Weekly Preview Comments for the Week Beginning March 30, 2009 
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| Comments for the Week Beginning March 30, 2009 |
Review and PreviewThe countertrend Venus retrograde rally in stocks in stocks continued through most of last week. In fact, the lead article of Friday’s Wall Street Journal declared this a new bull market, as the “Dow (is) Up 21% in 13 Days in Quickest Rally Since 1938…” On Thursday high of 7931, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 22.5% from its 12-year low of 6470 on March 6, the day Venus began its retrograde motion. Other world indices made their multi-year lows the following Monday-Tuesday, March 9-10. And all continued higher last week. As stated in last week’s column, “It is not unusual to see a market making a multi-month high or low nearby to Venus turning retrograde, and then reverse in the opposite direction until the time its motion returns direct. If the Venus retrograde is more powerful than the Sun’s translation to the Saturn-Uranus-Pluto T-square, then the market should continue its rally for a few more weeks before taking out the low of March 6-10.” For some strange reason, the investment community has accepted the rule of 20% up or down as the definition of a bull and bear market respectively. As a Cycles’ Analyst, that is not our definition of a bull or bear market. It is not measured in terms of percent gain or loss, but rather according to length of time and pattern. For instance, it is a “bullish” if the high of a new cycle is occurring after the 8th week. It is bullish if both the trough and crest of the 13-21 week primary cycle are higher than the trough and crest of the prior primary cycle. This new cycle is only three weeks old. The crest of the previous primary cycle was 9088 (January 5-6). We won’t know if this primary cycle’s trough is higher than the prior one until it ends in about 10-18 more weeks. The last primary cycle (March 6) certainly was lower than the prior one (7449 on November 21). As you can see, this market has a long way to go before it can be defined as a new bull market. You might also find interesting the last three major DJIA rallies since the economic crisis hit in September. The first lasted four weeks, from October 10 to November 4. The DJIA rallied 1772 points, from 7882 to 9654. The second rally lasted almost 7 weeks (Nov 21-Jan 6), from 7449 to 9088, and covered 1639 points. This one has now lasted 3 weeks, and in this time the DJIA has risen 1461 points so far. It is not that this isn’t a bull market. However, except for that arbitrarily accepted “20% rule,” there is nothing to confirm it as such as of this time. Of the three post-crash rallies, this one has so far gained the least amount of points. And now we are right in the middle of the Venus retrograde zone (March 6-April 17). This is a point where a sharp but short reversal can occur (see “Short-Term Geocosmics”). In fact, most stock indices did start to pull back on Friday, right on time, according to this rule of “retrograde motions” in Financial Astrology. This rule states that if a market is making a significant high or low when Mercury or Venus (and probably Mars) turn retrograde, then that “trend” may be briefly (but sharply) interrupted at the halfway point of that planet’s retrograde motion. The mid-point of the Venus retrograde period had a similar impact on Crude Oil, Grains, and Currency prices last week. All had been up sharply since the week Venus turned retrograde. All made new highs for their cycles into last week. But then each of these markets ended the week with significant pullbacks. Short-Term GeocosmicsWe are right in the middle of the Venus retrograde period now (March 6-April 17) as of March 27. As discussed above, it is not unusual to see a sharp but short reversal around this time in any market that started a new trend at the time of the retrograde. Since the U.S. stock market made its primary cycle low right on March 6, as Venus turned retrograde, and it has been up ever since, this market is a good candidate for such a short-term decline right about now. There is another concern looming on the horizon. Transiting Mars is about to begin its “translation” to the Saturn-Uranus opposition, April 4-15. In 2008, such “translations” were accompanied by sharp declines in stock indices throughout the world. It hasn’t been that way in 2009. In fact, it has coincided instead with sharp rallies. Note that the last “translation” occurred with the Sun making the same aspects to Saturn and Uranus (opposition and conjunction respectively), March 8-13. That coincided with the low in most world stock indices, from which started this current bull run. We wait to see if a similar decline will happen this time into April 4-15), with another strong advance to follow. Or, if instead, new cycles highs in stock indices form then, and it is just the opposite. The one thing that does seem almost certain, however, is that with Mars in opposition to Saturn, followed by its conjunction to Uranus (and all of this occurring in mutable signs), the markets will be volatile. These are signatures that oftentimes coincide with the threat of military conflicts or terrorist activity, and a tendency towards aggression on the world political stage. In terms of nature, it can coincide with fires, explosives, as well as tornadoes, earthquakes, or volcano eruptions. Longer-Term ThoughtsHere it comes. Last week’s report stated, “… the first non-lunar aspect made as we begin spring will be the Sun square Pluto on Monday, March 23. With Pluto in the picture as the spring equinox begins, the focus is once again on debt, for Pluto rules debt, death, and taxes.” So what were the themes of all last week? Wednesday’s Wall Street Journal started off with “White House to Hunt for New Tax Revenues.” The front page snippet said, “The White House plans to seek new tax revenues, as lawmakers move to pare proposed spending increases and tax cuts.” Well, we welcome the consideration to pare back on the proposed $3.6 trillion spending plan. But we worry about paring back on the tax cuts promised to 95% of the population after only 1-2 years. I am not sure the American voter understood the tax break would be so… temporary. But it does fit in with the waning phase of the Saturn-Pluto cycle (2001-2020), described so often in past columns. This is when federal deficits increase, and are soon followed by increases in taxes and interest rates. So far we haven’t had the increases in taxes or interest rates. But now as we approach the middle of the Saturn-Pluto cycle (i.e. the waning square of November 2009-August 2010), we see the winds of change coming. Yet this doesn’t have to be a negative, and the very next day the Wall Street Journal printed a story titled “White House Leans Towards Tighter Enforcement of Taxes.” The title sounds ominous and certainly consistent with one’s worst nightmare about Saturn square Pluto (i.e. getting that dreaded notice from the IRS that you will be audited). But within that article comes a glimmer of hope, fairness, and entirely consistent with suggestions on how to handle the deficit problem positively in light of the Saturn-Pluto history. Midway through the article, John D. McKinnon writers, “A growing number of experts… say the U.S. should consider switching to more efficient means of raising revenues – for example, taxes on consumption.” This is how it is done in many countries today – countries where the population has a much higher savings rate than the USA. Instead of taxing on one’s net income, which will always be unpopular and in dispute, a shift towards a tax on consumption might be more popular. A balance between these two may be more favorable. Obama can then keep his campaign promise, increase his popularity, while at the same time raising more revenues that escapes the U.S. Treasury through tax evasion or avoidance. In other words, lowering the inflammatory income tax, and by the same percentage (not a higher percentage) adopting a new consumption tax – or “VAT” (Value Added Tax). This would be a tax reform (in the USA) consistent with the Saturn-Pluto waning phase, while at the same time it would encourage a transformation of our addiction to debt and spending. Taxing on purchases – instead of on one’s working wages – will help individuals develop the habit of savings. One will think twice before spending carelessly. In the waxing phase of Saturn-Pluto, the tendency was to spend and invest (i.e. “Appreciate your capital’). In the downside of the Saturn-Pluto cycle, the mantra is “Protect your capital.” This may be one way to transform this difficult phase of the Saturn-Pluto cycle into something more fair and constructive, and in line with the principles upon which this country was founded (a tax on income was not part of this country’s founding). It is far more constructive to raise monies this way than to send the tax collectors out to audit more and more people. Of course, reducing the government’s parabolic spending spree could do the trick too. |
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.
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