Likely mood traits to result from this include more aggressive, assertive and challenging feelings with strong passions that may all too easily find expression in volatile, violent, or confrontational moods and emotions. These feelings will also be magnified by the still continuing alignment between the Sun and Mars.

It should be noted that Saturn and Uranus still remain very much at the peak of their opposition and for some months now this has brought strained and polarised feelings that range from strongly ambitious or even ruthless inclinations to reserved, limited and, constrained feelings with low self esteem, confidence and well being. There may also be confused and erratic thoughts with a poor sense of concentration that could make it difficult to focus on the task in hand.

As mentioned above, this period also finds itself influenced by several other factors such as yesterday’s Winter/Summer solstice (according to hemisphere) and also the fact that the Sun is now moving to a background of the centre of our own Galaxy, the Milky Way.

As mentioned in several other alert bulletins this conjoinment of Cosmic energy from the centre of the galaxy can affect the Sun’s own magnetic field in subtle ways. In turn this influences people’s moods and perception and perhaps contributes to the sharpened emotional feel of Christmas and the overall festive period. It is also likely that this was why this period was chosen to commemorate the birth of Jesus, even if there is little scriptural evidence to back this up.

Certain to say that this period is full of forceful energy that may at times bring pain and misery, but also exhilaration, zestfulness and a better sense of well being. Historically this period has always been associated with festivities that predate Christianity to a considerable extent. Some people feel it difficult to concentrate at this time and the theory is that because this period can be so unsettling it was largely given over to festivities until replaced by a more propitious time.

Alert is 7.5. Moon 22% illuminated.