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Weekly Comments for the Week Beginning January 12, 2009

Note: Due to my lecture and travel schedule, I will be unable to deliver this free weekly column next week. I am looking forward to seeing many readers of this column in Zurich next Friday and Saturday. This column will be back for the week beginning January 26. Our weekly and daily subscription reports for January 19 will be issued one day later than usual, but in time for the market opening on Monday.

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Stock markets around the world followed a similar pattern last week. That is, almost all rallied to new cycle highs by the middle of the week, and then declined the rest of the week. In some case, like in the Untied States, the declines broke below the 25-day moving average, which means the high of Wednesday was at least a major cycle crest (a major cycle crest is the one-third phase to the longer 18-week primary cycle). At the major cycle phase, a “normal” corrective decline is healthy in bull markets, and is the pause before the next surge up begins. In bear markets, however, the major cycle phase can be more than just a “normal” retracement. It can be the resumption of the bear market. So the extent of this decline is important in the determination of whether or not the recent rally was just a “bear trap,” or that “pause that refreshes” the market before the next rally to new monthly highs. With Mercury about to go retrograde, that determination may be an exercise in frustration for traders and analysts alike for the next 2-3 weeks. Very little is clearly understood during Mercury retrograde periods. Usually there just isn’t enough information, facts, or data to make a conclusive determination.

Retracements against the trend of the past seven weeks (since the fifth and final trine of Jupiter and Saturn on November 21) are being witnessed in many other financial markets. Gold and Silver couldn’t break out last week, and started to pull back. Currencies against the U.S. Dollar did the same. Treasuries, which had been selling off steeply since mid-December, started to rally again into Friday’s Employment reports. As expected, that report was very sobering, indicating that the number of jobs lost last year was the most since 1945 in the USA. This is actually the “norm” for Saturn (loss) in Virgo (work), which is in effect September 2007 through October 2009. If unemployment doesn’t go up during these times, work stoppages and strikes do. Crude Oil soared from a low of 32.40 on December 18 to a high of 50.47 last Tuesday, a gain of 62.75% in just three weeks. By Friday, just three days later, crude was back down to 39.38, a decline of almost 22%. According to the rules of some market commentators who insist that 20% moves define bull and bear markets, Crude Oil has been in two bear markets and one bull market in less than a month.

One of the few markets that did fairly well last week was grains, and especially Soybeans. The source of tofu rose to 1040 on Friday in the March contract. That is an impressive rise from the low of 779 back on December 5. With Mercury the ruler of Virgo, and Virgo the sign of grains, the forthcoming Mercury retrograde period could witness a change of trend here.

In the geopolitical realm, the Mars transit of Sagittarius-Capricorn continues to coincide with very dangerous and life-threatening military activity around Israel. The Mars transit of this sector ends February 4, but perhaps the hostilities subside around the time of Obama’s inauguration (January 20). Many analysts are surprised that cease fire agreements can’t seem to hold as of late, but that should be no surprise while Mars is still approaching the middle degrees of Capricorn.


Short-Term Geocosmics

 You thought the worst was over. You thought all that craziness of September was behind us. But get your chill back on because Mercury is about to go retrograde again. You might remember the last time this happened, September 24-October 15. That was when the banking system and the financial markets began their utter craziness. That was when Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson said the government needed to take $700B immediately from taxpayer monies in order to rescue the financial system, or economic Armageddon would happen instantly. That was when Obama transformed a 4-point deficit in the Presidential campaign to a double digit lead over Republican John McCain, and then coasted home to victory.

 So what’s happening this time, as Mercury prepares to enter its new retrograde period, January 11-February 1? Well, Obama is about to be inaugurated as the 44th President of the United States on January 20, right in the middle of Mercury retrograde. And just this week, he – not Paulson – warns the Congress that they need to approve his new record-spending deficit program immediately or else we risk …. an economic Armageddon. Same aspect, same message, same players, but different roles. If not careful, Obama may find his honeymoon ends before it officially starts. People love Obama because he inspires, not because he alarms. He won because he was the calm voice in the midst of panic, not because he began to trumpet the panic. Everyone, on the count of three, say a prayer that Obama doesn’t do a “Paulson” and coerce lawmakers to hurry a decision on such important financial matters before the details and ramifications of his proposals are clearly understood. Once again, just like in September 2008, all these leaders would be advised to use this Mercury retrograde time band for reflection and fact-gathering. There just isn’t enough time yet for understanding these requests to make a mature and well-considered decision before February 1. Things are going to change and new ideas and new information is going to come out that is relevant to making a “best” decision. It just isn’t there yet, not under Mercury retrograde. So leaders and leaders-to-be, listen carefully: Mercury is retrograde for three weeks. Chill out! Otherwise you are going to spook equity markets around the world and elicit doubts in your abilities to lead, because you are going to attract opposition. And the voices of the opposition will be heard under Mercury retrograde. This is a time to listen and consider, and not a time to demand action, until all viewpoints are heard and considered. Otherwise there are apt to be errors in judgment and consequences to pay afterwards – just as we are discovering now after what transpired in late September and October, the last time Mercury went retrograde and the TARP (Economic recovery program) was launched and then changed several times immediately afterwards, to the dismay of everyone.

Longer-Term Thoughts

   Assuming Obama gets a grip on the very demeanor he exhibited in September and October that won him the election (maturity, steady, and calm behavior), he will secure the support of the American people, and in fact people all over the world. After all, Jupiter, Uranus and Neptune are in a powerful and rare mutual reception all year (January 5, 2009 through January 16, 2010). The last time this occurred was January 5, 1843 through January 17, 1844. You may remember (well, maybe not all of you remember) that was the end of the first leg down in Great Depression that lasted from 1835-1842. Fellow astrologer Matt Carnicelli notes in the ISAR Financial ezine this week (go to www.isarastrology.com to get in on this group), that this was the time President Andrew Jackson set into motion the activities that destroyed the Second Bank of the United States, which led to that period of great economic calamity. The Second Bank of the United States is lot like the Federal Reserve Bank is today. Jackson busted it, just like the FRB may be vulnerable to being busted in the next couple of years with Pluto, then Uranus and Saturn, all making a Grand Square to the FRB Sun-Pluto opposition (2008-2011). Well, in 1843, the market and the country began what looked like an economic recovery following the collapse of the Second Bank. However, it lasted only a few years before the second leg down of that Great Depression commenced and lasted into 1857. The previous time this mutual reception occurred was in 1431 BC to 1430 BC, according to fellow astrologer Sergey TS from the same ISAR Financial ezine group. I don’t remember what happened then, but I am sure it was good for the global economy.

 It’s not like this signature occurs too often. But the dynamics of it can usher in a period of rebound and great hope, when exercised in its positive expression. Jupiter is optimism, Uranus is inspiration and charisma, and Neptune represents ideals and altruism. In Aquarius (and with Uranus involved), matters can improve remarkably, and much better than anyone expects. But in its negative expression, Jupiter is exaggeration, Uranus is alarmist, and Neptune is totally out of control with no boundaries or plans. The combination of all therein could instead coincide with a negative manifestation of panic and hysteria to an extreme. Neptune also rules faith and religion. Like I said before, this is a time for prayer – to pray that our leaders withhold the urge to frighten their populace into making unwise and pre-mature decisions on matters of great financial importance. To do so will make their predictions of economic catastrophe a self-fulfilling prophecy.

 

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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