MMA FREE WEEKLY COLUMN FOR THE WEEK BEGINNING JULY 27, 2026

REVIEW by Raymond Merriman

 President Trump is preparing to reshape the legal justification for his tariff regime this week and push negotiations with North American trading partners into high gear, setting off a new phase of trade uncertainty for businesses after months of relative calm.

—Gavin Bade and Matt Grossman, “Trump’s Tariffs Enter New Phase, Ending Months of Calm,” The Wall Street Journal, July 22, 2026.

“Insanity is doing the same thing, over and over again, but expecting different results.”

—Rita Mae Brown (spoken by the fictional character Jane Fulton in the 1983 novel Sudden Death).

Tariffs. It seems that every time the President announces the latest tariff proclamation, global stock markets tank. And then he backs off. “Liberation Day,” in March–April 2025, was the first tariff announcement, which led to a sudden plunge to the three-year cycle trough, during which the NASDAQ fell over 26% in seven weeks. And here we go again as the NASDAQ and other global stock indices accelerate their selloff into the end of the Mercury retrograde period of June 29–July 23 that just finished. You may remember that the selloff into April 7, 2025, also ended exactly as Mercury completed its retrograde motion and President Trump pulled back from his unpopular and unilateral tariff pronouncement, earning him the nickname “TACO” (“Trump Always Chickens Out”—especially when the stock market falls hard). Will this pattern repeat, coincident with the end of a Mercury retrograde cycle again?

Since several countries will feel the sting of new tariffs, several global indices fell hard last week, especially on Thursday, July 23. These include not only U.S. indices, but also those in Europe, Japan, and India. Yet many are also now in a time band containing powerful geocosmic reversal signatures, so perhaps the extent of the penalties may not be as extreme as before, and losses in equity markets will be short-lived.

Last week was noteworthy in other markets too. Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Crude Oil rallied to new monthly highs on July 22–23. Wheat and Soybeans soared to their highest level in over two years. Rising commodity prices, however, bode poorly for interest rate-driven markets; hence, T-Notes and currencies were under pressure as the Dollar rose. Against the Yen, the Dollar exploded to its highest level since 1986!

SHORT-TERM GEOCOSMICS

 We are right in the middle of an overload of mixed planetary themes. The very favorable Jupiter sextile Uranus and trine Neptune of July 20 is being translated by the Sun conjunct Jupiter, which makes soft aspects to Uranus and Neptune on July 27–29. But as mentioned, the only markets rising during this period are Crude Oil, Grains, and the U.S. Dollar. The Grains may be rising because the Sun has now joined Jupiter in the fire sign of Leo, along with Saturn and Neptune in the fire sign of Aries. Fire is hot, and temperatures are indeed hot in Europe and the U.S., where Corn and Soybeans are under stress at critical points in their growing cycle. This emphasis on fire signs increases on August 10 when Mercury enters Leo, followed by the solar eclipse in Leo on August 12. This is looking like one hot summer, as outlined in the “Forecast 2026” book.

At the same time, a slew of hard aspects are unfolding, such as Jupiter in opposition to Pluto, with the Sun translating that opposition on Monday, July 27. A highlighted Pluto can correspond to damage to crops. Saturn turning retrograde on July 26 is a signature suggesting losses, while Venus square Mars on July 29 can be another aspect of higher-than-usual temperatures—not just in the weather, but between people, leading to quarrels and disputes. These may pertain to decisions that affect financial markets too, with Venus involved (e.g., tariff tantrums). The good news is that this may correlate with reversals from lows in currencies, interest-rate-related markets (T-Notes), and stock indices. This is typical of what happens when Saturn is highlighted. Markets that fall then will often put in cyclical troughs.

 LONGER-TERM THOUGHTS AND OPINION

“The next conjunction [of Saturn–Neptune] in 2026 is centrally placed at the beginning of Aries and is in a triangular quartet of planets with a double sextile to a trine between Uranus in Gemini and Pluto in Aquarius. It is the most benefic configuration of the century, and its interplanetary partnership will work for the best in a splendid relaunch of civilization.”

—André Barbault, Planetary Cycles: Mundane Astrology, translated by Kate Johnson, published by The Astrological Association CIO, London, UK, 2016.

