MMA FREE WEEKLY COLUMN FOR THE WEEK BEGINNING MARCH 10, 2025

NOTE: There will be no weekly column this week due to the “Convergence 2025” Conference in Orlando, Florida, in which several MMA analysts will be featured. Therefore, we are sharing a reprint of the back section of Forecast 2025, the Winter Ingress (December 21, 2024 through March 20, 2025). It describes quite accurately what is happening, which is most interesting since this piece was written in August-September 2024. It is a good example of the value of knowing astrology ahead of time.

THE CAPRICORN INGRESS, WINTER SOLSTICE          

The winter solstice for Washington, D.C., occurs on December 21, 2024, at 4:22 AM.

The Sun (leader of the nation) is in the second house of finances and the national treasury. It is a favorable trine aspect to the midheaven, suggesting the White House will place a focus on business, the economy, and people’s finances.

 Winter Solstice, December 21, 2024, 4:22 AM EST, Washington, D.C.             

The Ascendant is Scorpio, which is also a sign that highlights the nation’s finances. However, this time, it only concerns debt, whereas the second house pertains to credit, assets, and savings. The two are in conflict, suggesting that the nation is accruing healthy revenues (people are paying plenty of taxes this season) but probably also accruing unhealthy levels of debt, both individually and nationally.

The two rulers of Scorpio (Mars and Pluto) are also in conflict, as they are in opposition to one another with Mars retrograde. On the one hand, there is a strong urge to reform and make sweeping and vast changes in the government, especially concerning its finances. On the other hand, another prong of the government’s attention is the urge to completely sweep out dissenters or those who challenge the government’s authority as “enlightened leaders.” Scorpio rising with Mars retrograde and in opposition to its co-ruler Pluto, can be a revenge-minded cleaning initiative. Will the intense drive to reform the government and the perceived “deep state” or other perceived “enemies of the state” be conducted with fairness and compassion? Or will it be ruthless, coercive, and violent? In either event, many people directly or indirectly connected to the government may find their roles terminated. This is an aspect of “the bully.” And since it is in the 9^th house of foreign nations, there may be a foreign nation that is labeled as a “bully” or labels the U.S. as a “bully,” and this results in threats of conflict, even war. The possibility of an organized assassination attempt cannot be ruled out here, perhaps sponsored by a foreign entity.

With Mars, the ruling planet in Leo in the 9^th house of foreign nations and immigrants, there may also begin efforts of mass deportations or a massive reform of border controls. Additionally, this effort may gather momentum if there are any cases of violence involving the presence of illegal immigrants in the country. This is not a time for illegal immigrants to be highly visible and in violation of the nation’s laws, especially if violence is involved. Mars/Pluto contacts alone can indicate a heightened state of danger, potential violence, and assassination attempts. In the ninth house, it can be associated with borders, immigration issues, and universities (places of learning) where violent protests may erupt.

Another important signature that stands out is Uranus, on the cusp of the seventh house (descendant). This house represents the nation’s allies and partners. It may also pertain to concepts of marriage (or separations) that attract the public attention. In the first case, America may find new alliances are possible. But it could also mean old alliances are separating – departing –  from the U.S. Events arise quite suddenly and unexpectedly in this arena. If the U.S. wishes to maintain these relationships, it will have to be prepared for new demands. Or, the U.S. is the one making new demands, especially in money matters, and must be prepared for other nations to rebel against these demands.

The year does not appear to begin very smoothly or evenly. There are a number of unexpected surprises, as suggested by Uranus on an angle in Taurus, a money sign. But there is also the matter of Mercury (communications) rising and in its detriment sign of Sagittarius. Furthermore, it is part of a mutable grand square involving the Moon in Virgo (which is weak), Jupiter in Gemini (also in its detriment and hence weak), and Saturn in Pisces. With Saturn involved in a hard multiple aspect formation, tensions can run high. This is an aspect of potential frustration. These frustrations might have to do with laws, demands, or resistance from others that cause delays. Leaders want to get things moving, but criticisms and demands may hamper them to prove the merits of the changes desired.

Since Mercury is the rising planet and in its detriment, it is important for leaders to understand the importance of accurate and sober communications. In Sagittarius, Mercury has a tendency to see the broader picture and thus be optimistic, even exaggerative. But in square to both the Moon in Virgo and Saturn in Pisces, the devil may be in the details, which, for Mercury in Sagittarius, seems overly petty and obstructive. Thus, there is a sense that big things are underway, and there is also a sense of frustration in negotiating with those who are perceived to be obstructive or minimalistic in their macro views.

SPECIFIC PERIODS HIGHLIGHTED IN THE WINTER 

Resolutions to conflicts may find some light January 12-14 when Mars (aggression) enters into a harmonious trine to Neptune (peace, compassion, and gentleness), while the Sun enters a trine to Uranus (original ideas and novel solutions). Heliocentric Mercury will also begin a 2-week jaunt through Sagittarius (January 13-23), which can give a lift of optimism to negotiations. However, leaders will have to be careful not to over-exaggerate. It can also indicate a sharp move in several financial markets, like precious metals.

Additionally, the Full Moon of January 13 can coincide with huge snow storms and extreme cold temperatures within a day or two.

The optimism of the past couple of days now takes a more serious tone from January 13-February 10, and especially January 14-30, as Saturn semi-squares Pluto. During this same period, the Sun opposes Mars retrograde, Venus conjoins Saturn, and the Sun conjoins Pluto. It appears that some leaders are not willing to break from their hardened views. They still want revenge. But at least negotiations are taking place, and opposing sides are serious. Everyone is looking for some kind of breakthrough, perhaps a new idea that has interesting possibilities, even if it has never been tried before. New ideas can gain traction as long as all sides are open to considering them. But if any side is fanatical and unyielding, these talks will not go anywhere. Hardliners (fanatics) can still depress the narrative and keep tensions high. This can sabotage the process and even lead to more violence. Violence itself may be a result of sabotage by one leader, nation, or group saying one thing but then violating what they agreed to.

