MMA WEEKLY - Financial Astrology commentary, Market timing, MMA Cycles, The Merriman Market Analyst

The Market Week in Review :

On Thursday evening, September 4, at 9:20 PM, CDST, in St. Paul, MN, John McCain accepted the nomination of the Republican Party for the office of President of the United States. At that moment, the Ascendant was just moving from Aries into Taurus, which means Venus - and not Mars - is the ruling planet. The chart of this acceptance moment is not nearly as powerful or highly charged as that of Barack Obama's acceptance last week. There was only one planet conjunct an angle (Jupiter conjunct the Midheaven) as McCain accepted, whereas at the time of Obama's acceptance, there were three planets on angles, including Uranus (Ascendant), Venus (Descendant) and Pluto right on the Midheaven and Galactic Center. Although less powerful, McCain's moment of acceptance is still very revealing. For one thing, the traditional rulers of the Ascendant and Descendant (Venus and Mars), are together in Libra. When these two rulers are together, it indicates a deal or agreement can be made. This is a positive. We also find the Sun is less than one degree from a conjunction to Saturn, which normally would not be considered a great omen for success, at least not right away. But this conjunction also forms an exact trine to Jupiter, and in close orb to a trine to the Midheaven. This implies the goal can be attained, which I assume means to win the election and become President of the United States. The one signature that does not bode well, in my opinion, is the Moon right in the middle of Scorpio, in the seventh house. Its final aspect before going "void of course," is a square to Neptune. The last aspect can indicate the outcome of the event initiated at the time. A square to Neptune means confusion or uncertainty as the possible outcome from this election. The Moon in Scorpio by itself has a slew of possible meanings. For now, let's just say it could relate to his message of reform and change - the same message perhaps indicated by Pluto on the Midheaven at the time of Obama's acceptance the week before.

I think it is safe to say that whoever wins this election will try to bring change to the way things are conducted in Washington DC. Both candidates are agents of change. And those in power may not like change. For McCain to vow that he will end the partisan rancor if he becomes president is probably very far off the mark. As I see it, he may become the cause of even more rancor, not necessarily between the parties, but amongst those who resist the changes he will attempt to bring about if elected.

And what about Sarah Palin ? Who is she and what was that energy she brought to the convention on Wednesday night ? Although there is no confirmed data on her birth time, there is an unconfirmed report that she was born at 4:40 PM on February 11, 1964, in Sandpoint, Idaho. If correct, then she is an Aquarian with Leo rising, just the mirror image (or exact opposite) of Barack Obama, who is a Leo with Aquarius rising. Sometimes astrology is just too amazing to ignore. She is the "new Obama" as far as sudden fame and fascination by the U.S. public. She is probably the exact opposite to him on every policy issue, but has perhaps the same powerful and charismatic effect on her party as he does on his. And who will ever forget her line comparing her experience to Obama's... "Well, I guess a small town mayor is like a community organizer with responsibilities." Whew! This is rapidly becoming the most exciting election in a lifetime.

In terms of financial markets, the behavior of the U.S. stock market last week does not support a McCain victory - at least not yet. On Thursday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average sold off a whopping 344 points, to its lowest level since the yearly lows in mid-July. As stated in a previous column, when stock indices go down into an election, it usually favors a victory for the opposition party (Democratic Party, in this case). However, that rule did not work in the last election, which saw U.S. equity prices continue lower and lower all year, until they finally bottomed October 25, 2004, just a week and half before that election. Contrary to the history of this indicator, Republican incumbent George Bush won re-election then. So this indicator is not perfect. In other markets, Crude Oil fell to 105.13 during the day on Friday, now down over $42 form its all-time high of 147.27, and right in the middle of our call for a $30-50 decline by the end of October. But here comes all the Jupiter aspects this week, and Jupiter co-rules Crude Oil.

