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Comments for the Week Beginning December 21, 2009
Written by Raymond Merriman   

This week’s column will be shorter than usual due to preparation time needed for Sunday’s worldwide webcast of the Forecast 2010 presentation. If you are interested in joining this webcast with approximately 100-120 other viewers from all over the world, please call us between 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, EST, on Saturday to reserve. After that, we will reopen again for reservations only between 10:00 am – 11:30 EST on Sunday. The presentation will begin at 1:00 PM on Sunday.

We would also like to wish all of our subscribers and weekly readers a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday season these next few days, regardless of your religious, philosophical, and/or political beliefs. This is the Winter Solstice, and astrologically it is a time to reflect on the past year as well as to make plans for the New Year. The ability to plan ahead is a gift from God that should be taken advantage of by everyone, and is one reason why the study of the heavens – astrology – is so useful. Astrology is a marvelous tool for planning.

Holidays are also a wonderful time for human interaction. But they are not usually the best of times for trading. Much like Mercury retrograde periods, or time frames involving planetary aspects with Uranus, holiday periods frequently see prices of markets rising above resistance or falling below support, only to suddenly swing back the other way. This holiday season involves both of those factors, for Uranus is now in a square aspect to Uranus (December 19) and Mercury begins another retrograde trek from December 26 through January 15. But even beyond that, Saturn is in opposition to Uranus from November 4, 2008 through July 26, 2010. Have you noticed that markets are a lot more difficult to trade via conventional technical studies involving support and resistance levels in the past year?

This is a particularly potent time in the heavens right now. However, due to the holiday season upon us, trading volume will be lower than usual and dramatic price movements may not be as prominent as would otherwise be expected.

This current period in particular finds not only Venus is a square aspect to Uranus, but also the 25-month cycle of Mars turning retrograde (December 20-March 10), and the final passage of the 14-year Jupiter-Neptune conjunction cycle (May 27-December 21, 2009). What do we know symbolically about these two signatures that may be useful in our trading strategy?

As reported in the now out-of-print “Gold Book: Geocosmic Correlations to Gold Price Cycles,” Mars retrograde stations have coincided with some of the most impressive reversals and contra-trend moves in Gold prices. There are several cases where a trend has been in force, only to reverse within ten trading days of Mars turning retrograde. The contra-trend move then continues into a two-week period surrounding the date when Mars turns direct, and then the trend returns to it former direction too. It doesn’t happen all the time, but often enough that it has to be watched carefully. When a reversal does occur near either the retrograde or direct date of Mars, that high or low oftentimes remains solid a support or resistance for several weeks, and even years. The previous all-time high in Gold, for example, happened in mid-January 1980. The market then fell for about ten weeks until it went direct, after which the market resumed its bullish course for several months. The high in mid-January 1980 was not seen again for 28 years. That low at the time of the direct date was not seen again for the next 12 months. There have been other cases like that in Gold coinciding with Mars retrograde and its direct stations.

This Mars retrograde may be especially important for Gold since it is occurring in Leo, the sign of Gold. This precious metal has recently made an all time high of 1227 on December 2. But as we head into the retrograde of this weekend, Gold has already fallen over $130, or 10.6%, in just two weeks. Will Mars retrograde correlate with that high of December 2, and be later viewed as in a contra-trend decline for the next 10 weeks? Or will it find support here, and rally strongly to new highs in these next 10 weeks? We may have an idea when we get through the next ten trading days.

Much, of course will depend on the U.S. Dollar, which appears to suddenly be gaining strength, after so many years of decline. The Euro currency, for instance, also made a secondary crest around December 4 at 1.5141 and has now fallen in its steepest decline since March-April 2009. It broke below 1.4300 on Friday temporarily. Has the Dollar bottomed and the foreign currencies against the Dollar now topped out? Or is this sharp decline almost over as we approach Mars retrograde, and we will now see another multi-month rally commence in the currencies against the Dollar? We can probably make a more definite statement as we complete the next ten trading days.

