REVIEW AND PREVIEW
The era of ultralow mortgage rates is over. The average rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage topped 4% for the first time since May 2019, Freddie Mac said Thursday. – Orla McCaffrey, “Mortgage Rates Rise Above 4% forth First Time Since May 2019,’ Wall Street Journal, March 18, 2022.
Federal Reserve officials voted Wednesday to lift interest rates and penciled in six more increases by year’s end, the most aggressive pace in more than 15 years in an escalating effort to slow inflation that is running at its highest levels in four decades. – Nick Timiraos, “Fed Lifts Rates and Signals Six More Increases,” Wall Street Journal, March 17, 2022.
Due to preparations for this evening’s Webinar on China’s stocks market, Gold, and Crude Oil, I will not be able to provide our normal review on last week’s financial markets.
However, our three-star CRD (geocosmic critical reversal date) of March 4-7 can now be confirmed as coinciding with the primary cycle trough or secondary low in many world stock indices, and possibly primary cycle crests in Crude Oil and precious metals. We will update those markets in tonight’s webinar and this weekend’s weekly reports.
As a side note, I gave the incorrect name of the author to the book titled “Putin’s People” in last week’s column. The author is Catherine Belton.
SHORT-TERM GEOCOSMICS
At his press conference, Mr. Powell declared that the U.S. economy “is very strong.” But it’s notable that the Fed sages downgraded their median forecast for economic growth this year to 2.8% from 4% in December. The chairman noted the war in Ukraine several times as a risk to both growth and inflation. Every canny Fed Chairman needs an “exogenous” explanation other than monetary policy for economic problems. – “Jerome Powell, Inflation Fighter?” Wall Street Journal editorial, March 17, 2022.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine will be felt by households around the world through higher energy and food prices with disruptions to trade and fragile confidence contributing to a significant weakening of global economic growth. – Paul Hannon, “Invasion’s Economic Effect Cuts Outlook, OECD Says,” Wall Street Journal, March 18, 2022.
This is the aftermath of Saturn square Uranus, of banking and fiscal policies that were so experimental and extreme, and in retrospect, possibly a mistake. But now banking and even world leaders are finally reacting and taking steps to correct these mistakes. The question is whether it is too little or too late.
Shorter-term we are still in a powerful display of geocosmic factors. There is a full moon in late Pisces/Virgo on March 18. Venus and Mars are still close to one another in Aquarius, and each will make a square to Uranus in Taurus, March 19-22. Venus rules Taurus and Uranus rules Aquarius, in each other’s ruling signs, so they are in mutual reception, which makes this square doubly powerful now. It coincides with major market reversals within 8 trading days, and usually within only four trading days. Mars and Uranus will square one another on March 22. This is yet another indicator of potential violence if this combination is not harnessed and used for resolving difficult conflicts.
The threat of more fighting doesn’t end then, for Mars will next conjoin Saturn on April 4-5, another combination that could manifest as frustration and potential anger directed at others who stand in one’s way of completing projects. But at the same time, Jupiter is headed for its conjunction with Neptune on April 12, the longest planetary cycle in effect in 2022. And here we have hope, for Jupiter/Neptune is idealistic and doesn’t want war. In Pisces, it is more driven by the hope for peace and an end to violence.
In terms of financial markets, each of these planetary combinations has strong correlations to major market moves and reversals. Jupiter/Neptune in particular can coincide with an intermediate-term (50-week or greater) cycle trough or crest within six weeks. It is especially important to Crude Oil.
LONGER-TERM THOUGHTS
Within three weeks, virtually all of the world’s democratic nations and peoples have committed to repelling Russia’s invasion. With Ukraine, we seem to have arrived at an unlikely conjunction of virtue signaling and genuine virtue. The outpouring for Ukraine is the real thing. This flight from faux benevolence may not last, but for now it’s all good. – Daniel Henninger, “Ukraine is World War 2-1/2,” Wall Street Journal, March 17, 2022.
“Virtue signaling and genuine virtue.” How appropriate for Jupiter as it approaches its conjunction with Neptune in Pisces on April 12.
The central tenet of astrology and all helping professions is very simple: DO. NO. HARM. It doesn’t matter what the reasons or the causes of a dispute. This is why we have local, national and even world courts. They settle disputes. We don’t go out and kill others simply because we are bigger, have more deadly weapons, have no regard for human life, and believe we have been treated unjustly and therefore we can act out violently. There are consequences for such actions and yes, they often show up in the arrangement of the planets in the cosmos and the themes they represent.
The cosmic correlate to the atrocities taking place in Ukraine today fit with the history of the first 1-3 years following a Jupiter/Saturn conjunction. Historically, one will find a military and/or economic crisis arises then. It follows a period of economic growth at the time of the conjunction and is again followed by another period of economic growth after the crisis.