I start this section of the weekly report with the famous quote by André Barbault, the legendary mundane astrologer from France. It is a quote that has appeared in previous editions of my annual Forecast books, dating back to 2023. However, there is currently some debate among astrologers over whether Barbault was wrong in his prediction, to which I reply: not so fast. He didn’t say this period—this configuration of 2026—itself would be the crowning achievement of civilization, but rather that it would be the “relaunch” of such an effort. A launch of any kind is not the climax or peak. It’s the start of a process. I think it is premature to judge Barbault’s prediction as a failure. But it may also be a case of underestimating how humankind (and especially the spirit of the people of the United States of America) has performed in very difficult and challenging times in the past, such as those we face today.

America, after all, is under assault for the recent actions, decisions, and behavior of its leader(s), which are not very popular domestically or internationally. This is consistent with today’s hard transiting and progressed aspects to the nation’s founding chart, such as transiting Saturn turning stationary in a T-square to the nation’s natal Sun–Saturn square. And even when it turns direct (November 2026–January 2027), the taskmaster will T-square President Trump’s natal Mercury–Neptune square. The same aspect was underway February–April 2026 when he launched the war on Iran that hasn’t quite turned out to be the resounding victory that’s been claimed. Mercury square Neptune in a natal chart is not exactly an aspect known for its command or accuracy of facts. And when Saturn transits it, criticism and disapproval follow.

Today’s widely followed astrological social media posts refer to this current configuration of the outer planets in one-half of the signs (between Pluto at 4° Aquarius and Jupiter at 4° Leo) as “Barbault’s Basket” (or “Cradle”). I am not aware that Barbault ever called this configuration by that name. Still, I am aware of the term “Barbault’s Cyclic Index,” which occurs when all the planets are contained within a very tight orb of approximately 100°. This happened in early 2020 and led Barbault to predict in 2012 that, among other things, this planetary formation could lead to a generational pandemic, which, of course, was correct.

The reference to Barbault’s forecast for 2026 is based on the very rare pattern of Saturn conjunct Neptune (a 36-year cycle) at the midpoint and in a double sextile to Uranus trine Pluto (a 112- to 147-year cycle) that technically took place at 0° Aries on February 20, 2026. To my knowledge, these planetary cycles have never unfolded together in this type of arrangement on the world point of 0° Aries. So, this is a very rare and long-term planetary cycle. This can mark the turning point to a “…splendid relaunch of civilization.”

Barbault’s observation of the powerful but rare planetary configurations of 2026 fits well with my thoughts on the “Aries Vortex” of 2026, as the midpoint of 2020–2032, as published in the past two annual Forecast books. This year (2026) is the midpoint in time of this 12-year “New Aira” period, and it coincides with the nadir of the Aries Vortex (peak of polarity and division). This is also the planetary midpoint of the Uranus–Pluto trine, where the Saturn–Neptune conjunction takes place at 0° Aries (the “world point,” and Barbault’s “double sextile” formation).

With Saturn as the front planet to Neptune as seen from Earth, it behaves like an eclipse, where Saturn receives all the benefits of the Uranus trine Pluto, as Neptune is “eclipsed” or “blocked out” by Saturn as seen from our planet. But now Saturn is separating from this midpoint and double sextile (losing its power), while Neptune (planet of peace) is the sole planet in the double sextile to the Uranus–Pluto trine into 2028. This cosmic pattern may be the “splendid relaunch” (beginning phase of the cycle) of civilization that Barbault speaks of. But we may not experience the flowering of these seeds now being planted until 2028 through 2032.

In 2032, Jupiter makes its first return to 0° Aquarius, where the Jupiter–Saturn conjunction took place on December 21, 2020 (start of the “New Aira,” as coined by market timer Kat Powell). It is also the year when Saturn conjoins Uranus near the summer solstice point of 0° Cancer, another “world point.” After Saturn conjoins Uranus in 2032, all the planetary cycles of Saturn to planets beyond its orbit (Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto) will be in their waxing (or opening) phase, something not seen since 1989 (the fall of the Berlin Wall and of Soviet Communism following the previous Saturn–Neptune conjunction) through the September 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center (Saturn opposition Pluto, which began the waning phase) that sparked the era of terrorism. But before then, there was world peace between 1989 and 2001 as Saturn was in its waxing phase to all the outermost planets. The same outermost planets’ waxing phase with Saturn will be underway after 2032. But as of 2026, two of those three cycles have already begun their opening phases (Saturn–Pluto and now Saturn–Neptune).

