MMA FREE WEEKLY COLUMN FOR THE WEEK BEGINNING MAY 11, 2026

REVIEW

Guest Contributor Pouyan Zolfagharnia

It’s not the technology that looks like the bubble. It’s the spending… AI-related stocks make up a larger share of the S&P 500 than tech did at the peak of the dot-com era, and the scale of capital expenditure now underway has few historical parallels.—Spencer Jakab, “It’s Looking an Awful Lot Like the Tech Bubble,” The Wall Street Journal, May 8, 2026.

As part of the chapter I wrote on the transit of Jupiter through the zodiac sign of Leo in the Forecast 2026 book, I noticed that 7 of the last 10 transits resulted in a 4-year or greater cyclical trough in the DJIA. Of the 7 cases, 2 were the 18-year troughs of 1932 (the Great Depression) and 2002 (the Dot-com crash). In these 7 cases, the market crest never formed during Jupiter’s transit through Cancer, which led me to conclude that, given we were making new all-time highs (ATH) with the transit of Jupiter in Cancer, the crest was not going to form until Jupiter enters Leo. This ingress will take place on June 30, 2026, and will be accompanied by a euphoric trine between Jupiter and Neptune. Jupiter will also be in sextile to Uranus, further indicating a tech-related high. However, the opposition of Jupiter to Pluto in early Leo is also indicative of an abrupt bursting event. Therefore, I am looking for the 18-year market crest and trough to occur within the upcoming transit of Jupiter through Leo. This could also be a further sign that the decline will be sharp and quick. Since World War II, the declines into the 18-year troughs from the crest have averaged 1 to 2 years.

We are now seeing U.S. equity markets continue their euphoric rallies, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq forming new ATHs this week, whilst the DJIA lags—a case of bearish intermarket divergence. This divergence is also present across global markets, with Japan and China rallying to new ATHs, whilst the European, Australian, and Indian equity markets are all below their respective highs before the recent escalation involving Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Clearly, these economies are being impacted more negatively by the inflationary pressures of the war.

Gold and Silver saw a strong bid, whilst Crude Oil had a sharp drop as news broke of progress on the US-Iran peace deal during the Pluto station. My concern, however, is another important correlation to conflict that was highlighted with Jupiter’s transit through Leo. In all 10 prior instances examined in my study, the United States was involved in some form of geopolitical conflict. Since World War II, this cycle has shown a particularly notable correlation with heightened conflict and instability in the Middle East during Jupiter’s transit through Leo. The Gulf War and the Iraq War both took place during this transit. Therefore, I still do not see this war ending. Another interesting correlation was a notable risk of pandemics or epidemics during this transit; more on this below.

 SHORT-TERM GEOCOSMICS

Over the past week, the main signature was Pluto stationing retrograde, which was accompanied by positive news that the United States and Iran are getting closer to a potential deal. This news was met with a healthy rally in equity markets and precious metals, and a sharp move down in Crude Oil. Next week will be relatively calm from a geocosmic perspective. Therefore, I am not expecting any significant reversals in market sentiment.

There is, however, a Mars transit affecting the Buttonwood founding chart of the New York Stock Exchange, founded on May 17, 1792. The red planet will be conjoining the NYSE natal Saturn at 26 Aries and in opposition to the NYSE Jupiter/Neptune conjunction at 22-26° Libra, May 8-16. With the S&P and the Nasdaq making new all-time highs as we start into the time band, it is possible a crest could form, followed by a corrective decline. However, I am not expecting any change in the longer-term bullish trend yet.

