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Comments for the Week Beginning May 18, 2009

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 It was certainly a Mercury retrograde type of week. Up one day, down the next, up again, down more. But it is also Saturn turning direct this weekend, so the trend was more down as the week wore on for most indices around the world. Most indices topped out early last week, then fell into their weekly lows on Thursday or Friday.
 
 Gold continued its rally throughout most of the week, exceeding 930 on Friday. The same with grains, which rallied almost all week, topped out on Friday and then sold off into the close. The currencies of Europe did the same against the Dollar, although they topped out Wednesday before selling off into Friday. Crude briefly topped $60.00/barrel on Tuesday, but then closed the week slightly above 56.00.

 What does it all mean? Well, in the case of Gold and grains, it means they are now vulnerable since they have rallied for several weeks, making new cycle highs into the middle of the Mercury retrograde zone. But in the case of currencies, crude oil, and stocks, they rallied into early last week, and then declined into this weekend’s Saturn stationary signature. Anything that declines in a powerful Saturn signature is a good candidate for seeing a bottom, followed by a reversal. But clearly, we have a lot of conflicting signals in force right now, typical of Mercury retrograde. This is why we suggest only trading very short-term now, for position trading is an experience suited only for masochists – people who enjoy stress - at this time.

Short-Term Geocosmics

 We are getting a preview of the forthcoming Jupiter-Neptune conjunction now. On Saturday, May 16, the Sun will square the Jupiter side of this conjunction, and on Sunday it will square Neptune. This is known as a “translation” of the faster moving body (the Sun… well, actually the Earth) to the longer-term planetary signature. Thus the principles of the longer-term aspect will be brought to the forefront. In typical Neptune expression, the stock market has refused to go down sharply. But it doesn’t really soar higher either. It kind of floats around like a helium balloon suspended in the air, waiting for something to push it one way or the other.

 Saturn turning direct this weekend is bringing a little more reality into the picture. However, even that may be limited since the actual Jupiter-Neptune conjunction occurs shortly after, May 27, followed by Neptune turning retrograde on May 28, and Mercury turning direct on May 30. It seems like it is mostly Mercury and Neptune for this month. This indicates a lack of clarity for the most part, even with the Saturn station. If anything, one might consider that Saturn is “pricking” the bubble of Jupiter and Neptune early this week. Faith and hope are giving way to criticism and demands for more accountability and truthfulness, and the market is worried. But things might just re-inflate again by the end of this next week. Our focus may have to shift more towards the first half of June, when the Sun will T-square the Saturn-Uranus opposition. That time band will more than likely bring some hard reality back onto the stage, and perhaps a more sustained movement in the world equity markets, instead of just “floating along” the Jupiter-Neptune river to nowhere.

Longer-Term Thoughts

 The principles and manifestations of the Jupiter-Neptune conjunction are actually happening now. In fact, they are being reinforced with the Mercury retrograde. Anytime there are hard aspects involving Neptune, it has the potential to be a period of confusion, illusion, and delusion. It is a time when rumors can run rampant, creating a sense of hysteria and panic. It is a time when accusations can be hurled about freely, without any regard for the consequences those allegations may have on the reputations of others. It is also a time when denial and lying can be in evidence, resulting in great embarrassment. With Mercury retrograde, these behaviors may be compounded, for this is a time when words don’t seem to matter too much at all, because everyone denies they said them, or else claims they were misled or misunderstood. The entire period can cause utter confusion, illusion, or delusion.

 What is the truth? It comes down to “he said/she said.” And who do you believe? Who do you trust? If you are a Democrat, you probably believe Nancy Pelosi and Barack Obama. If you are a Republican, you probably believe former Vice-President Dick Cheney and the CIA. If you are an independent, you probably think they are all lying, changing their tunes, flip-flopping, and avoiding accountability. Yom may be frustrated and dismayed by all the unsubstantiated allegations being tossed about. So, was Pelosi briefed on the CIA’s use of water boarding torture (how’s that for a Jupiter-Neptune symbol)? And what is up with Obama’s flip-flop on releasing photos (another domain of Neptune) of the CIA’s enhanced interrogation techniques on alleged terrorist detainees? And now the threat of the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) to take the matter to the Supreme Court to force their release, alleging along the way that the Obama administration is not being as transparent and open as he promised during the campaign? Aren’t they supposedly on the same team?

 Promises made, and not delivered. Promises made, and then re-explained. Positions taken, and then backed away from. You can drown in the sea of misinformation that is flooding consciousness from the political theatre via the media. It is all part of the downside of the otherwise positive Jupiter-Neptune conjunction coming up. You may not know which side is up or down these days. And if you are really confused, read Janet Napolitano’s new Homeland Security manual that provides a whole new vocabulary of terms we must learn to cope in today’s new world, especially regarding terrorist activity… er…. “man caused disasters.” 

 But really, this may be the best time of all to just turn off the television, screen out the press and media reports, and either meditate, relax, or go on a vacation. There is little truth to be found out there today, and there is no one you can really believe at this time, except…. inside of yourself. Today’s truth is… inside of you. Everyone in the public eye has another agenda right now and for them, the truth is all about fear mongering and convincing you of someone else’s wrongdoing. That’s not truth. That’s malicious gossip, or the dark side of Neptune. And it is likely to be exaggerated even more this week as heliocentric Mercury enters Sagittarius (May 19-30). You want the upside of Jupiter-Neptune? Go have fun, and find the source of happiness that is within you. Only you can create this happiness, whereas tragedies such as man - or nature – caused disasters are outside of your control. That’s the positive message of Jupiter and Neptune, especially under Mercury Rx.

 

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!!!

ForumOnAstrology.com is holding a three-day video conference on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, October 1st, 2nd, and 3, 2010. This pioneering Internet astrological conference features dozens of internationally known speakers.  Very economically priced, all participants have access to all live broadcasts with the ability to replay them from the archives for up to three months. Call (212) 929-4507 or email Inquiries@ForumOnAstrology.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 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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