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Comments for the Week Beginning June 16, 2008

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 Nearly all the leading equity markets of the world fell to their lowest price since mid-May by the end of last week. Several of these started a modest rally by Friday.

 The interesting part of last week’s market behavior is that stock indices were down nearly the entirety of the May 22-June 13 “translation” period of Sun-Venus to Saturn-Uranus forthcoming opposition, as described in this report over the past couple of weeks. This is the third such translation period of the year, following the ones that coincided with the lows of January and March. It now comes to end, and we wait to observe whether or not this also means the decline comes to an end.

 Stock indices were not the only financial market in decline much of last week. Gold and Silver also fell to their lowest levels in over a month. From a high of 934 on May 21, Gold fell to a low of 860 on June 12. Silver’s decline was from 1833 on May 23 to 1625 on June 12, again coincident with the “translation” period of Sun-Venus in square to both the Saturn-Uranus that make up the forthcoming opposition later this year. Currencies also fell hard last week against the U.S. Dollar.

 But other commodities rose sharply, especially the grains. Corn soared to a record high of 737 on Friday. Both Soybeans and Wheat rallied substantially last week too. The rise in Corn was attributed to rainy conditions in the grain belt that is delaying the growth of Corn. While we expected Corn to soar above 700 quickly in our subscription reports, the cause was not as we anticipated (we anticipated demand due to ethanol would create the rally). Yet the presence of too much rain can also be explained in terms of Financial Astrology. Neptune rules rains and floods. We are in a period when the planetoid Chiron, as well as the North Node of the Moon, are in a conjunction to Neptune. Thus Neptune is highlighted this spring and summer, and coincides with heavy rains. It may also be a factor in the continual rise in Crude Oil prices, for Neptune also rules Crude Oil.

Short-Term Geocosmics

 Mercury will end its retrograde motion this week, June 19. Give it about a week, and then we would anticipate that financial markets will return to more “normal” behavior, from a technical studies point of view.  In other words, we will start coming out of this highly erratic and quite unpredictable zone, when events occur suddenly and without much warning, or reports are released which are considerably off the mark of most forecasters (think the recent Employment report, as well as the release of the former press secretary Scott McClellan’s expose on the current White House Administration).

 There are a series of interesting opposition aspects coming up between planets in the next couple of weeks. Oppositions are important because they represent the climax of cycles that began at their conjunction point. They can mark a turn in the trend of various financial markets which they pertain to. On Wednesday of this week, Venus will be in opposition to Pluto, followed by the Sun doing the same on Friday, June 20.  Pluto rules debt markets, like currencies and Treasuries. We might anticipate that Fed Chair Ben Bernanke comes under some rather severe challenges during this period. On June 21, Mars will be in opposition to Neptune, something that could relate to a climax in the Crude Oil market. On July 3 and 9 respectively, first Venus and then the Sun will be opposition to Jupiter. The later aspect is one of the most powerful correlates to primary or greater cycles in U.S. stock indices within 10 trading days. It can coincide with “Big Range” days, the 200+point types in the DJIA, especially since a Mars-Saturn conjunction occurs the very next day, and Uranus aspects to other planets unfold July 6 and July 14. Remember: when a combination of signatures involving Mars, Jupiter, and/or Uranus is present, stock indices tend to have “Big Range” days nearby. July 6-14 is one of those periods.

 The entire period of June 12 through July 14 is a powerful geocosmic cluster zone. During this time band there are no less than 15 important geocosmic signatures unfolding, and no two consecutive ones are more than 5 calendar days apart. Seven of these are our most powerful Level One types, including three that take place June 20 (Sun-Pluto opposition), June 21 (Mars-Neptune opposition) and June 26 (Uranus stationary direct). The last one is extremely powerful, with a 77% correlation to primary or greater cycles within 11 trading days. All this activity suggests that one of the best trading opportunities of the year could be readying any day now.

