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Comments for the Week Beginning July 21, 2008

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It was a bit unusual. It waited until the very end. But a bottom of significance in equity markets around the world finally formed at the very end of the time band containing an abundance of geocosmic signatures. As stated in last week’s column, “We are now at the very end of this huge time band of geocosmic signatures extending from June 12 through July 14. The midpoint of June 28 did not correlate with a lasting major reversal in stock indices. There is still a possibility it could coincide with a reversal at the very end, for there are three Level One (strongest correlates to reversals) signatures in effect July 9-14.” Most of these stock markets bottomed July 15 or 16, and then rallied sharply into the end of the week. This is within the allowable orb of three trading days from a midpoint of that tight geocosmic cluster (July 11-12).

 In Europe, all four equity markets we track made their multi-month lows early Wednesday. Of most interest to us was the 5999.32 low in German DAX. As stated in the SOS Report that went out July 8, “The idea now is that the DAX will fall to yet another lower low, below the 6167 low of March 17, to complete the fifth point of this (Lorusso 5-point reversal) pattern. Then a multi-month bull market will begin, assuming the low for point #5 is somewhat proportionate to point #3 and #3 was to point #1 (i.e. generally around 5950). In fact, a normal price target zone for this low would be 6026.78 +/- 166.91.” This pattern is named after one of the finest chartist I know, Rick Lorusso of Citibank Corp, and when this pattern unfolds into a major geocosmic time, it can be very valuable signal in picking important turns in the market.

 In Asia and the Pacific Rim, the All Ordinaries of Australia and the NIFTY stock index of India also made new multi-month lows on Wednesday. In the case of the NIFTY, another powerful rally followed into Friday. The Nikkei of Japan and Hang Seng of Hong Kong also made their weekly lows on Wednesday, but they held their previous lows of March 17. In fact the Nikkei’s low of 12,671 was well above the 11,691 low of March 17, for a continued case of Intermarket bullish divergence in this region of the world.

The Intermarket bullish divergence pattern also continued in the United States. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell to 10,827 on Tuesday, July 15, well below it prior low of January 22 at 11,634. By Friday, it was up to 11,510 intraday, a rally of nearly 700 points. In fact it had two consecutive +200 point up days Wednesday and Thursday, following a -200 point down day the prior week on July 9. This all relates to the Sun-Jupiter opposition of July 9, of which was previously stated, “The Sun-Jupiter opposition is particularly interesting because it has a 75% correlation to primary or greater cycles within 10 trading days. It can correlate with powerful price moves, like 200+ point up or down days within only 4 trading days in the DJIA.”

In other markets, Crude Oil fell sharply last week, falling from an all-time high of 147.27 on July 11 to a low of 128.23 on Friday, July 18. Crude Oil is co-ruled by Jupiter, and that high was just two days after the opposition to the Sun. Gold and Silver also fell sharply last week after posting new cycle highs on the Sagittarius Factor days of last Monday and Tuesday. All in all, it was noteworthy week that supported the market timing principles of Financial Astrology.

Short-Term Geocosmics

 The challenge now will be whether or not these conventional geocosmic studies will lead to a continued rebound as one would normally suggest. Or will the specter of the forthcoming 45-year Saturn-Uranus opposition again thwart any long-lasting ane meaningful advance? As written last week, and still a concern, “But there is another geocosmic pattern that has now begun... That is the transit of Mars, which is now in a “translation” position between the conjunction to Saturn (July 10) and opposition to Uranus (August 6). A “translation” to this long-term planetary signature is a preview of what to expect during the time that the major signature is in effect... Therefore we are in between two conflicting signals: cycles say a primary cycle trough is now due, to be followed by a strong 2-5 week or greater rally. Some geocosmic signatures support this view if the low forms by Tuesday. But the Mars translation to Saturn-Uranus allows a possibility of a further decline into early August, and maybe even longer, as Venus and then the Sun does the same thing over the following month (August 13-23, and September 3-12). Each of these periods may be fraught with several triple digits daily declines.”