The current Jupiter/Saturn cycle began with the “Great Mutation” of December 21, 2020, when this 20-year synodic (conjunction) cycle took place in Aquarius. It commenced a new 140-period in which Jupiter and Saturn will conjoin in air signs. We are now just 15 months into this new Jupiter/Saturn air cycle. As is usually the case, the period around the time of the conjunction was in the midst of an economic boom. Now, 1-3 years later, we are entering an economic and/or geopolitical crisis. If this cycle continues to unfold as in the past, we will come out of it by 2024, maybe much earlier. But there is more to this cycle, as discussed at length in the Forecast 2022 Book.
It is an air sign cycle this time. It preceded the turbulent and difficult Saturn/Uranus waning square of 2021. The Saturn/Uranus planetary cycle pertains to extremist views and societal divisiveness and polarity. The Jupiter/Saturn cycle indicates progress through moderation and balance of polarities, the idea of diversity with unity (not the other way around as prevalent during the past two years). Jupiter is the principle of “too much” and Saturn of “not enough.” But when they are integrated evenly, the path of “just right” works extremely well. These are the ingredients that lead to unity instead of division, moderation instead of extremism in the collective’s thoughts and actions.
What is happening now in Ukraine is disturbing and extreme to the vast majority of people on earth. It reflects the negative side of the Saturn/Uranus waning square. But it is having the unbelievable and positive effect of bringing the world together, of bonding with one another on a global level in defiance and opposition to this extreme behavior and harm being committed. I am not sure the world has experienced such a massive, unifying movement against a common threat since World War II. The violation of the principle of “Do No Harm” was just as important a catalyst for bringing the world together then as it is now.
In the Forecast 2002 Book, I pointed out why there is hope for humanity, that a movement towards world unity could be based on the Jupiter/Saturn cycle ingressing into air signs and the majority of outermost planets in a waxing (growth) phase to one another for the first time in 20 years. If applied wisely, this would lead to the decline of extremism (along with the separation of the Saturn/Uranus waning square) and in its place the resurgence of moderation and balance. I didn’t know what mundane event would cause this hope for humanity to happen. All I had was my understanding of astrology. But now, I think it is very evident. It is Russia’s aggression causing such harm to so many people. It is Zelensky’s heroic stand of resistance against the second most powerful military on earth, against all odds, which has unified his nation, and in turn their bravery has unified much of the rest of the world. I realize I will lose readers who believe Putin is a world savior and humanitarian (yes, I receive such letters often from readers). But some things are really more important to me than trying to appease everyone even when in violation of the basic tenet of all helping professions.
And I do firmly believe that the understanding of astrology shows this historic challenge and opportunity for humanity. It is not just personal judgement, subjective thinking, or lack of objective analysis, as some allege. The universe and universal principles do not support humankind wishing to destroy itself. The power of creation is necessary – essential – for life on earth. It is ultimately stronger and more lasting than acts of destruction and harm.
As long as we survive and have life on earth, there will be creation and growth. When destruction dominates, what is left? Nothing. The ultimate outcome of destruction is darkness, nothingness. The creative force that exists in all life does not seek nothingness. It seeks union with the Infinite, and on the microcosm of its incarnation on Earth, with one another. Our evolution as a human species depends upon our healthy relationships with one another, not the destruction and extermination of those relations.
Do No Harm. Or at least, do not initiate harm. There is a time for defending oneself and family and neighbors from harm. But the basic mantra for all those would-be helpers and creators is: Do No Harm. It will save the planet. It will save the human race.
This is a critical inflection point in the arc of humankind’s destiny. And as the Wall Street Journal challenged President Joe Biden last week: “Why Not Victory?”
ANNOUNCEMENTS
NOTE 1: THE NEXT ISSUE of the English version of the Monthly Chinese Shanghai Composite Report will be released THIS WEEK, March 21! China’s financial markets are critical to the global economy. Each monthly report of this important market is 4-7 pages in length and includes daily and weekly charts, with a list of geocosmic indicators and critical reversal dates for the next several weeks, and what to expect. These reports also include an additional feature on the solar/lunar signals in effect each month for the SSE based on current studies underway by MMTA student Yating Hu. These will identify the 2-4 most likely periods, lasting 1-3 days each month, when the probability is greatest for trading cycle highs and lows based on the historical studies of the SSE since its inception in December 1990.
The subscription rates for this MMA SSE monthly report are:
1 year = $275
3 months = $95
1 issue =$35
These reports will be translated and available in Chinese too, at the same rate, via NoDoor. For a subscription to this service, please visit www.mmacycles.com and go to shop> subscriptions and scroll down to this report. Or click here.