Another time band for a potential breakthrough in world conflicts arises January 28-February 4. Here, we find Mercury entering the innovation sign of Aquarius under a New Moon in Aquarius. Furthermore, Uranus (ruler of Aquarius) is turning stationary direct. Leaders are starting to think of the masses rather than themselves. Many want to get onto a new track in life for their citizens. They want to end the old squabbles and start new paths. This is a favorable time for technology or any invention that can benefit the masses. It can also indicate sharp price moves in financial markets. With Jupiter and Uranus both changing directions, it either indicates a low from which prices rally smartly or a high (crest) from which prices suddenly drop. It is a strong reversal of the trend interval.

On February 23, Mars finally turns direct and matters soon turn around in a more constructive fashion. This happens just after Mercury and the Sun both enter Pisces, February 14-18. Themes of compassion and peace, working towards a more ideal world (even if a little fantasy-like), are in the air. People are more romantic or exhibiting a sense of romanticism in thought, which is a positive. It is favorable for theatre, arts, and music.

The period of gentleness, kindness, and romance comes to an end March 2-3 as Venus turns retrograde in Aries (its detriment), while Mercury also enters Aries, the sign of aggression and/or assertiveness. Now, leaders are demanding attention to their needs and wants. Mars, the ruler of Aries, is still debilitated in Cancer, so this may be a case of whining, complaining, and basically acting childish, being too easily offended, and exhibiting temper tantrums. Leaders (everybody, really) need to grow up and act more adult-like because childish behavior gains no support. It makes one look weak. So, this is a period where the strong and the weak may openly combat one another. The strong win, the weak lose. It does not pay to be passive-aggressive now, where one thing is spoken, but the actions belie an entirely different agenda.

It also sets into motion a six-week period (Venus retrograde) where central bank policies may suddenly change and cause disruption in financial markets. Currency markets are vulnerable to major reversal of trends. On a personal level, this is not the best of times to undergo cosmetic surgery or purchase expensive items that turn out to be not worth the cost. Lovers from the past may re-enter one’s life. It may be exciting at first, but ultimately, it may end up the same way it left off before, with dissension and quarrels. Passion may be there. But love involves more than passion. It requires harmony and sacrifice, true sharing of decisions, and not self-serving. It’s about “we,” not “me,” if you want it to work. Leaders may try to frame their policies in terms of what is best for all of us when, in actuality, it personally benefits them more than everyone else.

Winter ends with more conflicts between serious thinking versus unrealistic fantasies, March 12-20. As the Sun leaves Pisces for Aries, it conjoins Saturn and Neptune. It is a preview of the Aries Vortex looming ahead when divisions are at their peak, along with propaganda designed to mislead people into believing falsehoods and personal agendas. Also, Mercury turns retrograde on March 15 and joins Venus, which is already retrograde, furthering the trend whereby it is difficult to see what is real, given the effort of others to manipulate the narrative to present a façade of things their way. This is a time of heavy propaganda, so be careful what you believe. Facts may be lacking, and you can’t make an informed decision without the right facts and sufficient information. So, ask questions and don’t act solely according to intuition unless it warns you to be careful and thus acquire needed information.

With the lunar eclipse of March 14, there may be reports of heavy rainfalls, even floods threatening life and crop growth or harvest. It can also indicate disappointment in others who give you hope but then turn out to be frightened about living up to their own bravado. Go forward on facts, not hopes, during this period. Trust, but also verify, before putting yourself in a vulnerable position with unreliable or deceptive people.

ANNOUNCEMENTS 

NOTE 1: THE “JUPITER REPORT“ — YOUR MOMENTS OF OPPORTUNITY — IS NOW AVAILABLE. This newest product 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. It delineates the meaning of Jupiter’s transits to your natal planets and angles over a 14-month period (including one month before your order 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 most valuable! Would you like to know when you are under a +3 transit and, therefore, most likely to experience trading successes? Or a –3 transit with stronger-than-usual potential for misjudgments and losses? You betcha! The cost for your 14-month Jupiter Report is $69. Click here to order!!!

NOTE 2: THE MMA Solar-Lunar App now offers reversal signals on the NASDAQ to all subscribers! The app now provides daily weighted values for four markets: the DJIA, NASDAQ, Gold, and Silver.

This app 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 the DJIA, NASDAQ, Gold, and Silver markets. It is available only on Apple products (iPhone and iPad) at this time, although we are getting close to developing it for Android phones as well, possibly by the end of this year.

To learn more about the MMA App, click here. To order it, go to the Apple App Store and type in Merriman Solar/Lunar Reversals. 

NOTE 3: 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 offers a preview of the geocosmic signatures in effect for the coming week and beyond.

NOTE 4: 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: 

MARCH 22: “Entering the Aries Vortex: Chaos and Opportunity” with Ray Merriman. The Astrology University Summit on “The New Air and Fire Era.” https://www.astrologyuniversity.com/summit/ Featuring 12 of the world’s top-notch astrologers speaking on “The Big Shift of 2025.” 

APRIL 15, 2025: Registration opens for MMTA4, our two-year training program that will begin September 13, 2025. Stay tuned!

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 cycles 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 the psychological dynamics that underlie (or coincide with) the 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.