ASTRO-IPO

Gold

2011-04-06T16:10:00.000-07:00

As projected in Medieval Astro-clock 2011, March-April will be a critical period for the Dollar and this in turn will lift gold. Gold is having positive transits because of Jupiter, while USD is being hit by a combination of Saturn, Pluto and Uranus hard aspects. More of these aspects are coming to USD in Fall.

Financial Astrology works!

Saturn and Gold

2011-01-26T02:25:00.000-08:00

Saturn turning retrograde almost always coincides with a trading bottom for gold especially if the technicals match.(According to the study made by Raymond Merriman and my few years of observation)

ASTRO-IPO

2010-10-18T02:00:00.000-07:00

Pluto and the Dollar Connection

2010-10-17T21:19:00.000-07:00

Pluto, the god of death, is once again proving that is not to be ignored for when this planet acts, like its mythological counterpart- everything will change. As stated in my 2009 entries transiting Pluto will oppose USA's Venus several times until 2010. In my book Astro-time 2010, I noted that October will be very significant for gold due to this factor. In a nation's chart Venus is connected with it's currencies and even economic well-being. Pluto's action is destructive and we see the USD loose it's value continuosly since Pluto opposes USA's Venus from March 2009 till now when this planetary aspect takes place for the last time.

USD and gold have an inverse relationship hence we see gold hitting new all-time highs this month.

But even if Pluto's opposition is now exact and it will leave the aspect soon, USD is not out of the woods yet. In the short-term, there can be a rebound for the dollar now as the technical picture looks ripe for such bounce. But long-term, another outer planet is about to move into square aspect to USA's Venus. While Pluto's effect is slow but sure, there is no turning back for the dollar- if Pluto will have it's way the effect of Uranus is different. Uranus' is drastic, sharp and wild. Action will begin when Uranus goes back to Aries, in the mean time wait for a better buying opportunity for gold.

Pluto Intervenes

2010-09-15T10:24:00.000-07:00

From Yen

Pluto, the demoted planet is once again out to prove itself. Planets gets more powerful upon turning direct and the power of the underworld is no exemption. Right after this planetary station yen reversed and moved higher due to a massive intervention by the Japanese government.

The Bull in the Philippines

2010-09-11T23:51:00.000-07:00

From ASTRO-IPO

No wonder why the Philippine Stock Exchange is soaring, even in the midsts of hostage-fiasco that temporarily soured relations between RP and HK, PSEi's progressed Moon is now on the top of the chart, in the 10th house, which means recognition and elevated valuations. August had several of harmonious progressions when multiyear high was reached. Progressed Moon will be in the 10th house for quite some time.

Yes ! Yen ?

2010-09-03T17:55:00.000-07:00

The value of Japanese yen has been rising steadily since last 2009 and in August 2010 it hit 15-year high against the dollar. While USA and Europe maybe happy with this development the people of Japan may feel otherwise. It should be remembered that the starting 5 years prior to Japan's "Lost Decade" the value of their currency has been rising steadily. Unless a major intervention is in the cards, this trend isn't going to be good for the Japanese economy. Astrologically, the clue whether this trend will continue or not lies on the action of Neptune on Yen's Jupiter and Venus conjunction - the transiting aspect became exact on August 28, 2010.

From Yen

Forecast Review

2010-05-26T03:37:00.000-07:00

Its now the middle of the year and I think its a good time to review what I have written last year. My projection for gold and oil proved to be correct. This is what I have written for Astro-time 2010, which is actually a slightly revised version of what was written in Astro-time 2009.

As the Fed prints more money, monetary inflation will kick in and this will result in increasing price of commodities, especially gold which as astrological symbolisms reveal is the true storage of value.

Oil price will be very volatile in 2010 due to a less favorable supply-demand dynammics. Though oil price may rise as dollar drops further, but slowdown in global economy will cause a buildup in supply which in turn can limits its price's rise.

There is a less favorable supply-demand dynamics for oil.

Gold is the true storage of value.

Aries and Gold

2010-04-12T05:31:00.000-07:00

$1100 level proved to be very significant as asserted in my last post and a good buying opportunity did come in February. What makes March-April significant for gold? Gold is ruled by the Sun. Using Medieval astrology, the Sun is exalted in Aries, hence the price of gold rises around this period.

Saturn and Corrections

2010-01-22T04:25:00.000-08:00

As stated in my 2010 book Astro-time, gold will continue to hit new highs this year but only after a healthy correction which will take place "early" in the year. In my January 13 Twitter post, I highlighted the influence of Saturn which tends to bring down the value of anything. It was particularly strong at that time and I took that as a signal to short the market knowing full well that Saturn will become stronger by early February.

In the gold market the $1100 is worth while watching once again. Drop in equities may likely continue till the effect of Saturn and Pluto wanes temporarily, how far gold's price move away from $1100 will prove to be significant.

Timing-wise March will be a critical the value of the dollar and hence gold. I would thus be looking for a good buying opportunity in the weeks to come.

Merry Christmas !

2009-12-24T06:07:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas everyone! May lights of the heavens shine upon us all !

May our leaders recognize the true storage of value

May gold shine more brightly than ever!

Mauritius Buys AU

2009-11-16T22:50:00.000-08:00

Another central bank, the Bank of Mauritius recently bought gold from IMF. The amount is just 2 metric tons which is much less than the 200 metric tons that Reserve Bank of India bought and what the central bank of China has accumulated through the past 6 years. Sri Lanka declined to state how much it has bought in the past 6 months but signalled that it is buying more. The trend that started continues.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/biz/international-business/Mauritius-buys-two-metric-tons-of-gold-from-IMF-/articleshow/5238623.cms

After the Sagittarius effect, which brought gold to another high, there will be a buying opportunity.

1100 and Beyond

2009-11-10T05:41:00.000-08:00

Gold hits fresh highs above $1100 early this week when the Moon was again in Leo, the sign of Gold. More importantly, the trend that central banks are becoming buyers of gold became clear when the Reserved Bank of India announced that it bought IMF gold, following the lead of China. And now Sri Lanka followed suit. According to reports Deutsche Bank is predicting that China, Japan, Russia, Taiwan, India, Singapore, Brazil and Korea are the most likely buyers of gold in the next few years.These events are taking place amidst Saturnian aspects on the Dollar Chart.

As stated in my September 8 blog entry, China is initiating a new trend
for Central Banks to buy gold. More central banks are to follow.
http://astro-ipo.blogspot.com/2009/09/yellow-metal-in-middle-kingdom.html

Is the gold topping? As stated in my tweet, the temporary drop in gold may be connected with the Jupiter's stationary direct movement- with a window of 4 days.
http://twitter.com/Astrotime/status/4918195879

Gold dropped further after the Jupiter station but soon after, gold's rise resumed as dollar gets more pressure from Saturn. More record highs are to be seen. November is another critical period for the dollar as Saturn hits the dollar's Sun on November 7 and Saturn aspects it's natal Saturn by November 22.

Time to Take Profits

2009-10-14T07:13:00.000-07:00

As projected before (http://astro-ipo.blogspot.com/2009/09/gold-soars.html), gold will break out of its major resistance in October and the middle of the month is almost here. Gold is getting overbought and dollar may stage a rebound. Pluto hitting a critical degree against the Dollar will be exact tomorrow - Oct. 15. It's time take to slowly take profits off the table, risks in staying longer is getting higher -temporarily.

Gold Hits New Highs !

2009-10-06T07:12:00.000-07:00

by Resti H. Santiago

Finally, gold has risen above its previous high and is almost close $1,050. One of the reasons for this move according to Marketwatch was the rumor that Gulf Arab states, along with China, Russia, Japan and France are planning to trade oil in a basket of currencies which would include gold, instead of using US Dollar. The rumor was flatly denied by Saudi Arabia but as the saying goes, when there's smoke there's fire.

http://www.marketwatch.com/story//potential-end-of-dollar-based-oil-deals-lifts-gold-2009-10-06

Astrologically speaking, we are now very close to a time band wherein there is a very strong pressure on the dollar. This is due to the repeat of an opposition between Pluto in Capricorn and Dollar's Sun in Cancer. As projected before Pluto hitting critical degrees of Capricorn portends an occurrence of events that will challenge the status of the dollar as the world's reserve currency. The reported plan to end oil-trade in dollar in another of such events, maybe more are to follow.

Gold is now being seen as money.

VOC Trade

2009-10-01T10:24:00.000-07:00

It helps to pay attention to the void of course moon when trading. One such VOC day was on September 30,2009. As shown in the chart of the Dow (courtesy of yahoo.com) the index fell sharply within the first 30 minutes of trading only to be reversed within 3 hours. At the end of the day, the level was almost at the opening price.

Lesson: Do not trade on the direction of the opening trend when the moon is void. More often than not, the trend will be reversed within the day.

This is one important lesson I learned from my teacher in financial astrology - Kaye Shinker.

U.N. Under Fire

2009-09-27T12:21:00.000-07:00

by Resti Santiago

Weeks before the anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, comes an unexpected criticism on this decades-old institution. Moammar Ghadhafi, the leader of Libya, chastised the UN in a privileged speech given on September 23. Ghadafy voiced out an opinion that may be shared though unexpressed by other leaders like him. He believes that the UN is not really representative of a united world because the veto-wielding Security Council treats the rest of the member countries as second-class members. Why? Because these veto power is a privileged of only 5 member counties namely: the Unite States, Britain, France, Russia & China. How can the rest of the world be represented and heard properly. The solution as he suggested is to add more members into the Security Council or to abolish it entirely.

With Saturn about to enter Libra, the sign of peace and the sign of two planets that symbolically characterized the United Nations, Ghadafy's words may become pregnant with meaning. Saturn is the planet that wants to see results. As Ghadafy asserted, UN has failed to prevent in dozens of wars worldwide.

By next year Saturn will conjunct UN’s three planets in Libra – maybe other world leaders will have ideas similar to that recently expressed by Ghadafy. The UN must heed this criticism and look at itself and take Ghadafy’s words as constructive so that it can institute much-needed reforms. Eventually, UN may face its greatest challenge when Uranus enters Aries- the sign of war and the sign opposite of Libra.

UN Under Fire

2009-09-27T11:19:00.006-07:00

By Resti Santiago

Weeks before the anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, comes an unexpected criticism on this decades-old institution. Moammar Ghadhafi, the leader of Libya, chastised the UN in a privileged speech given on September 23. Ghadafy voiced out an opinion that may be shared though unexpressed by other leaders like him. He believes that the UN is not really representative of a united world because the veto-wielding Security Council treats the rest of the member countries as second-class members. Why? Because these veto power is a privileged of only 5 member counties namely: the Unite States, Britain, France, Russia & China. How can the rest of the world be represented and heard properly. The solution as he suggested is to add more members into the Security Council or to abolish it entirely.

With Saturn about to enter Libra, the sign of peace and the sign of two planets that symbolically characterized the United Nations, Ghadafy's words may become pregnant with meaning. Saturn is the planet that wants to see results. As Ghadafy asserted, UN has failed to prevent in dozens of wars worldwide.

By next year Saturn will conjunct UN’s three planets in Libra – maybe other world leaders will have ideas similar to that recently expressed by Ghadafy. The UN must heed this criticism and look at itself and take Ghadafy’s words as constructive so that it can institute much-needed reforms. Eventually, UN may face its greatest challenge when Uranus enters Aries- the sign of war and the sign opposite of Libra.

Gold Moves

2009-09-17T12:08:00.000-07:00

The world is indeed changing. The money is flowing from the West to the East, not just in terms of dollar but in terms of gold. Early this month, HK has requested the physical delivery of its gold deposits in London. The plan is the transfer the bullion in a 3,660-square-foot depository that may well serve as the region's gold depository. This move is seen not just a move against the US/Dollar but against London's status as a key settlement-and-storage center.

Soon after, non other than the United Nations joined the fray of those who are questioning the Dollar's status as the world’s reserve currency.

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/hong-kong-recalls-gold-reserves-from-london-2009-09-03?siteid=rss

After hitting 18-month high while the Moon was in Leo (the sign of gold)in the past three days, gold price is down today and maybe till tomorrow as Moon is now in Virgo and more importantly as Chiron and Saturn forms a negative aspect with planets in the Gold Chart, late-comers should be ready to buy gold around $1,000 which may be tested soon if it’s the new floor.

As Pluto gets closer to another exact opposition with the Dollar Chart’s Sun in the middle of October, gold will hit new all time-highs.

Yellow Metal in the Middle Kingdom

2009-09-08T00:27:00.000-07:00

As if to emphasize the importance of gold in the Middle Kingdom, Chinese officials have recently encouraged their citizens to invest in gold thru jewelry and thru the newly-listed gold futures at the Shanghai Futures Exchange.

That comes after the fact that ever since China admitted that it has been a keen gold buyer in the last five year, China is now the world's 5th largest holder of gold in its reserves and maybe setting the trend among central banker's stance to become gold buyer instead of gold seller.