These signatures also pertain to geopolitical situations. Mars rules war and conflict. When it is stationary and turning retrograde, there is oftentimes much saber rattling. It is not considered a favorable time to initiate aggression, for the aggressor usually loses, or has to retreat.

But the other major aspect taking place this weekend is symbolically one of the most benevolent of all in the study of astrology. Jupiter and Neptune in Aquarius presents a classical symbol of world peace, and the sense of good will towards all. It is wonderful season to be under such a cosmic influence. It is an ideal time for the politicians to go home and reflect on all the good things that are possible in the world and in America. It is a favorable time for them to lay down their swords. It is a favorable time for them to get some much needed rest, and replenish their spirits and visions for ways in which they can contribute to a better life on this planet.

Next year promises to be a significant turn for Humankind. Four of the five furthest out planets in our solar system will be changing signs. They will be moving from mutable (planning) signs into cardinal (action) signs. It is vitally important that they get the big picture right, for much is at stake. In many ways, 2010 may be considered the most important astrological year of our lifetime. And it is likely that the decisions made will have consequences for many, many years afterwards on the quality of life we will have. Of most importance, I think, will be May through September 2010, a time when Jupiter and Uranus will be in conjunction in early Aries, opposite Saturn, and in T-square to Pluto. It suggests a time of great speculation. But is the speculation based upon hope for a better future that can be sustained economically? Or is it based on the excesses that lead to bubbles, after which financial markets – and governments – collapse? It could be either. I don’t think the decisions have yet been made that have put into motion the cycle that will be.

I have my educated suspicions, and I have my spiritually-based hopes. And right now is the season for hopes. Happy holidays to all.

 

Announcements


If you are an active short-term trader, you may be interested in our Weekly or even Daily Market reports with short-term 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), Swiss Franc, Dollar/Yen cash and Yen futures, T-Notes, Soybeans, Crude Oil, Gold and Silver. The daily reports cover all stock indices listed above, as well as futures in Euro, T-Notes, Soybeans, Gold and Silver. 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. In the words of one of our subscribers: “I recently subscribed to your weekly report and am finding it to be excellent and a very useful companion to the MMA Cycles Report.  I can't imagine now managing my investments without them.”

CD’s DVD’s, MP3’s, and “On-Line Streaming Video” of the July 11 webcast are now available!!! Each of these various ways to see the event can now be ordered via our website at www.mmacycles.com (just click the opening banner), or by calling 1-248-3034 or email operations at ordersmma@msn.com. The cost of each is $45.00, plus postage if necessary. This webcast covered our outlook for stocks, precious metals, interest rates and Treasuries, foreign currencies vis-à-vis the U.S. Dollar, and Grains. We pick this time because it is right before the astrological midpoint of the Cardinal Climax, which takes place late July through early August. It may be the peak of the huge trend reversals expected in many of these markets, aided and abetted by major changes of trend in geopolitical matters. You won’t want to miss this presentation. Order now, because most of the trading opportunities presented are in effect from July 21 through October 8, 2010!!!

Any remaining copies of the Forecast 2010 book will be available for $30.00 (plus postage), now as long as supplies last. This year’s book was an incredible publication, as almost everything forecasted in it has come out as described. All the themes outlined, and almost all the financial markets are unfolding as indicated with one exception: there has (as of yet) been no sign of excessive speculation in stocks or precious metals. Instead, frightened investors are flocking to U.S. Treasuries. Everything else, however, has been spot on, and there is still time for this to happen in stocks and precious metals into mid-2011. We now offer a complimentary copy of this year’s book to any new or renewing subscriber of a one-year subscription to the MMA Cycles Report, our new MMA European Cycles report, or any subscription to a MMA daily or weekly report, as long as books are still available. See special offer on the opening page of www.mmacycles.com.

