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Weekly Comments for the Week Beginning April 27, 2009

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 The high of Venus direct on April 17 held in most – but not all – equity markets last week. For most of these markets, prices declined into Tuesday, April 21, then began another rally that lasted into the end of the week.

 In Asia and the Pacific Rim, none of the markets we track exceeded their highs of April 16-17. Each of them declined into April 21-22, and then rallied to close out the week, but that rally failed to exceed the Venus direct high.

 In Europe, we saw mixed results. England’s FTSE index soared to a new multi-week high of 4156 on Friday, exceeding the prior high of 4137. Germany’s DAX nearly repeated that pattern. After hitting a high of 4680 on April 17, it fell back to a low of 4390 on Tuesday, It then came storming back to 4674 on Friday, just shy of the Venus direct high. But the AEX of Netherlands and SMI of Switzerland stayed well off their highs of the prior week, after bottoming April 21. Thus we may have a case of bearish intermarket divergence developing in Europe.

 The Americas, however, were much stronger, perhaps because they remained open longer on Friday. The Bovespa of Brazil and Merval Index of Argentina each exceeded their prior week’s high this past Friday. So did the NASDAQ Composite. But the Dow Jones Industrial Average stumbled after attempting to do the same. Last week, on Venus direct, the DJIA got up to 8190. This week it had a huge decline on Monday (almost 300 points), bottomed on Tuesday at 7791, and then rallied back to 8127 on Friday before selling off again into the close. Last week we talked about the bearish rising wedge formation in these indices, especially the DJIA. Well, that lower line broke, and on Friday, prices rose back to it and stalled.

  In other markets, Gold and Silver exploded upwards after putting in lows Monday morning. This fits our thoughts last week, stating, “In the case of Gold, it tested but held its low of April 6. But Silver took out its low of April 6. If they too reverse here as Venus turns direct, it would be a case of intermarket bullish divergence where one market makes a new multi-week low and a related market does not. When that happens on a critical reversal date, it is usually followed by a very strong counter-trend move.” After hitting 865.50 on Monday, Gold soared to 914 on Friday. After hitting 1172 on Monday, Silver soared as high as 1294 on Friday. And it doesn’t look like they are done. Crude Oil also performed well. After bottoming at 43.83 on Tuesday, Crude rallied to 51.75 on Friday, with no indication that the rise is completed. The same can be said about the Euro currency and Swiss Franc against the U.S. Dollar. All of this ties in nicely with the nature of Venus changing directions one week ago. It was another good week for Financial Astrology.

Short-Term Geocosmics

As stated last week, “Venus now ends its retrograde motion as it turned direct on April 17. Since Venus rules assets and things of value (like stocks), there is cause to be concerned that the trend that preceded Venus turning retrograde may now return. That would be the bear market. But in many historical cases, a reversal from a high as Venus turns direct doesn’t necessarily result in a decline that takes out the low of the retrograde period. With Jupiter fast approaching its conjunction to Neptune in late May through mid-July, there is a geocosmic basis for thinking that any decline right now may hold above those lows of March 6-10, and then be followed by another rally to higher highs. Jupiter and Neptune are normally very optimistic and hopeful about the future.” Well, the equity markets did not really decline much since Venus turned direct last week, and in some equity markets, price have even made new highs. This “secondary” high that is now happening may be related to the new moon in Taurus, which takes place Saturday, April 25. Stock prices oftentimes do get a lift into the new moon, especially Taurus, which rules assets and equities. If so, look for that decline to start in earnest this week. If not, then we have to shift our focus to the forthcoming Jupiter-Neptune conjunction, a 14-year cycle which – in this market climate and with this new President – would seem more likely to be very bullish, and whose influence may already be starting. I would think that Saturn turning direct on May 16 would temper the market’s advance before Jupiter-Neptune takes root. But it is interesting to note that in previous bear markets, stock prices tended to rally into Saturn stations, according to the work of subscriber and friend Lindsay Holt, of Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Let us also not forget that the Venus-Pluto square of April 4-May 3 is still in force. As long as it is present, there remains the possibility of another large corporate bankruptcy or failure, another “takeover” by the U.S. government (or any government). Maybe it is General Motors or Chrysler that defaults, and GM already announced it would not be able to pay its bondholders June 1. It could also be the public’s outrage at the credit card companies (banks) that have doubled their interest rate charges on clients for no good reason. Sheriff Obama may make them pay dearly for that opportunistic decision. Nevertheless, the financial danger is far from over, even though confidence seems to be returning. It is all consistent with Jupiter-Uranus-Neptune in mutual reception.

