We are now in the period between the June 26 Capricorn Lunar Eclipse and the July 11 Cancer Solar Eclipse described in Part II of my post on the Summer Solstice. Financial markets during this time can become choppy and changeable, uncertain and hesitant to make a strong commitment as to which direction to go. Or the market could temporarily break from its recent pattern.
Accentuating the instability in the atmosphere is that Uranus in Aries will appear to be motionless in the sky June 30 – July 11 as it turns retrograde July 5. “Expect the unexpected” is the mantra now. Strong Uranus energies tend to increase volatility, market reversals, and sudden breakouts through support/resistance levels. Which direction Uranus decides to take (to keep things interesting it can go both ways in the same day) depends on other planetary influences interacting with this quirky rebel. Data feed disruptions and system failures could occur, along with power outages. Outside of financial markets, Uranus stationary can bring severe thunderstorms, high winds, hurricanes, tornadoes and freaky weather conditions, as well as earthquakes, volcanoes, and disruptions with air travel.
Beyond the eclipse period and Uranus stationing retrograde, the really heavy duty planetary alignments don’t begin to get underway until the latter half of July. At that point the eclipse themes (domestic security, real estate, food, water, government and big business, debt, insurance, reputation/professional standing) could be viewed in a whole new light. And then the market will head south.
Mercury the planetary energy of communication and movement plays the biggest role this week. On Monday the Sun will conjoin Mercury in Cancer, emphasizing that market direction could be driven by what leaders and other influential individuals are communicating. Security issues are paramount on people’s minds.
Since Cancer and its ruler the Moon represent women, the Sun conjoining Mercury in Cancer indicates that women will be prominently featured in the news now. The Sun and Mercury last conjoined in Cancer on July 13, 2009. This was when Meredith Whitney raised Goldman Sachs (GS) to a “buy” from neutral. (What a difference a year makes!)
That was also the day the Senate Judiciary Committee began its hearing to confirm Judge Sonia Sotomayer to the Supreme Court. With her Sun (self-identity) conjoining Jupiter (courts) in Cancer and the Sun/Mercury conjoining her natal Uranus in Cancer last year, Justice Sotomayer was easily confirmed in spite of her controversial “wise Latina” remark that several Republicans and conservative groups hoped would derail her nomination.
On Monday the Judiciary Committee will begin its confirmation hearing of Solicitor General Elena Kagan to succeed retiring Justice Stevens on the Court. The Sun/Mercury forms a favorable aspect to her Taurus Sun, Venus in Leo conjoins natal Uranus and harmonizes with natal Mercury in Aries, and Pluto in Capricorn harmonizes with natal Pluto in Virgo. Pluto and the June 26 Lunar Eclipse conjoin Kagan’s natal Jupiter in Capricorn, and the July 11 Solar Eclipse conjoins Kagan’s progressed* Mercury in Cancer. In short, the Solicitor General will soon become Justice Kagan.
The Sun/Mercury conjunction occurs the day after G20 leaders concluded their weekend summit, with market watchers eagerly awaiting the wording of the communiqué to discern its influence on Monday’s market. Reflecting the dualistic nature of Mercury (and the evasiveness of politicians), leaders agreed to a twin deal: cutting deficits in half by 2013 is “growth friendly.”
From a planetary perspective, the G20 is trying to balance out the energies of Jupiter (spending/stimulating) opposite Saturn (contracting spending/fiscal discipline). This was the compromise worked out to satisfy the Jupiter-ruled US who never stops throwing the weight of its reserve currency status around to overrule Germany, the UK and other EU members ready to embrace fiscal austerity to protect their credit ratings which are not given a free pass like the US.
Pluto entering Saturn-ruled Capricorn in January 2008 has ushered in an era of belt-tightening to wring out all the excesses of the Pluto in Jupiter-ruled Sagittarius years (1995-2008). Saturn and Capricorn represent government and Pluto represents debt. The cycle of Saturn square Pluto that began in November 2009 shifted the fear from private to sovereign debt.
From 2012-2015 Uranus in Aries will exactly square Pluto in Capricorn. This indicates the need for extreme measures to avert a budget crisis of unprecedented proportions. Everyone claims they want peace in the world. We are coming as close as we’ve ever been to making that desire a reality through an unusual means – we simply can’t afford to make war anymore! Eliminating war would erase a substantial portion of the deficit.
