Menu Content

Merriman Market Analyst

Home arrow Weekly Preview arrow Comments for the Week Beginning September 1, 2008
Advertisement
Please note:
This is not the same as our service titled
"MMA Weekly Comments and Recommendations on Financial Markets"
which is available by subscription only.
Flowchart on MMA Products and Services
Comments for the Week Beginning September 1, 2008

Review and Preview

 On Thursday evening, at 8:17 PM, MDST, in Denver, Colorado, Barack Obama accepted the nomination of the Democratic Party for the office of President of the United States. In accepting this nomination, he became the first person of color to be nominated for this position on one of the major parties in the USA. At that moment, Pluto was conjunct the Midheaven within only one degree, and on the Galactic Center. Uranus was in the twelfth house, three degrees from the Ascendant, while Venus was only four degrees above the Descendant (seventh house), in an almost exact square to Pluto. The ruling planet, Neptune, was in the twelfth house, in an applying opposition to the Moon in Leo near the cusp of the sixth house. This is a very powerful chart, with so many planets conjunct an angle. The positions of Uranus and Pluto illustrate the remarkable and historic nature of this event. But does it indicate success, or attainment of the goal, which is to become the president of the USA? With Pluto conjunct the Midheaven, and being retrograde and in square aspect to Venus and Mercury, I have doubts. The problem, as I see it from this chart, is also the Pisces rising and its ruler Neptune in the twelfth house. Although Pluto and Uranus pertain to his inspirational message of “change,” the Pisces-Neptune placements indicate the very difficulty that the pollsters have been pointing out all along. That is, the general public may not really feel they know or understand – or even trust - the man behind the powerful words. They are moved by the message, but they don’t quite get the messenger. Pluto on the MC, going retrograde, also suggests that something behind the scenes may be about to erupt that affects Senator Obama. He may be facing a very powerful machine whose intent is to harm his reputation and/or completely distort his message, for Pluto in such a vital place represents the possibility of sabotage. For those who are astrologers, note that the Pluto on the MC and Galactic Center, also rules the 8th house. Obama’s quest for the White House will certainly be accompanied by changes. If he succeeds, it will result in massive reforms and changes of direction for the USA. If he doesn’t succeed, it may be a result of forces that are terribly threatened by the changes and reforms he represents.

 The equity markets started slowly last week. Most indices fell sharply Monday and into early Tuesday, before recovering smartly into Thursday-Friday. In Europe, both the London FTSE and Switzerland SMI indices achieved multi-week highs on Friday. The AEX of Netherlands and DAX of Germany also posted their highs of the week on Friday, but they were below the highs of August 12 and 13. Australia’s All Ordinaries and Japan’s Nikkei also posted their highs of the week on Friday, with the All Ords at their highest level in nearly two months. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell sharply on Monday, down over 200 points, but recovered the next morning and posted a weekly high on Thursday, which was up over 200 points. But then on Friday, the DJIA gave most of that back again, ahead of Hurricane Gustav’s projected path towards New Orleans, due to hit land early next week.

 Fears of Hurricane Gustav also caused a sharp rise in Crude Oil during the week. It was above 120.00 at times, but ended the week at 115.46. Gold and Silver were relatively strong too, but couldn’t quite break out enough to confirm the long-term cycle lows are in.

Short-Term Geocosmics

This weekend (August 30) finds the new moon in Virgo conjunct Saturn. The actual Sun-Saturn conjunction takes place on September 3. Normally this would imply a serious and even depressing time. However, Saturn is now moving towards its trine to Jupiter, so the Sun will also form a trine to the “Great Benefic.” Whereas Saturn restricts and represses, Jupiter expands and offers hope. The combination is said to be a moderation of both forces. Matters won’t get too exaggerated because Saturn is present. At the same time, matters won’t get too depressed either, because Jupiter is present. This combination can lead to good judgment and the passage of laws or agreements that result in favorable outcomes.

These are not the only signatures involving Jupiter in the next few days. In fact, there are several. On September 4, the Sun trines Jupiter. On September 7, Mars will square Jupiter and Jupiter will turn stationary direct. One day later, Jupiter will trine Saturn, the same day that Pluto turns stationary direct. The day after that, September 9, Venus will square Jupiter and two days later Venus and Mars will conjunct. With all of these Jupiter signatures, one might expect large price swings in many financial markets, especially those ruled by Jupiter, like Crude Oil. With Pluto also changing directions, there is a danger of great destruction in the next two weeks, perhaps from natural causes, like hurricanes. We also note that from September 3 through September 13, the Sun will translate as a T-square to the forthcoming Saturn-Uranus opposition. Such signatures can correspond to deadly hurricanes and winds, as well as sharp price movements in many financial markets, especially equities.

Longer-Term Thoughts

 As Mundane and Financial Astrologers, we tend to think of the forthcoming Saturn-Uranus opposition as a harbinger of great changes. Saturn is the planet of “The Establishment,” or “The status quo.” It is conservative by nature, and hence we tend to think it describes the Republican Party today, perhaps because the Republicans currently hold the White House, or perhaps because their platform over the past 28 years had been conservative, maybe even ultra conservative. We tend to think of the Democratic Party as Uranus in this set up, because they have laid claim to be being the party of change, the progressive party. Many professional astrologers believe that the Saturn-Uranus opposition portends change of the status quo, and therefore favors the election of the challenging party, which in this case is the Democratic Party headed by Scorpio Joe Biden and Leo Barack Obama. I am not so sure this is how these two planets will operate. I am not so sure that Uranus trumps Saturn when they come into aspect, and implies a change of party in power. I am certain that it means the populace is frustrated and upset and wants a change. We saw that in 1965-1966 when these two planets last made their opposition.

 If we go back and examine historical periods when Saturn and Uranus were in conjunction or opposition, we will see an interesting correlation. The last time these two planets were in such an aspect was 1988. They were conjunct. At that time, astrologers also believed there would be a change of parties in the White House, due to this signature. But instead of electing the Democratic challenger Michael Dukakis, who was far ahead in the polls within three months of the election, the American public switched their preference and elected Republican George Bush Sr, thus continuing the Republican reign of power. Of course, the discontent with Bush Sr led to his defeat in the next election. Before that, Saturn and Uranus were in opposition from October 1918 through June 1920. The 1920 election coincided with the near record surprising victory of Republican Warren Harding, which ended the Democratic reign of power in the White House. Before that was the Saturn Uranus conjunction of January 1897. The election of November 1896 found Republican William McKinley the victor, and again a change of leadership.

 Thus it appears that these two planets in major aspect may or may not correspond with a change of party in the office of Presidency. But so far, all instances had one thing in common: all victors were Republicans. I know my liberal friends will not like this, but to me, the astrological signatures point more to a McCain election than Obama one. What my liberal friends may like, however, is that the one election I missed was in 1988, the last Saturn-Uranus conjunction. Here comes the next one. Either a Republican wins, as has been the case in every instance over the past 110 years. Or I am wrong, as I was the one and only other time in the past 32 years I made a prediction during a Saturn-Uranus signature like this one. That incorrect forecast led me to change the way I astrologically analyze elections, so maybe I learned something. And certainly there is more for me to learn with this election, which offers the most striking difference in candidates that I have ever witnessed in my lifetime.

 

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).

Archives

Previous weeklies (2006) are archived at www.olmta.com

For other language editions of MMA´s weekly comments:


Owners of websites:

This Weekly Market Climate is available for co-branding. Call 1-800-662-3349 for details.