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Weekly Comments for the Week Beginning July 6, 2009

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 Most of the world equity indices followed a similar pattern last week. That is, most rallied into the Uranus station on July 1, and then in typical Uranus fashion, they reversed suddenly and sold off sharply lower the very next day, ending the week on a down note. The high of July 1 was not a new high for this primary cycle. It was a secondary high to the one that formed a couple of weeks ago (June 11-12). The low at the end of the week was also not below the low of the prior week, around June 23-24. Thus stock markets continue trading in this range-bound territory near the highs of the past several months, as the second passage of the 13-year Jupiter and Neptune conjunction approaches at the end of this coming week (July 10). As discussed before, investors are in a fog, waiting for something to either confirm their greatest hopes that the economic recovery is indeed unfolding, or their greatest fears that the improving markets and economic conditions of the past four months have been nothing but a mirage. Right now it appears that the hopes and fears are about equally balanced.

On a purely astrological basis, it seems that the period of great hopes (Jupiter conjunct Neptune) may be giving way to hard realities (Saturn in opposition to Uranus and square to Pluto) by the time we reach mid-September, or at the latest, November 2009. That doesn’t mean failure and disappointment are inevitable. But it does mean that the people of this nation, and even the world, will expect to see real signs of economic progress, instead of just words to that effect. They will expect numbers – and not just words – to mean something. Last week’s jobs’ report was anything but optimistic, as they showed approximately 3 million people have lost jobs already this year. Unemployment is now up to 9.5% in the USA, and this trend is certainly consistent with transiting Saturn (loss) in Virgo (work), an astrological condition in effect September 2, 2007 through October 29, 2009. The good news is that we are nearing the end of that transit through Virgo. The not-so-good-news is that Saturn will then move into a waning square hard aspect with Pluto (November 2009 through August 2010). The jobs picture may start to bottom, but the debt problem (Pluto) could get worse.

Short-Term Geocosmics

 The second of three Jupiter-Neptune conjunctions will take place this Friday, July 10. The first passage was May 27. The third and final one will occur December 21. The first two are the most powerful because they take place so close to one another. That is because both Jupiter and Neptune turned stationary retrograde shortly after that first conjunction. As suggested in this column previously, optimism and hope would probably peak between these first two passes. That is why we are concerned that the highest price of this recent bull market run took place on June 11-12, right in the middle of these first two Jupiter-Neptune passes.

 This week is important for other reasons too. First, transiting Mars is making a T-square to the Mercury-Pluto square in the New York Stock Exchange chart (May 17, 1792, New York City, time unknown). This is time when stock prices tend to sell off sharply to a low, and indeed they did that on Thursday of last week when the aspect started. Second, there is a lunar eclipse (full moon eclipse) Tuesday, July 7. The market could experience rather intense emotions early this week, for that eclipse is in Cancer and Capricorn, which rule the principles of mother and father, or political authority. There may be a conflict “in the family,” with accusations being hurled about regarding the issue of “parental controls.” Translated into politics and financial markets, there may be allegations regarding the “hidden agenda” (Jupiter and Neptune) of government regulations of banks and financial markets (lunar eclipse in Cancer-Capricorn). If the stock markets can complete this downturn early this week, there is hope into mid-August. If this coming week ends like it did last week, then equity markets may be in store for some panic. The geocosmic picture is still hopeful. The technical picture looks like a train wreck is just starting.

Longer-Term Thoughts

 Last week was the USA’s 233rd birthday. It happened either July 2, if you consider the start of the vote for the Declaration of Independence, or July 4, if you consider the time when George Washington was informed of his command to start the Revolutionary War. My preference is the former. And in the study of astrology, the time of the year when the transiting Sun returns exactly to its natal position is known as one’s “solar return.” The theory is that the positions of the planets - for this moment of time - outline the themes and possible conditions for the next year.

This solar return for the 233rd year of USA’s existence is a powerful one. In this chart, the Jupiter-Neptune conjunction falls in the 11th house of Congress. This suggests that Congress can pass pretty much whatever it wants this year. Jupiter and Neptune there show much success, in so far as success is measured by the number of efforts that succeed in getting passed. But Jupiter and Neptune are in a T-square with Venus and Mars (conjunct in Taurus in the first house) and the Moon in Scorpio at the end of the 7th house. These are money signs and very emotional planets. Even though Congress gets its way for much of the next year, there has to be concern about its ability to manage monies well. With Venus, Mars and the Moon all in square to Jupiter and Neptune, this chart does not imply any “self-controls.” To the contrary, it suggests over-estimations and over-sensitivity. In fixed signs, both sides (Republicans and Democrats) are firmly entrenched in their beliefs, and those beliefs are apt to be regarded as “self-righteous” and self-serving by the opposite side. There are apt to be many episodes of “misuse” of funds discovered later on. If one were to try to find one word to describe these signatures in regards to financial matters, it would probably be “wasteful.” Money disappears, and likely cannot be accounted for.

 There is one more interesting configuration present in this solar return. It is an “out-of-sign” T-square (yes, a second one) involving Uranus, square to the opposition of Mercury and Pluto. For those who like conspiracy theories, this year offers many. Pluto is what takes place behind the scenes. Pluto involves debt and taxes. Uranus represents sudden surprises, and the tendency to unexpectedly change one’s mind and alter the previously agreed upon plan or promise. This is a case where information can be used for harmful purposes, as in blackmail. So once again, we have to ask the question: who has power over whom? And who can possibly be acceptable to Congress to audit the Federal Reserve Board? This solar return is all about who controls the money and where is it going. If the FED is truly independent, then why does the President hold the power to appoint the chair? And if the FED’s independence is under attack, who or what is the alternative bank? The USA Congress or White House? Will the country’s monetary health be better served by putting its accounts in the hands of the government?

 January 2010 is looming ahead. That is when President Barack Obama is due to announce his decision on re-appointing Ben Bernanke as the head of the FRB – or to choose someone else. I think that is when we might see who has the real power in this country. With the solar return Mercury in opposition to Pluto, and the Jupiter-Neptune conjunction being squared by Moon in Scorpio, I think we may see a power play like we have not been seen in a long time. Expect a lot of leaks in the press that portray certain leaders in a very negative light. It may be a very dangerous time for the careers, and even the lives, of many who are involved in this behind the scenes effort involving control of the USA monies.

 

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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