Longer-Term Thoughts

 I have referred to the importance of certain time bands this year in which faster moving planets make hard aspects to the forthcoming Saturn-Uranus opposition. My belief is that these periods, known as “translations” of the faster moving bodies to the longer-term aspect, will give us a glimpse of what to expect between November 4, 2008 and July 26, 2010, when the exact 45-year opposition of Saturn and Uranus take place in a five-passage series. The first four of those oppositions occur with Saturn in Virgo and Uranus in Pisces. Saturn in Virgo by itself represents a time when the working people of the planet become very dissatisfied with their working conditions – especially their pay scale, which they see as a sign of inequity in comparison to the affluence of the management, executive, or upper echelons of society. Typically the workers (laborers) demand intervention on the part of government to make changes that correct these inequities, or else they stop working. They go on strikes, demanding more money and better working conditions. Productivity goes down and distribution channels are interrupted.

 With Uranus in the equation, there can be an even more serious note of protest and rebellion. Again, the protests are aimed at the government or those in authority, which are represented by Saturn. Thus it can become a time of class warfare.

 We are currently in such a “translation” period, May 22-June 13, when both the Sun and Venus are transiting through Gemini, making first a square to Saturn, and then a square to Uranus. I am here in Tokyo this week, and it never fails to amaze me to see the difference in emphasis placed on various news items than we see in the United States. Here the front page headlines are all about protests taking place in Asian countries, such as India and South Korea. The later instance is particularly interesting, where tens of thousands of South Koreans are staging such a massive protests that the cabinet of the 100-day old government “offered to resign, taking responsibility for a string of political miscalculations that have sent support for President Lee Myung-bak’s government tumbling,” according to an article in Wednesday’s Asian Financial Times newspaper The reason for the protests? Sharply rising oil prices and the government’s decision to ease restrictions of U.S. imports on meat from cows, in the midst of an economy that is falling faster than they expected or forecasted. The Korean populace resents that the new government is “kowtowing” to the American government by allowing American beef into their country. They fear the dreaded “mad cow disease” will strike. Judging by their intense overreaction to the problem, it appears it may be too late. 

 But here is the thing that is pertinent to the United States. From a leadership point of view, could something like this happen in America soon?  The Times report goes on to state in that same article and another on the next day, “The scenes Tuesday illuminated the dramatic shift in President Lee’s political fortunes…. Mr. Lee’s government made grand pledges to overhaul the stagnant economy when it took office at the end of February… While championing a pragmatic leadership, Lee overlooked Koreans nationalistic pride. If what troubled Roh’s presidency (the prior President) was too much nationalism, Lee’s problem is a lack of it.” Hmmm, this sounds vaguely familiar.

 I have referred to the Saturn-Uranus opposition often in the context of the U.S. forthcoming election. The aspect is highly unpredictable, except that it promises sudden and unexpected events into the election, and immediately afterwards. It clearly defines the stark difference between the candidates. One is youthful, charismatic, and promises a great change, but cannot be accused of being overly nationalistic, which are characteristics of Uranus. The other is older, a national war hero, much more experienced, but represents the more conservative and nationalistic element, which is Saturn. Does the U.S.A. go for the promise of bold new changes at a time that the current party in office is so unpopular and nationalistic, as did South Korea? If so, could it be a landslide victory for the Democrats, as many are predicting, with all of the nation’s hopes wrapped up in the belief that these bold new changes will indeed take place quickly? And what happens if in the critical first 100 days, the failing economy suffers further and the promised changes aren’t taking place? With Saturn in Virgo representing discontent, and Uranus in opposition representing the urge to rebel, could there be massive protests because things aren’t getting better, and the hopes of the populace are falling faster than George W. Bush’s approval ratings? Yes, that is one possibility, and it is now a reality in South Korea, related to the translation of the Sun-Venus to the forthcoming Saturn-Uranus opposition. It could portend a theme that we see next year in the U.S.A. But it is Uranus to Saturn, and so there are several other possible themes related to the unexpected that are experienced as well. After all, the first passage of this Saturn-Uranus reality will take place right on Election Day, 2008.  All we know is this: events will happen, and reactions to those events will be exaggerated, in ways that we did not fully expect. We may not get what we wish for, or even expect, without solid planning and understanding of the dynamics that are present. And there are so many dynamics present. Reality trumps hope, unless hope takes into account reality and consists of something more concrete than just wishful thinking and desire for change.

 

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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