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Comments For The Week Beginning July 30, 2007
Written by Raymond Merriman   

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When we hit it, we hit it big. And when big signatures unfold in the heavens, we are usually right there to witness something big unfolding in the financial markets. The end of last week was such a period, and one of the four periods listed on page 41 of  “Forecast for 2007” when something significant would likely happen in stock markets, based on transits to the New York Stock Exchange chart (founded May 17, 1792). The dates given therein were: February 15-26, March 27-April 4, June 13-25, and July 26-August 2. On Thursday and Friday, the DJIA fell 311 and 208 points respectively. In our Wednesday night letter to daily subscribers, we wrote, “It is looking more like another sell off into at least Friday based on the transit of Mars to 23 fixed signs… There could be another steep decline by Friday’s close... Aggressive traders may want to sell for a 1-2 day decline. I would look for the break to start in China. Friday could be nasty.”

But the end of this past week (and early next week) is not solely the domain of a Mars transit. It is also the time in which Venus turns retrograde and the full moon takes place with the Sun in Leo. As stated in last week’s column: “On July 27, Venus will reverse its apparent direction through the heavens from 2 degrees of Virgo. It will remain in retrograde through September 8. Within 12 trading days of Venus turning retrograde, the U.S. stock market has had a 78% correlation to primary or greater cycles from which prices reversed substantially. But it is not only equities that are affected by this geocosmic event. All markets can experience major turns around this time, for Venus rules values and assets of all kinds.” Indeed, it wasn’t only stock indices of the world that went ballistic. Precious metals also took a big hit, with Silver falling nearly a whole dollar from its monthly high on Tuesday at 1358, to its low on Friday at 1265. Gold fell from a two-month high of 688 on Tuesday down to 657 intraday on Friday. Crude Oil, on the hand, soared to 77.24 on Thursday, just slightly below its all-time high of 78.40 attained one year ago. Likewise the Treasuries also soared last week, with T-Bonds and Notes reaching their highest level in two months.

Short-Term Geocosmics

Venus rules relationships, but it also rules correlations, or associations between areas which appear to have an affect on one another. For instance, it is said that the precious metals have a relationship to currency prices. Since they are traded in U.S. Dollars, the conventional wisdom holds that Gold and Silver prices appreciate as the value of the Dollar depreciates against other currencies. When Venus turns retrograde, as we note is happening now through September 8, it is oftentimes assumed by astrologers that relationships of love from the past re-appear. Or, we note that psychologically inhibiting patterns that have their roots in the past in regards to how we behave in relationships arise again. We may have thought we transcended these issues, like jealousy. But something happens, and we start to exhibit those same types of behaviors again that led to problems in previous relationships. But in terms of markets, we notice something different: the correlations that we have come to expect between various financial markets, like precious metals and currencies, may no longer seem to work. They seem to operate independently of one another. Traders need to be aware of this possible switch in association between previously related markets over the next 6 weeks. Otherwise, this period can be extremely frustrating, for things just don’t seem to “make sense.” Markets don’t behave like we thought they were supposed to behave. We may already be seeing this in the concept of the “Yen Carry-Trade,” which has basically been a “free lunch” for traders who have been buying U.S. stocks and selling the Japanese Yen to take advantage of a discrepancy in interest rates between the central banks of the two countries. In fact, one of the common occurrences noted historically during the times of Venus retrograde is that (some) Central Banks suddenly reverse their policies, and start floating messages that they will switch from being accommodative to restrictive, or vice-versa.

So where does this leave us in terms of cycles in stock indices? Has the 4-year cycle finally topped out? Or is this just another “fake out,” to be followed by another rally to new highs in the next few weeks? Time is running out for the 4-year cycle. It has to happen in this primary cycle, or else I will have to concede that for the first time since I have been a market analyst (approximately 30 years), I missed the 4-year cycle. If we don’t get a 10+% decline by the end of this November, then we will have to re-label our cycles to reflect that the 4-year cycle bottomed in either October 2005 or July 2006. If that is the case, it will be the first time in the history of the DJIA that the index did not fall at least 12%. Those two lows represented declines of only 7.5% and 8.5% respectively. In over 85% of 4-year cycles dating back to 1893, the decline has exceeded 20%. It is still my bias that this market will fall at least 10%, and perhaps more than 20%, by the time this new primary cycle ends. For the short-term, the high of the 4-year cycle could very well have been put in on July 17 when the DJIA topped out at 14,022. That was within 12 trading days of Venus turning retrograde, when primary or greater cycles unfold with 78% regularity (that’s huge!). However, this is a geocosmic reversal zone right now, and a rally is likely to unfold. If the rally is powerful and carries into Venus direct, we could still see new highs before an even more powerful decline unfolds. But if the rally is only corrective in nature, the decline to the 4-year cycle trough is already in process and probably won’t end before October-November, when this currently primary cycle is due to expire.

Long-Term Thoughts

Personal judgment cycles. When are we more apt to make errors in judgment? When is it more likely that our assessment of a situation – of what will happen – is completely wrong? What does astrology say about that, and how might this issue affect financial markets and the political landscape over the next few years?

In last week’s column, I wrote about the forthcoming transits to the chart of FED Chairman Ben Bernanke. I can now confirm that he was born December 13, 1953 in Augusta, Georgia, around noon, thanks to colleague and market analyst Garrett Jones. I pointed out that in 2008-2009, Uranus would cross his natal Moon, in a T-square to his natal Sun-Jupiter opposition at 21 Sagittarius and Gemini respectively. Around the time of the U.S.A. presidential election in November 2008, transiting Saturn will be in opposition to Uranus, and thus form a grand square to these three natal planets (Moon, Sun, and Jupiter). The point that I wish to add to last week’s column is that such transits from Uranus can indicate a period of time in one’s life where things do not unfold as expected. It is as if one is completely surprised by the way things are developing, and sudden changes in direction are necessary, or even forced. In the end, it appears that one completely misjudged the situation. As astrologers, we say this is usually an exciting time in one’s life, and things can work out well if one is completely flexible and willing to change quickly. But in reality, as astrologers, we know this is usually an unstable time when one’s plans have to be altered quite significantly. Consider that Uranus rules earthquakes and divorces.

Uranus is not the only long-term transit that correlates with either poor judgment or inaccurate assessment of a situation. Transiting Neptune in hard aspect to sensitive natal points may be even more troubling. Here one is more prone to wishful thinking, over-optimism, or even delusional thinking. As an example, note that Mr. Bush has been under one hard aspect of Neptune after another to his natal planets ever since February 2001 (Neptune opposite Ascendant), and they don’t end until January 2009 (Neptune in opposition to his Venus). In other words, the nearly entire term of his Presidency has been under hard Neptune transits. Although his idealism and patriotism may be applauded by many, his judgment in decision-making, and his assessment of current and future situations, has been under constant criticism as being “wrong,” and is the source of his extremely low approval ratings. The concern is this: will Mr. Bernanke go through a similar experience when his natal chart is hit by transiting Uranus? And if so, where did he misjudge the situation, and how will this be reflected in financial markets? Mr. Bernanke is one person we really don’t want to see make a serious misjudgment.

 

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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