Saturn craves stability and the comfort of the status quo. Uranus is anything but stable (hence earthquakes and the unexpected). Uranus shakes us up to wake us up so Pluto can ultimately transform the energies into something better. And once we’ve awakened to what needs to be done, Saturn is ready to get to work at building a solid and secure foundation for the long term.
After Uranus completes its series of squares to Pluto in 2015, the G20 intends to “stabilize” debt loads by 2016. The late July/August 2010 alignments of Jupiter and Uranus in Aries opposite Mars and Saturn in Libra all squaring Pluto in Capricorn indicate that nations need to take action NOW! Mercury favorably aspects Mars in efficient and budget conscious Virgo Thursday; it’s time to walk the talk!
The Moon (sentiment) will be in Uranus-ruled Aquarius Monday through Wednesday. Uranus/Aquarius rules electricity, technology, and innovation. On Tuesday electric car company Tesla Motors is scheduled to go public in an estimated $178 million offering. GM is nicknamed “Government Motors,” but Tesla is relying on a $465 million government loan and the money from the IPO to keep its $109,000 roadster running until it introduces a $57,400 sedan in 2012.
In my post about Uranus in Aries, I wrote about the transition to electric vehicles. Jupiter conjoining Uranus in Aries now is generating a lot of optimism about electric cars. However, taking this giant leap from gas to full electric requires going through a transition first. That is why from a conceptual standpoint, GM’s Chevy Volt makes the most sense since it runs on electric and automatically reverts back to gasoline when the electric charge runs out.
The Moon will be in Pisces Thursday and Friday which could generate all kinds of rumors – some of which could be about Friday’s June employment report. After 41,000 private sector jobs were created in May, consensus estimates are calling for a loss of 100,000 jobs. I think the number while weaker, could be a bit better than analysts are expecting. The biggest contraction in payrolls could be in government, financial services, and construction jobs.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Positive early, then becomes choppy/mixed to negative before turning positive in mid-afternoon.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Positive early then quickly turns choppy to negative. Improves at midday, then weakens again in the afternoon before staging a late day turnaround.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Positive bias, but weakest and possibly briefly negative in early afternoon.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Choppy/mixed to negative.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Choppy/mixed conditions; seesaws back and forth between positive and negative. Nasdaq strongest.
*A mathematical calculation that moves the planets forward in time.
Elena Kagan: April 28, 1960 time unknown Manhattan
Sonia Sotomayer: June 25, 1954 time unknown Bronx, NY
Summer Solstice Part II: Economic and Financial Effects
Published by WallStreetWeather.netIn Part I of my post on the Summer Solstice I described how the Sun in Cancer’s alignments to Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Pluto shed light in understanding how these planetary alignments affect individuals.
When the Sun enters Cancer each year at the Summer Solstice, the Moon becomes the focal point since the Moon rules the zodiacal sign Cancer. The Sun entered Cancer at 7:30 AM EDT June 21, 2010 as the Moon nearly completed its transit in Libra.
Like Cancer, Libra is a cardinal (initiating) sign, indicating that events will unfold rapidly this summer. Although Libra energy tends to be indecisive, there is little time for fence-sitting with half of the planets in the Solstice chart in cardinal signs. Balance is key as Libra energies strive to make us aware that nothing in life is one-sided. Relationships of all kinds, including financial arrangements are in focus this summer since Libra is ruled by Venus the planetary energy of money and attraction.
Since the Moon was not forming any major aspects to the other planets at the time of the Solstice,* the Libra Moon operates like a loose wire. Many unexpected developments are likely to occur that necessitate changes and alterations, especially concerning issues requiring collaboration and cooperation with others. Legal rulings are more subject to being overturned as well as being reinstated.
The Void Moon at the end of a cardinal sign when Jupiter (expansion), Saturn (contraction), Uranus (reform) and Pluto (transformation) are at the beginning of cardinal signs indicates that decisions must be made that apply new solutions to longstanding issues. The unpredictable nature of the Void Moon in Libra is likely to be more evident during the days when Libra energies are more pronounced (July 18, 26, 29-31; August 4, 6-10, 13-14, 16, 20-21; September 4, 9, 11-13), especially after Saturn re-enters Libra July 21.
The Solstice Chart in the USA
Born with the Sun, Mercury, Venus and Jupiter in Cancer, the USA is particularly attuned to the Moon’s energies. The Moon is the ruler of the Summer Solstice chart set for Washington DC, equating to the fluctuating mood of the nation.