LONGER-TERM THOUGHTS AND OPINION

In the Forecast 2026 book, Ray made the following forecast in relation to the Saturn–Neptune Conjunction:

“Health and possible epidemics/pandemics: A study I conducted and published in Forecast 2021 revealed that the dominant geocosmic correlation to the ten deadliest pandemics in history involved major signatures between Saturn and Neptune. In 1918, this aspect coincided with the Spanish flu—the deadliest pandemic in human history. Saturn will conjoin Neptune again soon. Thus, it is crucial for the world’s population to closely monitor the development of any diseases or viruses that may attack the immune systems of large segments of the global population. Individuals with weakened immune systems must take extra precautions, such as avoiding gatherings where contagion may spread quickly and making lifestyle choices that strengthen rather than stress the immune system (for example, taking nutritional supplements and getting extra rest). This aspect can also indicate blood disorders or the growth of tumors if not addressed in time.”

The astrocartography map for the Spring Ingress was equally striking. It showed the Sun, Saturn, and Neptune all conjunct on the Midheaven over Greenland, Brazil, and large portions of the Atlantic Ocean.

With the recent outbreak of hantavirus aboard the 33-day Atlantic Odyssey voyage of the MV Hondius, this symbolism appears to be manifesting in a remarkably literal way. Once again, we are seeing an important geocosmic forecast correlate not only with the nature of the event itself, but also with its timing and geographic emphasis.

What makes this especially compelling is the symbolism’s precision. Saturn–Neptune combinations have long been associated with illness, weakened immunity, contagion, uncertainty, and collective health concerns. Yet here we also find the event unfolding at sea, across the Atlantic, directly under the regions emphasized in the ingress map. Whilst astrology does not always predict events with mechanical certainty, I like to highlight cases like this as they demonstrate the true value of astrology.

Another relevant and interesting forecast in relation to the Saturn–Neptune conjunction:

“Crisis on the seas: Neptune rules the oceans and seas, while Saturn pertains to government. Together, they can signify naval or maritime incidents that require government intervention.”

This symbolism now appears to be emerging on multiple fronts. It can be seen in the heightened geopolitical tensions surrounding U.S. naval blockades in Cuba and the Strait of Hormuz, as well as in the international health response and containment measures connected to the outbreak aboard the MV Hondius.

Ultimately, events such as these remind us that astrology is not simply about predicting isolated incidents, but about recognizing the recurring archetypal patterns that move through history. The symbolism of the Saturn-Neptune conjunction involving illness, uncertainty, the seas, and collective vulnerability now appears to be manifesting with remarkable clarity across both timing and geography. For further insight into the year’s most important geocosmic signatures, I highly recommend the Forecast 2026 book, now available as an audiobook as well.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 NOTE 1: JUST OVER ONE WEEK TO GO!!! THE MMA 2026 TRADING AND INVESTMENT RETREAT WILL TAKE PLACE MAY 20–24, 2026, AT THE RIKLI BALANCE HOTEL IN BLED, SLOVENIA, OVERLOOKING THE STUNNING LAKE BLED IN THE JULIAN ALPS. And yes, it will be offered online as well for those who cannot be in Bled at that time (SEE BELOW FOR NEW REDUCED RATES FOR ONLINE ATTENDEES ONLY!!!).

 This special four-day retreat will focus on trading strategies for position and short-term traders in 2026. It will cover the unique, research-based MMA methods for identifying primary, half-primary, major, and trading cycles. It will then apply those market-timing techniques (cycles and geocosmic studies) to the current situation in the stock markets, Gold, Silver, Bitcoin, currencies, interest rates, and grain markets, with strategies for each on both a short- and intermediate-term basis (from one week to 12 months ahead). This retreat will also cover the setup and steps for applying MMA’s solar/lunar reversal dates to very short-term, aggressive trades in Bitcoin, stock indices, and precious metals.

There will also be special presentations and interactive discussions on current and future world conditions through 2032 that are likely to affect financial markets. These sessions will be led by world-class mundane astrologers Claude Weiss (Switzerland), Christeen Skinner (UK), Christof Niederwieser (Germany), Pouyan Zolfagharnia (UK), and Raymond Merriman (USA). Joining them on MMA timing methodology and trading strategies will be MMTA Director Wiebke Held (Germany) and MMA analysts Wyatt Fellows (USA), Ulric Aspegrén (Switzerland), Gianni Di Poce (USA), and MMA Trading Coach Rita Perea (USA).