Short-Term Geocosmics :

This is a very powerful week for the study of Financial Astrology. To start with, Jupiter turns direct on Sunday, forming an exact waning square to Mars. These two Jupiter signatures by themselves represent the possibility for exaggeration, hysteria, and panic. We've already witnessed some of this at the end of last week as several equity markets throughout the world sold off sharply Thursday and/or Friday. We also saw it in Silver and Crude Oil prices, not to mention some currencies measured against the U.S. Dollar. Each of these markets fell sharply last week.

On Monday, Pluto will change directions, from retrograde to direct, while on the same day Jupiter will form a waxing trine aspect to Saturn. Last week I stated that, "Whereas Saturn restricts and represses, Jupiter expands and offers hope. The combination is said to be a moderation of both forces. Matters won't get too exaggerated because Saturn is present. At the same time, matters won't get too depressed either, because Jupiter is present" But on retrospect, that seems not to have been the case. The square of Mars to Jupiter seemed more dominant, as the mood of investors at the end of last week was more panic-oriented than controlled. In fact, it was very similar to the sentiment on January 25 when Jupiter made its first trine in earth signs to Saturn. You may remember how stock markets around the world fell sharply into that period too, and then began a very sizeable rally. But that rally lasted just four months before another decline began that continues even now.

On Tuesday, September 9, Venus will form a waning square to Jupiter, and two days later it conjuncts Mars. This represents more exaggeration and potential for panic and hysteria, for the very next day the Sun will be in opposition to Uranus. As much as Jupiter exaggerates, Uranus surprises and breaks through barriers of support and resistance with more drama than most would expect. In fact, the entire period from September 3 through September 12 is important, for the Sun is "translating" the forthcoming Saturn-Uranus opposition. That is, on September 3 it conjunct Saturn, and on September 12, it will be in opposition to Uranus. The entire period is known as a "translation" of the Sun to the Saturn-Uranus opposition. As we have seen all year, when faster moving planets make a "translation" to the Saturn-Uranus opposition, there have been very strong sell-offs in the stock indices of the world. This one has already proven to be likewise. At the end of this week, we could see a reversal in many financial markets, for the Sun-Uranus opposition of September 12 is followed by the full moon of the next Monday. The entire set up is like an explosion or an earthquake, or perhaps a hurricane, literally or figuratively. It is a time suggesting high drama and unbelievable or unexpected happenings.

Long-Term Thoughts :

I received several comments regarding last week's column, which showed that in the three prior cases of elections nearby to a Saturn-Uranus conjunction or opposition, Republicans won the presidency. One reader pointed out that this was hardly enough cases to justify a strong correlation, which of course is true. But there have been several columns written over the past two months which showed several other correlations between this year's election, Mundane and Financial Astrology, and historical themes and outcomes related to both. This was just one of several studies that led me to forecast a McCain victory in November. However, no one should assume I am entirely convinced that all the indicators favor a McCain election. I am far from confident due to the principles of Saturn and Uranus. Together, they represent the "unpredictable," and plenty of surprises not only into the election, but even 20 months afterwards. For instance, the phasing of the Saturn-Pluto cycle (it is waning from 2001-2020) has a solid correlation to increasing the Federal deficit and debt, as well as increasing taxes, in the USA. Although such an outcome is possible under a John McCain administration, he is running on the theme that he will not increase taxes or spending, whereas Obama is forthright that he will do both. Yes, I realize that he says he will increase taxes on only the top 2% of the population, but if I recall correctly, the top 2% of income earners pay 39% of the total income taxes collected. And as far as spending, I am aware that Obama refers to his plans as an "investment into our future." Nevertheless, it will involve very ambitious spending programs. I am not arguing about the "right" or "wrong" of either platform. I am merely relating the correlation of each to my understanding of the geocosmic cycles and their historical correlation to cycles in human activity. When Saturn moves from opposition to conjunction to Pluto, taxes and spending (and consequently, debt) increases. Which candidate or party is likely to fit that cycle in 2008 ? This is a very important cyclical correlation that favors Obama winning.

