REVIEW AND PREVIEW
The Dow Jones Industrial Average – after briefly falling more than 1,000 points – ended the day down 905 points, or 2.5%, for its worst drop of the year in the shortened trading session on Friday (U.S. markets close at 1 p.m. ET due to the Thanksgiving holiday). The drop comes after health officials warned of a new variant found in South Africa that has a high number of mutations and has spread quickly among young people. – Megan Henney, “Dow Posts Biggest Single-Day Drop This Year as New COVID-19 Variant Triggers Market Sell-Off,” www.foxbusiness.com, November 26, 2021.
In a classic example of a Saturn/Uranus waning square “black swan” event, world stock indices cracked on Friday. COVID-19 reared its ugly head with yet another new variant from South Africa. This provides a stunning warning of what the Venus retrograde, conjunct Pluto, and the third and final exact waning square of Saturn/Uranus, December 19 and 24, is all about.
The U.S. stock market may have the same holiday season fate as the serious decline that took place into December 26, 2018, after the Fed announced at the time that it would begin increasing rates. The same message is in force today, and the market seemed to be taking it in stride. Until Friday. Until the announcement of a new mutation to COVID-19 that threatens the population of the world.
There are several factors to consider here related to markets and geocosmic correlations. First, the selloff into December 26, 2018, began when Venus turned retrograde in early October 2018. This is typically a time when the FED or some other central bank makes a surprise announcement, a surprise change in their interest rate policy. The 19-month Venus retrograde cycle is one of the most powerful and consistent correlates to not only changes in central bank policies but also to primary or greater cycles in world stock indices. It takes place again on December 19, conjunct Pluto. Pluto is the planetary correlate to matters of debt and taxes, which also have a direct connection to interest-rate related markets (like treasuries and currencies) as well as stock indices.
Equally important is the third passage of the Saturn/Uranus waning square on December 24, 2021. The first passage occurred on February 17, 2021 and coincided with important highs in the Japanese and Chinese stock markets. In the past two Forecast Books, studies were presented that showed the U.S. and British stock markets made long-term cycle crests in a time band that started a couple of months before the first passage until two months prior to the last passage. The all-time high in the DJIA was 36,565 on November 8, which is slightly less than two months before the third and final exact passage of this aspect. We cannot rule out the possibility that the November 8 high may be a long-term cycle crest and the start of the most serious decline since the March 23, 2020 pandemic crisis selloff of 38%. Prior to this, the sharpest decline since March 2020 has been 10.5%. There have been no double-digit declines in 2021 up until now.
Another market to watch will be treasuries. As discussed in recent columns, transiting Jupiter will enter Pisces on December 28-29, 2021, where it will make a favorable trine and sextile aspect to the FRB Sun/Pluto. It was our position that the Fed would not raise rates or stop its monetary easing policies until after that period. If the mutation is serious, then this would be cause for the Fed to delay its planned cut- back on its monetary stimulus programs. The Fed is likely to still do it with Jupiter in Pisces, December 29-May 10, but maybe 1-2 months later than their suggested start date of December.
As far as how serious this new COVID-19 variant may be, we suggest reading our chapter on this subject in the Forecast 2022 Book. Last year’s book provided studies that showed the correlation of the deadliest pandemics in history to Saturn/Neptune signatures. Saturn is in a semi-square (hard aspect) to Neptune in the last quarter of 2021. We are in it now, and this aspect will pass in very early 2022. But Jupiter will then approach its conjunction to Neptune in mid-April 2022. This is an aspect indicating both freedom of movement, which suggests the crisis recedes once again, but also a period of excessive carelessness, which could lead to further problems if we haven’t learned to protect ourselves and one another by then.
As noted earlier, world stock markets took a hit late last week. So did Crude Oil and Silver. Gold also fell hard into Wednesday but then recovered smartly on the mutation news before selling off again into the close. Bitcoin dropped to its lowest price since October 6. The big gainers on Friday were currencies as the Dollar plummeted, a sign that traders believe the Fed will come to the rescue.
Sometimes astrology is just very incredible in the pursuit of understanding the flow of cycles in human activity.