Also worthwhile noting is the fact that China was the 2nd largest consumer of gold in 2008 and is now the largest producer of the yellow metal.

Thru the eyes of the Chinese, yellow is the color of money.

Gold Soars!

2009-09-03T11:22:00.001-07:00

Saturn will hit USD this month and Pluto will soon follow when it goes back to the critical degree by October - gold will soon breakout of the H&S pattern.

Chinese Propositions

2009-03-29T03:25:00.001-07:00

As Pluto enters the 3rd degree of Capricorn, which I have warned to be a very critical degree for the US and the US dollar, Chinese officials stated the unspeakable and yet may really be inevitable.

Chinese Premier ‘s Concerns
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao’s is not happy with their governments holdings of US treasuries.

“We have lent a huge amount of money to the United States. I request the U.S. to maintain its good credit, honor its promises and to guarantee the safety of China’s assets. Of course we are concerned about the safety of our assets. To be honest, I am a little worried.”

Bank of China’s Governor calls for a New Reserve Currency

This was soon followed by a more controversial statement by Zhou Xiaochuan, governor of the People’s Bank of China. In a paper that he recently prepared he called for the replacement of the dollar as the world’s reserve currency with a new currency. This is precisely what Pluto opposite the US currency planets is telling us. There is a strong possibility for the end of a dollar-centric world. Pluto is after all the planet of major changes.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/24/world/asia/24china.html

Russia and India Agrees
The significance of these propositions stated by Chinese leadership is that not just Russia and later on India who seems to support the ideas they espoused but the planetary alignments along with the events that have already transpired, such as the overprinting of US dollars and the Fed’s recent decision to buy more than $1 trillion debt.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/30/world/30fund.html?ref=world

What it means to Gold

I have noted in my book Astro-time 2006 the significance of China’s decision to allow its citizens to own gold. Apart from the east’s penchant for the shiny yellow metal- they seem to be preparing for a tai fung that will come sooner than later.

To stabilize the global financial system Zhou Xiaochuan further proposed that IMF’s SDR be used as the new reserve currency and also the inclusion of yuan, rubble and gold in the valuation of the SDR.

Currently, SDR is based on the USD, Yen, Pound and Euro but with China’s economic clout the possibility of replacing USD may no longer be unthinkable. Of course, this wont happen overnight, not even immediately after the G20 meeting this week but the die has been cast- the Rubicon river has been crossed. Pluto – will eventually cross the other critical degrees of Capricorn.

Pluto hits 3 degrees

2009-03-20T02:53:00.000-07:00

Like clock work, as Pluto hits one of the critical degrees of the sign of Capricorn, the rise of the dollar that has baffled many analysts in the recent months slowed down and eventually moved in another direction. As stated in one of my previous blog entries Pluto's movement in the 3rd degree of Capricorn (where it is now since early Marhc) is going to be a significant period. The market took the Fed's recent decision that hyper-inflation may be in the cards.

http://astro-ipo.blogspot.com/2008/07/america-born-on-4th-of-july-and-13th.html

As dollar fell, gold naturally took the centerstage, implying that the previous month's anomalous correspondence between gold and the dollar was not real.

What's Causing Euro's Trouble?

2009-02-17T11:11:00.002-08:00

Euro's chart look ugly. As Eastern Europe sinks into deeper financial quagmire, uncertainty in the Eurozone is gripping investors. Negativity in the region so strong that it seems that Euro and Gold have decoupled. Dollar is now moving in the same direction as gold and gold is hitting new highs in Euro (and other currencies).

What's causing all this trouble in Euro?

The culprit is Uranus- astrologically speaking that is.

Uranus is currently activating the currency's natal t-square.

Saturn and Japan's Economy

2009-02-16T01:13:00.000-08:00

During the first opposition of Saturn and Uranus on November 4, 2008, Japan announced that they are in recession. Weeks after this same planetary configuration on February 5 Japan announced that its economy shrank 12.7% in the past year. This is the sharpest drop in Japan's economy since 1970 according to Marketwatch. Unfortunately for Japan, this cycle of weakness isn't going to be over until at least its Progressed Moon moves out of its 12th house in about two years time.

As stated previously Japan's strength is symbolized by Uranus- the planet of science and manufacturing (machines). On February 22, Saturn will square Japan's Uranus. Saturn, is the planet of restriction. This is another indication that the heavens above mirror the events on earth below - or vice versa.

http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/Japans-economy-shrinks-127-annualized/story.aspx?guid={BAD01499-5C66-4146-B1B4-03E3A4F3C222}

Saturn on Gold

2009-02-09T06:32:00.000-08:00

The 916 level, which is where Saturn and Mars meets in the Universal Clock is providing resistance for gold. And with Saturn to hit Gold Chart's Moon, this resistance is holding. The exact aspect will occur on February 11 and should a technical buy signal occurs on or after that date, the 916 will soon become a support. After Saturn, Jupiter will be aspecting the gold chart.

Warnings

2009-01-27T08:59:00.000-08:00

A year have passed but the issues remain. Is 2009 going to be different?

By the likes of it- we will see a continuation of the 2008 pattern that we saw in the equities market.

Why?

Because the planets that proved very reliable last year are to have a repeat performance of their deadly cosmic dance- soon, very soon. Stay safe !

Pluto and Mars Brings Conflict and More

2008-12-29T12:51:00.000-08:00

Mars, the red planet is named after the god of war and conflict.

Like a cosmic clock - when planets align certain events on earth takes place in a synchronous manner with the heveanly bodies involved. In the case of the ongoing conflict in the world - it is easy to see from which planets these influence is coming from.

Events Below:

Israel retaliates against Hamas killing more than 300 Palestinians. The Arab world is
up in anger about this development.

Pakistan was reported to have moved 20,000 soldiers towards its Eastern border in line
with increasing tension with India.

Protests rocked Thailand's new government headed by Abhisit, as thousands of Thaksin
supporters call for a snap election.

Somalian President Abdullahi Yusuf stepped down amidst international pressure. Immediately after he stepped down rockets were fired in the Capital. He admitted that power is not in his hands and that insurgents with ties to Al-qaida are strengthening.

Planets Above:

This week, Mars and Pluto (and the Sun) are aligned in a the sky occupying the same zodiac sign in the sky. Not far are Mercury and Jupiter which are also in the sign of Capricorn. Mars and Pluto and the planets associated with conflict. Mars is named after Ares, the god of war and Pluto is associated with Hades, the god of death and the underworld.

Gold Shines

In my previous posts, I also emphasized that gold is also associated with Hades, who is the guardian of treasures that are hidden. As a result of these recent developments gold have risen significantly.

Pluto Changes the World

2008-12-25T13:15:00.000-08:00

Pluto in Capricorn is the most important factor now that will affect world trends.
Pluto is the planet that brings deep-seated changes. Located in Capricorn, an action-oriented cardinal sign, makes the effects of Pluto more pronounced.

Capricorn is the sign of government and order while Pluto is actually the planet of change and transformation. In simple terms, Pluto's sojourn into this sign from (some parts) 2008 till 2024 means that the geopolitical map of the world will be reshaped.

The last time Pluto was in Capricorn was in the 18th century (1762- 1778) during the American Revolution- the independent states of North America banded together, declared their independence from United Kingdom.

Pluto in Capricorn is connected with geo-political shift. Imperial powers fall and the map of the world or a country is re-drawn. This is the first phase of Pluto's long-term influence, which, is more on ending.

The second phase is about rebuilding. In the past Pluto in Capricorn coincided with the foundation of a new city or a country, which eventually played a key role in world events.

This is an excerpt from Astro-time 2009, an astrological timing guide towards prosperity.

An Astrologer Tops 2008 Top 10 List

2008-12-19T09:24:00.000-08:00

This is really a good year for financial astrology, W.D. Gann would be very proud. It's offical - the top spot in Hulbert Financial Digest's Top 10 Newsletters for 2008 is written by Arch Crawford who is a financial astrologer. His performance is 42.4% up in contrast to Dow Jones Wilshire 5000 which down 38.3%. Crawford's 2008 trading strategy is shorting - which is exactly what I have advised my readers.

http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/2008s-star-newsletter-profits-stars/story.aspx?guid={FFA002E0-CA5E-4E4F-917D-1CC76936F341}

Pluto Opposes the Dollar

2008-12-17T06:14:00.000-08:00

The Fed cuts interest rates to 0.25%, an all-time low, and the USD resumes its downward path, in line with Pluto's opposition to US Dollar's Sun which will be exact soon. By 2009 Pluto's opposition would be with USA's Venus. With rates already so low, it can either mean quantitative easing or devaluation.

Spectacular Rise for some Mining Companies

2008-12-11T09:40:00.000-08:00

I haven't seen this kind of move lately - a junior mining company exploding more than 100% (AGT) and 200%(OZN) in a single day. To think that these is a junior/exploration mining companies, which has been in a bear market since last year, this move indeed is spectacular.If this is a sign by itself I think this is good indicator that Pluto is now working on the Dollar's Sun.

A look at AGT's first trade chart reveals the reason and once again proves the validity of using this information in projecting the price of an individual stock. A few days ago AGT had a Jupiter Mercury contact and today there is progressed Venus contact with its North Node- a financing contract was signed. OZN on the other hand was just acquired by IAG.

Astro-time 2009

2008-11-30T12:05:00.000-08:00

Friends, I wont be able to come up with my weekly article this time. I am working on my book, which I will be sending to the printing press very soon. I will resume writing for
Astro-Ipo early next week.

Pluto Enters Capricorn

2008-11-24T06:39:00.000-08:00

by Resti H. Santiago

By November 26 Pluto will be seriously staying in the sign of Capricorn and it will stay there till 2023. Pluto is the sign of deep-seated change and the dollar-centric world will never be the same. We had a preview of how the world will be for the rest of the decade till the next decade when Pluto tested Capricorn from January 25 till June 14 of this year. That was the period wherein the dollar reached all time low in the dollar index.

Due to retrograde motion Pluto moved back to Sagittarius to finish unfinished business - which as it turned out, was the destruction of wealth and the value of venerable companies not just in America but in the entire world. Sagittarius was the sign of globalization and the unbridled credit expansion. What occurred in the previous months was akin to the myth of the abduction of Persephone by Pluto.
In astrology, Pluto is the also planet of an ending. A phase in world history has ended.

On the other hand, Pluto is also the planet of the depths - where the minerals or hard assets can be found. Pluto in the earth sign Capricorn may eventually show us where true value is hidden.

Japan Falls into Recession

2008-11-17T04:11:00.000-08:00

By Resti H. Santiago

Right after the weekend meeting of the Group of 20 rich and emerging nations discussing ways on how world leaders can bring back normalcy in the world’s economy, comes official data from Japan indicating that the world’s second largest economy has entered a period of recession. Japan’s economy shrank .04 percent last quarter.

This is in line with the meaning of 5-passage Saturn-opposite-Uranus, the first of which became exact in November 4. Saturn is the planet of restriction and Uranus is associated with machines and manufacturers. A week earlier it was Germany (and the rest of the Euro zone), which entered into recession. Germany like Japan is also a manufacturing giant. Saturn opposite Uranus simply means slow down in manufacturing activity – worldwide. But some countries are worse hit than others. Looking at Japan’s astrological chart will reveal bad signs that Japan is heading towards more economic difficulty.

The Sun Dims Out

The major influences on Japan’s chart are the Progressed new Moon in the 12th house and a t-square with its Uranus.

The land of the rising sun now has its progressed moon in the dark and unlucky spot in the 12th house. This is akin to the dimming out of the sun that shone in the Japan for the past 28 years, which is time it takes for the progressed Moon to move around the chart. This means that Japan will likely be less aggressive in pursuing its goal or less successful in achieving it. With the 12th house activated Japan may become a victim of events.

Uranus and Japan
Transiting Uranus is currently squaring Japan natal Uranus. Moreso, the Saturn-Uranus opposition formed a t-square with Japan’s Uranus. T-square is one of the most difficult planetary configurations. What made this influence very important and bad for Japan is that Uranus is very meaningful to them. Modern Japan’s success is due to Uranus.

Uranus is very important in Japan’s chart. Japan is recognized as a world leader in machinery, technology and robotics- these are the things ruled by Uranus. Uranus is in fact very important throughout the history of Japan. It is ancient Japan’s planetary ruler if we will erect a horoscope for Feb 11, 660 BC, which is considered to be the date that Japan was founded by Emperor Jimmu, the country’s first emperor. The Sun was then in Aquarius - the sign ruled by Uranus.

At the time of Meiji restoration, which is the beginning of Japan’s rise as a military and manufacturing giant Uranus was also very prominent. This chart is based on the promulgation of the Meiji Constitution on February 11, 1889. With the Sun in Aquarius, Uranus is also this chart’s solar ruler and is part of a lucky grand trine with the Sun and the Moon.