However, there are other mundane and geocosmic cycles that favor McCain winning. Transiting Saturn and Uranus, for instance, will be in hard aspect (T-Square) to the USA Mars, planet of war, over the next two years. This implies an increase of military activity. Which candidate or party is most likely to reflect that cycle ? Of course Obama may be forced to fight if elected. But it is not his platform that speaks most loudly to this possibility. It is McCain and the Republican platform that do.

Yet, when looking at the chart on Election Day (November 4, 2008), we get a glimpse of the mood of the electorate as they go into the voting booth. Yes, they want change, with the Saturn-Uranus opposition in effect. But on that day, the Moon begins in Capricorn. I think this means voters will also place a premium value on Capricorn themes, like security and experience, at the top of the ticket. Hence my "forecast" (not "prediction") for a McCain-Palin victory.

Announcements :

The next "SOS Global Market Cycles Report" will come out this week, September 9. And it will be out one day later in German to our German SOS subscribers (please go to www.mma-europe.ch to order the German version of SOS). This SOS monthly report will address and update the long - and intermediate-term cycles that affect all world markets, but specifically through the history of the U.S. stock market, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average. It is the "big picture" ahead, like where we are now in terms of the 18 - and 4-year cycles. It will then give an overview (and projection) of the shorter cycles (primary and its phases) of the Netherlands AEX, the Australian All Ordinaries, Hang Seng of Hong Kong, the NASDAQ Composite Index, and the XAU Gold and Silver Mining index. The German edition will give analysis also of the German DAX and Swiss Market Index (SMI). For ordering information, please go to http://www.mmacycles.com/catalogue/services/the-sos-stock-market-cycles.

It is that time of the year again! You can now pre-order the Forecast for 2014 book at a special pre-publication discount price of $39.95 until October 15 (plus postage). For more information on this book, and other special offers in effect, go to our website at www.mmacycles.com , and scroll down the opening page.

Our next Market Timing Workshop, which will take place at "The Blast Astrology Conference" in Sedona, AZ. On Friday, September 19, I will be giving a one-hour presentation on "Me and My Money: Are We Compatible?" This will examine how one approaches money from their natal chart, and whether one may be more successful as a trader, investor, or neither. On Saturday, September 20 th , 2 pm to 6 pm, I will present a workshop on "Introduction to Financial Astrology and Market Timing." The cost is $145.00 if signed up by August 15. For more information. It ought to be a "Blast!" I will also give a special one day intensive for subscribers to any of the MMA reports on Monday, September 22, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Attendees can spend an afternoon and ask all the questions they wish about how I analyze a market, and why I forecast what I do forecast in the various subscription reports. We will go through the market timing routines of the FAR for Galactic Trader software program. The cost for this one-day intensive will be as follows: $295 if a subscriber to MMA Cycles or SOS reports; $195.00 if a subscriber to any of the weekly subscription reports; Free to any of the daily subscribers. All others can attend as observers at a cost of $500.00. Prices will increase 10% after September 10. If you are interested, contact our office at 1-248-626-3034, or by email at ordersmma@msn.com, and we will give you details as to the location. It will be on our web site shortly.

We have added an exciting new feature to our web site. Now, on the very front page, you can get a daily update on the weighted values of the Solar-Lunar cycles for the Dopw Jones Industrial Average and the Silver market, via the studies conducted in "The Ultimate Book on Sock Market Timing Vol 4: Solar-Lunar Correlations to Trading Cycles," and "The Sun, Moon And Silver Market : Secrets of a Silver Trader." These are the studies, I use personally when trading stock index futures, ETFs (like DIA and Silver fund), and Silver futures. Anything over 100 means it has an above average correlation to reversing from an isolated high or low if it forms that day. The higher the value, the more probable the reversal. To see these daily values, please go to www.mmacycles.com , and just check it out.