SHORT-TERM GEOCOSMICS AND LONGER-TERM THOUGHTS
Workers in the U.S. resigned from a record 4.4 million jobs in September. Since January, quits have increased the most of any industry in educational services, which includes teachers, janitors, and guidance counselors. – Andrew Mollica and Sarah Chaney Cambon, “Snapshot Shows Workers Quitting at Record Rates,” Wall Street Journal, November 26, 2021.
We are losing one of our most valuable assets: teachers. This is not a good sign for the future. Why are teachers quitting? Why aren’t more politicians quitting? It’s not complicated. But that is a discussion for another time, although attention to this matter is also covered in the Forecast 2022 Book. It won’t be long before educators are given more credit for what they bring to society.
Shorter-term, there are interesting geocosmic signatures arising in the next week that could affect financial markets. The first important one is Neptune turning direct in Pisces on December 1. Neptune is a strange planet. It can coincide with euphoria and bliss, as well as an urge to be creative and seek romance. It is very good at creating pictures or narratives in people’s minds that are very pleasant and persuasive. It is good for marketing and advertising. But it often lacks realism. It doesn’t do well under pressure. If the stock markets of the world are rising under a Neptune transit, they can stay elevated as investors “hope” for the best. But if conditions are stressful, a Neptune-highlighted period can coincide with hysteria and panic as everything spirals out of control – or at least many may think matters are spiraling out of control. The thing about Neptune is that you don’t really know, and in the absence of factual data, people begin to speculate, sometimes wildly, leading to panic. This may be in store for world financial markets next week.
Matters can spiral further out of control under the New Moon in Sagittarius, December 3-4. Sagittarius is ruled by Jupiter, so whatever the collective mood is at this time, it becomes exaggerated. Usually, at this time of the year, the mood is joyous, so markets go up under the New Moon in Sagittarius. But if a sense of panic starts to escalate instead with this new COVID-19 variant, markets may take a fast elevator ride down. I am inclined to think that will be the case because, at the same time, transiting Mars will make a T-square to the Mercury/Pluto square in the New York Stock Exchange founding chart of May 17, 1792. That combination has a strong history of sharp declines in stock prices.
Besides Neptune, Jupiter, and the New Moon in Sagittarius, there is another planet/sign combination that can correlate with over-excitement or hysteria. That is the transit of heliocentric Mercury into Sagittarius from November 26-December 7. Usually, this is a bullish period for Gold, and we saw an example of that early Friday when Gold jumped nearly $40 from its low of the previous trading day, only to give most of it back by the close. But if Jupiter and Sagittarius do pertain to exaggeration, and it turns more towards hysteria rather than blind optimism, traders will seek safe-havens. Gold, Treasuries, or the U.S. Dollar are often beneficiaries in these economic climates. If the Dollar gains, that may not be positive for Gold, and with helio Mercury in Sagittarius, we can see large rallies or declines, and sometimes both, during this transit.
It is shaping up to be an interesting holiday season. With all this Sagittarius and Neptune energy, one should try to have fun with those they love. Sagittarius is fun; Neptune is bliss if you choose. Or you can choose speculative frenzy and hysteria if you prefer more drama, which certainly these planetary energies can also provide in abundance. But remember that under a strong Neptune transit, one must be careful of rumors and strive to get the correct information.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
NOTE 1: We hope that our US-based readers had a safe, healthy, and happy Thanksgiving with family and loved ones. As an American tradition, we are running a Black Friday Sale Now – November 30th. Save over 30% on Weekly Subscriptions (MMA Weekly Comments and Trade Recommendation and sector-specific reports), save 40% on The Ultimate Book on Stock Market Timing, Volume 1, save over 80% on Forecast 2021 and Trends for the Twelve Signs 2021, and save over 50% on The Ultimate Books on Stock Market Timing: The Complete Set Volumes 1-5.
Plus, something we have never done before… FREE SHIPPING ON ALL DOMESTIC BOOK ORDERS using coupon code “FREESHIP” at check out (excluding Forecast 2022 and Trends for the Twelve Signs 2022 print books). Look for an email coming soon with more details about the sale and ways to save. Thank you all for a successful 2021; we are grateful for you taking time each weekend to read our Free Weekly Forecast.
NOTE 2: The annual Forecast 2022 book is on schedule to be mailed out around December 15th! (print edition, eBook also). The book is now completed – what a year ahead (as I see it)! If you want to receive a printed copy of the annual Forecast 2022 Book, it would be wise to let us know no later than December 9th. Once they are printed, there are no reprints, and four of the last seven years have sold out.