So with Uranus being squared – Japan’s might will be severely challenged. In terms of creativity and ingenuity I doubt that the Japanese will be defeated as Uranus square Uranus can still make one inventive but changes in focus is needed but what came be more troublesome is the fact that progressed Venus figures in this t-square. Venus is connected with a country’s economy.

One bit of good news is that the black-hole-and-Pluto effect that we saw in the charts of Iceland and Ukraine is not active in Japan’s national chart.

Photo by Edel C.S.
Art work by Isabel Sofia Santiago, who loves Japan and Japanese animation.

This Year's Top Market Timer is an Astrologer

2008-11-10T07:07:00.000-08:00

According to Peter Brimelow of Marketwatch "The top-performing letter for this terrible year to date is an astrologer." He is referring to Arch Crawford, the financial astrologer who publishes Crawford Perspective. This rating is based on the results of the Hulbert Financial Digest. This is good news for all financial astrologers in the world, as we see again the fruits of astrological research (if not the techniques) being recognized by mainstream media. In fact, its not just the Hulbert Financial Digest who have recognized Crawford's achievements. Last month Timer Digest likewise named Crawford as one of the top performers of the year.

Other financial astrologers who were recognized by both Timer Digest and Hulbert Financial Digest in the past are Bill Meridian and Henry Weingarten.

Congratulations Arch Crawford!

http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/Star-performer-relies-stars/story.aspx?guid={86972C29-CF1F-4527-87B8-FCF4D3FC86BC}

Slowdown and the Saturn-Uranus Opposition

2008-11-03T12:23:00.000-08:00

Recent events in the stock market once again proves the veracity of the principles that financial astrologers adhere. One of the most significant astrological signature used by financial astrologers is the Opposition of Saturn and Uranus. This is important in terms astrological history as several studies made by the pioneers of financial astrology such as Lt. Williams, included this indicator.

From the earliest financial astrology texts, Saturn opposite Uranus has been pinpointed as to coincide with a slowdown on economic activity, with heavy emphasis on those that are connected with machines.

We shouldn't be surprised then that these news came out within hours of the opposition between Uranus and Saturn on November 4, 2008.

GM and Ford car sales plunged

http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/gm-sales-fall-45-october/story.aspx?guid={8456584C-C740-4D7E-B884-7F0A2E9E7E3D}&siteid=bnbh

European carmaker Chrysler's U.S. October sales dropped 35%
http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/chrysler-us-october-sales-fall/story.aspx?guid={33409C33-7FFB-4998-AEBA-79947456EB37}&dist=morenews

http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/Kias-US-October-sales-slump/story.aspx?guid={007DD3CB-1E33-477B-AB69-CD09F14B7C33}&dist=hplatest

Even asian manufacturers are affeced such as Korea's Kia and Japan's Toyota. Kia's auto sales in the U.S.A. dropped by 38%.

The week of that the exact opposition between Uranus and Saturn is dubbed as the auto industry's darkest days in 25 years. Also, data was released that manufacturing activity in the USA have slowed down significantly. Factory output in the USA was at its worst in 26 years.

Sometimes, as pointed out in some of my articles, when a negative aspect is exact we can expect a cessation of negative news however in the case of this Saturn-Uranus opposition this is just the beginning of a series of 5 oppositions that recurs about 35-40 years.

http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/factory-output-weakest-26-years/story.aspx?guid={269D4836-FC09-4F3E-AD6D-AF8828D1E493}&dist=TNMostRead

Trade Carefully

2008-11-03T02:59:00.000-08:00

by Resti H. Santiago

After what Bloomberg has determined as the U.S. stocks' biggest weekly gain since 1974
we may once again be in for a lot of surprises. The posibility of a reversal
increases this week with several major astrological influences coming - the
most important of which is the Saturn-Uranus opposition.

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aHBZRI3n2kAc

As stated last week, the question will eventually be raised whether the rally that
will follow is the final bottom or is it just a respite from a very tumultous October.
We got that rally, this week the question should be in everyone's mind -
Was it a dead cat bounce?

Computer art by Isabel Sofia Santiago

Ukraine's Pain

2008-11-02T06:32:00.000-08:00

by Resti H. Santiago

Within weeks of Iceland’s financial meltdown, two other European countries Ukraine and Hungary are the brink of bankruptcy and immediately sought the help of the IMF for funding.

Pluto –the god of the underworld

Its all soul’s day and we highlight again the importance of Pluto- the mythological god of the underworld.

It is my intention to look for the effect of Pluto as currently the demoted planet is actually the most important factor that I see when it comes to current financial turmoil that is why I’m highlighting it in my series of articles regarding the credit-financial crisis. But there are many other factors involved. There is the Saturn opposite Uranus taking place on November 4.

Pluto is ending its phase of expanding the global village and world economy (when it is in Sagittarius) and will soon transform society and the way we do business when it is strongly entrenched in the sign of Capricorn.

Pluto is the slowest moving planet and has been activated by its exact conjunction with the Galactic Center last year and will be activated further by its square to Saturn next year.

Pluto on Ukraine’s Chart
In Ukraine's chart Pluto's death-thru-debt-effect can be also seen in conjunction with other factors. Pluto is now moving into exact opposition to Ukraine's Part of Fortune. Modern astrologers do not pay much attention to the Arabic Parts but with its importance in Ukraine's chart says that the use of some medieval points and techniques deserves another look.

Ukraine’s' Part of Fortune is in 29 degrees and 54 minutes Gemini. It is again worthwhile
noting that this point has been in opposition to the Galactic Center since Ukraine’s birth as a nation. Pluto has been reinforcing this opposition last year.

Aside from the Part of fortune another important factor is the placement of Ukraine’s Sun in natal 8th house which says that this young country existed in debt.

What is interesting to note to whose are into medieval astrology that is the Progressed conjunction of Sun and Mercury. Mercury is the ruler of Part of fortune, while the Sun is the ruler of its 8th house of death and debt. This conjunction is a combustion – wherein Mercury is overpowered by the heat of the Sun. With mercury connected with Ukraine’s fortune, this progressed conjunction fits well to this country’s current inability to honor its financial obligations hence the need for external funding.

Ukraine's financial pain is reflected in the sky and it echoes strongly with the current Plutonian theme currently at work in the world.

According to Robert Zoller - in medieval astrology nothing will come to pass if it’s not written in its natal chart. It goes to say that ...eventually what comes around goes around. That is the wheel of life. More often than not -the cause of our pain lies within.

Yen Carry Trade Unwinds

2008-10-28T09:54:00.000-07:00

In contrast to Saturn aspects on the NYSE chart, the astrological chart of the Japanese Yen have more Jupiter aspects. Jupiter tends to lift the price or increases the value. Jupiter affecting Yen in the greater part of October brought yen to a high-level that automatically cuased the YCT to unwind. That off course is bad for the stock market including commodities. Though there is one more Jupiter aspect in November, the presence of Pluto will soon change Yen's pattern.

Saturn on NYSE Charts

2008-10-27T10:28:00.000-07:00

Saturn is the planet with rings, which symbolizes restrictions. In a chart, it brings lessons and more often than not - lessons are learned only after hardships. On NYSE used by Bill Meridian Saturn was very prominent in the first half of October. That is the past and we see once again that this NYSE chart can give reliable signals.

What is more important now is the question whether this slaughter in Wall Street is over and whether what we will see soon is a reliable bottom or just a temporary support. Unfortunately, aside from the upcoming Saturn-Uranus opposition, there will be "more" Saturn aspects on another NYSE based on the May 17, 1792 chart which is used by many financial astrologers such as Raymond Merriman. Not only that, the NYSE chart used by Meridian, which worked very well in October will have another Saturn aspect in November.

Iceland's Meltdown

2008-10-19T10:57:00.000-07:00

by Resti H. Santiago

With the influence of Pluto in the Galactic Center still strong and the upcoming Saturn opposite Uranus getting stronger, stability in the financial world would remain a difficult task, though off course a dead cat bounce can be expected. However, the situation may even become more unstable when the clashing energies of Saturn and Uranus become more intense. Surprises to the downside cannot be discounted. This planetary opposition is still to take place on November 5 but its energy is being felt now. Unfortunately, this interaction between Saturn and Uranus will occur five times up to 2010. As I stated in Astro-time 2008, the coming years are not going to be prosperous ones.

Iceland’s Banking Collapse

Early this month, Iceland became the first country to go bankrupt as a result of the global credit squeeze, the collapse of Lehman Brothers and CDOs. Iceland’s banking system is currently in a state of collapse. The Central Bank have slashed its interest rates by 3% already and the government has taken over three of the nation’s largest lenders. The economic fallout is to be felt sooner not later.

http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/iceland-central-bank-slashes-key/story.aspx?guid={ED653A41-B4B1-464B-B564-4BF2B4E1F055}&dist=msr_3

Studying the astrology behind Iceland’s fall is surely one for the books- the astrological factors are easily discernable. This would also be another opportunity for non-astrologers to appreciate the beauty behind astrological theory. By looking at numbers (zodiacal degrees) and signs one can easily see connections between the planets, the degrees and what they symbolize.

The planet’s current positions:

Pluto is now at 28 degrees and 51 minutes in the sign of Sagittarius
Pluto is a planet whose influence includes issues about death and debt.

The Galactic Center is at 26 degrees and 59 minutes Sagittarius
As stated previously, there is a massive black hole at the Galactic Center. A black hole is something that sucks everything, it is so powerful not even light can escape it. In a way the GC can somehow be connected with the concept of karma- nature’s law of cause and effect. Raymond Merriman interpreted the whole period from the late 80’s till now as a period of credit expansion. Pluto rules credit while Sagittarius is the sign of globalization and expansion. But at the end of Pluto’s transit into Sagittarius is this GC effect, we have to reaped what has been sowed during several decades of credit expansion.

Uranus is at 19 degrees and 20 minutes Pisces
Uranus is the planet of disruption, sharp movement in price and major or even unexpected changes.

Pluto and GC alignment:

Pluto and the GC are astrologically aligned in what astrologers calls the conjunction. When Pluto is aligned with the GC, which actually started last year around the beginning of the sub-prime related meltdown, the negative influences of this planet are magnified. What made this combination extremely powerful is that their energies are somehow similar- both are connected with matters of death. The most powerful Pluto-GC energy was further activated when Pluto turned direct on September 8. With Pakistan, Ukraine now also needing financial help - it seems that this energy is far from being exhausted.

From Iceland national chart, these are the very important planetary positions:
Ascendant is 2 degrees Libra
Sun at 26 degrees and 13 minutes Gemini
Saturn at 29 degrees and 30 minutes Gemini
Venus 23 degrees and 36 minutes

Planetary Dynamics

What is astrologically significant is how the current planetary positions relate to the planets found in the chart of Iceland. The geometric alignment of these planets would reveal the energy dynamics that led to its current financial turmoil.

The Sagittarius Pluto/GC is aligned negatively with Iceland’s Gemini Planets. The Pluto/GC conjunction is opposing the Sun and Saturn. Planets in opposition brings problems and in the case of Iceland, Sun and Saturn are the planets of leadership. The authorities in Iceland failed to control the financial meltdown. The financial trouble itself is revealed by Uranus squaring (90degrees) away from Venus. The result is sharp interest rates cut and eventually substantial devaluation of krona, Iceland’s currency.

Astrological Chart is generated from Kepler 4.7
Computer art by Isabel Sofia Santiago

Facts Emerged as Mercury Turns Direct

2008-10-15T11:57:00.000-07:00

by Resti H. Santiago

As Mercury ends its retrograde motion today a certain degree of clarity emerges in the market. Mercury retrograde is generally a period of confusion and in most cases, activities initiated during this period often leads to failure - as we have seen with the Bailout Plan, the rates cut and additional $250B fund.

Astrologers believe that when Mercury is turning direct, what has been murky becomes crystal clear. It is worthwhile noting and remembering the news and the words that came from the world's leaders today.

1. Fed Beige Book paints picture of broad September slowdown suggesting that there is deeper trouble in the U.S. economy outside of the financial sector
http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/fed-beige-book-reveals-broad/story.aspx?guid={DF5E9711-B9F9-4FEF-B141-D1A0B91CDDC0}&siteid=bnbh

2. Fed Chairman Bernanke says that the U.S. economy is facing big threat

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20081015/bs_nm/us_financial_fed_bernanke_4

3. The Dow Jones plunged another 733 points.

4. Meanwhile, JP Morgan raises its 2008-2009 price forecast for the bullion.
http://www.reuters.com/article/rbssFinancialServicesAndRealEstateNews/idUSLF2630412008101

This change of projection by JP Morgan is worthwhile taking note of. According to some analysts, this is one of the 3 large banks whose total short position on gold in the Comex increased eleven-fold during gold's sharpest correction which took place between July 1 and August 5. If JP Morgan is more bullish on gold so should we.

http://www.financialsense.com/Market/kirby/2008/0825.html

The image above is a photograph of the 17th-century sculpture of the Roman god Mercury by Flemish artist Artus Quellinus. Courtesy of BUREAU MONUMENTEN & ARCHEOLOGIE
http://www.bma.amsterdam.nl/adam/index_e.html

Computer art by Isabel Sofia C. Santiago

Central Banks Cut Interest Rates under the Mercury Retrograde

2008-10-12T01:43:00.000-07:00

By Resti H. Santiago

In what continues to be a dramatic period, as the stock markets around the world continued to drop in the week that ended, with the Federal Reserve at the helm and in close coordination with other central banks around the world, interest rates were cut.

