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MMA Comments for the Week Beginning January 11, 010
Written by Raymond Merriman   


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 The year started out in typical Mercury retrograde fashion.  The end of the prior week - the end of last year - witnessed a new yearly high, but then a sharp sell-off into the close of the week. The technical set up was for equities to sell off this week. Yet, as stated in last week’s column, “You would think stock markets would now come down, given that many made new yearly highs last week, but then sold off sharply at the end. And perhaps they might…. many technical signals also started to lose their bullish momentum, suggesting that at least a corrective decline should now be in process. But traders and Financial Astrologers must remember one thing: both Mars and Mercury are now retrograde. Thus there are apt to be many false buy and sell signals. Technical sell signals at the end of last week could fall into this category of being a “trick” from the trickster, Mercury retrograde. It could be a false signal.” Indeed it was. By the end of this past week – the first trading week of the New Year – almost all indices bounced right back and made new yearly highs.

 In Europe, the Netherlands AEX, German DAX, and Switzerland SMI indices had all made new yearly highs by Tuesday. Then they started to pull back, but rallied again into Friday. In Asia and the Pacific Rim, all but the Hang Seng of Hong Kong made new yearly highs last week. Japan and Australia finally made new yearly highs after struggling for several months. In the Americas, all stock indices made new yearly highs too. But there is a concern in Argentina where an all-out battle is erupting between the President and the head of their Central Bank. On Thursday, President Christina Kirchner fired bank President Martin Redrado, “… setting up a showdown between Argentina’s executive branch and the opposition-controlled Congress, whose leaders have maintained that Mr. Redrado can’t be removed without legislative consultation,” according to Friday’s Wall Street Journal. This is the kind of battle we would expect between the Federal Reserve Board and the USA Congress, given the powerful Saturn-Pluto transits going on right now to the FRB chart. But we may see these kinds of battles between government and central banks happening all over the world, a symptom of the waning square between Saturn (government) and Pluto (banks), in effect October 2009 through August 2010. The problem, of course, is debt, which is the major domain of Pluto.

 Crude Oil prices continued their rally to new yearly highs as well, as they exceeded 83.00/barrel, above the previous yearly high of 82.00 seen on October 21. Gold and Silver rallied as well, but Gold is meeting much resistance around 1140.

Short-Term Geocosmics

 As pointed out earlier, both Mars and Mercury are now retrograde, which has a history of exhibiting many false buy and sell signals. Mercury will be in retrograde through January 15, which ends on this Friday’s solar eclipse. The stock and Crude Oil markets have been mostly up before and during this Mercury retrograde time band. Usually a market will suddenly reverse before Mercury ends its retrograde motion in cases like this. We witnessed that in Soybeans, which topped out on Monday, and then sold off sharply into the end of the week.

 In addition to Mercury and Mars, Saturn will also turn retrograde on Wednesday, January 13. This is one of the more important planetary stations, which has a 65% historical correspondence to primary cycles within a range of 13 trading days. Within 4 trading days, an isolated low or high tends to form after which prices reverse at least 4%. The rate of frequency of this phenomenon is 70%. It is considered a Level One signature, the highest ranking of geocosmic signatures correlating with price reversals in U.S. stock indices, per the criteria set for in “The Ultimate Book in Stock Market Timing Volume 3: Geocosmic Correlations to Trading Cycles.”  

Saturn stations at this time of the year can also coincide with extremely cold temperatures, as pinpointed in our “Forecast 2010” book. Unfortunately this is already coming true, as Florida’s citrus crop (orange and juice market) is threatened with serious damage due to the unusual freezing temperatures now hitting the Sunshine state.

Longer-Term Thoughts

This may be an especially challenging time for many people in many walks of life right now. In the study of astrology, Capricorn and its ruling planet Saturn pertains to “struggles.” It takes serious concentration and commitment to see a project through to its successful completion. When these two principles are highlighted, nothing comes easy, everything is scrutinized, and intentions are oftentimes severely criticized. It is hard to please any party, let alone all parties, when Saturn and Capricorn are emphasized in the cosmos.

Most readers know that the Sun is now in Capricorn. But so are Mercury, Venus, and Pluto, which accounts for 40% of the planetary and luminary bodies that astrologers study. But that is not all. Friday, January 15, will find an annular solar eclipse occurring in 25 degrees of Capricorn, conjunct Venus. Just two days earlier, Saturn (ruler of Capricorn) will turn retrograde, still in a very close square aspect to Pluto (less than one degree apart). Saturn in Libra is also in what is called a “mutual reception” to Venus (stocks and currencies) in Capricorn. They are in one another’s ruling signs, which further highlight the characteristics of both planets and signs. This week may be very important in terms of reversals in these markets.

The solar eclipse intensifies the qualities of the sign it is in, and the qualities of any planet it aspects. A planet that is close to its station (i.e. changing from retrograde to direct, or vice-versa) also finds its characteristics highlighted in terms of human activity. Thus we will find the next few days to be very intense and challenging in terms of the principles associated with Mercury (which turns from retrograde to direct on January 15), Saturn (which turns from direct to retrograde on January 13), and Venus (which is in mutual reception to Saturn, and conjunct the solar eclipse in Capricorn, Saturn’s sign).

The first signs of this challenge appeared today in the employment reports, which were very disappointing. Mercury is the ruler of Virgo, which pertains to employment. The number of jobs lost last month was much greater than anticipated in Friday’s report, and unemployment remained at an unacceptably high level of 10%. Mercury also rules communications, and the latest update on the failed Christmas terrorist attack reveals a “systemic failure” to communicate effectively between the various branches of the USA intelligence divisions. The result will be more delays (Saturn) in air travel (Mercury) as security measures will now be intensified (Pluto squared by Saturn). But perhaps even more worrisome is the fact that politicians are using this “systemic failure” as a means for political opportunism, rather than banding together and trying to find a workable solution that will make air travel safer. It’s the “blame game,” which is absolutely the lowest form of the Mercury-Saturn expression.

Under such signatures, it is hard to imagine that equity levels can continue to rally much higher before pulling back. After all, these are the kind of signatures that pertain to worries about the future. We may see a slew of reports (Mercury) coming out shortly that are not as optimistic as hoped for, much like Friday’s payroll report. However, if the leaders of the world and their intelligence agencies can keep their eye on the goal – if they can remain focused and committed to their duty and not get caught up in the ‘blame game” – these “systemic risks” can be corrected and the travel experience can become both safe and more efficient. These next two weeks may be a challenge to see just how much has been learnt from this latest “Christmas terrorism” episode. Coincidentally, the attempted terrorist act occurred midway between the first two passages of the Saturn-Pluto waning square. The September 11, 2001 terrorist attack also occurred midway between the first two passages of the last hard aspect between Saturn and Pluto. In fact, for Mundane Astrologers, you may find the transits of this attempted act of terrorism closely aligned with the transits on September 11, 2001. You may be quite surprised at their relationship.

 

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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