At this time of the year moods and emotions are frequently tense and on edge. Many attribute this to the proximity of Christmas with it’s attendant needs and demands.

However there is some evidence that astronomically speaking this period is also capable of evoking greatly heightened feelings. For example we are now only around 4 days away from the winter/summer solstice - according to which hemisphere you are in - which this year occurs on December 21st at 05:45 GMT ( 01:45 ET)

Many believe that the solstice is capable of generating its own separate energies with increased awareness and perception, as well as an overall embellishment of sensual appreciation. It is also at this time of the year that the Sun appears to move against the background of our Galaxy, the Milky Way.

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 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 wild festivities until replaced by a more propitious time.