REVIEW AND SHORT-TERM GEOCOSMICS
One of the nation’s top economists, (former Fed Chair Janet) Yellen predicted a 30 percent contraction of GDP this year but has seen models as high as 50 percent. – Megan Henney, “Coronavirus Unemployment Could Hit Post-Depression Record, Economists Say,” https://www.foxnews.com/, April 10, 2020.
Mr. (Jerome) Powell and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin may underestimate how much this shutdown is hollowing out the heart of the U.S. economy. – Review and Outlook, “The Fed’s ‘Main Street’ Mistake,” Wall Street Journal, April 10, 2020.
President Donald Trump said on Friday he will not reopen the economy “until we know the country is going to be healthy… we are looking at a date, we hope to be able to fulfill a certain date, but we’re not doing anything until we know the country is going to be healthy.” Lora Koloday, Sam Meredith, Yelena Dzhanova, “Coronavirus Live Updates,” cnbc.com, April 10, 2020.
The four conjunctions involving Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, and Pluto have now passed as of April 4 and the panic surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic is starting to recede, despite the latest report of over 100,000 global deaths as of today, Good Friday, April 10. The positive shift from uncertainty and fear associated with the later stages of planetary cycles was evident in stock indices around the world last week as well, During the period of March 20-31, when Mars triggered Jupiter, Pluto, and Saturn with its conjunction to all three, many of the world stock markets ended their historic declines from all-time or multi-year highs of February 12-20. The speed of that large of a decline is what made it historic. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DHJIA_), for instance, lost 11,355 points (38.4%) in about one month. From its low of 18,213 on March 23 (Mars conjunct Pluto), the DJIA has now rallied to a high as of Thursday, April 9, at 24,009, a gain of 5796 points or 31.8% in a little more than two weeks. That too is historic. Moving from the end of these planetary cycles (the end of their waning phase) into the beginning of their new planetary cycles (the beginning of their waxing phase), has coincided almost perfectly with the end of market cycles (bearish) to the early stages of new market cycles (bullish). The correlation of planetary cycles to this cycle in human activity (financial markets) has worked very well over the past two months. In fact, the correlation doesn’t get any better than this, and illustrates why the study of astrology is of great value to society. And, as a market timing tool, there is no study that I am aware of that matches it for consistency and accuracy in terms of reversals.
World equities were not the only financial markets that correlated with these shifts denoted by the change from waning to waxing phases between Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, and Pluto. Gold soared to a new 7-yeatr high last week, reaching 1754.50 on the day of trading last week. On March 20, just threw weeks ago, it was testing 1450, its lowest price since that same level in November 2019. Crude Oil was another stellar performer –until it wasn’t. On March 30, right in the middle of the planetary transitions from waning to waxing, Crude Oil was trading 19.27, its lowest price in 18 years. On the last trading day of the week, April 9, it was up to 28.36, a gain of nearly 50%. By the end of the day, however, it was down to 22.57, a loss of over 20% in that one day. Crude Oil is ruled by Jupiter and Neptune, and this erratic behavior of sharp rallies and sharp declines is probably associated with the Jupiter/Pluto conjunction that took place the previous weekend, on April 4. Jupiter/Pluto acts like the “host” for these major planetary aspects over the next several months, for it is the longest of the cycles unfolding until we get to one of the major planetary cycles of all, the Jupiter/Saturn conjunction in 0º Aquarius on the winter solstice, December 21, 2020.
SHORT-TERM GEOCOSMICS AND LONGER-TERM THOUGHTS
The U.S. must protect its citizens from disease while starting the urgent work of planning for a new epoch. -Henry Kissinger, “The Coronavirus Pandemic Will Forever Alter the World Order,” Wall Street Journal, April 4-5, 2020.