The monthly MMA Cycles Report and its companions – the MMA Japan Cycles Report and MMA European Cycles Report – came out this week, Monday and Tuesday, via posting on our web site, and attachment via direct emails, for subscribers. W also sent an update to subscribers on Wednesday. If you subscribe to these reports and did not get them, let us know at once. This report covers our longer-term analysis of the U.S. stock market, precious metals, crude oil, currencies, Treasury Notes, and grain markets. The MMA Japan Cycles report covers the Nikkei, JGB Bonds, and the Dollar-Yen. The new MMA European Cycles Report covers the German DAX, Swiss SMI, and Netherlands AEX, each in English only. New yearly (or renewing) subscribers to these reports will receive a free copy of the Forecast 2010 book while supplies last (see below). For subscription information, please go to SERVICES at www.mmacycles.com.

I am oftentimes asked for recommendations of a money manager who uses my methods, since I won’t manage other people’s money. That is especially true now with the volatility in the market place as of late. The thing is, almost all money managers I know use their own systems. But many subscribe to my services and share my thoughts about the future of the economy, various financial markets, and how to position one’s portfolio along these lines. One money manager who subscribes to our services that I would suggest for those looking to structure a longer-term portfolio, such as a retirement account, is Duke O’Neill of Capstone Capital Wealth Management, Boulder, Colorado. He can be reached at dukeoneil1@gmail.com, or 1-(303) 247-0600. For those looking for a professional trader of commodity and futures contract might consider Ted Lee Fisher at ted.fisher@comcast.net. Ted is a legend in financial futures and has a seat on the CME. Both are very knowledgeable of the tools I use, of the way I am looking at markets, and yet each makes their own decisions as to exactly when to enter and exit any market.

September 23-26, 2010: Buenos Aires! Seminar on Financial and Mundane Astrology with Raymond Merriman and others, with special emphasis on Argentina’s Merval Index and precious metals and whatever else is of interest to participants, for each Financial Astrology workshop is different. For more information, contact Claudia Rizzi at astrologycr@gmail.com, or visit our web site at www.mmacycles-spanish.com. If you only speak Spanish, go to www.astrologiamundana2010.blogspot.com. We may host a special gathering of MMA Subscribers at the end of the seminar, depending on interest expressed.

October 1-2, 2010: Rio de Janeiro! Workshop on Financial Astrology with Raymond Merriman, plus a Mundane Astrology panel with Merriman and others. The workshop will have with special emphasis on Brazil’s Bovespa Index and precious metals, and whatever else is of interest to participants. For more information, contact Renato Chebar at astrologiafinanceira@gmail.com. We will host a special gathering for MMA Subscribers on Sunday, October 3, the day of Brazil’s elections!!!

January 5, 2011: Forecast 2011! Speech and live webcast from Birmingham, MI. Details to be announced soon.

January 14-16, 2011, Zurich, Switzerland. “Forecasts 2011” symposia featuring top mundane and financial astrologers, plus one day workshop on Financial Market Timing with Ray Merriman, to be followed by a special meeting with MMA Subscribers (at no cost). For more details, go to www.astrodata.ch.

March 10-12, 2011: Mexico City, Mexico. Speech on Forecasts 2011, and workshop on “Evolutionary Astrology: The Journey of the Soul Through States of Consciousness.” For information, please contact acuario888@gmail.com.

September 1-8, 2011: Bali! "Financial Astrology" Intensive workshop with Raymond Merriman, and "Mundane Astrology" with Claude Weiss. For more information on this unique week-long intensive and incredible South Pacific paradise adventure, go to http://www.heavenandearthworkshops.com/financial.html.

The MMA Catalogue of products and services for 2010 is available for download in PDF at http://www.mmacycles.com/option,com_docman/task,doc_download/gid,161/Itemid,63/. The ordering page is the last page of the catalogue. This is especially useful for those outside of the USA, since we do not send these by snail mail unless requested.

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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