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MMA Comments for the Week Beginning April 14, 2008

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 Last week’s report stated, “This week could be a little bit wild, especially since Jupiter alone represents the principle of exaggeration. A quick 200-400 point down day in the DJIA is within the realm of possibility sometime this week.” On Friday, just one day after the important Sun-Jupiter square, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 256 points. Count that as another score for Financial Astrology, based on the studies reported in “The Ultimate Book on Stock Market Timing, Volume 3: Geocosmic Correlations to Trading Cycles.”

 For the week, many of the world’s stock indices posted their high of the week last Monday, and then spent the rest of the week selling off. The sell-off was slow at first, but then gathered momentum as the week came to an end. Most indices were down for the week, with exceptions in some Asian markers, like the Hang Sang and India’s NIFTY.

 In the study of Financial Astrology Neptune and Jupiter have rulership over Crude Oil. On Wednesday, one day before the Sun-Jupiter square, Crude Oil posted yet another new all-time high, reaching 112.21/barrel. It didn’t sell off much, though, from there. But I continue to look for this market to top out no later than May 2008, followed by a 50-90% decline over the next 1-3 years. Is that a given? No, of course not. It based on the projection of a single astrological principle, namely the 7-year transit of Uranus entering the last one-third of the zodiac sign known as Pisces. My observation has been that when Uranus transits through the middle third of a sign, the sectors ruling that sign end of “bubble,” and are followed by 50-90% declines before Uranus leaves that sign. The last instance was Uranus in Aquarius, 1995-2003. Both Uranus (the planet) and Aquarius (the sign) rule technology. The NASDAQ Composite, which is comprised on many technology companies, soared to its all-time high of over 5000 in March 2000. By October 2002, this index was testing the 1000 mark, a loss of nearly 80%.

 In other financial and commodity markets, the Euro currency made yet another new all-time high against the U.S. Dollar on Thursday’s Sun-Jupiter square. And the price of Corn also surged to another new all-time one day earlier. 

Short-Term Geocosmics

 There are no major geocosmic signatures in effect this coming week that have a high correlation to reversals in financial markets. But there are slew of such signatures arising the following week. This means one of two things: either the move down that started last week will continue into the following week, or the move down ended Friday and the market will start another rally immediately this week, and continue rising into the following week.

 Of interest to Financial Astrologers will be the full moon of April 20 as the Sun enters Taurus. At the same time, heliocentric Venus enters the first sign of Aries. Each of these ingresses heralds a change of trend in many financial markets, probably starting the following week. Thus this week is nevertheless important, because it will give us a clue as to what to expect the following week. Of importance then will be the T-square between Venus, Mars, and Jupiter. Remember: whenever there are aspects involving a combination of Mars, Jupiter and/or Uranus, the potential for big range days is higher than usual. In this case, two of those three planets will be in a powerful T-square formation in cardinal signs. Maybe that is the time when the U.S. Treasury starts sending out those $600 and $1200 tax rebate checks, and the American public goes on the “impulse spending” spree that officials hope will stimulate the economy. These kinds of quick fixes may be beneficial to an ailing economy in the short-run, but with a disciplined savings approach, recipients of the government’s largess are likely to spend not only that money, but more, because they will feel falsely empowered. Once the benefits wear off, don’t be surprised if the individual debt condition is worsened, not bettered. The effect of such a stimulus spending package is likely akin to giving free drinks to alcoholics. They won’t stop spending once the start. Right now, people are worried about their future and the economy, and they are pulling in their over-spending habits. This stimulus package will likely change all that for many people, and for all the wrong reasons. I am basing this assessment on the future transits coming up, involving the powerful T-square of Saturn-Uranus-Pluto, starting in November 2008 – just about the time it will take to spend all this fresh infusion of cash, plus more.

Longer-Term Thoughts

 Your know current economics conditions are worrisome when the former heads of the Federal Reserve Board start criticizing what the current Federal Reserve Board is doing. On April 9, the Wall Street Journal posted two articles of interest, both of which can be related to Financial Astrology. On the editorial page, the headline was titled “Volcker’s Demarche.” In this editorial, former FRB Chair Paul Volcker “notes that when ‘concerns about recession are rife,’ the central bank will be tempted to ‘subordinate the fundamental need to maintain a reliable currency’ to the impulse to shore up a flagging economy. The danger is that you lose both battles, as the U.S. did in the 1970’s, and wind up with stagflation.” The article goes on to relate what happened in the early 1970’s. Commodity prices were rising rapidly, in such markets as soybeans and crude oil. “Then, as now too, these were explained away as speculative price run ups and not as a harbinger of a broader inflationary trend.” To that, I would point out that then, as now, Pluto was ingressing into a cardinal sign (Libra) and about to form a hard square with Saturn. You can see the correlation of Pluto entering cardinal signs on a special article I have posted on the front page of my web site at www.mmacycles.com, titled, “Pluto in Capricorn: The Good, the Bad, Even Worse, and Redemption.”

 The second Wall Street article of note that same day is titled, “Greenspan Defends Tenure as Chief.” Although much of the article is about the prior FRB Chair Alan Greenspan stating that the nation is already “in the throes of a recession,” and it is basically not his fault or policies that are responsible for today’s conditions, the most intriguing part of the article has once again to do with Paul Volcker. The article states Mr. Volcker “criticized the central bank’s response to the turmoil that has gripped financial markets since last summer.” The article goes on to say that Volcker said, “… the markets… have become so complicated and unbalanced that they have lost the ability to function fairly and effectively. The Fed ‘judged it necessary to take actions that extended to the very edge of its lawful and implied power, transcending certain long embedded central banking principles and practices.” The article goes on to state that “Actions taken by the Fed ‘will surely be interpreted as an implied promise of similar action in times of future turmoil.’ Mr. Volcker argued that the Fed has also compromised its relatively stringent emergency-lending standards.”

 Two weeks ago Treasury Secretary Paulsen released a sweeping proposal to overhaul the banking system and give the Federal Reserve Board increased powers. One week later this proposal was considered “dead in the water.” I commented that the transit of Pluto to the natal Sun-Pluto opposition of the FRB chart implied just the opposite: instead if increasing the powers of the Federal Reserve Board, the powers that be are more likely to strip it of its powers in the next two years. The economy is on thin ice, and politicians will always look for a scapegoat. It was a fine gesture by Paulsen (Aries) to try to protect his fire sign buddy Ben Bernanke (Sagittarius) before the debris hits the fan. But it didn’t work, and once again the storm clouds of Pluto entering Capricorn are gathering. Oh sure, there will likely be bounce in the economy and stock markets before the election. But once this unnecessary stimulus package runs out of steam and the reports show the country and its individual’s in greater debt - and not less debt – the storm is due to strike. And that’s just about the time that Saturn will before its waning square to Pluto in 2009, which part of a T-square also involving Uranus. We haven’t seen that celestial pattern since 1930-1931.

 So what can you do? Think green – as in anything that will take this country and this world off its addiction to crude oil as the primary source of fuel. It’s killing us, both economically and in terms of military engagement. With Uranus in Pisces, and Neptune in Aquarius, a revolution in energy is not only possible, but probably necessary from an economical need. Despite the trends towards economic chaos and hardship, this is one of those times in humankind’s history where altruism and economics can converge in a win-win situation to protect itself from this storm, whose clouds otherwise continue to gather just over the horizon.

 

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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