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MMA Comments for the Week Beginning December 15, 2008

Please note that the Forecast for 2009 book is now completed and all orders that were received as of December 10 have been sent out as of December 12. Those that were received afterwards will be sent out early this coming week. It is quite amazing. The pre-orders for this year’s book were double last year’s pre-pub orders – and last year was a record for us. I think that the more uncertain the world seems to become, the greater the demand for the information of Financial and Mundane Astrologers. I am grateful for all the support readers have exhibited. Thank you, and may every one have a very happy holiday season.

Also please note that there will be no column next week, as I will be on holiday in Europe. But I will be giving the Forecast speech in Amsterdam, Saturday, December 20, and I look forward to meeting many readers at that event.

Review and Preview

It was a week that was as complex and dynamic as the signatures of Financial Astrology suggested. In political news, the House passed a bailout loan program for troubled US automakers in the middle of the week, only to have the loan defeated by the Senate late Thursday night, only to have the President and Treasury Secretary announce on Friday that they just happen to have enough money in their bailout program for financial institutions available to help out.

As schizophrenic (and hypocritical and even criminal) as some US lawmakers behaved last week, the financial markets also exhibited quite a frenetic movement in their price behavior. Many of the world’s stock indices were strong early in the week, some later in the week, but all fell on Friday following the Senate defeat of the bailout for automakers. In Europe, all the indices we track made new monthly highs last week, and all were up 17-20% from this multi-year lows (or secondary lows) of November 21.

In the Far East, it was a little more extreme both ways. That is the Australian All Ordinaries index was quite subdued. It failed to make monthly high last week, and in fact it only appreciated 12.5% from the lows of November 21. The Japanese Nikkei and NIFTY index of India was more in line with Europe, with both up about 17-18% from their lows of late November. But the greatest excitement was in Hong Kong, which soared to a new 2-month high of 15,781 on Thursday. This was up 33% from its low of November 21, and nearly 50% from its low of October 27. It was nice to see the markets rebound so strongly in China again, and it gives hope for other parts of the world. It virtually assures that the lows of October were at least a 50-week cycle trough, the first market to confirm a longer-term cycle of all the markets we track. Let’s hope others soon follow.

In the America’s, there was much excitement in Argentina, where the Merval index rallied to 1103 on Thursday, up 28% from its November 21 low of 861. The Bovespa of Brazil was up 20% during the same period. But in the United States, it was even more impressive as the DJIA crossed above 9000 again for the first time in a while. That was up 29% from the 6995 low of November 21. The NASDAQ Composite also made a new weekly high early last week at 1602, up nearly 24% from the 1295 low of November 21.

All in all, it was a good week for stocks until Thursday-Friday. Most were making new monthly highs as we entered the powerful “translation” zone of Sun and Mars conjunct, squaring the Saturn-Uranus opposition, December 10-15. In fact, astrologers will record this period as a T-Square formation. The full moon of Friday, December 12 was even a Grand Square pattern, something rare and a bit tense in the study of astrology. Indeed it was tense if you were a politician or employee of a US automobile company or labor union.

Other markets were also dramatically affected by last week’s financial astrology signatures. Treasuries, for instance, roared to another new all-time on Friday’s full moon, grand square to Saturn-Uranus. Agricultural and grain prices also rallied smartly last week. Corn, for example, was up nearly 25% in just one week. Crude Oil had a 20+% rally from its multi-year low of one week ago to its high on Thursday. Gold soared form 741 to 835 off its lows of last Friday, nearly a $100 gain in only 4 trading days. Ad the Japanese Yen soared to a new 13-year high against the U.S. Dollar. It was, indeed, a typical Sun conjunct Mars, square Uranus week. The only problem is, under these kinds of signatures, nothing is typical, and nothing is certain. It is one surprise after another.

