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Comments for the Week Beginning February 23, 2009

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 Welcome to Pisces, one of the coolest times of the year for intuition, imagination, romance, poetry, music, film, dreams, and fantasy. But you have to ask yourself: is it really fantasy if you experience it? Is the experience real, or is it a dream? And is it a pleasant dream, like “Camelot,” King Arthur, John F. Kennedy and Barack Obama? Or is it a dream turning into a nightmare, because in Camelot, King Arthur is betrayed by his most trusted friend. In John F. Kennedy, his life is cut short by an assassin’s bullet (“Good Bye, Ruby Tuesday….”). And in Barack Obama, is it the blackjack gamble of doubling up on the $trillion+ deficit by pushing through a nearly $1 trillion “stimulus” or “rescue” package? Is this throwing good money after bad? If he wins this hand, he will be a hero. But will he have to double down again (and again after that), because there is another risk waiting its turn as he tries again and again to conquer this multi-headed “money pit” monster he inherited? And is he really going to slay the monster, or just “enable” it? The nightmare would be a bad ending to all this. Except it hasn’t happened yet, but in poor Pisces, we aren’t sure what is real and what is fantasy, because we are only experiencing the nightmare (not the reality yet), and the nightmare itself is but a dream still. The result hasn’t yet been determined – except for those with very active imaginations, who firmly believe they see the dream’s ending, just as he firmly believes he sees its ending too, but with a happier conclusion. But how can there be two realities, two different results, that each dreamer claims is real? The reality is that no one knows, and everyone has an opinion based on their active imagination – especially in Pisces.

 This is Pisces - a season of hope and a season of fear. A season of romance and love, but also doubt and uneven confidence in the end result. Where is this going? That’s what will be asked until spring (Aries) arrives on March 21. That should be interesting, because Pisces (winter) ends and Aries (spring) begins with another “translation” period of the Sun into hard aspects with the “Capricorn Climax” planets (Saturn-Uranus-Pluto, March 8-23). It may be a dream we wake up from in a cold sweat. The reality may be that are in the midst of another panic.

 This last week saw the Dow Jones Industrial Average fall to a new 6-year low. But the other U.S. indices did not. The S&P and NASDAQ remained well above their lows of November 21, 2008, which was 2-3 weeks (17 calendar days) after the first of five Saturn-Uranus opposition passages on November 4. That date happened to be a high in stock prices – the end to a strong rally from late October. However, we have not seen prices that high since that date. The second passage just took place February 5, which is now 15-18 days prior to this Friday-Monday of February 20-23. Again the DJIA made a high nearby to this second Saturn-Uranus passage (8315 on February 9, two trading days afterwards). And from that high, the stock market has again fallen hard. Does it end here, 15-18 days later, as it did the first time? Or does it go lower still into the Sun’s “translation” of the Cardinal Climax planets, March 8-23? Such translations have coincided with very steep market declines in the majority of the past instances.

 In other markets, Gold and Silver continued their torrid pace, reaching their highest levels since last summer, and Gold within striking distance of making a new all-time high. And why not? These are uncertain times, and central bank policies of the world are on course for a sudden reversal of deflation to inflation. But ironically, the U.S. Dollar is also soaring as investors seek “safe havens.” The Dollar is a safe haven, given these inflationary pressures? Something has got to give. Crude Oil tested its double bottom of 32.00-33.00 again, thus making a triple bottom. If it holds, prices could be double by the time Jupiter and Neptune come together in May-July. But if it breaks, it would be a statement that there is just too much oil available, and instead of higher prices, Jupiter and Neptune together coincide with too much supply.

Short-Term Geocosmics

 Last week’s large price swings in financial markets and precious metals was not unexpected. As stated last week, “…heliocentric Mercury starts its 10-day trek through Sagittarius on Friday, February 20. Not only are one’s opinions expressed with exaggerated urgency, but so too are prices swings in many financial markets, especially precious metals, during this period. Yet none of this compares with the strength of the geocosmic signatures coming up March 6-12, when Venus turns retrograde, and the full moon will take place on the same degrees of the zodiac as the Saturn-Uranus opposition. Everything is building up into that time frame, like the pressure in a boiling pot of hot water. Everybody’s talking (shouting) but nobody is listening. And that can result in sharply falling stock prices, unless the mood and intention change quickly.” The mood and intentions did not change last week, and in response, the markets continue to fall in this next leg of the economic panic of 2008-2009. Welcome to the Cardinal Climax.

 The Venus retrograde of March 6 is like a magnet, pulling prices sharply in their particular trend direction into the two weeks surrounding that event. The heliocentric Mercury in Sagittarius is exaggerating these price swings, with psychological fears of an economic disaster in the making. I don’t see this trend changing until it peaks out, March 6-23. If you are on the right side, it can be a very profitable period. If not, it can be painful waiting for the reversal.

Longer-Term Thoughts

The Gold bugs may have it right this time. After declining 1.9% in December, the PPI (Producer Price index) shot up a remarkable +.9% for January, an upward swing of 2.8%! The CPI (Consumer Price Index) was down .8% in December but up .3% in January, a change of over 1%. As stated previously, this is consistent with the principles of Jupiter and Neptune approaching their conjunction in Aquarius, which is coming up May through July, 2009, with a third passage in December.

As discussed at length in this year “Forecast 2009” book, Jupiter conjunct Neptune has tendency to be very inflationary, and once it starts, it will be much faster and steeper than anyone expects or is prepared for. Except, maybe, the Gold traders. They seem very prepared for this phenomenon, which according to my understanding of financial astrology, will be very evident from May 2009-August 2010. We’re still approaching the “big time.”

But also during that time I think central banks will have no choice but to raise interest rates to fight inflation. Even though these banks will lag in their response to rising inflation numbers, once they start to raise rates, they too will do so very quickly and rates will rise very sharply. Sort of like what happened 30 years, 1979-1980, when Paul Volker was in charge (here he comes again, with Saturn returning to Virgo!). When that starts (sometime between November 2009-September 2010), Gold and Silver may lose their luster. The Dollar can soar and the currencies can fall hard against the Dollar to their 4-year cycle troughs. Then it starts up again, after Silver completes its 18-year cycle trough in 2010-2011, just in time for the 126-year hard aspect cycle of Uranus to Pluto (in Grand Square to the USA Sun-Saturn). This is not the steady up years of 1947-1966, nor 1982-2000 (Saturn in its waxing phase to Pluto). This is a whole new world, new reality, new era, we are entering. Saturn is waning to Pluto, and in fact about to enter its waning square phase November 2009-August 2010. This is the time that federal deficits sky rocket, followed by sharp increases in interest rates and taxes, and this can be exasperated by inflation (Jupiter-Neptune). Prices swings will likely be massive, as we shift back and forth from deflation to inflation to deflation to even greater inflation, as our “new sheriff in town” tries to conquer this multi-headed debt monster. Maybe it’s a good thing we allowed our children to be brought up as experts on Play Station, Nintendo and X-Box. Maybe they will know which buttons and joy sticks to press to slay the multi-headed monster that threatens the survival of the planet. If not, the only future that awaits may be a job in the government, the only employer that may be left on the planet. Let’s hope the next card up gives our man a 21, because the bank (Congress and the Treasury) is running out of money to lend for another hand.

 

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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