“Priority number one is going to be to pay down debt,” Mark Keisel, chief investment officer of Pimco, the large bond investment firm, said. “We are not expecting a V-shaped recovery. We are expecting a U-shaped recovery.” – Josh Mitchell and Rebecca Elliot, “Legacy of Crisis: Debt Surge,” Wall Street Journal, April 10, 2020.
Just for the record, I am not sure these market analysts looking for a V- or U-shaped recovery have their alphabet right. I know they are talking about the economic recovery, and I am talking about an equity market pattern. I also concede that I know that I don’t know, but I am also very familiar with historical market patterns in long-term cycles because I have spent decades researching them. I see what chartists would define as a “W-shaped” recovery in the stock market. That is, a healthy rally for 7-10 weeks, maybe 2-6 months, as outlined in our subscription reports and recent webinar classes, followed by another decline into (and maybe beyond) the Saturn/Uranus square of 2021.
As Dr. Kissinger writes, we are on the verge of a new epoch, a whole new world order. This is consistent with the 20-, 200-, and 800-year cycles represented by the Jupiter/Saturn conjunction in December 2020, the start of a 140-year series of Jupiter/Saturn synodic cycles in air signs after predominately earth sign combinations since 1802, and the first successive air sign cycles since those that began in 1226 (800-year cycle). We are talking epochs now, not alphabets, and most long-term cycles begin with a trough (low) low and are followed by a secondary trough several months, or even years, later.
But let’s talk about another long-term geocosmic study that supports this view of a new era, a new epoch, that is unfolding. In the first book I ever wrote, titled Evolutionary Astrology: The Journey of the Soul Through the Horoscope (it was the first book ever written on this subject, which is now a very popular subject in the study of astrology), I introduced the concept of “charged points.” In the chapter on “Planetary Pair Cycles: Breaking Through the Collective Pattern,” I state that the point of conjunction between two planets becomes a “charged points” in the zodiac. The degree of the conjunction takes on a synthesis of the two planetary principles involved and will remain in effect until the next cycle of those two planets commences. Every time another outer planet transits in an aspect to this “charged” point it potentially coincides with an event related to the nature of the planetary pair cycle (i.e. synodic cycle). This leads to a basic assumption: “The longer the periodicity of those two planetary pair cycles, the more profound and long-lasting its potential impact is likely to be upon the affairs of humankind.”
In the study of astrology, we normally associate health-related pandemics, in which many lives are lost or threatened, as representative of the planets Neptune (illness) and Pluto (threat of life), and oftentimes with Saturn (loss or fear of loss). We ascribe today’s pandemic to the 32-37-year Saturn/Pluto conjunction in Capricorn, a combination that would astrologers to conclude that the structures of societies, governments, and economies would go through a major transformation and rebuilding period, as old structures are forced to be abandoned (terminated), and new ones are required to be invented to replace them.
However, as astrologers, we often wondered why there was no Neptune presence in a major hard aspect during this pandemic? Well, there was if one utilizes the principle of “charged points of the zodiac.” The second longest planetary pair cycle is that of Uranus and Neptune, a 171-year cycle that occurred in 1993, at 18-20º Capricorn, very close to the 22º conjunction of Saturn and Pluto in January 2020. In fact, the Saturn/Pluto conjunction at 22º Capricorn now makes 18-22 degrees of the sea goat a super charged sector of the heavens for at least the next 32-37 years. In 1965-66, the third longest planetary pair cycle occurred at 16-17º Virgo, sign of health. Transiting Neptune was stationary right there November 2019 through February 2020, right during the time that this outbreak originated and began its deadly march under the Neptunian cloud of false and/or misleading reporting. Thus, as one can see, Neptune and Pluto were very prominent in this explosion of hysteria, panic, and threat to life as seen via this mundane astrological method of delineation. The good news is that Neptune is separating now from this “charged point” of the zodiac. It doesn’t come back this year. That doesn’t mean the virus suddenly disappears, nor that our behavior towards one another in a social context with one another will return as it was before, for with Pluto, the healing is never completed until the surrender takes place, until a transformation to a new direction with new structures are initiated and becomes a solid cornerstone to collective psyche. You can’t go back to the way it was before, under Pluto, without consequences, such as a relapse. Pluto’s influence is not limited to the time it is in orb of aspect. That is also the time during which it incubates, for release again later on, if the lessons and reforms are not incorporated in terms of altered behavioral patterns that led to the apparent “cure” or healing. And when it applies to the collective, it is not only behavioral patterns in our individual lives, or collectively towards one another. It also applies to our relationship to the earth and our environment as well. I am not talking about global warming. I am referring to pollution, waste, and the carelessness by which we allow pockets of the earth to collect germs, bacteria, and viruses that eventually get released and cause threats to our health and even very existence if ignored too long.