The Use of Astrology in Timing Activities

We can see again unfolding before our eyes an application of electional astrology. I stated last week the significance of Mercury Retrograde in making decisions whose importance can affect the whole world. When asked about the usefulness of Mercury Retrograde my rule of thumb is this:

“The more important a decision is – the more you should avoid it during a Mercury retrograde period.”

When an important activity is initiated during a Mercury Retrograde, more often than not it leads to failure. Why? Because the situation is not as clear as it seems, there are many hidden factors, which is the case in Paulson’s initial bailout plan. Or it becomes too complex as in the case of the revised bailout plan.

But more importantly in terms of practicality the more important thing to consider is the possible outcome.

In the case of the well-coordinated rates cut, it still ended up a failure if we will judge it based on its objective of arresting the drop of the stock market.

It is the goal of every serious astrologer to get world leaders understand at least basic astrological timing of treaties, major projects, laws that would affect the whole world. We all want the world to be a better place, astrological timing can be of help.

Mercury Retrograde for Traders

Years ago, Raymond Merriman identified a trading pattern during Mercury retrograde. His general advise is to trade at the shortest period possible. It may even be better to do intra-day trading during Mercury retrograde period. The longest one can hold on to a position according to this pattern is just 4 days. We have seen this at work in gold recently Gold rose from Monday till Thursday and gave it all up on Friday. Friday in itself is a critical reversal day as Uranus is activated.

All charts courtesy of Stockcharts

Gold Glitters

2008-10-07T08:12:00.000-07:00

By Resti H. Santiago

A week ago the Dow's drop was 778 points, yesterday it was as much as 800 points. An era is indeed ending and a new one is beginning. With Pluto still in conjunction with the Galactic Center, achieving stability will remain a difficult task. After a dead-cat bounce new records may be set.

Several factors were at work on Monday’s drop, which was a reaction to sell-off in Asia and Europe- which in fact was a reaction to the failure of Paulson’s Bailout Plan to calm the markets on Friday. Globally stock markets dived.

http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/dow-plunges-800-points-global/story.aspx?guid={4BD4FBDA-E4B1-4144-B0DE-796E5F0CAC06}

Astrologically, what is new this week is the ingress of Mars into Scorpio. As previously stated Scorpio is the sign of debt (and death). With Mars joining Venus in Scorpio – another rush of Scorpionic energy entered the mind of investors on Monday. The drop in Europe and Asia coincided with the period that Moon was conjunct Pluto in the Galactic Center.

Another important factor is that Mercury, which is the universal ruler of plans and agreements, moved into conjunction with the Sun yesterday. In medieval astrology, this is another case of debility as Mercury went combust by its conjunction with the Sun. This is like $700 billion cheque being burned. The exaggerated drop was due to Sun square Jupiter plus off course some other factors at work on the chart of several world indexes.

Bullish Factors for Gold

Amidst the financial turmoil gold’s price rose and looks like it’s on the way back above $900. Several factors confirmed that investors are now seeing gold as a hedge against economic turmoil:

Demand for gold coins are soaring and mints in Canada and the USA have actually ran out of gold coins to sell. Just today the U.S. Mint stopped producing gold coins and will not do so for the rest of the year!

http://www.reuters.com/article/fundsFundsNews/idUSN0744712920081007?rpc=401&

The volume of gold that ETF’s have purchased in the recent weeks soared

Germany’s Bundesbank stated that they will no longer sell their gold

The volume of gold sold thru the Washington Agreement, which ended on September 27, dropped. The 500 tonnes of gold target was not reached – only 320 tonnes were sold by the central banks.

From the gulf, Dubai Gold and Commodities Exchange (DGCX) reported that sales of gold contracts have increased an unprecedented level hitting the 1 million mark for the first time.

http://archive.gulfnews.com/articles/08/10/07/10250252.html

Retrograde, Murphy’s Law and the Bailout Plan

2008-10-05T11:36:00.000-07:00

Retrograde motion is the apparent backward movement of planets as seen on earth.

Murphy's Law:
"If anything can go wrong, it will."

Murphy's Law was named after Capt. Edward A. Murphy, an air-force engineer who was reported to have cursed a technician under him who kept on committing mistakes. Referring to this man Murphy uttered, "If there is any way to do it wrong, he'll find it." This statement evolved and became very popular as it was since the universally observed that if something can go wrong, it certainly will.

Murphy's Law becomes more meaningful when used in conjunction with astrology, as recurring planetary factors will supply the "time" element- giving us an idea "when" things will likely go wrong.

Here is the paraphrased Murphy's Law with an astrological slant:
"If something can go wrong, more often than not - it will go wrong during Mercury retrograde time periods."

Mercury turned retrograde on September 24 and will remain in such motion till October 15.

Support and Resistance

Financial astrologers place much significance to Mercury retrograde. Raymond Merriman observed that during Mercury retrograde periods, technical indicators seem unreliable. Resistance and support levels doesn’t seem to hold. We have seen that in the movement in the Dow Jones Industrial Average lately. Volatility was extremely very high. Since Mercury turned retrograde triple-digit price swings in the Dow has been the norm, the most unusual of which took place on September 29 with a 778-point drop. That was the biggest single-day drop in the history of the stock market.

Financial astrologers knew this all along. Finding a clear direction is quite difficult as price swings from one extreme to another. My teacher, Kaye Shinker even advises some zodiac signs to avoid trading at all when Mercury is Retrograde. You can read her monthly forecast here:
http://www.astrologicalinvesting.com/html/Fiscalcents.html

If something can go wrong in the stock market – it will go wrong on a Mercury retrograde period. But Mercury retrograde is not the only culprit, as I stated last week, Venus is Scorpio is another factor that points to lower price in equities.

Timing with Mercury Retrograde

The knowledge of Mercury Retrograde can actually be used positively – that is by planning ahead of time what to do and what not to do. The first thing to keep in mind is that what has been targeted or planned during Mercury retrograde often leads to failure. The more important an event, the more it should not be scheduled when Mercury is retrograde. Let’s look back at some important events, whose significance affected the whole world.

In July 24 2006 WTO trade talks broke down in DOHA. The problems that developed then have never been resolved up to now.

In August 2006, U.S. Secretary of State Condaleeza Rice tried to broker a peace deal between Hezbollah and Israel. It likewise failed to achieve its goal. Tension increased.

In June 2007 North Korea, promised to shut down their nuclear reactor. That promise was broken.

We shouldn’t be surprised then with the failure of Paulson’s bailout plan. First it was rejected by the U.S. Congress. It was only approved after a several revisions. And when it was finally approved on Friday it failed to calm the markets.

Photoshop art by Isabel Santiago.
Original illustration by Brian Brondel

Missing Balance

2008-09-29T06:02:00.000-07:00

Today is the birthday of Ludwig Von Mises (September 29)- the Austrian economist-philosopher who was a prominent figure of the Austrian School of economics (the group of economists who challenged the views of Keynes) and Libertarian movement.

Astrologers love to look at associations not just of dates and numbers but more importantly at the symbolic connections between events, people, ideas and the heavens.

This birthday commemoration of Ludwig Von Mises becomes very meaningful if seen against the background of what is happening in the USA right now, his economic theories as well as his zodiac sign. Being a Libra, which is symbolized by the weighing scale, it pays to head Von Mises’ views on balance – in the economy that is. Achieving balance is very important for a Libra and because of this pre-occupation to achieving equilibrium in their lives they can be considered as experts in spotting something that is excessive. In economics, Von Mises had this observation:

“Credit expansion can bring about a temporary boom. But such a fictitious prosperity must end in a general depression of trade, a slump.”

On the day that the U.S. Congress will decide on the passage of a law that will allot $700 billion of taxpayers money to buy bad debt, it is but prudent to re-read the words of a man who taught without being properly compensated but whose followers had been awarded the Nobel Prize in Economics.

“Depression is the aftermath of credit expansion.”

Mises taught that the root cause of a bust phase– in economic cycle lies at the heart of the monetary policy that was instituted during the boom phase. Credit expansion, if abused is the root of recession.

Mises Insisted on non-inflationary gold standard

A Libra is also concerned about fair value in commercial transactions and seeing the importance of gold in establishing fair value he became an advocate of the non-inflationary gold standard.

An increase in the purchasing power of money is disadvantageous to the debtor and advantageous to the creditor; a decrease in its purchasing power has the contrary significance.

According to Murray N. Rothbard of the Ludwig Von Mises Institute:

In his monetary theory, Mises revived the long forgotten British Currency School principle, prominent until the 1850s, that society does not at all benefit from any increase in the money supply, that increased money and bank credit only causes inflation and business cycles, and that therefore government policy should maintain the equivalent of a 100 percent gold standard.

Death Comes to Wamu

2008-09-26T01:21:00.000-07:00

A super-massive black hole at the Galactic Center
Image: Ute Kraus, physics education group (Kraus), Theoretische Astrophysik Tübingen, Space Time Travel (http://www.spacetimetravel.org/)

Another bank failed in the United States of America. And its not just an ordinary bank,Washington Mutual is one large bank with 119-year history. In fact, it turned exactly 119 when the government closed it down after an unprecedented deposit outflows in the recent weeks. It was incorporated in September 25, 1889.

W.D. Gann was very fond of dates and numbers partly due to the astrological associations that one can glean from it. Its is interesting to note that in scenarios of death or in this case, bankcruptcy - Pluto's hand can be seen in the background.

As previously emphasized, Pluto's effect unfolds thru time and its effect is far-reaching. It seems that one or more banks have failed every week since Pluto turned direct on September 8.

Off course, not every bank will fail as Pluto moves in to the zodiac. But in Washington Mutual's case Pluto is currently squaring its Sun. What is somehow fortunate is that prior to this aspect, Pluto will conjunct WaMu's natal Jupiter by a conjunction- hence a more adverse effect may have been prevented by JPMorgan's act of taking over this bank.

Is WaMu the last bank to fail?

What made that direct station of Pluto exceptionally strong was its close conjunction to the Galactic Center. If one is to look for spiritual message with the current financial turmoil in the United States, maybe we can find one.

Astrophysicists think that there is a super-massive black hole at the center of our galaxy. Observations in the financial markets using financial astrology tend to agree. Sharp moves in prices occur when a planet is in an angular relationship with the galactic center.

So is Wamu the last bank to fail?

Probably not, if one will base it from the action of Pluto, the black hole at the Galactic Center and Venus in Scorpio taken together. Scorpio is the sign ruled by Pluto in modern astrology. Symbolically, these influences are the messengers of death.

Pluto transforms the Financial Market

2008-09-21T11:42:00.000-07:00

Photograph by Edel C.S.& Art work by Isabel Santiago

Pluto and Death
Pluto is considered as the planet of death. Modern, astrologers use mythology in finding meaning and interconnection between the planet’s actions and events on earth. In Greek Myth Pluto is equivalent to Hades – the god of the underworld. Pluto is not just connected with the issue of ending but also of recapitulation. Upon death, we come face to face with the lord of the underworld after which the soul’s fate would be determined.

Looking at it from one angle, Pluto is an instrument of fate by putting an end to something or someone or a way of life that is no longer healthy or useful.

Pluto turned stationary direct on September 8. Being stationary is considered an indicator of a planet’s strength. If a planet is strong it will be able to do what it needs to do. Another important aspect of Pluto is that whether we like it or not rather especially when we don’t like it – it will take away what it needs to take a way. Similar to death, Pluto acts like a thief in the night.

Look at price of the investment bank Lehman Brothers and insurance company AIG, in just a few days the value of these stocks evaporated. Such is the power of a Pluto. This is one reason why astrologers do not think it was right that Pluto was demoted to being a dwarf planet. In terms of astrological influence those coming from Pluto are by no means dwarf.

Forecast Review:
As stated on September 8, the Jupiter direct station would be followed by a more powerful station of Pluto and that any immediate optimism that comes with Jupiter cannot be trusted. What followed was the most tumultuous week for Wall Street in recent times.

Pluto and the stock market’s Tumultuous Week
These events occurred one after the other, within one week of Pluto's turning direct- the point in time where the planet of death is at its strongest:

1. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were taken over by the government.
2. On Monday Stock market tumbled 504 points, to a record never seen since Sept 11,2001
3. Volatility index spiked to a record never seen since last August 2002.
4. Lehman Brother, 158-year-old financial institution, went officially bankrupt.
5. AIG, USA’s biggest insurance was sold after its biggest drop in history.
6. Merrill Lynch was sold to prevent bankruptcy
7. To cap the week, another bank collapsed. On September 19, Ameribank became the 12th bank to collapse this year.

