REVIEW AND PREVIEW: MMA Free Weekly Forecast
The steepest and most prolonged decline since the pandemic lows of March 16-23, 2020, continued last week. It is not surprising since the transit of Mars retrograde, in late Aries, is making a waxing square aspect (first quarter cycle) to the Capricorn Stellium now through October 19. The panic low of March 2020 happened when Mars was conjoining these three planets. The conjunction represents the beginning of a cycle. The first quarter cycle (waxing square) usually represents a testing or a re-visit to the themes that were present at the start of the cycle. The COVID-19 and the decline of world stock indices are indeed a return to the fears and market patterns of March. However, so far, the drama is not yet nearly as intense as it was in March. But we still have three more weeks to go. As noted from March 1-23, 2020, three weeks is plenty of time for markets to fall and cases of COVID-19 to rise significantly throughout the world. Yet it is also plenty of time for everyone to apply the lessons we learned from the mid-March time frame and prevent the amplitude of panic experienced six months ago.
After posting new post-crash highs just before Mars turned retrograde on September 9, several global stock indices fell to their lowest levels in 2-4 months last week.
In Europe, the Netherlands AEX fell to its lowest price since June 15. The German DAX index fell to its lowest mark since late July and the London FTSE to its lowest level since mid-May. The Zurich SMI held up reasonably well, still above its low of September 4.
It was similar in Asia and the Pacific Rim, where the Shanghai Composite is now testing its lows of July22, the Hang Seng of Hong Kong is back to its lows of late July, India’s Nifty is down to levels not seen since late May, and Australia’s ASX index is back to prices of late June. Only the Japanese Nikkei is holding up reasonably well, perhaps because it didn’t trade the first two days of last week due to its “change of season” holidays.
The Americas saw similar patterns, except in the U.S. where equity prices surged on Friday. But just before that, both the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the NASDAQ fell to their lowest levels since July 30.
The Dollar was king again last week, as the euro currency fell to its lowest price in two months. As the Dollar rose, Gold and Silver both broke to their lowest prices since July 21-22. Silver especially got crushed hard, falling to a weekly low of 21.81 on Thursday, September 24. This is a 27% loss of value from its multi-year high established on August 6. All of this proves one thing: precious metals are very reactive to the value of the U.S. Dollar. As the Dollar gains strength, the price of Gold and Silver fall. In fact, the price of most commodities falls when the Dollar rises, because the currency of exchange in world trade is still the U.S. Dollar. But how much longer will it retain that status? That is a relevant question to ask as Uranus, the planet of major changes, makes its way through Taurus, sign of money and currencies.
SHORT-TERM GEOCOSMICS AND LONGR-TERM THOUGHTS
“The current account deficit in the United States, which is the broadest measure of our international imbalance with the rest of the world, suffered a record deterioration in the second quarter,” Right now, the U.S. Dollar Index is trading around 94. When Roach predicted on “Trading Nation” last June the index would plunge 35%, it was trading around 96. At the time, Roach estimated it would happen in the next year or two, maybe more. But now, he sees it happening by the end of 2021. “Lacking in saving and wanting to grow, we run these current account deficits to borrow surplus saving, and that always pushes the currencies lower,” he said. “The dollar is not immune to that time honored adjustment.” – Stephanie Kandsman, “Economist Stephen Roach Issue New Dollar Crash Warning, Sees Double-Dip Recession Odds Above 50%,” www.cnbc.com, September 23, 2020.
“The inherent vice of capitalism is the unequal sharing of the blessings.
The inherent blessing of socialism is the equal sharing of misery.”
Winston Churchill, as seen on the email signoff of astrologer Georgia Stathis.
The belly of the cosmic hurricane now begins. And at this very moment we are entering the center of the cosmic storm. Batten down the hatches and focus on protection of your finances, health, and general well-being for the next 3 weeks as Mars will form its waxing square to Saturn (September 29), Pluto (October 9), and Jupiter (October 19). This challenging period begins with Saturn turning direct this Monday, September 28, which is a powerful Level 1 geocosmic correlation to primary or greater cycles within an orb of 9 trading days (70% rate of frequency). Saturn’s nature can be repressive, giving rise to anxiety and fears. Mars squares this stationary Saturn the next day, September 29, and has an even stronger geocosmic correlation of 80% to primary cycles within an orb of 11 trading days. Mars/Saturn also represent periods of exhaustion, the feeling of falling behind, and not having enough time to do everything. People get frustrated and angry under this hard aspect, which doesn’t help to solve any problems. It only causes more agitation and frustration, and it is best to avoid working with people who hold you back or are overly critical. It is wise to extend deadlines rather than beating yourself up to make something happen that just isn’t ready to be completed properly just yet. The key mantra needed right now is “patience.”
