Venus is still in opposition to Saturn, as it has been for around two weeks. The difference is that now without any moderating influence from other sources the effects of this alignment will be all the more apparent.

With regard to moods and emotions the Venus/Saturn opposition is capable of coolly affectionate feelings with limited or disciplined feelings and a stricter sense of values and control. On the other hand it may be prone to easy disappointments with exacting emotions that may tend towards loneliness or isolation with flattened moods and reduced self confidence. Indeed there may be an overall sense of pessimism or futility and it may become harder to get going.

In the days ahead these feelings will become all the more apparent as we come to the so called ‘doldrum period’ which comes around midway between the New Moon and Full Moon or vice versa. This can bring depressive moods and feelings but if handled in the right manner may equally prove to be of benefit.

For example this mood may suit a relaxed and self satisfied attitude, especially for those able to take things very much at their own pace or able to place few pressures on their time and efforts. In other words it may be just perfect for a vacational atmosphere and although this may not be possible for everyone it is important that at some stage of the day time is taken to completely unburden or close off the pressures or problems of the day. This would be good advice at any time but is even more important during this current period.

Although there are very few direct alignments at this time it is interesting to note that the Sun, Neptune, Mercury Mars and Jupiter are all to be found within just 31 degrees of one another. Habitually such a close grouping of planets brings its own set of tensions leading to an unbalanced mood scene with an unsettled and restless mood scenario.

Here it is difficult to be specific but this could lead to more aggressive or irritable moods as well as a degree of friction that may arise from the merest of provocation or indeed no provocation at all. In addition such a close grouping of planets usually leads to disturbed or unusual weather patterns. For example the USA experienced one of its worst cold periods on record (this is also due to reduced Solar Flare activity, but more on this in a future alert bulletin) whereas parts of Europe have suffered their worst winter flooding for many decades. In Australia meanwhile atrocious heat is the problem, and traditionally close groupings of many planets are usually accompanied by these extremes.

Added to this, close planet groupings are also associated with particularly strong earthquakes or volcanic eruptions. For example Alaska’s Mount Redoubt volcano has experienced heavy seismic activity for numerous days and scientists are expecting an eruption at any moment.

Close groupings of planets are also connected with increased social and political unrest and means that the weeks ahead have the potential for very colourful events and headlines.

Alert is 7. Moon 34% illuminated.