Longer-Term Thoughts

 The consequences of ethical, moral, and perhaps legal violations that occurred around the time of the Saturn-Neptune opposition are now coming to light. Long-term readers may remember our concerns during that period, which stretched from 2006 through 2007. That was a 36-year cycle that correlates with very questionable “behind the scenes” activities by government leaders that would not be revealed until 2-3 years after the aspect passed. And then when these possibly corrupt, illegal, unethical, and/or immoral behaviors are revealed, accountability is demanded, and if not responded to openly and honestly, consequences will be administered. The previous time this happened was in 1971-72, when the Watergate burglaries occurred. That cover-up was not revealed until after the election of 1972. Within two years, then-President Richard Nixon resigned in disgrace, the first time that ever happened to a sitting USA president. He was saved from a possible prison sentence through a pardon by the new President Gerald Ford, who wanted America to move forward and not be caught up in the “vengeance game.” But many of Nixon’s staff did serve jail time for this abuse of power and subsequent cover-up.

Now, in 2009, we are seeing another Presidential cover-up coming to surface, under the previous administration of President George W. Bush. It has to do with torture and harsh interrogation techniques, approved by the Bush Administration, with terrorist suspects held in the Guantanamo Bay facilities following the 9-11 attack on the World Trade Center. Last week President Obama decided to release the Bush administration memos outlining the rational for approving such torture. Attorney General Eric Holder has now received a petition to “… appoint an independent prosecutor to pursue any legal culpability by officials of former President George W. Bush’s administration,” according to Friday’s Wall Street Journal.” Obama himself opened the door “…for a more aggressive pursuit of Bush-era practices... and declining to rule out prosecution of Bush officials.” But now he is backing off of that position. But here is the point: abuses and violation of laws, followed by cover-ups, may very well have occurred, according to our understanding of the Saturn-Neptune opposition of 2006-2007. And now, 2-3 years later– just as forecasted in this column in 2006 and 2007 – these revelations are coming to the surface. It is still possible that some of those involved in these behaviors will be held accountable, and will bear consequences. Because Pluto is also in Capricorn since 2008, these actions are not likely to just be forgotten and forgiven, despite the news reports at the end of this past week. Obama, perhaps like Gerald Ford, may not wish to subject the country to such a gut-wrenching and humiliating ordeal. And doing so now may backfire upon him. But Pluto is relentless and obsessive, especially in Capricorn, and there could still be a movement to pressure Obama to punish those who approved the torture methods. Pluto in Capricorn can be akin to power plays resulting in a witch hunt, especially with Saturn coming to square Pluto November 2009 through August 2010. Interestingly, that same aspect was present in 1974, when Watergate really exploded and led to Nixon’s resignation and the conviction of many of his staff, following the Saturn-Neptune opposition of 1971. Of course, it could be something else altogether.

Ironic, isn’t it, how history repeats along the same schedule as then? Which brings us to the question: how badly will re-opening this wound (or any wound) cause faith in the American financial system to falter? In 1973-1974, when the Watergate cover-up came to light, the DJIA fell from a record high of 1067 in January 1973 to a low of 570 in December 1974. We have already suffered one financial shock on our way down to the 72-90 year economic cycle trough that is due 2008-2015. I do expect a second shock and a second wave down if these abuses or deceptions of the Bush administration – or even newly revealed deceptions or cover-ups of the current administration - are pursued and determined to have occurred, which Mundane Astrology suggests could be the case late this year and into next. But the real test will come in the form of American’s ability to forgive and move forward, for that is the higher expression of Saturn and Neptune. Of course, this will be in conflict with the lower nature of Saturn square Pluto and Pluto in Capricorn, which will want an inquisition and burning of the alleged violators at the stake. But to Obama’s credit, he seems to be taking the “high road” on this current matter at this time.

 

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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