The Moon in its “home” sector of the chart and rules all those Moon/Cancer issues such as food, family, real estate, agriculture, the environment, and national security issues, and consumer protection. Women will be more prominently featured in these areas.
Declining home prices and rising inventory levels encompass part of the next phase of the crisis as the US makes the transition away from being a consumer-based economy. Saturn in Virgo conjoining this sector, opposing Jupiter and Uranus in Aries and squaring the Sun in Cancer and Pluto in Capricorn reflects that homes will be purchased for their utility value. This will force banks to reduce the prices of their growing inventories of foreclosed properties. Borrowers will begin to learn the lesson that a mortgage is not risk-free.
The Solstice Sun located in the sector representing action taking place behind the scenes continues the pattern begun at the June 12 Gemini New Moon cycle. I wrote then how the Gemini New Moon conjoining the USA’s natal Mars could bring a lot of dirty laundry out of the closet regarding the military. Mercury in Gemini is also in this sector at the Solstice and conjoins the USA’s natal Mars. With the Solstice Mars in Mercury-ruled Virgo in the sector of the media, this indicates that what leaders (especially military leaders) say to the media can be their own self-undoing as Lt. Gen. Stanley McChrystal has found out.
And then there is the findings of a House Congressional probe revealing that well over $2 billion in military contracts for fuel (this is the sector of the chart naturally ruled by Neptune), food, supplies and weapons in Afghanistan are going straight into the pockets of the enemy and relatives of Afghan President Hamid Karzai. Neptune in Aquarius in the sector representing domestic security in the Solstice chart set for Afghanistan reflects widespread fraud and bribery amongst “private” security contractors. Neptune ruling the sector of foreign affairs in the Solstice chart further confirms that covert activities are taking place that deceive the U.S. at every turn in this unwinnable war.
The financial system remains the central focus this summer as the Sun rules this sector of the Solstice chart. Venus in Leo conjoining this sector and ruling the sector representing Congress reflects the passage of financial regulatory reform. President Obama’s Leo Sun exactly conjoins this sector indicating that the Administration will take the lead in defining the more ambiguous parts of the legislation.
Pluto’s influence is particularly potent this summer as the Solstice Sun, the June 26 Capricorn Lunar Eclipse, and the outer planets all form alignments to Pluto. Pluto ruling the sector of the Solstice chart representing the stock market points to the major indices trading at much lower levels going at the September 22 Autumnal Equinox from where they are now.
Beyond the primary concern about sovereign debt (including state and local governments), and slow growth in employment as the nation embarks on a slow and difficult transition away from being a consumer-based economy, the market will discover it underestimated the impact of financial regulatory reform. At least one hedge fund could implode - a casualty of the Fed’s zero interest rates and excess liquidity. Wall St. could also be spooked by more charges of fraud and corruption that regulators take to court instead of allowing those charged to settle without admitting guilt.
Interest rates will rise regardless of the Fed’s stance as an abrupt reversal of Treasury and agency yields will likely occur as the risk premium demanded by investors for US debt rapidly rises. In short, Pluto ruling the sector of the stock market indicates that the financial crisis is not over as more lethal financial toxins rise to the surface.
Speaking of toxic conditions, Pluto, the Sun, Saturn, Uranus, and Jupiter prominent in the Gulf of Mexico and the Gulf states from eastern Texas through Florida at the Summer Solstice indicate the BP oil disaster is a far bigger problem than the company and the US government is admitting to the public. It appears that over the next three months, most of the spill will migrate from the Florida panhandle to Tampa/St. Petersburg and further to the south and east.
The June 26 Lunar Eclipse reinforces these energies as it squares Florida’s natal Uranus in Aries. This indicates the Sunshine State could be facing several “freaky” events this summer – from severe thunderstorms, hurricane potential, deadly accidents, fires and explosions, political upheavals, to possible civil unrest by a radical group that could require military intervention. A major incident could surface involving USCENTCOM which is headquartered in Tampa. Other hot spots in Florida beyond the west coast of the state include the areas around Orlando, St. Augustine, Cape Canaveral, Miami, and the Keys.
Additional potential U.S. hot spots this summer include eastern Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, the western parts of Virginia and North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. Mars brings heat and mostly dry weather from the western part of the Dakotas and Nebraska, eastern Colorado, and western Oklahoma through Texas. Mars can also bring increased violence at the Texas/Mexican border. Neptune can bring sudden storms that cause flash floods to Montana, eastern Idaho, Utah, and Arizona.