Short-Term Geocosmics

 We are still in the midst of the December 10-15 time band of important geocosmic signatures. On December 10, the Sun formed a waning square to Uranus. On December 12, Mars formed a waning square to Uranus and the Sun foamed a waxing square Saturn. On December 15, Mars completes this translation with its waxing square to Mars. Also on Friday, December 12, the full moon was forming a grand square to Sun, Mars, Saturn, and Uranus. There is some history here to draw from. First of all, there was also a full moon in hard aspect to the Saturn-Uranus opposition on September 15. You may remember this was the day that the financial crisis began, and by the end of the week, lawmakers could not agree on the form of this bailout plan demanded by Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson. It was the beginning of a huge decline in stock markets around the world. The Dow Jones for instance, was trading about 11,400 on the day of that full moon as our most reliable selling indicator – Hank Paulson – gave public TV address to the nation. Congress was hastened to convene to pass his new idea of a financial rescue package – and they couldn’t agree. Does it sound a little bit like what happened this week with the US automakers and Congress? One arm says it is a “go” and we have to do it or else we risk catastrophic consequences, and the other arm defies the threat. Everything fell apart as financial markets - and society – entered a state of panic.

 This set up is known as a “translation” of the faster moving bodies to the slower moving planets, notably Saturn and Uranus. The last “translation” we had to Saturn and Uranus happened on Election Day, November 3-4, when Venus transited in a hard aspect to Saturn and Uranus, just as the Sun and Mars are doing right now. You may remember stock markets around the world were rallying into that time frame too, only to start a swoon down for the next 17 days to new multi-year lows in many of them.

 So here we are again. We have entered another important full moon – just 90 days later (that’s important when it is 90 days later). Just as 90 days ago, Congress cannot agree on an important financial bailout program, and they close the week in total disarray, with the American public shaking their heads wondering who these people are that they have elected to serve the interests of this nation. Who are they serving? This is the question on most Americans minds, and this is why the nation (and the world) is so eager to see the new leadership take over. And just like November 4, the last time a planet made a “translation:” to the Saturn-Uranus opposition, we also see the stock markets of the world making new monthly highs. The question now is will history repeat, and will we see another stock market crash into the end of this year? Or will it be different this time?

 We may get that answer in about a week. From December 22-31, we will find the Sun and Mars both forming a conjunction to Pluto, ending with Saturn turning retrograde. What makes this especially interesting is that the Sun and Mars are essentially now making a “translation” to the forthcoming Uranus-Pluto square of 2012-2015, the heaviest planetary aspect of all within the greater celestial pattern known as the Cardinal Climax (2008-2015… for more information on this, please refer to a more detailed article on my website at www.mmacycles.com). This translation of Sun-Mars to Uranus-Pluto is taking place from December 10-28. We will have a preview of what to expect in 2012-2015 during this period. But for now, our concern is that stock markets have been rallying into the start of this period. We are also concerned because Mars is about to ingress from Sagittarius into Capricorn, December 27 a time which has been historically a historically dangerous time for Israel and its neighbors, and a time corresponding to big reversals in interest-rate related markets. Could it happen during the High Holiday season, traditionally a time when markets and the world are quiet and in peace? I suppose if the U.S. financial markets can fall into a panic just six weeks before a U.S. election (instead of afterwards), anything is possible under the Cardinal Climax.

Longer-Term Thoughts

As much as financial analysts and talking heads on TV financial shows are projecting even lower interest rates, my interpretation of geocosmic and cycle studies suggest just the opposite. We are very near to a critical turning point, and once it turns, we may not see these low interest and mortgage rate levels again in our lifetime. I happen to be in the camp that this deflationary period is going to end very abruptly with a new inflation monster. Combined with the forthcoming stimulus package, and ramped up government spending programs and unbelievable federal deficits, I think that by the time we get to the Jupiter-Neptune conjunction in the spring and summer, we have shifted from deflationary fears to inflationary fears.

 We will talk more about the 14-year Jupiter-Neptune cycle in coming columns. In fact, Jupiter and Neptune will both be in a powerful mutual reception with Uranus for almost the entire year of 2009. For now, suffice it to say that it is the “Return to Camelot,” a resurgence of hope and faith in a new leader. We need that, because just before and after this period lays the intense signatures of Saturn, Uranus and Pluto, which might be equated to a fear of Armageddon. Yes, that the kind of dualistic reality (or illusion) we are living in now and next year: Camelot versus Armageddon. It is enough to make you feel like a character in an X-Box video game.

 

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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