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Comments for the Week Beginning October 6, 2008

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This Mercury retrograde period continues to be a killer for financial markets all around the world. It is not so much that Mercury retrograde is the culprit, for we get three of those events per year, on average. But when you begin a financial panic right at the beginning of it, and your financial leaders start the alarm bells ringing by stating that everyone must act immediately and without any time for thoughtful discussion, and then on top of that you add in the politics of a presidential election, you have the ingredients of an escalation of that panic, not the subduing of it as our leaders attempted. Mercury retrograde is regarded by Mundane and Financial Astrologers as a time for fact-finding, research, and thoughtful contemplation. It is not regarded as the “best of times” to make a final decision on matters. In this Mercury retrograde case, however, the sense of urgency and alarm was so great that the luxury of time was simply not allowed for fear that matters would become worse very quickly. Unfortunately, matters became worse very quickly even after the decisions were hastily agreed upon.

Equity markets in all regions of the planet fell to multi-year lows last week. Some made those lows on Tuesday, others on Friday. In Europe, the Netherlands AEX, London FTSE, and Swiss SMI Index all fell to their lowest levels in over three years last Tuesday, September 30. The German DAX fell to its lowest level in over two years on Friday, October 3.

In Asia and the Pacific Rim, the All Ordinaries of Australia made a double bottom last week to the lows realized on September 18, but together those were the lowest levels seen since December 2005. The Hang Seng of Japan fell to 16,800 last week, which held above the 16,283 low of September 18, But that is the lowest level since July 2006. On Friday, the Nikkei Index of Japan fell below 11,000 for the first time since 2004. The NIFTY index of India fell to 3715 on September 30, its lowest price since April 2007.

The U.S. markets fared even worse. On Friday, both the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the NASDAQ Composite fell to their lowest levels since 2005. The only good news is that each of these indices did not make new lows on technical oscillators we follow, which might give rise to a case of bullish oscillator divergence. But with Mercury retrograde, we already know not to depend upon technical studies. They are much more reliable when Mercury is not retrograde.

It wasn’t only the stocks that experienced an elevator ride down in price. Precious metals – especially Silver – and Crude Oil also fell hard last week, but not to new cycle lows. It seems that investors are cashing in everything now, for even food prices fell to their lowest price in several months last week. It doesn’t seem at all like inflation is the threat now, but rather deflation may be preparing to strike. However, remember one thing: it is still Mercury retrograde, and shortly after it returns to direct motion on October 15, the trends that were in effect prior to mid-September could very well resume.

Short-Term Geocosmics

 We are now right in the middle of this retrograde period. It is not unusual to see a sudden and sharp reversal of trends right around this period for those markets that have been in trends the past two weeks. Almost every market we track has been bearish during that time, so the possibility of a sudden brief and sharp rally is very real, according to this study.

 On Monday, the Sun will square Jupiter. Since Jupiter relates to the principle of exaggeration, there is a possibility of further panic and sell-off early this coming week. Maybe the bottom signified by the middle of Mercury retrograde period, and the Sun square Jupiter, is achieved by Monday.

 I think it is also interesting to point out that the Jupiter-Saturn trine in Earth signs for 2008 did not result in stable financial markets as modern day astrologers (such as myself) would have expected entering into this year. I posed the question earlier this year that perhaps the classical astrologers might have it right. Jupiter and Saturn in earth signs are more bearish for financial markets. Earth signs suppress prices, regardless of whether the planets are in a favorable trine relationship or not. This is a victory for the classical rules of astrology over modern day, and it is also an indication that the tropical zodiac may be more relevant to financial markets than the sidereal system. In the sidereal system, this trine would have taken place in fire signs, which would be considered more bullish. Last year (2007), Saturn and Jupiter were in trine in fire signs in the tropical system (water signs in sidereal), and the market was at record highs. Fire and air signs are generally bullish for equities, whereas earth and water are generally more bearish. So we score one for the tropical zodiac over sidereal, and another one for classical over modern day astrologers.

Longer-Term Thoughts

 Let me share a quote from the “Forecasts for 1996” book that was written 13 years ago. “But based upon these assumptions… there is not likely to be a major world war, nor nuclear holocaust, nor world wide economic collapse, nor major collapse of a political system that strongly influences the course of Humankind for the next twelve years minimum… Why 2008-2011? That is because there are no periods of time in which multiple aspects between the major long-term planets form in cardinal signs until then. And what happens then? Pluto ingresses into Capricorn, Uranus into Aries, Saturn into Libra. In addition, the Moon’s North Node will also move back into Capricorn. The last time these three planets (and Node) were all in Cardinal signs was 1967-72 and 1929-1931.”

 I bring this up for one very important reason. It is not because I, the Financial Astrologer, am so great. It is because astrology itself is such a valuable tool for society. In these turbulent times, Mundane and Financial Astrologers are oftentimes asked, “Well, if astrology works, why didn’t it predict this chaos we are now going through?” The fact is that in every Forecast Book written since 1995, this period of time beginning in 2008 was pointed out as one of the most significant anyone would ever live through in a lifetime. And the implication was always that it would be cathartic in terms of finances and economics, and probably other aspects of the human experience. Yet even though I was (to my knowledge) the first to specifically identify this important period of time, and the first to refer to it as the “Cardinal Climax,” this potent planetary line up could have been identified by any astrologer even decades before I identified it in a book written in 1991 titled: “Evolutionary Astrology: The Journey of the Soul Through States of Consciousness” (http://www.mmacycles.com/shop/).

 And so here we are, on the verge of a planetary “climax” that has been known for many years by anyone who studies the relationship of planetary movements to cycles in human activity. I would like to say this chaos will end quickly, but I cannot state that. My view is that this transformative period will last at least three years (this is the first year), maybe as many as seven years, and possibly even more. It is not the end of the world, but I believe it is the end of an era as we have known it, just as the 1920’s were the end of an era as we had known it. And if you have been wise and adhered to basic principles of saving money, then in the next couple of years you will be able to purchase things of value (like land, real estate, stocks) for approximately 10-50% of what the cost would have been prior to this period. In that regard, you can look at this as a giant “fire sale.” This is one of the characteristics that pertain to Pluto in Capricorn, 2008-2023. How far are we along in this cycle? I would guess that we have at least 40% more to go in the depreciation of equity values than we have seen so far. That is, the Dow Jones Industrial Average has now fallen almost 4000 points from its high of one year ago. I think it has at least 3000 more to go before the ultimate bottom is in, and maybe more. The real estate and vacant land market is probably in a similar phase of this cycle. There will be some outstanding values available to those who can afford it. But of course, at the very bottom, no one except the very brave and courageous will be willing to buy. So outwardly, we can use this period to save money and avoid debt, and inwardly we can use this period to develop our inner strength, a sense of courage and bravery to initiate action when the opportunity arises. It is coming.

 

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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