Merriman Market Analyst

Other markets also put in noteworthy performances in last week's shortened holiday period. The big story was probably in the interest rate-related sectors, particularly Treasuries. As discussed in several recent columns, Jupiter would be passing over the natal Jupiter of the Federal Reserve Board chart at 23 Capricorn on December 18, which is the period we suggested the Treasuries could top out and begin a substantial decline. From here on out, the FRB chart can look forward to series of very hard Saturn and Pluto transits over the next two years. Jupiter is accommodating (lower rates, easier monetary policy); Saturn is tightening (higher rates). It might represent the last time we see yields at this level in our lifetime. On December 17, T-Notes (and T-Bonds) put in their all-time high. The Ten Year Note soared to a record high of 130/25. On Friday, just two weeks later, T-Notes closed the week at 124/08. That is a substantial decline for this market in a brief period of time. As T-Notes declined (and interest rates began to rise), the Dollar predictably became stronger against other currencies. The Euro currency, for instance, has fallen from a high of 1.4719 exactly on December 18, to 1.3837 as of Friday. Strangely enough though (not really), Gold prices did not come down as the Dollar strengthened. Gold has made a new monthly high of 892 on December 29, up over $200 since its 680 low of late October. On Friday, Gold was still testing the 890 level, near its highest point of December 29. Silver is still up strongly from its 840 low of late October, having touched 1161 on December 17 and 1155 on Friday, January 2. That is an appreciation of 37.5% in those two months. Even Crude Oil is in on the run, as expected with Mars in Sagittarius and Capricorn. From a low of 32.40 on December 19, Crude reached as high as 46.74 on Friday, for a gain of nearly 45% in just two weeks!

View or listen to the 2-1/2 hour presentation on Forecast 2009 by Raymond Merriman, the "Webcast-speech to the world", that took place on Saturday December 13 2008, in the comfort of your own home.

Via the modern technology of You-niversity.com on-line set up, this "latest update" discussion on current markets (both long-term and short-term outlooks) and the political-psychological climate for 2009, can be heard in the comfort of your home or office. All you need is a computer with speakers.

Don't miss out on MMA's Forecast for 2009 Book. Last year's book sold out by January, and this year's orders have been twice as brisk. And once they are sold out, it is unlikely that there will be additional printings. 

MMA's annual Forecasts Book, written by Raymond A. Merriman since 1976, is one of the most unique, affordable, and accurate glimpses into the coming year. Utilizing the study of cycles and geocosmic factors, this annual Forecasts book outlines forthcoming trends pertaining to political, economic, and financial markets throughout the world.

THE CARDINAL CLIMAX: 2008-2012
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A Review of Past Forecast Book Quotes

As of September 2008, the U.S. and world banking system has officially entered a state of crisis. This economic and banking crisis will likely bring about the end of an era, and lead to an immense transformation of not just the banking and financial community, but almost every aspect of the human experience (political, social, cultural, etc).

Astrologers throughout time have often been asked: “Did you predict this?” In current times, these same questions come from an uneducated, uninformed, and misinformed society that places astrologers incorrectly into the gamut of entertainment and fortune-telling. The fact is that Astrology is a very complex and serious study that takes years to understand and an uncanny judgment in order to apply to current times. When done correctly, Astrology becomes a very valuable tool for society in understanding the times we are living in, and forecasting the future times ahead.  Please notice that I use the word “forecasting,” not “prediction.” That is because in its proper use, Astrology is a forecasting tool. It outlines the likely conditions ahead, not the inevitable outcome, as a prediction would. True astrologers understand that the outcome of anything must involve choice, and choice is an aspect of free will. Astrology, and the Astrologer, is thus a “choice revealer,” not a “choice maker.”

But in answer to the question, “Did anyone in Astrology forecast (predict) the current banking and economic crisis?” … the answer is yes, probably many astrologers forecasted this period of crisis. Many astrologers could have forecasted this period as being critical to Humanity in many ways, by simply looking at an ephemeris of the planetary signatures that were to be in effect 2008-2012, and even into 2015.