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 In typical Mercury retrograde fashion,  equity markets around the world gave mixed messages last week. Some were down hard early last week and then recovered. Some were down hard Monday, made another plunge Wednesday and Thursday, and then recovered. Still others were strong all week and closed at new all-time highs. But Financial Astrologers – as well as traders – will be equally challenged in the weeks to come, because we about to enter yet another large time band in which an abundance of geocosmic signatures unfold close in time to one another. This promises to be yet another important turning point in both the world of financial markets as well as in geopolitical developments.

 Following the all-time and multi-year highs of October 11, (right on our last three-star critical reversal date), most equity markets of the world continued their sharp sell-off into Monday, October 22. Cyclical lows on that day were noted in all the European and American markets, plus the Asian and Pacific Rim markets with the exception of the Japanese Nikkei stock index, which continued lower into Thursday, October 25. Many of these markets made a secondary low on Wednesday or Thursday, before turning up sharply to end the week higher. This fits well with last week’s comments, stating, “Perhaps we can relieve some of this concern by reminding readers that Mercury is retrograde, October 11 through November 1. It is typically a time of mixed messages from political leaders an economic data and it oftentimes results in such large price swings and fake outs, especially right around the 9th calendar day and 9th trading day, which is this weekend through the middle of next week. We also note that the all-time highs of the stock market occurred with the new moon in Libra. When the lunation in Libra coincides with a high, stock prices can fall sharply into the full moon two weeks later. The full moon occurs this Friday, October 26.” The lows of all world markets were in by Thursday, October 25, which was right between the 9th calendar day of Mercury retrograde and the full moon.

 In other markets, Crude Oil and the Euro currency continued their torrid advance to new all-time highs. Gold also advanced strongly to its highest levels since the all-time highs of January 1980. There seems to be no end in sight to these “blow-offs.” But soon Mars will turn retrograde, so those in Europe looking to take advantage of the big spread between the Euro currency and the Dollar should consider locking in prices soon. It will be like getting a big discount on U.S. goods – like the annual Forecast Book or any MMA newsletters (OK, I am biased, but you get the idea). But, it does seem like the U.S. and its goods are now for sale. Yet the 26-month cycle low in these currencies is coming up soon, and with it I suspect a 10% rally in the Dollar, within four months of this coming January. The reversal could start at any time, and Mars turning retrograde (November 14, +/- 2 weeks) is a good place to look for that to start.

Short-Term Geocosmics

 Financial astrologers will be focusing their attention on several planetary changes of directions in the next few weeks. The astrology of the stock and financial markets is apt to be explosive not only as a result of all these planetary changes of direction, but also because they form so many hard mathematical aspects to one another between October 25 and November 30. There are no more than 6 calendar days separating any two consecutive geocosmic signatures during this period, making it an extremely vulnerable period to unexpected market swings. 

 But the retrograde and direct shifting of planets is indicative of surprises in mundane events as well as economic data reports. For instance, in this coming week, Neptune turns direct on Wednesday (October 31) and Mercury follows with the same pattern the next day, November 1. That means a Mercury-Neptune theme will be strong in the world for a few days surrounding these days. Since Mercury relates to mental processes and the disbursement of information (like news), and Neptune’s nature is to hide, retreat, or camouflage, we might anticipate a lot if misinformation to be released. It can be a very confusing time for investors. It is interesting that the FED will make an interest rate announcement around this time. This is a period that highlights rumors, where the intention behind these rumors (or misinformation) is not clear. In fact, the intention may be to intentionally distort or deceive, in order to hide another agenda or reality altogether. Neptune also rules oil, gases, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and fluids of all kinds. It can correspond to changes in the crude oil market, oil spills, floods, or the advent of new viruses and diseases requiring new forms of treatment. Or possibly there is a problem with an existing form of treatment that is hushed.

 But the big geocosmic event coming up is Mars retrograde on November 14, which just happens to be right near the middle of this geocosmic cluster. Not only that, but it occurs at 12 degrees of Cancer, right near the natal Sun of George W. Bush and the United States. Mars, as long-time readers know, is the planet of war and aggression. But when it is activated near a retrograde phase, it can lead to serious and unexpected problems for the aggressor. It is usually a very critical error in judgment to initiate aggressive and/or military activities around this time. And yet the ‘urge” to do so is great, for certain parties feel their warnings have been ignored, and thus frustration can grow to untenable levels, leading to ill-advised and even regrettable actions. Such developments could turn financial markets right around.