World Summer Hot Spots: Canada (Ontario, Calgary), Strong hurricane and earthquake potential for Cuba, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Ecuador, and Peru, Argentina. The Sun overhead through Germany indicates that German Chancellor Angela Merkel takes the lead in Europe in making major structural reforms to tackle the sovereign debt crisis, as Pluto and the June 26 Lunar Eclipse conjoin Germany’s natal Uranus, and the Solstice Sun squares and Jupiter and Uranus in Aries opposes natal Venus in Libra. Saturn rising over the UK and the EU’s HQ in Brussels indicates fiscal austerity measures are being set into motion.
Other hot spots include Norway, Switzerland, and Italy. (Pluto underground through Rome can bring more secrets to the surface in the Catholic Church sex abuse scandal, as well as government corruption.) There is also the potential for earthquakes in Italy, Sardinia, Corsica, and southeastern France.
Africa (Algeria, Tunisia, Niger, Nigeria), Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan (where both the US & Russia have military bases), India (Bangalore). Political unrest is likely in Burma and western Thailand. Earthquakes, tsunami and severe storm potential for central China, Malaysia and Sumatra. The Chinese government could enact further restrictions on internet access and start to crackdown on labor unrest.
Eclipses
The energies of the Solstice quickly reach a culmination point at the June 26 Partial Lunar Eclipse which is a supercharged Full Moon. The intense energies streaming into the Earth’s atmosphere during the eclipse period bring rapidly changing events, especially as the eclipses are in the cardinal signs Capricorn and Cancer.
Eclipses block the light, meaning we will see the themes emphasized by the eclipses in a whole new light during the coming weeks. This is why it is preferable to postpone making major decisions and taking action during the period preceding and following the eclipse period (June 19 to July 18).
Financial markets can behave erratically during this time. A study concluded there is a downside tendency preceding the eclipses. My own observations correlate to the light symbolism mentioned above; reality doesn’t usually set in on Wall St. until a week or so following the eclipses.
The Moon in Saturn-ruled Capricorn emphasizes economic, structural, and reputational issues. Capricorn rules governments and Saturn represents contraction. Every industrialized nation recognizes that governments must rein in spending and exert fiscal discipline but the Jupiter-ruled USA who continues to spend money foolishly. Capricorn rules the past, but Pluto’s message is the past cannot be resurrected. The more the government and the Federal Reserve desperately try to bring it back, the harder and longer it will be to transform from recession to sustainable economic prosperity.
The Moon and Pluto opposite the Sun and Mercury in Cancer reflects new home loan rules requiring borrowers to make a larger down payment to qualify for a mortgage and lenders to verify the borrower’s ability to repay the loan (what a concept!). Jupiter, Uranus, and Saturn squaring the eclipse reverses the decades old attitude of buying as much home as you can borrow once borrowers begin to understand they could still be financially responsible for making mortgage payments on a home they strategically defaulted on. With Capricorn/Saturn energies prominent, actions have long-term consequences as nothing is exempted from karmic justice. Seven years is a sub-Saturn cycle; borrowers who strategically default on their mortgage will now have to wait seven years before they can obtain a loan guaranteed by Fannie Mae (FNM). And some states allow lenders to collect from borrowers up to 20 years later.
The USA is a Jupiter-ruled nation with Venus (money/banking) and Jupiter (growth) in Cancer (real estate), reflecting that much of the nation’s wealth is based on the expectation of increasing wealth through homeownership. Mercury in Cancer in the sector representing mortgages opposite Pluto in Capricorn in the sector of the USA chart representing the financial industry perpetuates this mindset of taking on as much as debt to acquire as much home as possible. Neptune the planet of dreams in Virgo elevated in the USA’s birth chart and squared by Mars in Gemini (both signs are ruled by Mercury), explains why home ownership is aggressively promoted as the “American Dream.”
Pluto has been opposing the USA’s Venus/Jupiter conjunction since 2009. Now as the Lunar Eclipse brings our full awareness to the fact that housing values are unsustainable at current levels, the USA’s progressed** Moon in Virgo conjoining the USA Neptune starts to remove the veil of illusion of the American Dream that for millions has already or will become an American nightmare. From the illusion of the mortgage interest tax deduction that in reality only benefits upper income homeowners, to the false belief that home values can only go up, to free marketers who decry financial reform taking away a borrower’s “freedom” and “choices” to obtain an adjustable-rate mortgage they can no longer afford when the rate resets, the public is waking up to the deception by the government and the financial and real estate industrial complexes.