On the Verge of Economic Collapse
According to yahoo news:
A congressional aide on a telephone conference call between the Fed, Treasury and lawmakers on Friday said Bernanke issued a stark warning: "If Congress doesn't act soon, there will be an economic meltdown.”

By Saturday upon the initiative of fire signs Paulson and Bernanke, the US Congress came up with a $700 billion market bailout plan.

Go Go Gold!

2008-09-18T06:56:00.000-07:00

In what may be a historically significant day, gold has come back with a vengeance rising more than 80 points in a single day. As stated on September 11, the astrological and some technical indicators have already given a buy signal. Gold hit an intraday low below 740 but less than a week later gold is back above the long-term resistance at 850. Dollar, as also predicted, failed in its attempt to go beyond is long-term support, which by now as become a major resistance.

Is it for real?
Gold has been extremely oversold after weeks of selling pressure, which some analysts consider as anomalous. Astrologically, there are still many factors that speak of more trouble in the financial world. The worse is yet to come. What has been hidden is now being exposed. What has been suppressed, as some gold bugs are asserting, are now about to explode.

In terms of astrological aspects the major one for the year is still weeks away. This is the Saturn opposite Uranus which is to take place in early November and prior to that, Venus will enter Scorpio. If Venus is strong in Libra, which is the sign it rules the opposite is true when it is in Scorpio. In traditional astrology, Venus is debilitated in Scorpio.

In terms of numbers, I think the figures from yesterday’s ETF performance speak volume. 43 million shares of GLD were traded.

The crux of the matter comes from the former Chairman of the Fed himself Allan Greenspan who referred to the current Credit Crisis as a “once in a 100 year event.” There is no choice for the Fed but to print more money. Each time a major bank fails and the Fed comes to the rescue, money must be printed. In a scenario of extreme monetary inflation – the best investment is gold as it is the true storage of value, the wise men from olden days believed so. We should too.

Warren Buffett: The Quintessential Virgo

2008-09-16T12:12:00.000-07:00

The best word to describe a Virgo is “practical” and being an earth sign makes this zodiac symbol the best in terms of generating wealth. Warren Buffett proves that idea this year by becoming the richest person in the world based on Forbes’ ranking. His net worth, according to Wikipedia, is US$ 62 billion as of Feb 11, 2008.

It is worthwhile noting that success on practical matters is almost always (but may be negated by the other factors in one’s personal chart) a sure path for Virgos. The reasons are actually simple- they are challenged mentally by problems which inspires them to make a thorough study of the matter and by coming up with the most feasible system that works. And more importantly, Virgos work hard. Being frugal is another part of the equation, which one of the traits associated with Virgo. Buffett is well-known for his frugality. In investing this Virgo trait appeared in Buffett’s adherence to Graham’s Value Investing.

It should be no wonder then that the result of a study conducted by Forbes have this result: Virgo is the sign of more billionaires than any other sign.

What Makes a Virgo Tick?

Virgo is ruled by Mercury which is traditionally connected with the mind, numbers and analysis. Knowledge is very important to Warren Buffett. Buffett’s career path is a clear indication of this Mercury influence. He worked as a teacher, stockbroker and employed the power of analysis and love for numbers in his investment activities.

He taught at the University of Nebraska, his students were twice his age. He is nicknamed as the “Oracle of Omaha,” business and political leaders seek his knowledge. Berkshire Hathaway’s annual stockholders meeting is always anticipated, it is attended by 20,000 individuals.

Buffett on Value Investing

Thru to his earth sign nature Buffett is an advocate of “Value Investing” philosophy that was taught by a fellow earth sign (Taurean) and mentor Benjamin Graham. Basically, Graham’s investment philosophy is founded on the concept of “margin of safety.” This means that the best companies to buy are those that are extremely undervalued at a time when the public is most fearful, provided of course that these companies have an excellent management team as well as good product. This strategy jives very much with a Virgos who are known for being choosy and would only go for something of value after a thorough calculation.

Virgo and Textile

In 1962, when Pluto and Uranus were moving into a conjunction it also formed a conjunction to Buffett’s natal Sun and Neptune, Buffett discovered Berkshire. Pluto is the planet associated with the guardian of hidden treasures and among the businesses associated with Virgo is textile.

Since 1965, Buffett has transformed Berkshire from a failing textile company into a $180 billion conglomerate with about 76 businesses that sell a range of products from bricks, carpeting, manufactured housing and paint to ice cream and underwear.

I always believe that to be successful one’s business activity must be compatible with one’s astrological makeup. Another important thing is that one’s line of business must also be compatible with one’s zodiac sign.

Buffett on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac

On August 22, Warren Buffett said there was a "reasonable chance" that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac shareholders would be wiped out though the companies themselves are too big to fail. Less than a month after, both companies were put under the conservatorship of the US Treasury. He wasn’t called the “Oracle of Omaha” for nothing.

Forecast Review on Gold and the Dollar

2008-09-14T22:05:00.000-07:00

On September 11, I stated that the strength of the dollar is waning as it approaches 80 on the USD Index. The progressed trine between Progressed Moon and Natal Sun on what I call the Dollar-Inflation chart is about to end on September 15. My teacher on financial astrology, Kaye Shinker, emphasized that when an aspect is over its effect will eventually wane. Then its time to consider upcoming aspects and that would be from Pluto.

Pluto is now back in direct motion and it will again be moving towards an opposition with Dollar-Inflation chart's Sun. This is the single most important factor that I mentioned early this year to be causing further drop in the value of the US dollar.

Another astrological indicator that I introduced in my previous post is the use of void of course moon in finding a bottom provided that other indicators such as technical signals occurs at the same time. One important positive divergence that I saw on Thursday was the rise of the XAU despite that free fall on gold.

Taken together these factors gave a clear signal that its time to reconsider entering the gold market. It was a good call as the action of several gold and mining stocks, from the majors to the juniors, showed.

However, despite the waning of the positive factors on the dollar, there is still one more negative factor against gold, fortunately it will come near the period of mercury turning retrograde which may bring about case of false selling signals.

The Power of Three

2008-09-11T04:41:00.000-07:00

Just like in technical analysis, one should not rely on a single astrological factor when taking a position, be it long-term, short-term or immediate term.

The U.S. dollar’s strength can be astrologically explained by the major factors that can be determined beforehand. My teacher in Financial Astrology, Kaye Shinker, has emphasized the "power of three" factors in her book Textbook for Financial Astrology.
Basically it means that the more astrological techniques and factors say the same thing, the greater is the tendency for the conclusion to manifest. The dollar's rally was reflected by these three factors:

Eclipse and progression on the Dollar-Inflation Chart
Venus in Libra
Negative transits on the Gold Chart.

The eclipse on August 1 initially ignited the dollar, 15days before and about 15 days after. Around August 17, USD’s rise was halted and then consolidated around 77 on the USD index. However, gold’s 850-860 support did not hold at that time, which spoke of further declines. Then came Venus in Libra, which is traditionally associated with fiat money. Venus is strong in Libra and this further fueled the drop in gold. Neptune, which has a tendency to cloud what is real value, was acting against gold till this week. But more importantly, the Dollar-Inflation Chart revealed a very important Progressed Moon trine Natal Sun this week. Together these factors lifted USD from a value of about 71 to about 79.

In line with dollar nearing its long-term resistance of 80 and the onset of upcoming Saturn aspects on the Dollar-Inflation chart and the decline of the three factor’s influence, its time again to consider one’s technical tools.

Coincidentally, the gold technical chart is already showing positive divergences.

Another astrological tool that can aid in determining a “bottom” is the price action during a void of course moon. We had a long void of course period yesterday which ended around 3 am NY time. When the Moon is void, is it like there is no support gold went into a free fall. It found a floor right after the Moon has moved into a new zodiacal sign. If one will consider future aspects, this in itself is one of the signs.

Jupiter Lifts Wall Street

2008-09-08T07:41:00.000-07:00

As the US government announced takeover of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae stock markets around the world jumped higher on September 8. Astrologers are not surprised as September 8 is the day that Jupiter turns direct. Jupiter is the planet of luck, optimism and expansion. The day it turns direct is considered as one of the most powerful days for Jupiter. This occurs against the backdrop of a stronger dollar which coincided with Venus in Libra. As stated in my previous post, Venus in Libra is generally good for either the USD or the equities. USD reached a value above 79 on the index for the first time this year.

However, aside from Jupiter, another strong planet is about to turn direct on the same day. Pluto is the planet of debt and death. Taken together these two keywords produce bankruptcies. Whereas Jupiter's effect tends to be immediate, (DOW went up 340 points upon opening) Pluto's effect is really more powerful and it unfolds thru time.

While it is generally viewed as good thing that the US treasury finally acted to seize control of the two troubled companies, many analysts doubt that this act would put an end to the Wall Street’s trouble. In fact in a Plutonian fashion this act may eventually backfire.

Geocosmics At Work

2008-09-02T08:03:00.000-07:00

Based on the geocosmic indicators as listed out by Raymond Merriman, a planet's ingress into a zodiac sign would correspond to a change in direction. But this is not true with all markets, it depends on which planet and into which sign it moves into. A few days or a few weeks after the ingress, either a crest or a trough is formed.

Mars entered Virgo in July and stayed there till August 19.

On August 30, Venus entered Libra. Venus is connected with money itself and by extension to equities as well. Venus is strong in Libra as this is the sign it rules. The US currency hit 78 on the USDollar index for the firs time this year.

The Chart of 21st Century Russia

2008-08-26T06:23:00.001-07:00

The coat of arms of the Russian Federation

21st century Russia's horoscope is based on June 12, 1990; 1:45 pm; Moscow. This is the date that the Russian Federation was born from the ashes of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republic. On this date Russian Federation adopted the Declaration on Russia's National Sovereignty. Analyzing the horoscope based on this date would reveal the future of Russia.

Russia's current chart has six planets that are dignified. It’s a very rare phenomenon to have more than half of the horoscope chart in dignified location in the zodiac. The following are the dignified planets.

Mercury in Gemini- (Dignity by Rulership)
Venus in Taurus- (Dignity by Rulership)
Mars in Aries- (Dignity by Rulership)
Jupiter in Cancer- (Dignity by Exaltation)
Saturn in Capricorn- (Dignity by Rulership)
Pluto in Scorpio- (Dignity by Rulership)

According to the traditional rules of astrology, a planet in dignity will
bring about what is promised in the chart. Venus and Jupiter dignified speak of Russia’s wealth while Mars, Pluto and Saturn speak of its military and political might.

These mean that the ascent of Russia is not a matter of "if" but a matter of "when."
Their economic strength and power, which currently comes from oil, natural gas and other minerals in Russia, may soon be connected with the melting of a huge segment of the Arctic pole, which they have already claimed to be theirs.

Meanwhile, North Korea stated that they will halt nuclear disablement and Russia has recognized the independence of two Georgian states. Along with a hurricane threat in the Gulf of Mexico these developments lifted the price of oil and gold.

A shorter version of this article first appeared in Astro-time 2008.

Russia Rising

2008-08-20T07:05:00.000-07:00

In my astrological annual Astro-time 2008, which was written around the 4th quarter of 2007, I wrote about the role of Russia in establishing the new world order once the US economy moves into what analyst Doug Casey likes to call as the "greater" depression.

As early as 2003 I have written that 2008 is going to be significant (published in Astro-time 2004) due to the correspondence between the North Node in Aquarius and the world economy. The ongoing slowdown in the US and Europe proves this astrological principle. Within this background, which is unlikely to end soon, Russia will make its presence felt.

The recent observation of J. R. Nyquist echoes what I have written in 2007. This is a quote that Nyquist highlighted in his article Russia's Concept for Dominating Europe.

On July 15 President Dmitry Medvedev spoke to them at the Foreign Ministry. “I would like to use this opportunity for an open and pragmatic conversation,” explained Medvedev to the assembled diplomats. “Russia is indeed stronger and able to assume greater responsibility for solving problems on a regional and global scale.

I believe that Russia's action on Georgia on mid August, which coincided with the lunar eclipse, is a way for them to test their recently regained confidence and power. It is also worthwhile noting that Iran followed this action by launching a satellite into space.

Sadly,as American astrologers have lamented, American military might is waning or is about to wane based in America's retrograding progressed Mars.

Meanwhile, as result of these recent events and coinciding with the eclipse, oil and gold have established a floor.

Soros Moves the Oil Market

2008-08-17T08:08:00.000-07:00

In early June, George Soros stated on television (Telegraph TV) that oil is in a super bubble and this is caused by speculators. Looking back, it looks like that "if" he was heavily invested in oil, he has profited already and that he sold near the top, which came just a few weeks after his TV appearance. Confirming that oil has gone parabolic may have also implied that he was already out of the oil market at that time. What followed was a sell-off by the so-called speculators and late-comers. Soros, who is currently the 97th richest people in the world, can still move markets.