This is a Plutonian period we are in, and on the verge of entering a bright and bold new world after the Jupiter/Saturn in Aquarius begins late this year. But Pluto will hang around another couple of years, making hard aspects to the charts of major countries, like the U.S. and China, major world leaders, like Donald Trump, Peter Navarro and Jerome Powell (in the U.S.), major institutions like the New York Stock Exchanges, the Amsterdam Stock Exchange (the world’s oldest exchange), the Shanghai Stock Exchange, and the Federal Reserve Board, to name just a few. Yu can use your imagination ( Neptune) to visualize what kind of reforms in these entities could take place that lead to a renewed and better world, for in the end, Pluto not only represents transformation, but also improvement and rebirth. This is the kind of understanding that astrology provides that makes it potentially very valuable to societies everywhere.
Let’s end this week’s column with we brief summary of what is transpiring in the heavens shorter-term for trading purposes. This week will find the Sun forming a square to the Jupiter/Pluto conjunction, April 14-15. The Jupiter/Pluto cycle and its dynamics are very much at work this week. The following week the Sun will square Saturn(April 21), followed by Pluto turning retrograde (April 26) and the Sun conjuncts Uranus, April 26. The increase in fatalities is not over, although the rate of increase is starting to level off, but it is not even yet. From a trading standpoint, the Sun/Jupiter and Sun/Uranus aspects are the most powerful correlates to market reversals. Both have a very high rate of frequency coinciding with sharp reversals, albeit they could be brief. Once we get past this period and the new moon in Taurus (after April 22-26), I suspect the market volatility will become calmer. With Mercury also leaving Pisces as of April 10 and moving into Aries, I also expect the confusion and uncertainty of information (Mercury in Pisces) to give way to more straight forward and efficient communications from our leaders, both politically and in health-related fields. The models offered on how this pandemic will progress have been all over the place, making it impossible for individuals or businesses to make any kind of concrete plans. That’s going to change, for Saturn and Pluto in Capricorn will demand it, and Mercury in Aries can deliver it. I expect these academic models will start narrowing projections down to something that might actually be useful and reliable.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
NOTE 1: The ICR (International Cycles Reports) will be released this week, April 14-15. 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, and Live Cattle). Order now to make sure you get this month’s report, coming out Tuesday-Wednesday!
NOTE 2: We are going to conduct a special webinar on Financial markets: Where we are now in the long-term cycles of financial markets. This special webinar will take place on Sunday May 17, 2020 at 2 PM EST. This broadcast will address updates on the U.S. stock market, Gold and Silver, by Raymond Merriman, Crude Oil with Gianni Di Poce, and the Euro currency with Ulric Aspegren. We may cover other markets too depending on time and questions from attendees. Cost is $55.00, and includes the slides of the presentation, plus a video recording of the event. The timing of this presentation is chosen to coincide with our May 15-18 three-star CRD, which involves Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn turning retrograde, which we have marked as one of the most important turning points of the year 2020. If unable to attend live, you can still sign up and receive the video recording on the next day following the live event. If you plan to attend, and want certain questions or areas to be discussed, please send u an email before Tuesday, May 12. We will address as many of your concerns as possible during the final 30 minutes of this webinar, after the first part of the presentation is completed.