There are no major geocosmic reversal signatures in effect this week, according to the studies presented in “The Ultimate Book on Stock Market Timing Volume 3: Geocosmic Correlations to Trading Cycles.” The next series of geocosmic signatures pertaining to market reversal don’t commence until July 26. But the next “big one” is the Mars-Uranus opposition of August 6. It will be interesting to see if this rally can continue until then, or if will abort early this week and start another plunge into August 6.

Longer-Term Thoughts

 In the past three weeks I have given two arguments why Barack Obama could be the next president of the United States, and one why John McCain could be, according to the relationship of long-term geocosmic cycles to the themes of their platforms and/or the likely outcome of their expected policies. This week I would like to present another reason why John McCain might be the next president, based on this same method of astrological and geopolitical analysis.

 My argument begins with an understanding of the birth chart of the United States of America. It doesn’t matter whether you use the conventional birth date of July 4, 1776, when the Revolutionary War officially began, or the one I prefer, which acknowledges the vote to declare Independence and commence the War. That vote culminated late on the afternoon of July 2. In either chart, one will note a square between Mars and Neptune at approximately 20-22 degrees of Gemini and Virgo respectively. In the study of astrology, this is known as a square aspect, a quarter distance of the circle away from one another. A square is considered one of the “hard aspects” in astrology. The opposition, like the forthcoming Saturn-Uranus relationship November 2008 through July 2010, is also considered a “hard aspect.”

In Mundane Astrology, Mars is the known as the planet of combat and wars. If a President’s own birth chart has planets in hard aspect to the USA Mars-Neptune square, it is assumed (usually correctly) that this President will lead the country into war and combat. If major transits of Saturn and planets beyond its orbit make a hard aspect to the USA Mars-Neptune square, it points to period of time when the threat – or actuality – of war is heightened.

The 45-year Saturn-Uranus opposition will cross 20-22 degrees of Virgo and Pisces respectively over the next two years, in exact hard aspect to the USA Mars-Neptune square. This implies an increase in military combat, and an escalation of war-like tensions for the United States. If we look at the charts of the two candidates, we will see that each has aspects to this critical square in the USA chart. In fact, Obama has Mars at 22 Virgo, exactly on the USA Neptune and square its Mars (his birth certificate, on his website, shows he is born Aug 4, 1961, at 7:24 PM, in Honolulu, Hi). The Mars-Mars contact suggests conflict, but his natal Mars on USA Neptune is worrisome as a Commander-in-Chief, for Neptune suggests passivity in the relationship and/or the effort for peace. I believe Senator Obama’s platform is built more upon the idea of engaged dialogue with the goal of achieving world peace. But as suggested by his critics, and I think indicated by this synastry between his and the USA’s chart, this approach could be seen as a sign of weakness for other nations to exploit. And if that is the case, he may feel compelled to act tough, and/or overreact with aggression himself to prove he is not weak.

Senator McCain’s chart has a whole different dynamic to this Mars-Neptune square in the USA chart. Born Aug 29, 1936 in Panama City, Panama (time unknown, but believed to be between 9:00-11:00 AM), we see his natal Venus and Neptune conjunct at 16-22 Virgo, opposite Saturn at 20 Pisces, and in a T-square with Jupiter at 15 Sagittarius. In other words, four of the ten planets on the day of his birth were making a hard aspect to the USA Mars-Neptune square. The Venus-Neptune on the USA Neptune is a signature of playing nice, trying to be gentle and compassionate. But the Saturn in opposition, and square to the USA Mars, is not usually indicative of one who bends or moves away from his stance. He takes a stand, and holds it. He may try to gently convince others that he is listening and open to their views, but it is for the purpose of getting others to see – and agree to - things his way. He probably has little interest in veering off his course or goals at all. And with Jupiter in the mix, if things aren’t going the way he wants, he may be more inclined to overwhelm. This is the signature indicating his support for – and willingness to continue – the “troop surge.” He believes that “more force” is the way to win, and perhaps the only way to win.