According to Soros there are four important factors that send oil to a multi-year high this June. These are:

1 Peak Oil
This he defined as the “increasing cost of developing new oil reserves and increasing rate of depletion of existing fields”. The aging of existing oil fields increases the cost of oil extraction. Soros believes in the peak oil theory though he thinks that name is not the proper term.

2. Sloping supply curve
Soros believes that the higher the price goes the less the incentive becomes for the oil producing countries have to convert oil reserves underground, which has appreciating value, into dollar reserves, which has decreasing value. Unless, the USD breaks its downtrend and enters into a bullish market the result of the sloping supply curve is ever increasing oil price.

3. Subsidies
He admits that there is growing demand in oil worldwide but this is not the major problem itself. He thinks that the major areas of growing demand provide subsidies but these have little effect on demand. The developed world, on the other hand have no subsidies. The important thing to keep in mind is that major growth is in Asia and oil producing countries themselves and due to subsidies the demand remains strong.

4. Speculation
Soros believes that there extreme speculation on the oil futures market and this caused the price to go parabolic.

Oil and the rest of the commodities fell hard in the recent weeks, this must have shaken out the speculators but keep in mind that the speculator factor is just one of the four factors that brought oil to such as high level in June. Once the speculators are out, the fundamental reality of supply and demand would reign supreme. However, he warns that "Rise in the price of oil and food is going to weigh in and aggravate the recession.”

Meanwhile oil is hovering around strong support of 110 as Oil Chart's progressed Moon conjuncts its North Node.

Soros: The Quintessential Leo

2008-08-12T12:30:00.000-07:00

In the world of finance, George Soros is a legend, he was after all dubbed as “the man who broke the Bank of England” and “the man who can move markets.” His Quantum Funds, which he co-founded with Jim Rogers, was one of the most successful hedge funds in the history of the stock market.

Leo and the Stockmarket
I have always believed that to be very successful you must bring out the best in you and that best is revealed by your zodiac sign. Basic astrological symbolism associates speculating on the stock market to Leo. George Soros’ fortune, rising from $5,000 from the time he arrived in New York in 1956 to $9 Billion as of current estimates, is one astounding proof of that.

George Soros was born on August 12, 1930 in Hungary but became a naturalized American. He exhibits other qualities associated with Leo. He has the confidence to bet against financial institutions and in the process earned $1 Billion in one day. That record is actually unmatched. One of his investment ideas is to bet big if you are very sure of your position.

Leo Generosity
He is like the Sun, the astrological ruler of Leo, radiating his luck generously. Leos are known for their generosity. He has given away $6 Billion since he started his philanthropic work in 1979. His efforts have reached more than 60 countries.

Leo and Leadership
As a fire sign he is bossy most of the time. Being associated with the “King of the Jungle” Leo’s doesn’t want to be bossed around. This may be the reason why he has chosen Curacao in Dutch Antilles to be his headquarters when he was starting, to stay away from the reaches of US regulatory arms. He is also known to have very strong opinions about how the affairs of some states including that of the USA should be managed. He even came up with several books for that.

The fire signs are the freedom-lovers and freedom-fighters of the zodiac. Having experienced the authoritarian rule of the Nazis and he vowed to fight closed authoritarian societies. He was instrumental in the transformation of Eastern Europe from socialism and communism into democracy.

Think Big
But perhaps the most important thing that we can learn from a Leo like George Soros in the realm of investment is that one should always think big. He got this discipline from the philosopher Karl Popper, his mentor at the London School of Economics whose zodiac sign is Leo as well. He developed his own theories about how the world and the markets work which he termed as the theory of reflexivity. This theory stems from his realization that in making investment decision the individual’s biases eventually affects the market. He believed that understanding “perceptions” is a key to investment success.

In psychological astrology, Leo is associated with “consciousness.” Soros' pre-occupation with the process of decision-making is part of this Leo symbology.

Happy Birthday ! Mr. Soros.

Photoshop art by Isabel Santiago

Eclipse Energized the Dollar

2008-08-09T06:57:00.000-07:00

The Solar Eclipse is the most powerful factor in financial as well as mundane astrology. The Solar Eclipse on August 1, lifted the dollar to 5-month high as of Friday's close. Looking at the price chart we can see that roughly 15 days around this eclipse, coincided with the dollar's rise from oversold to overbought level.

The last time a solar eclipse occurred in the first decanate of Leo was in 2000. Gold corrected at the same time span that year. With USD currently in an extremely overbought level and Gold's Progressed Moon is making a trine, the $850-861 level, which is an a very important support level is worthwhile watching once again.

Reversal Aspect Coming

2008-08-04T22:40:00.000-07:00

Mars will oppose Uranus on August 6, right after the FOMC meeting. Merriman dubbed this configuration as extremely powerful. In the past 20 years, Mars-Uranus opposition has coincided with a short reversal of trend and is reliable most of the time (about 90%). What makes this aspect significant now is that there would be positive aspect for gold in the coming week, which is the first after a series of down influences on gold in late July- the ones I warned about on my July 10 post.

Astro-economics (Part 1) : The Strength and Weakness of Nations

2008-07-29T11:34:00.000-07:00

Why Are Some Nations Rich?

What factors made G7 countries to achieve economic success and stability.
Age is certainly important. All the G7 member nations were formed not later than the 19th century: Japan in 1889 (and 1947), Germany in 1871, Canada in 1867, Italy in 1861, France in 1792 (and 1958), USA in 1776, and UK in 1801.

If we will start counting the age of United Kingdom with the coronation of William I in1066, there is no doubt that UK is relatively older than the rest. Though Japan can boast of its imperial past there is no continuity in its government unlike that of UK. But age is not always the main factor. Being a colonial power is certainly one, but that would not explain the rise of nations that were born after the WW-II.

More Questions
Aside from age and being former colonial masters are there other reasons why rich countries became wealthy?

Another important question is why are the Newly Industrialized Countries of Asia, which were previously colonized nations are able to catch with the G7 in terms of producing wealth?

And perhaps the most important question at this point in time, or in the next few years is - Why is the USA, currently the largest economy in the world, undergoing a severe economic downturn?

In trying to answer these questions, the astrology of nations (mundane astrology) as well as the principles of Nationalist Economics espoused by the likes of Filipino economist Alejandro Lichauco will be utilized.

In one word the according to Lichauco, the reason why some countries excel and became wealthy was because of Nationalism. The second most important factor is heavy industrialization.

*This is the first part of my Astro-economics series. An outline of this topic was published in my astrological annual Astro-time 2008.

Oil Speak

2008-07-28T05:15:00.000-07:00

Gold is already outperforming oil and the previous week's move further proved that. However, this is true in terms of gold's strength of move on the upside but may not be true in terms of time. When oil drops, gold follows but we are assured by the chart that drop in gold will not be as much percentage-wise. By the end of this month, it's Saturn turn to affect oil price. The recent drop coincided with Uranus's action on the oil chart. Whereas Uranus bring surprises, Saturn may eventually stabilize the price after hitting a bottom.

Chartspeak

2008-07-21T03:00:00.000-07:00

Gold Outperforms Oil !

Plan, Watch and Execute

2008-07-10T08:16:00.000-07:00

Gann has given us tools to control our impulse to act based on emotions. As stated in my previous post- it is the function of Gemini and the other air/mental signs Libra and Aquarius to control emotions namely hope, fear, greed, boredom and impatience. Gemini does this by gathering information and making correlations. Libra does this by maintaining balance, weighing one over another. Aquarius does this by the use of mathematics and even astrology.

Those who were tempted to chase oil as it rose from 139 to 145 can now appreciate the combination of Gann’s price wheel and astrological factors. As stated in my June 10 post there are some bumps on the road for oil and the beauty of Gann’s wheel is that- that bump coincided with the drop after oil hit 144. As stated in my June 22 post $144 is an important critical (reversal) price level. 144 was reached as Iran factor intensified once again, which was the reason why oil rallied further last week to top around 145.85 on July 3.

Our plan was to watch that critical level and also to watch gold stock’s behavior as gold and oil reaches critical levels.

The most important level for gold was the 861 resistance, I think then and I still do now that gold established a bottom when Saturn turned retrograde and price fell below this important level. I remember that analysts then were talking about gold going down to about $800 and to as low as $650.

As I stated on June 10, going long-term with gold can be considered after the bump in oil and when the next important level in gold is reached.

We are now at a turning point, August is going to be special for gold bugs but off course, nothing goes up in straight line, at least not for now. We can still see minor corrections along the way. But in the mean time, its time to check one’s technical tools and act on the conclusion.

Written on July 8

America: Born on the 4th of July and 13th Degree of Cancer

2008-07-04T10:38:00.000-07:00

Today the great country United States of America turns 232 years old. What made America great, among other factors was the conjunction of Jupiter and Venus in the sign of Cancer a few days around July 4, 1776. The Sun, which was not so far away in terms of degrees, was also in the sign of Cancer. Jupiter and Venus are called the benefic planets. The combination of these two planets brings luck and expansion that is why America was called the “land of opportunities” and the “land of milk and honey.”

232 is roughly equivalent to one full-cycle of Pluto's revolution around the Sun and with Pluto about to be deeply entrenched into the Capricorn in the coming years – important changes are about to take place in America. When astrologers speak of Pluto, events associated with it are not trivial in nature as Pluto is the planet of death, resurrection and profound transformation. There is no doubt that the current situation in the USA is going to transform the way life is lived in America and indirectly in the rest of the world.

What made the coming years significant for America is that Pluto in Capricorn will oppose not just one but three of its planets and within the next 16 years that Pluto will be in this sign it will hit, in the form of negative aspects, several other planets on America's astrological chart.

In light on the ongoing slowdown of the US economy as well as the burgeoning trade and budget deficits and the deteriorating value of the US dollar the status of the United States of America as an economic powerhouse, the “lone superpower” and the status of the US dollar as the “reserve currency” of the world will continue to be challenged and may eventually come to an end as Pluto hits the 3rd, the 5th and the 13th degrees of Capricorn.

Dow Jone’s Drop proves that Geocosmic Signatures Really Work

2008-06-29T12:32:00.000-07:00

In trading, one cannot rely on a single technique alone. This idea is true even in technical analysis. You have to use more than one indicator to look at the price's movement from different angles. Even then different technical analysts may interpret the same set of data or patterns differently. Eventually success is achieved after a mix of techniques and indicators are balanced.

The same thing can be said of astrology. Different astrologers interpret the same set of astrological data because of a certain personal bias. Fortunately for financial astrologers, Raymond Merriman, one of the field's pioneering figures have made the effort in coming up with an encyclopedic work and has published its result in a series of books – The Ultimate Book on Stock Market Timing.

Merriman is a Capricorn with an enduring love for order and structure. He have taken it as his life mission to make a statistical study on the correlation between each of the significant planetary configurations, which he termed as geocosmic signatures and the movement of price in the stock market.

Level One Geocosmic Signature at Work

The recent drop in the DJIA occurred exactly on the date of Uranus turning retrograde, wherein in his studies is considered a Level One signature - the most significant astrological factor in the stock market. On June 26, oil moved about 3.8 percent and on.

As I have indicated (using another technique) on June 20, oil hitting $144 is in the realm of possibilities. By Friday Oil hit an intraday high of 142.99. As a result of this sharp move in black gold the stock market indexes fell sharply. The DJIA dropped 358.41 or 3%, this end-of-the-month move made, June according to Marketwatch, as the US Stock market's worst June since 1930. Bloomberg ranked Thursday’s action as having the highest volatility in 16 months. Astrologers are not surprised for among other things Uranus is the planet associated with disruption.

Wheel of Wonders

2008-06-26T09:23:00.000-07:00

Gann's Wheel is such a wonderful trading tool and if coupled with astrological aspects the result would be astounding.

As stated in my weekend post, 139 is a turning point, wherein a temporary slowdown can follow. On Tuesday Oil reached 138.75 and then it went down to as low as 131.95 yesterday. Seeing oil respect the 139 level is wonderful enough, but looking deeper into the wheel reveals 131.95 is actually within a support zone.

With the foreknowledge that gold is to have one of its most positive aspects in the year today, taking a position on oil and gold when support level was reached is one such rewarding trade. Coincidentally, the same principles also worked well with the stockmarket - shorting when a resistance level based on the wheel is reached if an upcoming hard aspect is near such as what took place today on the horoscope chart of the NYSE.

Price met time.

Focus on Oil

2008-06-22T23:12:00.000-07:00

Forecast Review:

As projected on my June 10 post, oil will encounter bumps down the road. On June 14 Saudi Arabia talked about increasing production to about 200,000 barrels per day. One week after, we heard U.S. President George Bush talk about lifting ban offshore oil exploration. On June 19 the Chinese government cut oil subsidies, which resulted in 16% price increase on gasoline in China. This was initially thought to dampen demand. The negative astrological aspect on oil was June 18, as this influence waned oil resumed its climb and ended the week on a more positive note.