The Moon conjoining Pluto in the sector representing the work force and the physical health of the nation in both the Solstice and Lunar Eclipse charts set for the USA indicates that a massive transformation is underway in these areas. With Pluto, conditions must deteriorate, decay and become more outrageous before they begin to get better as corporate and government corruption spills out of the closet. Experiencing Pluto’s extremes allows a catharsis to take place.
Moon/Cancer rule food and liquids, Pluto rules toxins and the interests of the plutocrats, and Capricorn rules government. While the government obsesses over illegal drugs, the larger concern should be how drugged up we are as a nation not just from over medicating on “legal” drugs. More critically is the chemicals and drugs the government allows corporations to pump into our food and water supplies resulting from pumping up cattle and farm raised seafood with antibiotics and growth hormones. Virgo rules diet, health, and hygiene. The USA’s progressed Moon in Virgo conjoining natal Neptune is waking the public up to the health and national security risks of contaminating our food and water supplies for the benefit of big business who use their profits to buy the politicians and the “safety” regulators (Pluto opposite USA Venus/Jupiter).
Capricorn/Saturn rule the elderly, and the Moon conjoining Pluto and squares to Jupiter, Saturn, and Uranus bring a wakeup call for retirement reform when at least one prominent city or municipality faces the prospect of bankruptcy unless they default on their pension funds. People will have to work longer and provide their own retirement nest egg that is not dependent on the value of one’s home, a pension, or 401k as IRAs will become the sole retirement fund for all individuals. Regardless of what the Fed or members of either political party say, the cost of living will rise and so will taxes on the middle class unless both parties can agree to severely cut the budgets benefiting their biggest corporate donors.
Expect the unexpected is the only thing that can be said with certainty about Uranus. The July 4 Last Quarter Moon anchors the energies of the Lunar Eclipse and the July 11 Solar Eclipse in Cancer. With Uranus’ energies pronounced as it turns retrograde*** July 5, and the Moon in aggressive Aries, there could be more than fireworks exploding now. These energies bring greater potential for earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, violent thunderstorms, fires, explosions, power outages, disruptions/cancellations in air travel, as well as civil unrest and surprise attacks.
The Last Quarter Moon squares the USA’s Cancer Sun and opposes natal Saturn in Libra, indicating the USA has major structural issues to tackle. And so does China since the Quarter Moon opposes China’s natal Mercury and Neptune in Libra. Saturn in Libra will oppose the Quarter Moon in November at the time the USA experiences a Saturn return. At that time the pressure will be on for the government to get its fiscal priorities in order.
North Korea could once again use the Independence Day holiday to launch a missile. Other areas of the world not already mentioned that are prominent now and again at the July 11 Solar Eclipse are Japan, Russia and former Soviet republics, Turkey, Middle East (especially Syria, Saudi Arabia, Iraq). Pluto rising over Iran could indicate aggression over nuclear issues and Uranus-ruled uranium enrichment. There is potential for violent storms, accidents, and/or security issues for New York City/NY and New England states.
Security concerns are front center at the July 11 Solar Eclipse in Cancer occurring at 3:40 PM EDT, as the geopolitical issues from July 4 could escalate involving North and South Korea, Iran, Iraq, and the Middle East. There is also translates into strong earthquake/storm potential for Japan, Iran, Brazil. The East Coast could experience wet weather and flooding, especially, New York/NYC, and New Jersey.
Pluto rules the Eclipse chart set for the USA and is located in the sector representing the financial system while the Solar Eclipse occurs in Pluto’s natural sector ruling debt, death, and financial secrets. Pluto squares Jupiter and Uranus in Aries in the sector ruling the stock market and opposes Saturn in the sector representing Congress and government regulators.
This “ocean eclipse” could shift sentiment from buying to boycotting US Treasuries and agency debt as the interest rate risk is too low. Despite the US being the world’s reserve currency, it does not mean that a large and unexpected reversal of risk could render the Fed’s low interest rates for an “extended period” irrelevant.
Economic/Financial
Large and wild market moves accelerate volatility as the end of July approaches. Saturn re-enters Libra July 21 until October 2012, increasing fears that US finances are way out of balance. Jupiter turns retrograde July 23 and squares Pluto the following day as both planets square the USA’s natal Venus. This can represent a shift in sentiment which could start with foreign buyers believing that government debt is overbought.
