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Comments for the Week Beginning August 31, 2009
Written by Raymond Merriman   

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 Two weeks ago I mentioned that we were entering a time band of one of the most intense geocosmic signatures for this year, August 10-26. Indeed it was remarkable, although more in terms of mundane astrology than financial astrology. In the geophysical realm, there were at least four tropical storms started in the Caribbean and Atlantic. There was a devastating typhoon in Taiwan, forest fires in California and earthquakes in Japan. In the geopolitical realm, there was great sadness as the second Kennedy in a month made a transition. This time it was Edward Kennedy, who some consider the most effective Senator in modern history. This is consistent with one of the principles of Jupiter conjunct Neptune, which can be a theme of great sadness and tears. In financial news, President Barack Obama announced his re-appointment of Federal Reserve Board Chair Ben Bernanke. In my opinion, this was one of the best decisions - and best timed decisions - made by the president so far. To have waited much longer, or to not reappoint Bernanke, would have caused great chaos in the markets at a time when they need assurance and consistency. Although President Obama ran on a campaign of “change,” there are some things that are not wise to change when the economy has experienced such a trauma. Tax increases for small businesses would be another area that should not be changed, in my opinion, until we start seeing signs meaningful employment growth – real signs, back to where we were a year ago. Yet being in the downside of the Saturn-Pluto cycle, history is not on my side regarding holding small business taxes steady until employment picks up substantially.

 Even though stock markets of the world were not as volatile as I would have expected, given the aspects involving Mars, Jupiter, and Uranus, they were nonetheless significant. Many markets made a “major cycle” trough around the midpoint of the cluster, August 18. Then from that low, many stock indices made new yearly highs this past week. In Europe, the Netherlands AEX, British Financial Times, and Swiss SMI indices all reached their highest levels since last October on Friday. The German DAX did the same last Tuesday, three days before the others. Yet all of these indices closed with some troubling technical (momentum) readings.

 In the Far East and Pacific Rim, the All Ordinaries of Australia and the NIFTY Index of India made new highs for this year on Friday. Japan’s Nikkei made a new high on Wednesday. But Hong Kong’s Hang Seng and the MICEX Composite of Russia did not make new yearly highs last week, for a case of intermarket bearish divergence.

 In the United States, the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the NASDAQ Composite both made new highs for this year during the day on Friday. But both closed with similar negative technical signs. Whether these signs of weakness relate to the fact that next week is a pre-holiday market (Labor Day is the following Monday), or whether they are real signs of deterioration starting to build, remains to be seen. The signs aren’t so bearish that we should give an outright sell signal yet. But it’s coming.

 In other markets, both Crude Oil and precious metals shot up last week. Crude soared to 75.00/barrel for the first time in 2009 last Tuesday. Both Gold and Silver shot up sharply on Friday during the “Sagittarius Factor,” when the Moon was in Sagittarius.

Short-Term Geocosmics

 Last week was significant because three planets changed signs. Last Tuesday, Mercury ingressed into Libra and Mars into Cancer. On Wednesday, Venus moved into Leo. Such numerous sign changes can correlate with a change in investor psychology, and indeed technicals suggest that the psychology may be changing from confidence to caution, perhaps more in line with the Mars movement into Cancer. That same Mars transit happens to hit the natal Pluto, opposite Sun, in the Federal Reserve Board chart. And with Pluto in Capricorn on the FRB Sun opposite Pluto, it is quite significant that Obama announced his reappointment of the Fed chair last Tuesday. The announcement was in line with the nature of Mars as far as timing is concerned. But there may be more problems than meets the eye with this decision, for they (Mars and Pluto) indicate a power play yet to come involving the Federal Reserve Board.

 There are no major transits in effect this week that have a high correlation to market reversals. The next series starts on September 6 when Mercury again goes retrograde. It will last through September 29, and this one should be a stunner, for it happens with the third (of five) passages of Saturn in opposition to Uranus (September 15). That will also coincide with the one-year anniversary of the economic panic.