The week to come:

The next down influence on oil would take place in another week's time, but with geopolitical tension being stirred again we may still see oil being propelled towards a more critical level on Gann's wheel of 24 this week. Looking at the oil price chart, we can already see a negative divergence, hence what we may witness soon is a temporary topping scenario. If the critical figures $139 (or $144 on the 24^th line) are reached, such a move would be a case of price meeting time. This week would be the 95th-99^th day from an important oil price level. The 90^th - 99^th day is very important according to Gann.

If on the other hand, we will not take Gann's word literally, the next significant time related top and turning point would come on August, which is actually a very critical period in itself due to the presence of eclipses.

But with nature being multidimensional, both scenario can occur.

Gann the Quintessential Gemini

2008-06-20T05:25:00.000-07:00

W.D. Gann's life proved as much as his trading techniques the astrological principles that he adhered to. William D. Gann belongs to the air sign Gemini. He was born on June 6, 1878. By looking at his life and achievements we can easily see that he exhibited the traits and life pattern associated with Gemini, Gann's zodiac Sun sign.

Gann is considered one of the best traders of all time, according to journalistic reports he made an astounding $50,000 ,000.00 thru trading during the early part of the 20^th century. His accuracy rate was about 90% according to Lambert-Gann Publishing, who is the caretaker of all the materials and records that Gann left behind. Gann was also one of the few forecasters who predicted the stock market crash of 1929.

Gann on Knowledge

Astrologers believe that to be very successful in life you must find your true calling. The best way to do this is by looking at one’s natal chart. Gann's chart clearly revealed his calling and we can say that part of the reason for his success was that manifested in his life the promise of his planets particularly his Sun sign in Gemini.

Gemini is the sign of knowledge and it is worthwhile noting that Gann valued knowledge more than money.

His life can be described a life of writing, publishing, teaching, and studying. He was doing these Gemini-things till the end of his life on June 14, 1955.

In 1983, the Market Technicians Association- an organization of technical analysts honored Gann for his contributions to the field of Technical Analysis. Technical analysis is another field that can be associated with Gemini.

Gann and His Travels

The first step towards greater understanding is the gathering of information. This activity is a favorite of Geminis. In fact, Gann traveled into three continents just to gather information and knowledge of the ancients. He went to Europe to gather historical price data from the London Museum. He journeyed to the continent of Africa to study the geometry behind the Egyptian pyramids. He went to the sub-continent of India to learn about the mathematical knowledge of the ancient Hindus as revealed in the religious temples they erected. In astrological symbolisms, Mercury (the messenger of the gods) is the ruler of Gemini and this planet is also connected with traveling.

Gann on Emotions

Among the zodiac signs the air sign trio of Gemini, Libra and Aquarius are the least emotional of all. In his writings, Gann warned traders against the pitfalls of emotions, not just the negative emotions of fear and greed but of hope as well. To him mathematics, logic, system, techniques and the understanding of the workings of natural laws is the key to successful and profitable trading.

Astrology and Natural Law

2008-06-10T12:09:00.000-07:00

"Every movement in the market is the result of a natural law.." - W.D. Gann

Astrology tries to explain everything using the planetary movements as the basis and if you are familiar with the symbols you see order thru chaos and you get to appreciate the workings, of what Gann referred to as a natural law.

On June 6, which was Gann's birthday, the markets made irrational moves - Oil hit a new all-time high at 138.54 while the Dow went down about 400 points. As we are now in a Mercury retrograde period till next week, wild swings are to be expected. But to get a clearer picture we can look at Venus' movement into conjunction with the Sun as the mirror of what took place in equities. In basic symbolism this conjunction means throwing your money, symbolized by Venus to fire, symbolized by the Sun. With regards to Oil, Mercury was on a critical degree on Friday that corresponded with sharp upward movement in Oil price in the past. But everything come in cycles and as Gann emphasized - when the time is up, price will reverse.

Using the horoscope chart of oil - there are more bumps in the coming weeks. I wouldn't go long-term on gold yet till we see how the support will hold. However, there are excellent opportunities for 2-3day plays either way.

Gann Techniques

2008-06-06T02:22:00.000-07:00

More than ever the techniques pioneered by Gann have been proven to be very reliable almost 100 years since he developed his unique and controversial techniques in studying and forecasting the movement of the stockmarket.

One of the simplest applications of his techniques is watching the 24- line in his Wheel of 24, which was adopted by Jeanne Long in what she termed as Universal Clock.

24 is an important number in terms of cycles, the most basic of which is the division of the day into 24 hours. The slant of the earth's tilt is approximately 24 degrees.

Based on this Gann technique gold’s price at 1033, 960 and 937 were important resistance levels. See in the price chart bove how these levels proved to be turning points in gold’s correction.

On the other side of the coin $865 is on the 24-line. Using a Gann -Meridian technique my computations gave 861 as significant support level. Given that it took more than two decades before the 850 level was revisited – the range from $850-$861-$865 is worthwhile watching ... a turning point is near.

Saturn on Gold

2008-05-24T22:16:00.000-07:00

"This makes it plain that everything works according to past cycles, and that history repeats itself."

William D. Gann must have planetary cycles in mind when he said the quote above. By observing the relationship of the planets thru the years one can see how a particular planetary configuration have the same similar effect on the price of a certain commodity. Take the case of gold for example, as I stated on my May 5 post a trough or a bottom almost always occur when Saturn changes direction. Those who traded on that surely made money. Interestingly enough a technique a Gann technique worked well in establishing at wat price level that move using Saturn will end - at a resistance level between $925-937- so it did. With Neptune and Mercury reversing its direction another story is about to unfold.

NYSE - The Bull

2008-05-17T12:08:00.000-07:00

This day marks the 216^th birthday of the New York Stock Exchange. One thing striking that a non-astrologer can easily recognize is the importance of the “bull” for this entity. A bull market is naturally the desire of every trader and investor in Wall Street. On the emotional and mental level these people are centered on the bull market.

On the physical level, a statue of a 16-foot-long raging bull can now be found in the premises of the New York Stock Exchange, the undisputed financial center of the world in the 20^th century. This sculpture created by Arturo Di Modica was supposed to charge up Wall Street after the stock 1987 market crash. So it did.

Astrologically, what is significant is that the NYSE was created under the Sun Sign of Taurus- the zodiac sign associated with money and stocks and “the bull.”

The original of this image is from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tiekuhn/50195774/

Watch the Euro

2008-05-05T08:26:00.000-07:00

After the Fed's recent interest rates cut, the ball will be on the side of the Euro. Around the middle of this month Euro will have a very important aspect involving Uranus and Jupiter. With these two planets involved it can mean an explosive move.

Saturn, on the other hand has just turned direct, which more often than not brings in a trough for gold.

The Federal Reserve Chart

2008-04-21T11:26:00.000-07:00

The Federal Reserve came into existence in 1913. Among its declared aims was to prevent bank failures such as the ones that occurred in the Panic of 1907. In light of this fact, the collapse of Bear Stearns or any other major bank becomes an important matter for the Fed hence the need to save it. Astrologically, the Fed’s moon in Scorpio reinforces this idea. Scorpio is the sign associated with banks.

The Federal Reserve has Capricorn as its Sun sign. Capricorn is the archetypal sign of big business. Regulation is at the heart of Capricorn for this earth sign is the astrological symbol of government itself. Though it should be noted that the Fed is not fully a government institution. Wikipedia defines the Fed as a quasi-public banking system. The Fed is part-private and part-government.

The Fed recently had a Mars return on April 19. Mars is generally the planet of action. The Fed is doing all it can to contain the effect of the subprime crisis and to prevent another banking crisis. The Fed is also undergoing a Jupiter return for the year. According to Merriman, Jupiter aspects on the Federal Reserve chart coincided with easing of monetary policies in the past.

Transiting Mars will soon be in opposition to the Fed’s natal Jupiter (on April 26). Coincidentally, Mars and Jupiter are not the signs of control. These planets are also deemed to have inflationary effects. It is interesting to note that on the week before the FOMC meeting, inflationary aspects are at work.

J.P. Morgan the Quintessential Aries

2008-04-17T11:03:00.000-07:00

In this “Age of Turbulence” wherein America's financial and banking system is on the throes of a breakdown, men like John Pierpont Morgan would surely be missed. He was so rich and well connected that he was asked to rescue the treasury of the United States of America not just once but several times in his life. In 1893, he was put in charge to supply the US Treasury with $65 million worth of gold. He also loaned gold to the federal government in 1895. The world have indeed changed, contrast that with the IMF’s plan to sell 403.3 tonnes of its gold.

It is his birthday today – April 17. He belongs to the zodiacal sign of Aries. Financial astrologers hail him for this famous quote “Millionaires don’t use astrology, but Billionaires do!” He sought advise from astrologer Evangeline Adams. His words become more meaningful if taken in context. According to Wikipedia, the first billion-dollar company belonged to J. P. Morgan.

I always believe that to be very successful you must be in a business or line of work that is compatible with your astrological chart. For an Aries like J. P. Morgan - rifles, railroads and steel are the best ventures to go into. Morgan’s words and actions made the world take a deeper look at financial astrology.

China Becomes the Top Gold Producer

2008-04-14T13:14:00.000-07:00

According to the recent report of GFMS Ltd. China has overtaken Africa as the top producer of gold in 2007. This is a very significant development because Africa have held that top spot for more than 100 years. This means a lot if seen from a bigger perspective- amidst the economic turmoil that is happening in the West.

China is indeed on the road to assume world economic leadership. Looking at China’s chart one can see that this recent development and the importance that they have regarded gold is in line with the path to power that China is trekking. Progressed Moon is now moving into its second house of money and material resources.

It should be noted that after World War II, the USA had two thirds of the free world’s gold. Now, some concerned US citizens want an accounting of this gold reserves- some believe that there is no longer enough gold in the USA. While the US Dollar is hitting all-time low, Yuan is breaking from it’s tight range and strengthening further.

I noted in my Astro-time 2006 that China have already allowed and encouraged its citizens to own gold. Now their mines are producing tons and tons gold. With excess trade of $1 trillion in foreign exchange reserves they are putting their treasury in order not just by buying resource companies all over the world – they may also be backing their currency with the real store of value - gold. The dragon has indeed awakened.

Iranian Factor

2008-04-14T01:10:00.000-07:00

One advantage of Financial Astrology over technical analysis is that astrological symbolisms can alert one to fundamental developments in the world scene that can affect markets.

With Pluto Retrograde and activated, issues about nuclear power becomes prominent.

Recent announcement from Iran that they are installing new 6,000 centrifuges is surely a thing to watch. By the middle of this week Mars will oppose Iran’s natal Pluto. It so happened that Iran’s Progressed Mars is still in exact opposition to its natal Pluto. Iran is a factor that cannot be dismissed.

Surpises Under Uranus

2008-04-09T07:24:00.000-07:00

Just as gold has broken from a steep correction and stageda descent rally last week, an announcement by the IMF about the planned gold sale surprised some investors. Using astrology, you shouldn't be surprised at all. Uranus made a negative aspect on one of the Gold Chart's luminaries on Monday. The drop continued on to about 902 in Asia today.

The fact that this aspect did not not constitute a retest of the of the low aof about $870, when Jupiter lifted the dollar on March 31, is a good sign. Uranus is the planet of change and sometimes it can bring about a reversal of the trend. But the fundamentals for gold is strong, hence the drop was not steep.

Should Uranus affect the equities at this point in time - I would be expecting a sharp sell-off now. BUt its still days away. By April 19 a chart for the NYSE will have a negative aspect from Uranus -fasten your seat belts.

Jupiter and the USD

2008-04-02T01:28:00.000-07:00

As projected dollar rose with a lucky Jupiter aspect. The astrological aspeect was exact on March 31. Dollar went back above 72, hitting as high as 72.74 on April 1, this caused a sharp sell-off in the metals. With Pluto turning retrograde on April, this show of dollar strength may be short lived.

Gold and India

2008-03-26T13:15:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered why gold is in demand in India?

Imagine India’s gold consumption is getting closer to 1,000 tons per year. In comparison USA consumes merely 300 tons per year.

According to the Multi Commodity Exchange of India (MCX) gold is valued both as an instrument of savings and investment in the Indian sub-continent. This is true not just to Indians investors but even the ordinary households. According World Gold Council India’s love for gold is supported cultural and religious traditions.

As an astrologer I look at the planetary configurations to understand events and even traits of nations. The study of the astrology of nations can help explain demand or supply of a certain commodity in a particular country. In the case of India it is no longer surprising that it remains the top gold consumer in the world for the simple reason that its Sun Sign is Leo. Leo is the sign of gold and this link between gold and India will remain. With India rising economically the gold connection can only get stronger.