We are now ready to accept registrations to our next Market Timing Workshop, which will take place at "The Blast Astrology Conference" in Sedona, AZ. On Friday, September 19, I will be giving a one-hour presentation on "Me and My Money : Are We Compatible? " This will examine how one approaches money from their natal chart, and whether one may be more successful as a trader, investor, or nether. On Saturday, September 20th, 2 pm to 6 pm, I will present a workshop on "Introduction to Financial Astrology and Market Timing." Cost is $145.00 if signed up by August 15. For more information on either this workshop or Seminar, go to http://blastastrologyconference.com/schedblast2.html. It ought to be a "Blast!" I will also give a special one day intensive for subscribers to any of the MMA reports on Monday, September 22, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Attendees can spend an afternoon and ask all the questions they wish about how I analyze a market, and why I forecast what I do forecast in the various subscription reports. The cost for this one-day intensive will be as follows : $295 if a subscriber to MMA Cycles or SOS reports; $195.00 if a subscriber to any of the weekly subscription reports ; Free to any of the daily subscribers. All others can attend as observers at a cost of $500.00. Prices will increase 10% after September 10. If you are interested, contact our office at 1-248-626-3034, or by email at ordersmma@msn.com, and we will give you details as to the location. It will be on our web site shortly.

Our MMA 2013 catalogue is now out and available to overseas clients on our web site at www.mmacycles.com, and then under MMA Catalogue, and then under MMA Catalogue (pdf). Or just click here. Due to high overseas postal costs, we will no longer send this catalogue out by postal mail except to clients in the U.S.A. So, if you are interested in this year's services and products, you can download it from our web site.

The German version of "Merriman on Market Cycles: The Basics" is now in print. It is also a revision of the earlier work in English. For more information on this book, please go to our German web site at www.mma-europe.de.

The newly revised The Sun, The Moon, and Silver Book : Secrets of a Silver Trader, is now out. This is a book that you will use as a reference guide for...many, many years. It identifies all the key Sun-Moon combinations that have a higher (and lower) than expected probability of correlating with 4% or greater reversals in COMEX Silver. It also identifies "Big Range Days" - those days in which the range of Silver is most likely to be 3.5% or more of the price of Silver, which is a great tool for day traders. This book fulfills the dream of all traders: high probability winning trade possibilities, with minimal market exposure. It is that "extra edge." And Silver is a great market to trade now. The cost is $125.00. For ordering on line.

If you are an active short-term trader, you may wish to consider subscribing to our Weekly or even Daily Market Reports with short-term trading recommendations. It is the only way I keep in touch with traders on a daily or even weekly basis. These reports give in-depth analysis of the DJIA, S&P and NASDAQ futures, Euro currency (cash and futures), Swiss Franc, Dollar/Yen cash and Yen futures, T-Bonds, Soybeans, Wheat, Gold and Silver. The daily reports cover all stock indices listed above, as well as futures in Euro, T-Bonds, Soybeans, Gold and Silver. Subscription to the daily report also includes the weekly report. For more information, or call our offices at 1-248-626-3034. In the words of one of our subscribers : "I recently subscribed to your weekly report and am finding it to be excellent and a very useful companion to the MMA Cycles Report. I can't imagine now managing my investments without them."

I have had several calls regarding a “crisis investing” portfolio that I suggested could be developed with the help of a money manager who subscribes to my reports, and shares my views about the next few years. If you are interested, you can contact him at ted.fisher@comcast.net.
He will be more than happy to assist you.

Disclaimer and statement of purpose : The purpose of this column is not to predict 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 oftentimes report 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 will likely affect human activity in the times to come. The author (Merriman) will do this from a perspective of a cycle’s 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 these psychological dynamics that underlie (or coincide with) the news events and hence financial markets of the day.

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 assume any responsibility at all for those individual decisions. Reader should understand that futures and options trading are considered high risk.

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