For the schedule, registration, speaker bios, topic descriptions, hotel information, and the booking code, please click here. For a trailer video of what to expect, click here. Please note that all 45 rooms reserved for MMA at the Rikli Balance Hotel are currently booked. In fact, 50 have now been booked, as the hotel continues to open up new rooms from our waiting list. We have a list of other hotels within walking distance and will continue working with the Rikli Balance as more rooms are added. If you find that rooms at the Rikli Balance are filled, you can book a room at another hotel and cancel it within 72 hours of arrival if a room becomes available at the Rikli Balance (a high probability).

The MMA Annual Investment and Traders’ Retreat is an incredible event! Don’t miss it if you can make it!

NOTE 2: REDUCED RATES for online attendees at the May 20–24 MMA Traders Retreat have just been announced. For those who cannot be present at Lake Bled for the Retreat, the cost to attend online will be $300 less ($3600 instead of $3900). In addition to viewing the live presentations, recordings of each day’s presentations, along with the accompanying PowerPoint slides, will be uploaded and made available within 24 hours.

 NOTE 3: THE MAY ISSUE OF THE MMA MONTHLY CYCLES REPORT WILL BE RELEASED THIS WEEK, MAY 11–12. Last month we asked: “Did the stock market just complete its primary and 50-week cycle lows? How about Gold and Silver? Are they also starting new primary cycles? What about Crude Oil? Is its high in?” All those questions were answered correctly. Now what? Given the intensity of today’s world events and the three-star CRD (critical reversal date) coming up shortly, this will be a very timely report. Each issue includes our outlook for the U.S. stock market (DJIA and S&P), Gold, Silver, Copper, Treasuries, the Euro currency, Crude Oil, and Soybeans. The MMA Monthly Cycles Report also provides MMA’s original geocosmic CRDs and solar/lunar reversal dates for traders over the next several weeks, as well as trading strategies for both position and aggressive short-term traders.

Additionally, the monthly MMA European Cycles Report will be issued Tuesday–Wednesday, covering the DAX and SMI indices, which are also at critical junctures.

If you would like to try a one-month subscription, you can sign up for the May report of either issue for only $35 — or save by ordering a three-report or twelve-report subscription.

 NOTE 4: THE SECOND EDITION OF THE NEW MMA MONTHLY CRYPTO REPORT WAS ISSUED LAST WEEK, ON WEDNESDAY, MAY 6!!! Each report features a cyclical and macro overview by Gianni Di Poce on Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, XRP, and one additional cryptocurrency selected based on current market interest, beginning with Cardano. Pouyan Zolfagharnia then provides a geocosmic overview and explains how it ties into the cycles. Together, they share strategies for both position and shorter-term trading in cryptocurrencies. CLICK HERE to subscribe to this new report.

Click here for a short AI video on this new Crypto Report.

NOTE 4A: THE RECORDING OF THE FREE CRYPTO WEBINAR, HELD ON APRIL 8, IS NOW AVAILABLE!!! Click here to watch it on YouTube. Are you new to the crypto world? Do you wonder how to trade cryptocurrency via wallets, futures, or ETFs? These and other topics are covered in this special instructional webinar on the new MMA Monthly Crypto Report. This FREE WEBINAR explains how to use the new monthly crypto report for maximum value. Ray Merriman hosted this webinar, joined by Gianni Di Poce, Pouyan Zolfagharnia, and MMA President Wyatt Fellows.