Longer-Term Thoughts

 Speaking of Mars retrograde themes, we note the headlines in Friday’s “Wall Street Journal,” stating “The White House imposed sweeping new sanctions against Iran.” The article goes on to state, “The moves are aimed at inducing change in Iran, but they raise concerns the administration is laying the groundwork for military action….” And in response to this decision Russian President (Putin) said, “I think running around like a lunatic – with a razor and waving a red banner – isn’t the best way to solve this kind of problem. (Sanctions) worsen the situation, leading it to a dead end.” Does it sound like Mars about to turn retrograde? And does the White House stance that this decision is not a forerunner to military action sound like Mercury and Neptune going stationary this week? Who or what can you believe under these signatures? Nothing. And oftentimes the words will be in direct opposition to the intention.

 Which brings us finally to Charlie Rangel, Chairman of the House Ways and Means committee, who just this week released his “Mother of all tax reforms” package. But consistent with Mercury and Neptune changing directions together, what Mr. Rangel is actually proposing is quite possibly the largest tax increase in history, according to Republican critics. On the bright side, the proposal does offer to cut corporate taxes from 35% to 30.5%, which helps make U.S. businesses more competitive in the world. Currently the U.S. “… now finds itself with nearly the highest (corporate tax) rate in the developed world,” according to WSJ.  On the other hand, Rangel wants to add a 4% tax surcharge to anyone making more than $200,000/year, raise the capital gains tax to 19.6% from 15%, and initiate higher taxes on small businesses. “Add it all up, and you get new taxes of $1 trillion or more,” according to the WSJ. If the Wall Street editors are reading this right, then the tax package will become the “Mother of all tax increases.”

 Yet all of this fits in perfectly well with the history of the Saturn – Pluto cycle, as discussed several times in our past columns. That is, from the conjunction to opposition (1982-2001), federal deficits are reduced as are taxes and interest rates, and the economy and stock markets soar. But from opposition to conjunction (2002-2020), the opposite happens. That is, federal deficits increase, interest rates and taxes go up, and the economy and stock markets stagnate. So far, taxes have not gone up and the stock markets have not stagnated, the one rather positive aspect of the Bush presidency. But all that could change as the third and final passage of the Saturn oppositions to planets beyond its orbit take place in this decade. That will be the Saturn-Uranus opposition of 2008-2010. After that, all the Saturn cycles to planets beyond its orbit will be in their waning phase through 2020. Expect economies and stock markets throughout the world to struggle for a good part of that period. But also expect some fantastic opportunities to be also available to those who are smart investors. Just follow the youth. They lead the way to future opportunities when Saturn and Uranus are in their 45-year opposition aspect, just like they did in the early 1920’s and the mid-1960’s.

 

Announcements


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, 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), 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, go to http://www.mmacycles.com/services, or call our offices at 1-248-626-3034. 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.”

CD’s DVD’s, MP3’s, and “On-Line Streaming Video” 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 is right before the astrological midpoint of the Cardinal Climax, which takes place late July through early August. 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. You won’t want to miss this presentation. Order now, because most of the trading opportunities presented are in effect from July 21 through October 8, 2010!!!

Any remaining copies of the Forecast 2010 book will be available for $30.00 (plus postage), now as long as supplies last. This year’s book was an incredible publication, as almost everything forecasted in it has come out as described. All the themes outlined, and almost all the financial markets are unfolding as indicated with one exception: there has (as of yet) been no sign of excessive speculation in stocks or precious metals. Instead, frightened investors are flocking to U.S. Treasuries. Everything else, however, has been spot on, and there is still time for this to happen in stocks and precious metals into mid-2011. We now offer a complimentary copy of this year’s book to any new or renewing subscriber of a one-year subscription to the MMA Cycles Report, our new MMA European Cycles report, or any subscription to a MMA daily or weekly report, as long as books are still available. See special offer on the opening page of www.mmacycles.com.

The monthly MMA Cycles Report and its companions – the MMA Japan Cycles Report and MMA European Cycles Report – came out this week, Monday and Tuesday, via posting on our web site, and attachment via direct emails, for subscribers. W also sent an update to subscribers on Wednesday. If you subscribe to these reports and did not get them, let us know 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. New yearly (or renewing) subscribers to these reports will receive a free copy of the Forecast 2010 book while supplies last (see below). For subscription information, please go to SERVICES at www.mmacycles.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 volatility 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 to exactly when to enter and exit any market.

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 may 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 will host a special gathering for MMA Subscribers on Sunday, October 3, the day of Brazil’s elections!!!

January 5, 2011: Forecast 2011! Speech and live webcast from Birmingham, MI. Details to be announced soon.

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.

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

The MMA Catalogue of products and services for 2010 is available for download in PDF at http://www.mmacycles.com/option,com_docman/task,doc_download/gid,161/Itemid,63/. The ordering page is the last page of the catalogue. This is especially useful for those outside of the USA, since we do not send these by snail mail unless requested.

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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