NOTE 2: FINANCIAL MARKETS AND GOLD UPDATE FOR CHINA takes place tonight, March 18. The recording of this webinar will be available on Monday, March 21. The presentation will be simultaneously translated into Chinese by NoDoor School for its students and listeners. We realize that the translation is difficult to follow for those who do not speak Mandarin. Hence we will make available both the slides and a document of the personation notes for each slide in English to those who sign up. That way you can review the slides and the explanation each slide without the Chinese translation. This webinar will focus on the outlook for the Crude Oil, Chinese Shanghai Composite (SSE), and Gold. We had a question in Bitcoin, so we will cover that, as well as our outlook for the world economy.
NOTE 3: THE MARCH ISSUE OF THE MMA Monthly Cycles Report was released last week and contained a special report on Gold! Every issue provides MMA’s intermediate-term investors and near-term traders outlook for the U.S. stock market, Gold, Silver, Treasuries, Euro Currency, Crude Oil, and Soybeans. Each issue also contains MMA’s original geocosmic critical reversal dates (CRDs) and Solar/Lunar reversal dates over the next several weeks for DJIA, Gold, and Silver, complete with trading strategies for position traders during the next month. If you are not a subscriber to the monthly MMA Cycles Report and would like a copy of MMA’s outlook for financial markets, consider trying the March issue for only $35.
NOTE 4: TUNE INTO MMA’s NEW WEEKLY YouTube Video on the geocosmic climate related to financial markets hosted by MMTA Educational Director Gianni di Poce. The video is recorded late Friday night and posted then or early Saturday, depending on the editing process. These 5-10 minute video presentations review the market activity of the past week and offer a preview of the geocosmic signatures in effect for the next week and beyond. You may subscribe to MMA’s YouTube Channel today at no cost and get announcements when each geocosmic market review is ready for viewing! “Just a quick word to say your (Gianni’s) weekly video on YouTube is really a great complementary format to Ray’s letter. I find it interesting and masterfully delivered. Thanks to both of you for this!” M.K., Paris, France and portfolio manager.
NOTE 5: THE ANNUAL WORLDWIDE WEBINAR and Address on Forecast 2022 with Raymond Merriman took place recently on FEBRUARY 20, 2022. It went very well (about 2.5 hours) and the recording is now available and highly recommended to view if you were not present. This broadcast updated financial markets since the Forecast book was written in November 2021, including the U.S. stock market, Gold, Silver, Crude Oil, Euro, Corn, Soybeans and Bitcoin. The cost for the recording is $55.00 and includes the slides of the presentation. For more information or to order, go to Forecast 2022 Webinar.
EVENTS
March 26, 5:30 PM GMT, Raymond Merriman will be speaking at “The Year Ahead Astrology and Finance Day” Conference sponsored by the Mayo School of Astrology. His topic will be “The Pattern of the 10-Year Jupiter/Saturn Waxing Phase.” Jupiter and Saturn conjoin one another approximately every 20 years. The first ten year are known as its waxing phase (between conjunction and opposition). A pattern tends to unfold at regular intervals in this 10-year period related to the world economy, stock markets, and geopolitical tensions. This pattern will be reviews and shown how it relates to the Nodal Cycle of economic prosperity and recessions. An overview about what these cycles imply for the remainder of this decade will follow. Also speaking will be Christeen Skinner, Lara van Zuydam, Bill Meridien, Georgia Stathis, and Grace Morris. Ray’s presentation will be at 1:30 PM EDT, the last one of this one-day event. For more information, please visit https://mayoastrology.com/events/ .
April 1: Ray Merriman will join Gianni di Poce on MMA’s weekly YouTube video discussing the geocosmic climate related to financial markets. The video will be posted late Friday night. We will review the market activity of the past week and offer a preview of the geocosmic signatures in effect for the next week and beyond. Like this free weekly column, this video is intended to be educational and there will be no cost. You may subscribe to our YouTube Channel today and get announcements when each geocosmic market review is ready for viewing! On this week’s You Tube MMA video (March 19) Gianni will interview guest trader and financial astrologer Kate Silas of “Profit With the Planets.”
August 25, 2022: 1:00 PM, Denver, CO, ISAR Conference, 4-Hour Pre-Conference Workshop by Raymond Merriman on “ASTROLOGY AND THE ART OF FINANCIAL MARKET TIMING: HOW TO FORECAST TRENDS AND MARKET REVERSALS.” Financial markets offer objective means to test astrological validity. The Moon changes signs every 2-3 days and is valuable for short-term trading. Planetary stations and aspects identify longer-term market reversals. Approximately 4-5 times/year, markets will form important highs or lows, which are the most favorable times to buy and sell for position traders. This course provides research studies showing the correlation of astrological factors to short-term and longer-term financial markets. The focus will be upon stock markets, precious metals (Gold and Silver), and Bitcoin, and how to integrate astrology with cycle studies to attain optimal market timing skills. Visit https://isar2022.org/schedule/ for further information and register for a great event!
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 to educate the reader on the relationship between astrological factors and collective human activities as they are happening. 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 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 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.