 NOTE 5: WE HAVE JUST COMPLETED A NEW UPGRADE FOR THE FAR for the GALACTIC TRADER SOFTWARE PROGRAM!!! We can now conduct solar/lunar weighted value studies for any market by isolating or omitting any planet that is retrograde! For instance, we can now compare solar/lunar values for any market when Mercury (or Venus, Mars, or any planet) is retrograde or direct, or both. This is important because we have noticed Bitcoin’s lunar values often perform differently under Mercury retrograde than under Mercury direct. If you don’t own the FAR for the Galactic Trader program, which is key to conducting MMA research studies to identify turning points in any financial market, and you wish to know more about it, please click here. The cost is $1895 (end-of-day version) and includes Jeanne Long’s Galactic Trader software, featuring extensive W. D. Gann trading tools that she created.

 NOTE 6: RECORDINGS OF MMA’S SPECIAL SIX-WEEK COURSE ON “THE BASIC PRINCIPLES OF GEOCOSMIC STUDIES FOR FINANCIAL MARKET TIMING” ARE NOW AVAILABLE!!! Led by Gianni Di Poce and supported by Ray Merriman, this course is designed to teach students the basic principles of planets, signs, and aspects (including retrograde and direct stations) as used in MMA’s market-timing methodology — one of its most important tools. The course explains which planets and signs rule the various sectors of the economy and financial markets. In addition, it covers how to use an ephemeris and astrological software (Solar Fire) for important routines such as calculating charts, generating transit “hit lists,” and identifying signs, ingresses, planetary stations, and aspects — the essential cosmic features necessary for determining market reversal periods.

The course is especially useful for those interested in taking the two-year program offered by the Merriman Market Timing Academy or for anyone wishing to deepen their astrological knowledge. The cost for these six introductory lessons, each lasting about two hours, is $300. This is an excellent opportunity to learn basic astrology from a highly skilled economic astrologer! Click here to order now!

 NOTE 7: 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 14 months (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.

Coming soon! The Saturn Report: Mastering Your Life Cycles. Due out in late summer.

 NOTE 8: 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). To learn more about the MMA app, click here. To order, go to the Apple App Store and search for Merriman Solar/Lunar Reversals.

 NOTE 9: THE NEW AUDIOBOOK OF EVOLUTIONARY ASTROLOGY: THE JOURNEY OF THE SOUL THROUGH STATES OF CONSCIOUSNESS, by Raymond Merriman, written in 1993, is now available! It is narrated by Thomas Miller, who has a great voice and also broadcasts MMA’s free weekly column. The first edition of Evolutionary Astrology, originally published in 1977, introduced this remarkable subject to the astrological community, where it has since become one of astrology’s major branches of study. Get ready to listen to the original work on Evolutionary Astrology that brought a spiritual perspective to the study of astrology from the late 1970s through today. To order the book (hardcover or eBook) or the audio recording, please click here.

NOTE 10: For a look at MMA’s newest advances in AI, click here. New short videos are now available — click here to watch.

 EVENTS

 MAY 20–24, 2026: MMA’S NEXT INVESTMENT RETREAT, LAKE BLED, SLOVENIA.

Registration is now open. The presentations will also be available via Zoom for those unable to attend in person. The theme of this event will focus on market timing and trading, including how to calculate and use solar/lunar reversal cycles. But there will also be coverage of longer-term cycles, with strategies for all! It’s going to be great!

JUNE 20, 2026: MMA’S ANNUAL MID-YEAR MARKETS UPDATE WEBINAR. Save the date! Note that the date has been moved up one day to Saturday, June 20, at 1 PM EDT. Registration details will be released soon.

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 takes place 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 developments in various stock and financial markets worldwide over the past week and discuss those movements in light of the geocosmic signatures in effect. It will then identify the geocosmic factors that will be in effect in the next week, month, or even years, and the authors’ understanding of how these signatures may affect human activity in the times to come. The authors will do this from the perspective of a cycle analyst examining the military, political, economic, and financial markets worldwide. Some forecasts may 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, as seen 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 investment or trading decisions. Readers of this report should understand that commodity futures and options trading are considered high risk.