Shortly after we pass the Saturn tests, we then face the Pluto tests. Pluto turns direct on October 4, and five days later (October 9) Mars will make its waxing square to the planet of the 4 D’s: debt, deficits, downgrades, and defaults. Saturn may be frustrating, but Pluto can be obsessed, relentless, and resentful if it doesn’t get its way. It may try to get its way by threats and force, which of course, under the Mars retrograde, Pluto doesn’t get its way any quicker. It sets everything back when others want it to move forward. Pluto has to go back and re-do it all over again. Oftentimes that makes it better. Just as often, people quit, and the project ends on a sour note. No healing, no dealing. It’s over. And its’ time to start again. In terms of financial markets and the economy, the attention is on new tax proposals and possibly more tariffs or threats of ending trade deals. Tik Tok is not going to get a break under this aspect, for once the door is closed, it is hard to re-open. And did I say there is the matter of resentful and revenge (payback) that goes with decisions that are now being made? Somebody is trying to make a point: “If you mess with me, you’re going to pay a price – badly.” It can be a thuggish aspect, forcing people to give up what they want to keep.
This also applies to naming a new Supreme Court jurist. We are not only talking about the hypocrisy of political leaders here, but how the decision is being forced upon people who will not get a chance to express their preference via the upcoming election. Again, there may be a price to pay for forcing this issue under Mars retrograde, under hard aspects from Mars to stationary Saturn and Pluto. People are angry, and those who oppose this decision, this manner of selection, may be stirred to vote out of resentment when otherwise they may have sat out the election or remained quiet.
There is a lot going on right now. And with Mars retrograde and Saturn highlighted, it may seem like a struggle to get ahead, to get caught up with demands made upon you. May I suggest trying very hard to get balance in your life these next three weeks, between work, play, rest, and exercise. This is a time when there tends to be more work and not enough of the other three things. Without balance, one can burn out, make wrong decisions. Maybe try this simple breathing exercise when you feel the most stress. Inhale to the count of four. Hold it to the count of four, and then slowly exhale to the count of eight. I know you read this column for market and astrological insights. But sometimes, under certain challenging astrological conditions, it is useful to remember the simple things that make your life work. Breathing is one of them.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
NOTE 1: The Merriman Market Timing Academy will offer its next series of courses starting January 16, 2021! This is only the second time it has been offered since the first class graduated in 2014! This is an intensive two-year program in the MMA Market Timing methodology of analyzing and trading financial markets as developed by Raymond A. Merriman, C.T.A. (registered Commodities Trading Advisor with the National Futures Association since 1982). There will be 8 courses, each consisting of 6-7 classes, lasting 2-3 hours each, on Saturday afternoons, starting at 1:00 PM, EST. There will be a one month break between each course, and a 3-month break between the first and second year of courses. The classes will be offered live online via Zoom. The course will be taught by Gianni Di Poce, MMTA graduate and apprentice, and Raymond Merriman. The cost for the two-year program is $12,000, with a 10% discount if registered by December 14, 2020. It is also possible to sign up for one year ($6600), or even one course ($1800) at a time. For more information on registration and requirements to be accepted, please visit https://www.mmacycles.com/product/mmta-two-year-program/, or go to our website via www.mmacycles.com > Shop > Education. This is a very rare opportunity to learn market timing the MMA way.
NOTE 2: Ray Merriman hosted a very exciting a 3-hour discussion on the 2020 USA Presidential Election with four other world class Mundane Astrologers last Sunday, September 13. If you did not make the live presentation, you can purchase a recording (MP4) of this discussion now. It is still very timely, very current, and the reviews have been extremely positive. As many stated, this was the most professional and interesting astrological discussion on a U.S. Presidential they have ever witnessed. Cost is $55. To order, please visit The USA 2020 Presidential Election Webinar Recording.
NOTE 3: The ICR (International Cycles Reports) was released last week, September 22. If you subscribe to this report and did not receive it, contact us at once! 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 Shyterman (metals, stock indices, and soft commodities), MMA President Raymond Merriman (China’s Shanghai Composite Index), MMA Analysts Ken Liao (Hang Seng) Ulric Aspegren (Currencies), Isabella Suleymanov (Grains), and Gianni Di Poce (Australian ASX and Dollar, Cannabis (MJ), and Live Cattle). Order now to make sure you get this month’s report! Consider a one-month trial for only $35.