We cannot guarantee domestic or international orders will be delivered by Christmas or Hanukkah. International orders can take up to three weeks to arrive, depending on their destination. Expect a longer lead-time, higher shipping rates, and possible additional import taxes that may apply upon receipt of product, depending on the country (all out of our control).
In this year’s Forecast, you’ll discover:
The importance of the Pluto return in the United States’ chart and its conjunction to the U.S. natal Moon.
How Saturn in Aquarius square Uranus in Taurus will come close to an exact conjunction for the final time, and its relationship to protest movements urge for individual freedoms and equality, and fights between tech companies and government, and dangers that lie ahead for outer space exploration.
The New “Era of Moderation Brings Success” begins (and the dangers of the opposite in 2022-2023)
The outlook for Financial and Commodity Markets in 2022, including The US Stock Market, T-Notes and Interest Rates, Gold and Silver, Bitcoin, Currency Markets, Grain Markets, and Crude Oil, Critical Reversal Dates for 2022…
PLUS! Much, much more. The Forecast 2022 Book makes for an excellent holiday gift for your favorite market follower, or astrologer/student/friend!
The cost of Forecast 2022 is $55.00 plus shipping (no shipping costs for eBook version). Order both the print and eBook (Forecast 2022 Bundle) for only $75, a savings of $35.
This year’s printed and e-Book versions of Forecast 2022 will also be available in these languages from the below affiliates:
German: www.mma-europe.ch/
Japanese: https://www.toushinippou.co.jp/
Chinese: www.nodoor.com/
NOTE 3: The Trends for the Twelve Signs 2022 Book is available now in eBook format! The print edition will be mailed out mid-December, at the same time as the Forecast Book. Find out what lies ahead for your sign in 2022! In fact, it identifies many specific birthdate ranges in addition to the 12 signs that are in store for a remarkable year. This very popular annual sun sign book is written by Antonia Langsdorf-Merriman and Raymond Merriman. Trends for the Twelve Signs 2022 covers the health and relationships outlook for each sign (by Langsdorf) and the business, career and overall psychological outlook of each sign for the year (by Merriman). The cost of this book is $25. You can save $10 by purchasing both Forecast 2022 and Trends for the Twelve Signs 2022 together, Forecast 2022 Ultimate Bundle for $70. This makes for an excellent holiday gift for your family or friends who follow astrology.
NOTE 4: THE MMA MONTHLY CYCLES REPORT MID-MONTH ADDENDUM by Pouyan Zolfagarnia will be available starting next week as an ‘add-on’ to the MMA Monthly Cycles Report. Pouyan is one of the top students in the Merriman Market Timing Academy (MMTA). He is also an excellent writer and graphics designer. For the last three months, his mid-term analysis and simplified interpretation of the MMA Monthly Cycles Report has been issued as a complimentary pilot program, and the response has been extremely favorable. Because of the very positive feedback, we will offer this mid-term monthly cycles report by Pouyan at a special rate of $95/year (or $45/three months, or $20/issue) to those who also subscribe to the MMA Monthly Cycles Report.
This mid-month addendum by Pouyan has very attractive graphics, is written clearly with more emphasis on geocosmics (including charts) and is an excellent and not-so-technical update of the MMA Monthly Cycles Report. If you are a subscriber to the MMA Monthly Cycles Report, you will receive an email next week with an opportunity to subscribe to this additional mid-term update at these special rates. These rates will remain in effect through March 30, 2022, after which the price will increase.
Really excellent, with the color-coding and shading, etc. Nice complement to Ray’s work and obvious edge of experience. I would definitely subscribe to this. J.N, trader and MMA Cycles Report subscriber.
Just wanted to let you know that I thoroughly enjoyed the first issue of the MMA Monthly Cycle Report Mid-Month Addendum. I felt the analysis was clear and relevant. Looking forward to next month’s analysis. If the following months are as insightful as this issue, I will be a purchaser of this subscription. M.T. MMA Cycles subscriber.