  
Longer-Term Thoughts

 

 On September 15, Saturn will make its third opposition to Uranus. The first two were noteworthy. The first occurred on November 4, 2008 as the United States elected a new president. The stock market rallied to a major cycle crest that day. The second passage was on February 5, 2009, and again the U.S. stock market rallied to a major cycle crest. In both cases, the DJIA then dropped approximately 2000 points within the next 3-4 weeks. That doesn’t mean the pattern will repeat again, but traders need to be aware that it is possible.

 From the point of view of Financial Astrology, we note that this one, or the fifth and final passage next July 26, may be the most important of all five passages, based on what else is happening at the time. In the case of the one coming up September 15, we note that the new moon of September 17-18 will conjunct Saturn, which is just the opposite of last year when it was a full moon occurring on this major geocosmic signature. The new moon is different than the full moon. Whereas the full moon may coincide with over-excitement and even panic in this case, the new moon may coincide with a sense of building something constructive and long lasting. But what is it that is being built? For after all, Mercury will also be retrograde during this full moon and third passage. What kinds of decisions are being made? Last year, after the September 15 full moon and start of the crisis, Mercury went retrograde and the TARP programs were passed by Congress and the White House, and then had to be altered over and over again. In this respect, government leaders need to be careful again about rushing to decisions before their time is ripe. One would think with the new moon and Saturn in Virgo, sign of health, that the issue would be health care and/or insurance reform proposals. I don’t think many people disagree with the idea that reform is needed (other than insurance companies and their lobbyists). But there is a major problem with creating a sense of understanding as to the “best way” to go about this. And the danger is that the White House and Congress may force passage of a bill before the majority of the population truly understands it.

 If I were to make one suggestion at this time to the White House and Congress, it would be to take that time necessary to make sure the general public is on board. With Uranus in Pisces and in mutual reception with Jupiter and Neptune in Aquarius, the majority wants reform and they want it this year. But they also want to understand it, and in its present form, it is not a reform that is clearly understandable. To force passage of this initiative just because the numbers are there, under Mercury retrograde and a new moon conjunct Saturn in opposition to Uranus, will likely create a whole new problem involving “trust with the public.” If not developed and passed with this consideration in mind, be prepared for another Saturn-Uranus crisis. It may or may not be reflected immediately in the world equity markets, although it could, because these chart patterns look a lot like August-October 1987. The danger may be more akin to societal disturbances in the relationship between the masses (Uranus) and the government (Saturn). It is quite possible that the next few weeks will determine the success of the Obama first term. After all, this opposition and new moon are occurring right near his natal Mars. Saturn on one’s Mars works best at building something with great attention paid to detail, tolerance, and patience. It fails when it tries to force something before it is ready, and in that case it often results in loss – loss of the battle or loss of one’s stature. Make it or break it – that is a symbolism for Saturn and Uranus in hard aspect. But make it or break it right, with support of others, if possible.

 

Announcements




The “Forecast 2012” webcast will take place on Sunday, February 19, starting at 1:00 PM EST (that’s 6:00 PM GMT or 10:00 AM PST). Via the modern technology of our webinar host, you can log onto this presentation on current markets (both long-term and short-term outlooks) and the political-psychological climate for 2012, in the comfort of your home or office. All you need is a computer with speakers. You can hear the speech and see the live presentation and slide show, complete with the charts as they are being discussed, on your computer screen. The cost for this special event is $45.00. If you are interested in being part of this unique live webcast, just register at the MMA Website (www.mmacycles.com) and scroll down the opening screen for the announcement. Or drop us an email (ordersmma@msn.com) or fax (248-538-5296), or call us at 1-248-626-3034. Instructions to log into this event will be sent upon making reservations. Reserve early (before February 17), for space will be limited.