The July 25 Full Moon in Uranus-ruled Aquarius ushers in a wild and crazy few weeks as we’re in the heat of the action involving the biggest concentration of planets forming challenging alignments in action-oriented cardinal signs since the early 1930s. What happened over several years during the Great Depression is largely unfolding now. If Uranus hasn’t broken in all those circuit breakers yet, this could be when the action starts. The more pundits proclaim we can’t break the March 2009 lows or can’t have a short and sharp rally amongst the bearish sentiment, the more Uranus in Aries will want to prove them wrong.
July 26 marks the final opposition of Saturn and Uranus that began on Election Day 2008 and concluded in Virgo/Pisces on April 26, the day the indices hit new 2010 highs. The market tends to have an upward bias as Saturn opposes Uranus, and then begins to fall within one to four weeks after that. This time Saturn in Libra will oppose Uranus in Aries which could bring an unexpected legal ruling.
Mars acts as a trigger, reigniting the Solstice and eclipse energies. Mars will enter Libra July 29, square the Summer Solstice, oppose Uranus July 30, conjoin Saturn July 31, oppose Jupiter and square Pluto August 4, as Jupiter and Pluto square again.
Since Mars is the natural ruler of Aries, it does not function well in Aries’ opposite sign, Libra. Mars in Libra until September 14 creates tensions in relationships and risk involving financial counterparties. Mars was last in Libra August 19 to October 4, 2008 when the financial crisis erupted. This will be accentuated August 6 when Venus enters its home sign Libra until September 8.
Uranus shifting back into Pisces (oil and the sea) August 13 coincides with when BP’s two relief wells are scheduled to be completed although it looks like there could be other problems and/or storms in the Gulf around this time that create further delays.
Jupiter opposes Saturn August 16, the day of the First Quarter Moon in Pluto-ruled Scorpio. This creates an economic tug-of-war between expansion (Jupiter) and contraction (Saturn). It could also bring geopolitical tensions in the Middle East particularly involving Israel, Syria, Lebanon and Turkey. Saturn squares Pluto for the third and final time on August 21. This configuration first occurred on November 15, 2009 just before Dubai World shifted fears from private debt defaults to sovereign debt defaults. By the time of their second alignment on January 31, the euro’s rise had gone into reverse over fears concerning Greece’s debt.
In between these two major planetary alignments is the August 20 options expiration with the Moon in Saturn-ruled Capricorn, and Mercury turning retrograde in critical Virgo at 3:59 PM EDT until September 12.
Jupiter shifts back into Pisces September 9, conjoining Uranus on September 18. The September 15 First Quarter Moon in Sagittarius squares the USA’s natal Mars/Neptune – two years to the day that Lehman Brothers filed for bankruptcy during the Harvest Full Moon. Pluto shifting to direct motion the day before and Mars moving into Pluto-ruled Scorpio generates action related to debt, bankruptcy, nuclear issues, insurance, opaque financial instruments, corruption, and toxic conditions, as explosive secrets arebrought to the surface.
The Federal Reserve issues their statement on monetary policy on the last day of summer as the Sun in Virgo opposes Jupiter and Uranus in Pisces. This indicates the potential for a policy reversal (such as dropping the “extended period of time”). Another member of the committee could join Hoenig in dissenting Fed policy.
Financial markets have a greater potential for more pronounced moves, increased volatility or a shift in market direction on or around the following dates:
June: 21-25, 28
July: 6, 8, 12-13, 21-30
August: 3-4, 6, 9-11, 13, 16, 20, 23-24, 26, 30
September: 1, 3, 7-9, 13-15, 17, 21
The planetary alignments occurring during the summer pave the way for revolutionary transformation of economic and societal structures when Uranus squares the USA’s Venus/Jupiter conjunction next summer, followed by Uranus squaring Pluto during 2012-2015. This is when the nation will break free from the faux financial “innovations” of the last 30 years.
The Weekly Forecast features a detailed view of planetary influences and how they might affect the economy and financial markets.
*This is called Void-of-Course (VOC) which occurs about every 2.5 days before the Moon enters a new sign. VOC Moon periods can last from one second to over one day.
**A mathematical calculation that moves the planets forward in time as a method of prediction.
***Planets do not really move backwards but appear to from Earth’s vantage point. Uranus will be retrograde until December 5. Uranus retrograde subdues the call for making fresh changes, preferring to shock us into changing what is long overdue.