NOTE 5: THE NEW MERRIMAN ON MARKET CYCLES: THE BASICS book is out now! The second print edition is back in stock! This new edition contains the most comprehensive and modern listing of 175 long-, intermediate-, and short-term financial cycles in over 40 financial, currency, and commodity markets available anywhere! The book is a clearly written text on the MMA methodology for determining cycles periodicities and recognizing patterns within those cycles. It is a 72-page basic book for those who want to improve their timing skills by integrating cycles analysis with technical studies. It is a glossy softcover, 8-1/2” x 11” with illustrations to demonstrate the correct way to count cycle lengths, identify their phases with instruction on the trading strategies used to successfully trade each phase. The cost of the new version is $35. Order your copy now by clicking here.
NOTE 6: THIS IS THE BEST WAY TO REALLY LEARN MARKET TIMING AND FINANCIAL ASTROLOGY TODAY!!! –Through the recordings of the first year of MMTA courses, which are now available! The first four courses are now completed and the recordings came out excellent! This is a fantastic way to learn the unique market timing methodology of MMA! Each course (four courses in all in the first year) contained 7 classes. The first year focused on market timing tools and skills, via cycles and geocosmic studies applied to long-, intermediate- and short-term trading time bands. In addition to the 7 recordings of each of the four courses (28 in all), a workbook of 60-120 pages of each course is included to follow along with the video recordings. This is not for the casual student, but rather for the serious individual who wishes to become a market timing analyst or trader. These classes were lively and exciting with great interaction and questions from the students who were present live while the classes were given by Gianni di Poce and Raymond Merriman. The cost for each course is $1800 (7 classes in each course, approximately 15 hours of recordings per course). Or the entire 4-course recordings of this first year are available for a discounted price of $6600. Save $600 by ordering MMTA2: Year One Recordings (Courses 1-4). For more information on each class and each course, please click here.
“As you know, I started MMTA the first week of last September, I barely finished all videos, I would like to deeply thank you for sharing your knowledge. Recently I have been trading MMA Cycles methodology on every time frame, even a 1-minute chart. My success rate increased a lot, more than that now I have a deep understanding of market movement with peace of mind, Thank you again.” J.H, MMTA student after viewing “first-year videos” and joining for the last course.
“Just wanted to say a big thank you as I really can’t believe the power of the material you are teaching us. I was always a little wary of short-term trading, but the past few weeks have been eye-opening.” P.Z. First-year MMTA student during Course 4.
NOTE 7: THE NOVEMBER-DECEMBER ISSUE OF THE ICRs (International Cycles Reports) will be released this week, November 23-24. The ICR Financials includes analysis on ASX (Australian Stock Index), RUT (Russell 2000), SSE (Chinese Shanghai Stock Composite), HSI (Hang Seng Index), AUD (Australian Dollar), DXY (US Dollar), and GBP (British Pound). The ICR Commodities Report includes analysis on LC (Live Cattle), MJ (Cannabis), XAU (Gold and Silver), KT (Coffee), KA (Sugar), C (Corn), and W (Wheat). These reports are written by MMA Analyst and editor Mark Shtayerman (metals, stock indices, and soft commodities), MMA President Raymond Merriman (China’s Shanghai Composite Index), MMA Analysts Ken Liao (Hang Seng), Ulric Aspegrén, (Currencies), Isabella Suleymanova (Grains), and Gianni Di Poce (Australian ASX and Dollar, Cannabis, and Live Cattle). This month’s ICR commodities issue contained a special report and outlook for Copper by Matthieu Kaiser, MMTA student and portfolio manager, from Paris, France. It is well worth reading.
Please note that the final edition of the ICR Financial and Commodities Report will be issued next month, as editor Mark Shtayerman will be retiring after seven years of excellent stewardship. Our heartfelt thanks and gratitude go out to Mark and all of the analysts and editors for the wonderful service they have provided readers since 2014. MMA will be offering a new service in 2022, to be announced shortly. It will be exciting, especially for those interested in exceptional Cycles’ Research studies by MMTA graduates.
EVENTS
January 14, 2022: Zurich, Switzerland: Trends for 2022, sponsored by AstroData, and featuring Claude Weiss, Alexandra Klinghammer, Monica Kissling, Verena Bachman, Antonia Langsdorf, Raymond Merriman, and others. This special event will be given online due to COVID-19 meeting restrictions that have been implemented in Zurich at the present time. For more information, contact AstroData at www.astrodata.com.
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! You may click here too.
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.