Many of you have asked about DVD’s or CD’s on the “Forecast 2012 Mini-Congress on January 21 in Amsterdam that I participated in. On the program were also three other excellent speakers on the subject: Irma Schogt of Schogt Market Timing in Amsterdam, plus world renowned astrologer Katen Hammaker-Zondag (specialist in the future of the Euro zone and Euro currency) and Antonia Langsdorf, of Cologne, Germany, who wrote “The Eye of the Storm,” a best-selling rendition about the year 2012 from the point of view of Mayan schools and astrologers. These recording will soon be available through Irma Schogt. We will announce when they will be available, probably within the week. You check in with us next week, or contact Irma directly at www.markettiming.nl.

 

If you are an active short-term trader, or even if you are an investor who likes to keep up with our current thoughts on financial markets, you may be interested in our Weekly or even Daily Market reports with position trading and aggressive trading recommendations. It is the only way I keep in touch with traders on a daily or even weekly basis, as I no longer offer personal consultations. These reports give in-depth analysis of the DJIA, S&P and NASDAQ futures, Euro currency (cash and futures), Dollar/Yen cash and Yen futures, Euro-Yen cash, T-Notes, Crude Oil, Gold and Silver. The daily reports cover all stock indices listed above, as well as futures in Euro, T-Notes, Gold and Silver. Both reports provide trading strategies and recommendations for position traders as well as for shorter-term aggressive traders. Subscription to the daily report also includes the weekly report. For more information, go to http://www.mmacycles.com/services, or call our offices at 1-248-626-3034. These reports are extremely valuable to those who trade ETF’s (Exchange Traded Funds). In the words of one of our subscribers: “I am really pleased with your recommendations through the Daily and Weekly Trade Recommendations.  I have used them to trade gold and silver stocks in my IRA.  In the last eight years I increased my account from $60,000 to $712,000 (now $850,000).  Thanks for your excellent publications.” - Bryden C., Small Business Owner, Illinois.


Copies of the printed version of Forecast 2012 are still available. There will be no additional printings, so when they are gone, they are gone. This year’s book is 200 pages – our largest ever – and packed full of information about the economy, USA Presidential election, social and economic trends, and of course, financial markets with their all-important three-star critical reversal dates (the one and two-star reversal dates are covered in the MMA Cycles Report, as well as weekly reports). For further information, please go to the front page of our web site at www.mmacycles.com, Or call us at 1-248-626-3034.

The E-Book version of the Forecast 2012 Book is now out as well in two different formats. The first is our own version, which contains both the text and the calendar-ephemeris for 2012. The cost for this is $55.00, or $35.00, depending on whether you also ordered the printed version too.  The second is through Apple iTunes, which covers iPhone 4 and 4S, and the iPad, and also Amazon.com Kindle. The cost is $39.99. It does not contain the advertisements or the planetary calendar and ephemeris in the back. You can now order it if you have an email address registered via one of these 9 countries (USA, UK, Australia, France, Canada, Italy, Portugal, Slovenia, and Spain). Just go to iTunes, and then “Library,” then “Store,” then in the field titled “Search,” type in “Forecast 2012” or “Raymond Merriman” (without quotation marks). Or, go to http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/raymond-merriman/id408289861?mt=11.

“After reading the annual Forecasts and subscribing to MMA Cycles for the past ten years, I can say that Ray Merriman's forecasts are uncannily accurate and indispensable for the preservation of wealth. Nothing else I've seen compares. It is without a doubt the best perspective on the big picture, not just bits and pieces of the picture.”
W.W., Investor and Teacher, Indiana.


Our new 2012 MMA Catalogue is now out!! You can download this catalogue directly at http://www.mmacycles.com/index.php?option=com_docman&task=cat_view&gid=41&Itemid=63.

