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

The Market Week in Review :

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 :

The geocosmic signatures of the coming week are quite benign compared to what was present during the past month. There is a full moon on Monday that conjuncts Uranus, so the hurricane aspects of September 12 may spill over into early this week.

Perhaps more notable will be the waning square between the Sun and Pluto on September 20. Hard aspects to Pluto will now complete a "translation" of that faster moving planet to the forthcoming Uranus-Pluto square of 2012-2015. We already got a glimpse of what that portends last month when Mars made the translation to Uranus and Pluto, August 6-17. That was when Russian troops stormed into Georgia and set off a new cold war with the United States. Under this principle, the same countries may experience an escalation of tensions again this week, or else we may see new tensions between other countries arise which could threaten the stability of the world. The translation of the Sun to Uranus and Pluto is in effect September 12-20. We will pay close attention to what goes in the world in terms of threats to global stability, as another precursor to what we may anticipate in 2012-2015.

Long-Term Thoughts :

In this week's column I would like to re-visit the issue Saturn in Virgo, and its theoretical correspondence to class warfare and the idea of a disconnection between management, upper income brackets in society, and the working class. This very theme is getting a lot of play in the 2008 USA Presidential Election, and will play an important role in who wins.

There is little doubt that in the United States the rich are getting richer and the middle class is shrinking. The gap between the "haves" and "have nots" is widening, and this is a recipe for social disaster, if not outright rebellion. In last year's Forecast for 2008 book, I discussed this concept in greater detail, suggesting that we will see more worker strikes and greater social ; dissatisfaction than usual during this two-year Saturn transit (September 2007 through October 2009). We are now witnessing unemployment climbing, with more and more people filing bankruptcy. In addition, personal and government debt are increasing to record levels. In the past I have referred to the bankruptcies and debt escalations as a correspondence to the 19-year waning phase of the Saturn-Pluto cycle (2001-2010). One of the consequences of the Saturn-Pluto cycle of debt and foreclosures is the emergence of the Saturn in Virgo theme (the divide and resentment between the classes of "haves" and "have nots").

How do you narrow this gap, without incurring the usual economic disasters that go along with the Saturn-Pluto waning stages ? One solution being proposed is to increase taxes of those who make the most, and re-distribute it to those who don't. This proposal is very popular because it taps into the resentment that has built up in this country against those who are prospering while so many are suffering. It is as if to say that those who have prospered must have done so in a corrupt and illegal manner, without any regard to the pain they have caused others, and therefore they must be penalized with higher taxes. That will correct the problem and serve the bastards right !.

The problem here is two-fold. First, it falls into the historical theme of raising taxes, which is part of the waning Saturn-Pluto issue leading to economic stagnation. Secondly, it does not address the real problem of the widening gulf between the classes, which in turn creates the social unrest and mood for rebellion. The rich will still be rich and shrinking middle and expanding lower income brackets will still have debts, and probably fewer jobs and less job opportunities - unless they choose to work for the government (or one of its many programs), which seems to be one of the few career fields that continues to grow. Additionally it continues to polarize the country as "Us versus Them," which is the negative side of the Saturn in Virgo transit ("I am a victim of the system that is unjust," related to Virgo's opposite sign, Pisces).

So how do you solve this dilemma in the face of the Saturn-Pluto waning cycle phase, and Saturn transiting through Virgo ? I would propose applying the positive anecdotes for Saturn in Virgo. That is, first of all take the positive side of Saturn, which is "responsibility". Construct a serious plan that would create better working opportunities (Virgo), and one that encourages U.S. companies (especially small businesses) to employ more and more people - and not one that is forced to lay off people because of higher payroll taxes, higher benefit requirements, which small companies cannot afford. The USA charges the second highest corporate tax rates in the world today, which is one reason why so many companies are going outside the USA. The USA is losing jobs because of high taxes, not because of NAFTA and trade agreements against our work force. The more people you have working, the more tax revenues the country will accrue, without having to raise taxes, which in turn will simply diminish the number of people paying these taxes. Increasing taxes of individuals and companies (especially small companies) only thwarts growth and employment possibilities. And if more people are working, in more positions that offer healthy wages, the gap between the "haves" and "have nots" will shrink, thereby reducing this "social division" and resentment that is growing in America.

Yes, there are some people who have benefitted from abusing the current system in effect. There are some who have gained huge financial success through unscrupulous business practices. This is always at the root of economic declines and always will be, regardless of whether a Democrat or Republican is President. And a lot of these questionable practices have been exercised by people who serve in the government today. It does seem strange that a person can run for a government office with only a modest net worth, and within four years becomes a multi-millionaire. How does that happen, when their salary is only a tenth of that ? It is not a result of special tax advantages, as some would like to assert. It is plain and simple fraud. And to blame everyone who has prospered for the unfairness of this system, is simply feeding into the lower elements of Saturn in Virgo (class warfare and bitterness against those who succeed). It is also falling into the trap of trying to correct the problem with the same failed policies of the past that led to economic declines under the waning phase of Saturn and Pluto. It only through free will and choice (on the part of our leaders) that we can avert the repeat of those behaviors that caused these cyclical downturns... the same cycles that are in effect now through 2020.

Don't vote McCain or Obama. Vote for Ray Merriman. I have read this ad and I approve it. Except I am not running for any office, nor do I represent any party until I see a believable plan to eliminate fraud (especially in government, or somehow involving government or politicians) and create a better working climate outside of government (i.e. small businesses), which I believe is the key to leading us out of this current economic quagmire.

Addendum :

There will be no Longer-Term Thoughts this issue. I fear this part of my weekly report is becoming far too politicized, even partisan, ahead of the USA Election. At times I feel I am not able to be objective in this analysis. At other times, I fear that even when I am being objective, the reporting of how I see things "lining up" can be offensive to people who have beliefs or ideals that are contrary to these indications. In a sense, by continuing with these reports that seem to be blurred at times between being objective or partisan, I am perhaps denying people, to make choices based upon all the factors that make up the "whole story". Instead, I may at times be taking things "out of context". as to how they pertain to geocosmic factors, and thereby reporting only part of the picture. It strikes me as being unfair to readers, or politicizing my weekly reports in a manner that may actually not educate others about astrology, thereby defeating the primary purpose of this column.

Something inside of me says to stop commenting on the election now, and just observe how it unfolds in relation to what has already be said. at least that part which was objective and not partisan, if you can tell the difference. Unfortunately, I cannot always tell the difference lately.

Announcements :

The monthly "SOS Global Market Cycles Report" came out last week, September 9, and one day later in German to our German SOS subscribers. If you are a subscriber and did not receive it, let us know at once. 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 Swiss Market Index (SMI). Trial subscriptions are available for as little as $40.00. For ordering information, 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 click on the opening banner.

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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