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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

We are now accepting orders for the Forecast 2011 book now via phone (1-248-626-3034), fax (1-248-538-5296), email (ordersmma@msn.com), or through our shopping cart online (www.mmacycles.com). We are pleased to announce the price will remain the same as last year. That is $55.00 if ordered after October 31, and $45.00 if ordered before (plus postage). We will also be offering special 10% discount rate for our subscription services to those who also pre-order Forecast 2011. This is a great deal, for in the words of one of our daily subscribers recently, “I don't know whether you want to hear/take any comments at all but I wanted to say that, so far, I am a very happy camper and the only thing which I think that I did wrong with subscribing to your service that I did it TOO LATE! What was I thinking....? :-)" – R. Rood, Lugano, Switzerland, futures trader and technical analyst, former cash grain trader.

For a review of the forecasts from the Forecast 2010 book, please go to www.mmacycles.com, and scroll down to about the third or fourth article on the opening screen. Or go directly to http://www.mmacycles.com/the-news/about-mma/scorecard-for-forecasts-2010/.

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. 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, call our offices at 1-248-626-3034, or go to http://www.mmacycles.com/services. 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.” Order now with the Forecast 2011 Book and receive a special 10% rate reduction on these services through October.

The monthly MMA Cycles Report and its companions – the MMA Japan Cycles Report and MMA European Cycles Report – went out last week. If you are a subscriber and did not receive it, contact us 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. These reports are included in the Japanese, German, and Dutch translated MMA Cycles Report respectively. New yearly (or renewing) subscribers to these reports will receive a free copy of the Forecast 2010 book while supplies last (see below). You also qualify for a special discount on a yearly subscription if at the same time you pre-order Forecast 2011. For subscription information, please go to SERVICES at www.mmacycles.com.

CD’s DVD’s, and MP3’s 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 was right before the astrological midpoint of the Cardinal Climax, which is taking place now. 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. It is interesting to see how the stocks, grains and currencies moved right up into this time band, as outlined in this presentation. You won’t want to miss this. Order now, because most of the trading opportunities presented are in effect mainly from July 21 through October 8, 2010!!!

ForumOnAstrology.com is holding a three-day video conference on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, October 1st, 2nd, and 3, 2010. This pioneering Internet astrological conference features dozens of internationally known speakers.  Very economically priced, all participants have access to all live broadcasts with the ability to replay them from the archives for up to three months. Call (212) 929-4507 or email Inquiries@ForumOnAstrology.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 uncertainty 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 exactly when to enter and exit any market. I would also like to recommend long-term MMA subscriber Erwin Brunner of Zurich, Switzerland. Mr. Brunner is the founder of BrunnerInvest AG. One of his five funds was awarded the “Best in-house fund of funds” in the world recently. Mr. Brunner is a former director of the Swiss Banking Corporation (today it is known as UBS), and a general director of Rothschild Bank in Zurich. As an independent wealth manager for high net worth individuals and institutional clients only, he places his clients into the funds of the best performing fund managers in the world, via his own research and experience. For high net worth readers interested in Mr. Brunner’s funds, please contact him through www.brunnerinvest.ch.

 

OK. You’ve asked about classes in Financial Astrology, and I am giving two of them in great South American cities in late September and early October. Since these constitute “investment education,” many of you will be able to write the expenses of this trip off (travel, some meals, and cost of conferences). Here are some more details of each – and I hope to see many subscribers at each:

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 will 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 may host a special gathering for MMA Subscribers on Sunday, October 3, the day of Brazil’s elections, if enough subscribers request such a meeting.

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.

April 28 and 30, 2011: Kansas City, Mo. “Forecasts for 2011” and “Financial Astrology Workshop” with Raymond Merriman. Sponsored by AOA. Details soon. This will be the next Financial Astrology workshop in the United States.

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, please go to http://www.heavenandearthworkshops.com/financial.html.

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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