Events:

February 19, 2012: “Forecast 2012 Worldwide Webcast!!!” This is our annual speech to viewers the world over. It will be the latest update on Raymond Merriman’s annual Forecast Book. Utilizing the study of cycles and geocosmic factors, this speech will focus on the current state of the economy, political situation in Washington, DC, and in particular, the financial markets, including: the U.S. stock market, interest rates, the U.S. Dollar, Gold, and Silver. This will be a telecast of the live presentation taking place at the Michigan Education Conference Center in Troy, Michigan on Square Lake Road. The webcast and speech will start at 1:00 PM, EST and last two hours. Cost to participate in the webcast, or to attend in person in Troy, is $45.00. Go to http://www.mmacycles.com/catalogue/multimedia/forecast-2012-live-webcast-february-19,-2012!!!/ for more information.

March 1 and 3, 2012: Hong Kong. “Forecast 2012” on Thursday, March 1, and a full day intensive on “Financial Market Timing” on Saturday, March 3, with emphasis on Gold, Silver, Currencies, and Equity Markets for 2012. Organized by Earlthorn.Com at the Excelsior Hotel, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong. Contact Teresa Wong at 852-2529 1211 (phone), or by e-mail at earlthorn@hknet.com. A special 90-minute private meeting with MMA Subscribers will follow the workshop on March 3. You must reserve your space for this meeting with MMA.

March 9-11, 2012: The 12th Annual Balkan International Conference, Belgrade, Serbia. Featuring a pre-seminar workshop with Raymond Merriman. For further information on this fantastic gathering, contact www.keplerunited.org. +381-11-267-31-92 or email info@keplerunited.org.

April 19 and 21, Boulder, Colorado. “Forecast 2012” with Raymond Merriman, plus a workshop on “Financial Market Timing,” focusing on equities and precious metals. Sponsored by ROMA. For more information and registration, contact dralagifts@msn.com. Once again, a private meeting for MMA subscribers will follow the workshop.

May 24-29, 2012: UAC!!! The world’s largest astrological conference. Taking place at the New Orleans Marriott Hotel. Go to www.uacastrology.com. There will be an awesome Financial Track, featuring some of the top Financial Astrologers and researchers in the world. There will be private meeting for MMA on Friday or Sunday evening on the top floor of the Marriott.

June 23: Amsterdam. A special 5-hour workshop on “The Gold Market: Forecasting the Price of Gold” Details to be announced shortly, but mark your calendars for an exciting event in one of the world’s most exciting cities at the most exciting time of the year: the first Uranus-Pluto square!

August 2-6, 2012: Midwest Astrology Conference, in Ann Arbor, MI, Holiday Inn. Pre-seminar workshop on Financial Astrology, Thursday, August 2, with Raymond Merriman. More details soon.

September 14-15, 2012: San Diego: Lecture on world economy and national election, and then a workshop on Financial Market Timing. More details shortly.
details soon.

Disclaimer and statement of purpose:

The purpose of this column is not to predict the future movement of various financial markets. However, that is the purpose of the MMA (Merriman Market Analyst) subscription services. This column is not a subscription service. It is a free service, except in those cases where a fee may be assessed to cover the cost of translating this column from English into a non-English language.

This weekly report is written with the intent to educate the reader on the relationship between astrological factors and collective human activities as they are happening. In this regard, this report will oftentimes report what happened in various stock and financial markets throughout the world in the past week, and discuss that movement in light of the geocosmic signatures that were in effect. It will then identify the geocosmic factors that will be in effect in the next week, or even month, or even years, and the author’s understanding of how these signatures will likely affect human activity in the times to come. The author (Merriman) will do this from a perspective of a cycle’s analyst looking at the military, political, economic, and even financial markets of the world.

It is possible that some forecasts will be made based on these factors. However, the primary goal is to both educate and alert the reader as to the psychological climate we are in, from an astrological perspective. The hope is that it will help the reader understand these psychological dynamics that underlie (or coincide with) the news events and hence financial markets of the day.

No guarantee as to the accuracy of this report is being made here. Any decisions in financial markets are solely the responsibility of the reader, and neither the author nor the publishers assume any responsibility at all for those individual decisions. Reader should understand that futures and options trading are considered high risk.

Copyright MMACycles 2007; you may link to this site or page, but you may not distribute these texts in any way (by email or otherwise).

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