This is not a cosmic picture depicting the end of the world. It is one of a major turning point in the arc of humanity’s history and destiny, from dread and fear to transformation and renewal. The seeds for a “splendid relaunch of civilization” are being planted. We need to be patient and observant, as it will take some time for these seeds to reach their blossoming phase.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

NOTE 1: DUE OUT IN TWO WEEKS!!! RAY MERRIMAN’S NEW BOOK, JUPITER AND SATURN TRANSITS: MASTERING THE CYCLES OF LIFE. This is Book One, the first of five books that will be written over the next four years on the outer planets transiting through one’s natal chart. Nothing like this has ever been done before in the history of astrology. This first book, covering the transits of Jupiter and Saturn, is 420 pages long and includes all the major transits of Jupiter to one’s natal planets and angles, including interpretations of the opening and closing sextile, square, and trine aspects. The Saturn section also includes the opening and closing semi-square and sesquiquadrate transits to all natal planets and angles, plus the “Business Cycle” of transiting Saturn. Each transiting aspect is ranked on a scale of –3 to +3 in terms of trading and investment potential, which alone is worth the price of this book.    ~260727

“Transiting aspects to natal planets and angles are the most important astrological tools for forecasting an individual’s current and future conditions with accuracy. It is the aspects that trigger events, crises, conflicts, awareness, and the decision-making processes that alter the current trend of one’s life. This book will provide the timing and insight into these critical periods and assist one in mastering the cycles of life.” —Raymond Merriman.

The book JUPITER AND SATURN TRANSITS: MASTERING THE CYCLES OF LIFE is now at the printer and is due out any day now. The list price is $39.99. However, those who order prior to August 10 will receive the special pre-publication price of $33.00 (plus postage for the printed edition; the eBook requires no postage). To order at the pre-publication price, click here.

NOTE 2: THE NEXT “SPECIAL MMA OPTIONS WEBINAR” WITH DEREK PANAIA, HOSTED BY RAYMOND MERRIMAN AND WYATT FELLOWS, WILL TAKE PLACE ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 23, AT 12:00 PM EDT.

 Here’s how it works: Ray will start with an overview of the forthcoming MMA geocosmic critical reversal dates (CRDs), using the geocosmic calendar graph and MMA tables of Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 geocosmic signatures that will be in effect into the Venus retrograde period of October 3–November 13. Wyatt will provide an outlook on cycles and geocosmic turning points in five markets (the S&P, Gold, Crude Oil, T-Notes, and Bitcoin). Derek will then present options strategies with the best risk/reward potential based on this analysis and his own additional supporting factors. Ray will ask questions and provide input for clarification as necessary.

This Options Webinar will last approximately 2.5–3 hours. The cost is $125. However, it will be offered at no cost to those who are currently subscribers to the MMA Daily Options Report as of August 21. The new MMA Daily Options Report has been very profitable since it first launched on January 15. The hypothetical trading performance showed a return of 99.45% on strategies employed through June 30 (34 trades, 102 contracts, trading in lots of three), based on a hypothetical starting balance of $50,000. A complete track record of trades will be available on the new MMA website shortly. The MMA Daily Options Report is the perfect complement for active traders who also subscribe to the daily and weekly MMA reports, as it builds on the outlooks in those reports and monitors them on a daily and as-needed basis to identify optimal option trades that arise intraday or intraweek within those forecasts. Derek will guide subscribers through the strategy behind each trade as it develops. It is an excellent way to experience MMA’s methodology operating in real time!

The cost to subscribe to the Daily Options Report is $420 per month, or $4,200 per year. To register for the August 23 MMA Options Webinar, click here. To sign up for the MMA Daily Options Report with Derek and Ray, and receive the August 23 webinar for free, click here.

Note: Keep in mind that options trading is speculative. This webinar and the subscription service are designed for speculators who have a basic understanding of options. For those who do not, MMA offers a recording of Derek’s webinar on option principles, available on its website.

NOTE 3: THE SIX-WEEK SUMMER SCHOOL COURSE ON ESOTERIC ECONOMICS: THE HIDDEN ARCHITECTURE OF WEALTH, BY GIANNI DI POCE, WILL HOLD ITS THIRD CLASS THIS SUNDAY, JULY 26. There is still time to sign up and join. This immersive, six-week online course is the complete companion to Esoteric Economics, the financial astrology textbook by Gianni Di Poce. The course touches on conventional economics, but it also reveals the deeper, often invisible currents that truly govern wealth: archetypal forces, temporal rhythms, capital flows, and the ancient principles that have shaped civilizations for millennia. The course blends rigorous historical and technical analysis with esoteric insight, practical tools, and visionary thinking. You will not simply study economics—you will be initiated into its hidden language and learn to navigate it with clarity, confidence, and creative power. The cost of this six-week course is $300, and registration is now open! Click here to register.