NOTE 4: Get Ready! The Forecast 2021 Book now begins its Annual Forecast Pre-Order Event. Our preliminary outlook is that 2021 will be another very important year with the long-term Saturn/Uranus square aspect taking place. Although 2020 is not yet over, several forecasts made in the 2020 book have already unfolded. For a review of the Forecast 2020 Book so far, please visit our Scorecard.
This pre-publication period will be in effect through October 31 and will include our once-a-year sale discounts on both the annual Forecast Book and MMA Subscription Reports. You may pre-order Forecast 2021 at the discounted rate of $45. After the pre-order event ends, the price will increase to $55 on November 1st. Order both an eBook and print book (Forecast 2021 Bundle) for only $65, a savings of $45 off the standard rates. Save 10% off any subscription ($275+) with purchase of Forecast 2021. Use code SALE2021 at checkout to receive the subscription discount.
This year’s Forecast book will no longer include the individual Sun Signs forecasts. Instead, there will be a separate publication for those who enjoy the yearly trends for the twelve individual signs. It is titled “Trends for the Twelve Signs 2021,” and will be written by Antonia Langsdorf-Merriman and myself. Antonia has written an annual Sun Sign book in German for the past several years, based on interviews conducted with me beforehand. We will follow that same format for the “Trends for the Twelve Signs 2021” book. The cost of this book will be $25, with a further discount if ordered with the Forecast 2021 Book.
This year’s printed and/or e-Book versions of Forecast 2021 and Trends for 2021 will also be available in these languages:
German: www.mma-europe.ch/ or email at info@mma-europe.ch
Japanese: https://www.toushinippou.co.jp/
Chinese: www.nodoor.com/
The English version will also available through info@markettiming.nl or www.markettiming.nl.
NOTE 5: MMA is pleased to announce that it is publishing a new book titled Great Conjunctions: Shifting Times, by one of the world’s leading Mundane Astrologers – Chris McRae of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. This a fascinating book on the history of Great Conjunctions involving the outer planets throughout history. It is especially appropriate today because 2020 was such a year exhibiting Great Conjunctions. In fact, the grandest of all outer planet conjunctions – the Jupiter/Saturn synodic cycle – will take place on December 21, 2020, so this book is timely. The insights that McRae provides on these rare but remarkable configurations will make this one of the most valuable additions to the field of Mundane Astrology. The book is due to be released by mid-November. The cost will be $24,95, but you may pre-order it at the pre-publication price of $19.95, starting this week. Please visit our website at www.mmacycles.com/product/great-conjunctions-shifting-times/, or go to www.mmacycles.com > Shop > Books > Great Conjunctions.
EVENTS
October 3-4, 2020: Join me and 16 world-class astrologers for the next Astrology University summit where we’ll explore the challenges and opportunities at hand. Mark your calendar for the weekend of October 3-4, when you’ll hear a series of inspiring talks to help you participate in creating our collective future in concert with the unfolding planetary energies.
In my talk, I’ll be speaking on “The Super Charged Degrees.” This talk will identify Tier 1, 2, and 3 Grand Conjunctions, how to see them as a forecasting tool to identify periods of major shifts in human activity. I will explain how this technique corresponded with pandemics of the past as well as the COVID-19 Pandemic of 2020. This summit is FREE to watch live for 48 hours! Register today and you’ll be emailed the details for how to watch the live event. Sign up for free here: https://www.astrologyuniversity.com/summit/. Can’t make the live event? Get the ALL ACCESS PASS and all of the talks are yours to keep, plus some great bonus videos. Get your pass here.
October 11, 2020: Special Q&A webinar for MMA Subscribers with Raymond Merriman! 4:30 PM, EDT, or 1:30 PM PDT 9:30 PM GMDT). This webinar is free to those who subscribe to any MMA subscription report, or $55 if not a subscriber. Subscribers may send in a question they wish Merriman to address ahead of time. The only requirement is that the questions be of general interest to everyone attending the Q&A. Questions about a specific market are fine if it is a market that Merriman analyzes (no individual stocks, please). It is possible there may not be enough time to address all questions, so they will be answered on a first-come, first-serve basis. This event will last 90 minutes. You must register to attend at least two days before the event and a link to enter the meeting will be sent to all registrants that week.
January 16, 2021: The first class of the 2-year program of the Merriman Market Timing Academy begins! For details, see the above announcement, or visit MMTA.
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 a 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 hence potentially affect 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.