NOTE 3: I was recently interviewed (last week) by Tony Howard, head of the Astrology University. To see this podcast and interview, here is the link:
https://www.astrologyuniversity.com/when-will-it-end-the-wisdom-of-cycles-in-astrology/
NOTE 4: We recently received the following post from long-term subscriber Cynthia P. regarding an article written in 2014 and reprinted in Forecast 2015. “I just wanted to say the “America At A Crossroad” is the most powerful article I have ever read; chilling, jaw-dropping and so profoundly prophetic. My awe and respect of astrology and Ray and his team is impossible to describe except to say thank you and I am so grateful have this to assist in this dark, frightening time.” This article is on our website, and you may be interested in viewing it, as it is relevant right now.
NOTE 5: It’s a great way to learn the basics of MMA Market Timing Methods! Recently we conducted three 2-hour webinars on how to use MMA market timing methods to improve your market timing and trading skills. These were excellent classes and the feedback was very good! If you are interested in these three classes, the video recordings are now ready for purchase. It is a great way to learn how to use MMA methods for trading, short-term or position trading. The classes focused mostly on the U.S. stock market, but also addressed Gold, Silver, T-Notes, the Euro currency, and Crude oil, showing how cycles and geocosmics relate to tradeable reversals (market timing edge). The individual classes available for sale, at $125 each or $295 for the entire set, which includes the power point slides and access to the video recordings. If you wish to learn more about this course and what to expect, please read our interview with Raymond Merriman where he discusses in great detail what he will teach and who this class will benefit. If you are interested in either the full three-part course, or an individual class, please visit our Education page to sign up.
Comments from attendees: “I very much enjoyed reviewing information from the 3 series.” Rob C, Australia and also an MMTA graduate and trader.
“Thanks for the course it could not have been presented any better, I like how you emphasized and reviewed the important points such as the 3 phase patterns, and I like how class 3 pulled it altogether.” Charlie H, exceptional trader and Gann analyst.”
NOTE 6: We have a Spring Sale going on now! Check out our Spring Sale Shop to see what discounts we are offering through April 26, 2020
EVENTS
May 17, 2020 MMA Mid-year Webinar: Update on Financial markets! See Announcement above.
September 9-14, 2020: The ISAR 2020 Conference in Colorado on “Reimagining the Future.” The largest and most exciting international astrological conference taking place in 2020. With a faculty of over 100 of the world’s top astrologers from 25 different countries, and very dynamic tracks on Financial Astrology, Mundane and Political Astrology, and other topics, this is an event you will not want to miss.
Wednesday, September 9, 2020: Raymond Merriman will be conducting a 4-hour workshop on “Astrology and the Art of Financial Market Timing: How to Forecast Market Trends and Market Reversals.” This course will provide research studies showing the correlation of astrological factors to short- and longer-term financial market timing in stock markets, precious metals, and Bitcoin. It is the only workshop Ray plans to conduct in 2020.
Saturday, September 12, 2020: Raymond Merriman will be presenting a lecture on “The Times, They Are a Changin’ – The Political, Economic, and Monetary Revolution.” It’s not just the convergence of the 20-, 200-, and 800-year long-term Jupiter/Saturn cycles. It is also Saturn in Aquarius, squaring its ruler, Uranus, in Taurus. The convergence of the Jupiter/Saturn cycle in air sign Aquarius symbolizes the dawn of a new socio-economic-political era; the waning Saturn/Uranus square, the demise of an older order. What does this bode for financial markets of the world, and what can you do? We will discuss that in this lecture.
Sign up by April 19 and receive a pre-registration special discount price for the ISAR 2020 Conference. A discount for pre- and post-conference workshops is also in effect until April 19. To register or see more information on this spectacular event, go to go to https://isar2020.org and be prepared to be amazed!
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.