 NOTE 4: THE MMA SOLAR-LUNAR APP OFFERS REVERSAL SIGNALS FOR THE DJIA, NASDAQ, GOLD, AND SILVER. It is an ideal tool to have in your back pocket if you are a short-term swing trader looking for high-probability dates that identify isolated lows and highs in these markets. Please note that this should not be used as a standalone system. It works best as an adjunct tool when cycle lows or highs are due, when a market is in a technically overbought or oversold condition, or when it is exhibiting intermarket bullish or bearish divergence relative to a related market. The app is currently available only on Apple devices (iPhone and iPad). HOWEVER, IT WILL SOON BE AVAILABLE BY SUBSCRIPTION ON THE NEW MMA WEBSITE TO EVERYONE, INCLUDING USERS OF ANDROID PHONES! To learn more about the MMA app, click here. To order on your iPhone, go to the Apple App Store and search for Merriman Solar/Lunar Reversals.

 NOTE 5: THE JUPITER REPORT: YOUR MOMENTS OF OPPORTUNITY! The Jupiter Report is written by Raymond Merriman. It is a 30- to 40-page report that all traders (and even non-traders) will find highly valuable. It identifies the times during the year when Jupiter transits are highlighted in your natal chart and explains the meaning of Jupiter’s transits to your natal planets and angles over a 14-month period (including one month before your order date and one month after the year ends). As an added bonus, each transit is ranked on a scale from –3 to +3 in terms of favorability for trading. Traders may find this especially valuable! Would you like to know if you are under a +3 transit and therefore most likely to experience trading success? Or a –3 transit, with a stronger-than-usual potential for misjudgments that can be costly? The price for a personal 14-month Jupiter Report based on your birth data is $69.

NOTE 6: The MMA Weekly YouTube show, “Geocosmic Week in Review and Look Ahead,” with Gianni Di Poce, is conducted on Wednesday evenings! Each 5- to 20-minute FREE episode reviews the previous week’s market activity and the geocosmic signatures that will be in effect for the coming week and beyond. Last week’s special guest was Derek Panaia, MMA’s options specialist. It was an excellent interview! Very timely and insightful.

NOTE 7: MMA’s Free Weekly Column Podcast Is Available on SPOTIFY, APPLE, and AMAZON! Now you can listen to a podcast of this weekly column by Thomas Miller on Saturdays! Thomas has an excellent voice and brings the weekly column to life in a personable and, at times, humorous fashion. Just follow Merriman Market Analyst on Spotify or Apple to listen to all our episodes. A new podcast episode will be released every weekend. This is a FREE service and is available to everyone. Check out our podcasts on Apple, Spotify, and Amazon Music. It makes for great listening!

 EVENTS

 JULY 12, 2026: The Esoteric Economics course with Gianni Di Poce began on July 12, but it’s not too late to join. The six-week course costs $300 and runs through August 16. See above for further details. Click here to register.

AUGUST 23, 2026: The next Options Webinar with Derek Panaia, Ray Merriman, and Wyatt Fellows. Save the date! Details are available by clicking here.

SEPTEMBER 3, 2026: A UAC PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOP ON FINANCIAL ASTROLOGY BY RAYMOND MERRIMAN, 1:00–5:00 PM. This workshop will take place at the United Astrology Congress (UAC), the largest astrological conference in the world, which is held every four to eight years. More than 150 world-class astrologers will be presenting, and over 1500 attendees will be present. The conference will be held at the Marriott Downtown Chicago Magnificent Mile Hotel. In addition to the workshop, Ray will present another lecture during the six-day event on mundane astrology, titled “What Is Happening in the World from an Astrological Viewpoint,” on September 5. For more information, visit www.uacastrology.com.

Disclaimer and statement of purpose:

 The purpose of this column is not to forecast 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 of educating the reader on the relationship between astrological factors and collective human activities as they occur. In this regard, this report will often cite what happened in various stock and financial markets throughout the world in the past week and discuss those movements 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, month, or even years, and the author’s understanding of how these signatures may affect human activity in the times to come. The author (Merriman) will do this from the perspective of a cycle analyst looking at the military, political, economic, and 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 to the psychological climate we are in from an astrological perspective. The hope is that it will help the reader understand the psychological dynamics that underlie (or coincide with) news events and their potential effect on financial markets.

 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 of this column assume any responsibility whatsoever for anyone’s trading or investment decisions. Readers of this report should understand that commodity futures and options trading are considered high risk.