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 The sell-off in world equity markets that started with the prior Friday’s surprisingly weak U.S. jobs report, finally reached its bottom nearby to last Tuesday’s solar eclipse. Once that trading cycle trough was completed, most of these indices rallied somewhat sharply to close the week with healthy gains.

 In the United States, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell to a low of 13,021 late Monday, before recovering smartly to a weekly high on Thursday at 13,469. It closed the week near those highs too, at 13,442, for a weekly gain of 329 points. The NASDAQ Composite followed a similar pattern, with a low last Monday at 2536, but then closing at 2602, slightly off its high for the week at 2612. In neither case, however, did prices exceed the highs of the prior week on September 4, which means the longer-term cycles have yet to confirm their lows as of August 16-17. So for the moment, these markets are in congestion between the lows of August and highs of September 4. Whichever gives first will tells us the probable trend for the next several months. That is, if these indices can close above the highs associated with our three-star critical reversal zone of September 6 +/- 3 trading days, it strongly supports the idea that the 4-year cycle has bottomed in August. But if those lows give way first, then it supports the idea that this 4-year cycle is still unfolding, for its time band is still in effect (2005-2007 in USA, and 2006-2008 in Europe and Asia).

 In Europe, the week’s activity was similar. The Netherlands AEX closed up 10.93 at 528.36 after a Monday trough at 512.42. The German DAX, England FTSE, and Swiss stock index all made weekly lows on Monday, then rallied into Thursday. Each closed up for the week. However, in the case of each of the later three indices, they all closed down on Friday, well off those weekly highs, creating some concern that maybe these markets are not as strong as the U.S. markets.

 In Asia and the Pacific Rim, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index was the stellar performer again, soaring to another new all-time high on Friday at 24,978, and up 915 points on the week. But none of the other indices we track followed suit. India’s NIFTY Index was up only 8 points for the week, closing at 4518, considerably off its high on Friday at 4582. Both the Nikkei of Japan and All Ordinaries of Australia closed near their weekly highs, but were only up 5 and 19 points for the entire week. These later two markets had fallen somewhat sharply into their trading cycle troughs on Monday-Tuesday, especially in the case of Japan where Prime Minister Abe resigned, thus causing some uncertainty in the leadership of that country’s political future. All in all, it was a modesty favorable week for most world indices, but more so in China and the United States.

 A bigger story though took place in the currency markets, where the Euro soared to a new all-time high against the U.S. Dollar. Along with that Gold also had an impressive week, reaching 726 in the December contract on Friday, just slightly off its 26-year high in the 740 region attained last May 2006. Crude Oil also soared to a new-time high, finally cracking the 80.00 mark for the first time ever. However, it couldn’t hold it as it closed the week at 79.10, still a record high for a weekly close. And Wheat also soared to its highest level ever, with the December contract exceeding the $9.00/bushel level at one point last Wednesday. It settled the week at 846. All of this happened in the week that the solar eclipse occurred in an opposition aspect to Uranus in Pisces. Uranus the planet rules breakouts, and Pisces the sign rules crude oil in the study of Financial Astrology. But the financial astrology correlate to the sharp rally in currencies and Gold lies with the 11-day transit of heliocentric Mercury in Sagittarius, September 11-22.

Short-Term Geocosmics

 Don’t be surprised if this week’s terror alert is raised from orange to red. That’s one of the potential themes with the Sun entering a T-square with the Mars-Pluto opposition, with Pluto still conjunct the Galactic Center. On Monday, the first of this aspect formation unfolds with the Sun in waxing square to Mars. This is a Level One (strongest) signature, with a 76% correlation to primary or greater cycle culminations within an orb of 13 trading days. However, in the study of Mundane Astrology, this has themes related to aggression and military combat. But what makes this particular instance more dangerous is that on September 19 and 21 respectively, both the Sun and Mars enter into a waning square to Pluto and then opposition to Pluto, respectively. And Pluto with these two planets can produce a very explosive situation that endangers the lives of many people. It’s possible that this danger could come in the form of natural calamities. But more often than not, they are man-produced, such as an unexpected intrusion of one country’s military over the borders of another. It might be by accident (although probably not), or by design, especially in the possibility of a terrorist attack. Interesting also is the fact that this is a high holiday in Judaism. With Mars in Gemini, incidents of assaults involving Israel seem to be heightened. This same planet-sign makeup is usually reflected in very sharp price movements in Crude Oil, which we are seeing these days. The fact that Pluto is still nearby to the Galactic Center means that any explosive events are likely to affect larger masses of people, and have a powerful impact upon human consciousness. So it is not a safe time astrologically-speaking. However, as astrologers are well aware, there are a number of other ways that this combination could manifest. For instance, it could be the publication of some book or research study that greatly upsets the belief systems of certain groups or religions.

Longer-Term Thoughts

 Looking ahead, we are preparing for the October 9-27 period. During this time, Jupiter will form its third and final waning square aspect to Uranus. Venus will also form its third and final conjunction to Saturn. And the Moon’s South Node will conjunct Saturn. The first of these occurs on October 9. As discussed in previous columns, Jupiter represents the principle of excess and exaggeration, as it big price ranges. Uranus pertains to the principle of the unexpected, sudden events that can dramatically change the trend in effect at the time. Jupiter is one of the planetary co-rulers of Crude Oil too, and we note that ion the two previous passages this year, Crude Oil made a primary cycle trough nearby. In fact in the first instance (mid-January), Crude Oil dropped slightly below $50.00/barrel for the only time this year.

 The next signature of this group is the third passage of Venus conjunct Saturn. That will take place on October 13-14. Then prior two instances occurred when these two planets were in Leo. This time they will take place in Virgo. Usually any financial market making a decline into this period will be followed by a major rally.

 And the final piece of this triumvirate is the Lunar South Node conjunct Saturn, something that takes place. Astrologers use two positions here, known as “True Node” and “Mean Node.” Together they take place between October 9-27, so the entire period is infused with the saturnine qualities of fear, repression, worry, and a sense of loss. It is interesting to note that in two of the prior three cases of this 11-12 year cycle (1973 and 1985), a crisis was unfolding in the banking community. People had trouble making payments on their debts and credit was tightened considerably, driving many into severe financial straits. Sound familiar? (read, sub-prime). If any declines in world equity markets can hold their declines above the lows of August during this period, I would think the new 4-year cycle would become quite bullish shortly afterwards. However, if there is to be a crack in the system (again), coincident with a sense of financial panic, that’s when it could occur – if it didn’t already manifest in July through early September. Sometimes cycles of this length can have an orb of up to a few months. Nevertheless, these three signatures are all coming up together October 9-27, so caution is still warranted.

 

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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