How Steep Would the Correction Be?

2008-03-17T11:14:00.000-07:00

As stated in my post last week, the last major positive aspect for gold falls near the date of the Fed meeting. Today, March 17 gold hits $1,033 in Asia. Using Gann/Long price wheel this price is crucial as it falls on the 24^th line, which usually signals a price reversal. Looking at the technical charts a healthy correction would indeed be healthy. The last major positive aspect on gold is exact today and this can signify a top but how deep the correction would be, would still depend on the fate of the dollar.

I would be looking for another entry point in a matter of weeks right after the positive aspect on the dollar for the greater part of April would again be good for gold.

To those who want a more specific timing you can send me an email

Predicting the Markets

2008-03-17T10:21:00.000-07:00

Another chart has proven to be effective in predicting the general trend of the stock market. In one of my previous posts I mentioned the chart used by Bill Meridian. Recently the chart used by Raymond Merriman for the NYSE reflected the sharp sell-off in the markets. The outer-planet opposition to this charts natal planets n the first half of March coincided with the recent woes in Wall Street- as well as the other world markets.

A short position vs. the markets initiated early this month could have proven to be very profitable. As I stated in my book Astro-time 2008 the best trading strategy for 2008 is to come up with one centered on shorting.

Sometimes a major move would be reflected in one chart while another move would be reflected in another chart. Most of the regular price swings can actually be timed using transiting planets alone, while others are thru the planetary ingresses.

It helps to use not just one chart but several astrological charts and techniques to come up with a profitable trade. It is also very important to look at the bigger picture. Astrologically the best way to do this is to study the fundamentals and find an astrological chart/s for that. It is fatal to rely on one factor alone.

Take for example the case of Mar’s ingress into Cancer. Though it coincided with several instances of dollar strength in the past- it doesn’t mean that it would behave in the same manner in every instance. Planetary aspects should also be considered. On March 4, Mars entered Cancer but Mars is also moving into an opposition to Pluto. More importantly as I stated in my February 28 post (http://astro-ipo.blogspot.com/2008/02/pluto-and-dollar.html) Pluto is moving into an opposition to USD’s Sun in Cancer. Gold continued to rise in the process.

Astrology can indeed be successfully be used to predict the markets.

Dollar hit 72.26

2008-03-10T12:04:00.000-07:00

As I projected in my February 26 article, the drop of the US Dollar is far from over - at least till the opposition of Pluto and USD's Sun is over. On Friday March 7, USD fell to another record low at 72.46 on the USD Index- this is the exact day that the opposition takes place.

USD is now in oversold territory and a short recovery is likely. However, there is still another positive influence on gold at the time of the next Fed meeting while USD's positive influence is still weeks away.

But even with the upcoming strength of the dollar its woes are far from over. Due to retrograde motion Pluto will be back to knock off the dollar, not just once but two more times this year.

Pluto and the Dollar

2008-02-28T09:18:00.000-08:00

Pluto is now in Capricorn and would very soon be in exact opposition to US Dollar's Sun Sign in Cancer. On the daily chart dollar is oversold, but on the weekly it looks like there is more room below. Pluto works slowly but surely and it isn't called the planet of death for nothing.

As stated in my Astro-time 2008- US Dollar will have a very negative influence between February and March.

Gold Poised for Another Upleg

2008-02-26T07:39:00.000-08:00

As predicted the gold sales from central banks would be played out in the market when Saturn is prominent. From its high of $954.90 gold dropped starting late last week to $925 today. The geocosmic influence on gold ends today. The movement in XAU yesterday signals a strengthening gold market.

With several positive influences for gold and oil next week (maybe due to middle-east), its time go long on gold again.

Oil hits New High

2008-02-21T10:47:00.000-08:00

On Feb 17 Iran established an oil products bourse in Kish an Iranian island. Its selling petrochemical products in Iranian Rials as well as other currencies. However, within the year they are to start another bourse that will accept Euros instead of Dollar. Meanwhile, it seems they are so confident that the UN will not be able to do anything to stop them from enriching Uranium. IT has been implied if not openly admitted by Greenspan in his book that oil was among the reasons lead to the invasion of Iraq and what caused the downdfall of Saddam Hussien. Interestingly, Hussein was the first the have planned to trade oil in Euros. With USA economy slowing down and with recession in sight, the USA cannot afford another protracted war with Iran. These moves seem to precipitate a win-win situation for the Iranians and oil traders.

On Feb 20 oil hits a fresh all-time high as it hits $100.86 per barrel.

This is consistent with my forecast as written in my book Astro-time 2008 that from February to March 2008 oil will rally. However, these moves have brought oil now to overbought level and a slow-down can follow.

Look for Opportunities to Short

2008-02-19T11:40:00.000-08:00

With Saturn about to hit gold, today's move in gold can present shorting opportunities especially on gold stocks that have recently hit resistance and overbought level. Previous years’ gold move based on central bank’s actions coincided with Saturn influences. Saturn will be prominent later this week.

One stock which can be a candidate for shorting is TGB.

The Mythical Recession

2008-02-19T10:59:00.000-08:00

The Mythical Recession
by *Kaye Shinker
February, 2008

First let's describe the reality from the point of view of Astrology.

The whole recession scenario started with Jupiter conjunct Pluto on December 10th, 2007 the Jupiter moved into Capricorn on the same day as Saturn turned retrograde December 20th.

As explained in The Textbook for Financial Astrology there are some 20 aphorisms in Financial atrology and Jupiter changing sign is one.

Jupiter changing signs = Put in your stops.
This time there was a precipitous decline of the markets when Jupiter changed signs from Sagittarius to Capricorn. December 20th the Dow 13,245 and hit a low of 11,971 on January 22, 2008.

When Jupiter changed signs in 2006 this didn't happen, but my statistics show that 80% of the time Jupiter sign changes will push the Dow down for about a month as the focus of the economy changes.

Wall Street decided that Santa would not rescue retail sales and sub prime mortgages were impossible to decipher. Wall Street panicked. The Dow Plunged 1300 points almost 10%. The Jupiter effect was over January 22nd?

Nope!

Astrology kicked the can and Mercury turned retrograde and Mars turned direct. Two weeks of surprise endings were initiated.

Two weeks of surprise endings
Every event that took place during the two weeks Jan. 27- Feb.10, 2008 had been planned several years in advance: the Federal Reserve meeting, Groundhog Day, the Super Bowl, Mardi Gras, the USA Super Primary elections, the Chinese New Year celebrations, and the Conservative Pac meeting.

Every Astronomical event that took place during the two weeks Jan. 27-Feb. 10, 2008 had been planned eons in advance: Pluto moved into Capricorn, Mercury went retrograde, Mars turned Direct, and the Aquarius New Moon was also an Eclipse.

Let's review the events:

The Federal Reserve reduced interest rates to 3.5% on loans to its best customers.
The Ground Hog saw his shadow predicting 6 more weeks of winter. Record cold and enormous snowstorms appeared in the Midwest as well as killer tornadoes followed.
The Giants upset the Patriots in the Super Bowl.
Mardi Gras was a relatively calm celebration (no shootings and a few robberies).
The Democratic candidates tied and the Republicans think they've decided.
Record Snow Storms in China prevented many New Year celebrations.
The Conservative Pac meeting heard the withdrawal speech of a Republican candidate.
The FBI arrested a collection of Mafia gangsters.
Apple's high of $202 on Dec. 27 plunged to $124 Feb. 8, 2008.
Google went from $700 on Jan. 1, 2008 to $500 on Feb. 7, 2008.
Microsoft tried to buy Yahoo.
The writers strike was settled and all may be right with Prime Time TV?

The Mythical Recession
We left the story of Goldilocks and Santa running hand in hand away from the home of the Three Bears to the land of the mid-night Sun( Antarctica ). (read about Goldilocks and Santa in Kaye's New Moon Newsletters from December and February, 2008)

Goldilocks prefers things just right. Santa (U.S. Congress) on the other hand, prefers to give away the store. It has been an eventful six weeks in the Antarctic climaxed by the Solar Eclipse.

It seems that Mrs. Claus and the Elves flew down for a chat. They took Goldilocks aside and explained that Santa was bankrupt. Goldilocks hijacked the sleigh and returned to the sub-prime home of the Three Bears on Wall Street.

As much as things change they often stay the same. Mercury will go direct February 18, 2008.

Kaye Shinker
www.astrologicalinvesting.com

*Kaye Shinker is my teacher in Financial Astrology- Resti

Gold's Swing

2008-02-13T10:22:00.000-08:00

With Mars ending its retrograde motion in late January, the major astrological propeller for gold's rise from August's low has ended. Those who heeded my advise to buy "big time" in late August have profited enough as gold rose from about $650 to about $930. With the last major positive gold aspect on Feb 14, those who bought in late August can now take big profit. A substantial drop is likely from here.

USD BB Band

2008-01-24T11:06:00.000-08:00

With the Bollinger Band tightening, USD is in for a sharp move, which way?
It must be down.

Uranus on the Dow

2008-01-22T07:24:00.000-08:00

The sharp sell-off in the Dow in the last few sessions, the most severe of which occurred earlier this day with the down dropping as much as 400 points once again proves the usefulness of the Dow Jones astrological chart that was used by Bill Meridian. Last year’s February and July sell-off was also reflected in that astrological chart.

This series of drop was due to Uranus opposing Dow Jone’s Mars. Mars is important in this chart as Mars itself is connected with the industrial sector. Moreso, Mars was in a conjunction with Dow Jones’ Uranus. This configuration was exact on January 17.

This chart also reveals that there would be a recovery soon. With Progressed Moon to conjunct Progressed Pluto the Fed is definitely going to save Wall Street. Could that be a dead-cat bounce?

With Uranus soon to square Dow’s Saturn, a sharper drop is surely to follow.

As stated in my astrological timing guide Astro-time 2008, the best strategy in 2008 is develop a trading plan centered around shorting. Such an opportunity is coming very soon.

*This was written 5 hours prior to the emergency interest rates cut.

Stay Focused

2008-01-17T08:24:00.000-08:00

It helps to stay focused. A few days of drop would be a good time to add to your position. There is another move up coming for gold. After dollar's short recovery another big drop is coming for the USD in a matter of weeks.

USD and Gold

2007-11-25T20:33:00.000-08:00

On Saturday November 24, Saudi Arabia cut is borrowing cost in a move aimed to thwart speculators from betting that Riyad will lift Riyal's peg on the USdollar.

Meanwhile, crude oil is back above $99 today, and is ready to assault the $100 psychological barrier.

These are occuring as the USD is having a progressed aspect involving Saturn. Unlike transits, which are as the word implies - transitory, progressed planetary configurations have far-reaching fundamental effects. The dollar technical chart looks like it may rebound, but this is a period of Uranus retrograde wherein technical indicators may not give clear signals.

Gold on the other hand is forming an exact progressed Jupiter bullish aspect.

Yen and Gold

2007-11-15T08:11:00.000-08:00

The sharp drop of the dollar propped up yen last week till Monday when yen hit an extremely high level. BOJ did not raise interest rates. Next week from the 17th to the 24th - down influence on yen can fuel the carry trade that can give support to gold.

$850 Gold and Mars Retrograde

2007-11-05T19:41:00.000-08:00

Mars is about to turn retrograde again on November 15. Those familiar with mythology and astrological symbolisms will easily recognize the significance of this astrological event in light of the current events especially in the Middle East. Mars is the god of war.

When a planet is retrograde, the negative side or the shadow side of the planet is more emphasized. Within the ongoing bull market in gold rose sharply everytime Mars is retrograde period.

As Raymond Merriman emphasized the all-time high record for gold was reached in 1980 with Mars Retrograde and Saturn was in Virgo. The same astrological factors are soon to be present at the same time.

With the Iran-Nuclear issue still far from being over $850 gold will be soon reached.

A longer version of this entry will be available to traders and investors upon request. Please email the author resti.astrologer@gmail.com

Yen to Drop further on November

2007-10-29T10:51:00.000-07:00

With two Saturn transits on the Japanese Yen chart, this currency will unlikely rise this November. There can even be a sizeable drop between Nov 17 and Nov . 25.

Can this help gold? I hope so, with the resurgence of the YCT.

The technical chart of Yen, which doesnt look bullish at all due to the presence of a negative divergence supports the astrolological projection.

Oil Forecast Review

2007-10-29T06:41:00.000-07:00

Mercury is retrograde and its a good time to review.

One striking forecast I made in Astro-time 2007 is that oil will go beyond $100.00 this year. As of today oil is hovering close to $93 per barrel. Truly, financial astrology can be a reliable tool in economic and stockmarket forecasting.

Oil Rallies with Jupiter and Neptune

2007-10-26T08:18:00.000-07:00

The rally in oil continues as Jupiter forms a sextile with Neptune. Both Neptune and oil are symbolically associated with oil. Another factor of course is the Mideast scene, getting more filled with tension and misunderstanding while Mercury is retrograde.