Obama’s platform is to bring the troops home and strive for peace through open dialogue with potential antagonists. McCain’s position is more of a “shock and awe,” and “troop surge” to win the war, first and foremost. Because the USA is about to go through the transit of both Saturn and Uranus in hard aspect to its Mars-Neptune hard aspect, it implies a time of increased war threats, military tensions, and a heightened probability of greater combat, late 2008 through 2010. The transit of Uranus falls right on Senator McCain’s natal Saturn, and opposite Senator Obama’s natal Mars. As a conjunction in the case of Mr. McCain, it shows him the likely initiator of military actions. As an opposition in the case Mr. Obama, it shows him the likely object of other’s aggressions, and then being reactive to these forces. Both could fit with the next president. But because of the pre-dominance of natal planets (4) in McCain’s chart in aspect to the USA’s Mars-Neptune square, it seems that this issue would be an edge towards him as the next USA president.

 

Announcements

We are now accepting orders for the Forecast 2011 book now via phone (1-248-626-3034), fax (1-248-538-5296), email (ordersmma@msn.com), or through our shopping cart online (www.mmacycles.com). We are pleased to announce the price will remain the same as last year. That is $55.00 if ordered after October 31, and $45.00 if ordered before (plus postage). We will also be offering special 10% discount rate for our subscription services to those who also pre-order Forecast 2011. This is a great deal, for in the words of one of our daily subscribers recently, “I don't know whether you want to hear/take any comments at all but I wanted to say that, so far, I am a very happy camper and the only thing which I think that I did wrong with subscribing to your service that I did it TOO LATE! What was I thinking....? :-)" – R. Rood, Lugano, Switzerland, futures trader and technical analyst, former cash grain trader.

For a review of the forecasts from the Forecast 2010 book, please go to www.mmacycles.com, and scroll down to about the third or fourth article on the opening screen. Or go directly to http://www.mmacycles.com/the-news/about-mma/scorecard-for-forecasts-2010/.

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. 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, call our offices at 1-248-626-3034, or go to http://www.mmacycles.com/services. 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.” Order now with the Forecast 2011 Book and receive a special 10% rate reduction on these services through October.

The monthly MMA Cycles Report and its companions – the MMA Japan Cycles Report and MMA European Cycles Report – went out last week. If you are a subscriber and did not receive it, contact us 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. These reports are included in the Japanese, German, and Dutch translated MMA Cycles Report respectively. New yearly (or renewing) subscribers to these reports will receive a free copy of the Forecast 2010 book while supplies last (see below). You also qualify for a special discount on a yearly subscription if at the same time you pre-order Forecast 2011. For subscription information, please go to SERVICES at www.mmacycles.com.

CD’s DVD’s, and MP3’s 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 was right before the astrological midpoint of the Cardinal Climax, which is taking place now. 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. It is interesting to see how the stocks, grains and currencies moved right up into this time band, as outlined in this presentation. You won’t want to miss this. Order now, because most of the trading opportunities presented are in effect mainly from July 21 through October 8, 2010!!!

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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 uncertainty 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 exactly when to enter and exit any market. I would also like to recommend long-term MMA subscriber Erwin Brunner of Zurich, Switzerland. Mr. Brunner is the founder of BrunnerInvest AG. One of his five funds was awarded the “Best in-house fund of funds” in the world recently. Mr. Brunner is a former director of the Swiss Banking Corporation (today it is known as UBS), and a general director of Rothschild Bank in Zurich. As an independent wealth manager for high net worth individuals and institutional clients only, he places his clients into the funds of the best performing fund managers in the world, via his own research and experience. For high net worth readers interested in Mr. Brunner’s funds, please contact him through www.brunnerinvest.ch.

 

OK. You’ve asked about classes in Financial Astrology, and I am giving two of them in great South American cities in late September and early October. Since these constitute “investment education,” many of you will be able to write the expenses of this trip off (travel, some meals, and cost of conferences). Here are some more details of each – and I hope to see many subscribers at each:

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 will 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 may host a special gathering for MMA Subscribers on Sunday, October 3, the day of Brazil’s elections, if enough subscribers request such a meeting.

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.

April 28 and 30, 2011: Kansas City, Mo. “Forecasts for 2011” and “Financial Astrology Workshop” with Raymond Merriman. Sponsored by AOA. Details soon. This will be the next Financial Astrology workshop in the United States.

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, please go to http://www.heavenandearthworkshops.com/financial.html.

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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