USA: July 4, 1776 5:10 PM Philadelphia, PA
WallStreetWeather.net Forecast For Week Of June 20, 2010
Although the major indices continued to make gains last week they still have more work to do to return to the 2010 highs made on April 26, the day Saturn in Virgo opposed Uranus in Pisces for the final time. With the exception of the Nasdaq, the Dow and S&P are around where they finished in 2009.
Summary Of This Week’s Influences:
This week’s forecast is going to be brief as I have incorporated most of the planetary influences into part I of my post about the Summer Solstice which occurs Monday at 7:30 AM EDT.
The Moon represents the mood of the market. The Moon in Pluto-ruled Scorpio from Monday until 2:10 PM EDT Wednesday puts the focus on debt and lending, insurance, and M&A. Since Pluto rules wealth that is buried deep underground, previously undisclosed information could be revealed that could reverse current trends.
The Moon in Scorpio leading up to Friday’s opposition between the Sun in Cancer and Pluto in Capricorn followed by Pluto conjoining the Capricorn Lunar Eclipse Saturday coincides with Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne announcing his emergency budget Tuesday to attack the UK’s huge budget deficit. The G20 will gather in Toronto over the weekend. The Capricorn Lunar Eclipse and Pluto are opposing the USA’s natal Venus and Jupiter in Cancer, reflecting that while other nations want to tackle their budget deficits, the USA is out of sync with the planetary influences by desiring to pile on the stimulus. President Obama sent a letter to other G20 nations in advance of the weekend meeting, urging them not to withdraw stimulus too quickly.
The mood shifts on Wednesday at 2:10 PM EDT when the Moon enters Jupiter-ruled Sagittarius until Friday evening. Five minutes later the FOMC announcement is released (see the Summer Solstice post).
Fed Vice Chairman Donald Kohn is retiring today. Like Fed Chairman Bernanke, Kohn was born without any planets in the earth element, reflecting their enthusiasm for masking reality with mathematical formulas to justify their doctrine. In an interview in Friday's Wall Street Journal, Kohn said in regard to dealing with bubbles that “the principal way that we have for dealing with these instabilities is through supervision and regulation.” And who was supposed to be regulating the banks?! Kohn had an excuse for that too, saying that “some of the most exposed sectors were either effectively unregulated or not under our purview.” Oh, puleeze!
And if the Senate lets President Obama have his way, Kohn will be replaced by San Francisco Fed president Janet Yellen who might even be more dovish than Ben Bernanke if that were humanly possible! Yes, Yellen was also born with a lack of planets in the earth element. In fact she has a lack of planets in the water element as well, making it difficult for her to fully comprehend how monetary policy really affects consumers.
The numerous planetary alignments described in the Summer Solstice post this week are likely to bring a big increase in volatility, setting up the potential for reversals and large and wild market moves.
Monday, June 21, 2010
The Sun square Uranus in Aries at the Summer Solstice can bring unexpected reversals and choppy and wild swings in direction. Negative trend bias.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Negative trend bias; market strongest around midday before falling back into negative territory.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
The Sun square Jupiter in Aries can bring large moves, most likely to the upside.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Mercury in Gemini squaring Saturn in Virgo could keep the market confined to a tight trading range. Choppy/mixed, seesawing between moderately negative and moderately positive.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Mercury enters Cancer and squares Uranus in Aries and the Sun opposes Pluto in Capricorn. This can bring wild intraday moves with the market likely selling off going into the close.
Janet Yellen: August 13, 1946 time unknown Brooklyn, NY
USA: July 4, 1776 5:10 PM Philadelphia, PA
Summary Of This Week’s Influences:
This week’s forecast is going to be brief as I have incorporated most of the planetary influences into part I of my post about the Summer Solstice which occurs Monday at 7:30 AM EDT.
The Moon represents the mood of the market. The Moon in Pluto-ruled Scorpio from Monday until 2:10 PM EDT Wednesday puts the focus on debt and lending, insurance, and M&A. Since Pluto rules wealth that is buried deep underground, previously undisclosed information could be revealed that could reverse current trends.
The Moon in Scorpio leading up to Friday’s opposition between the Sun in Cancer and Pluto in Capricorn followed by Pluto conjoining the Capricorn Lunar Eclipse Saturday coincides with Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne announcing his emergency budget Tuesday to attack the UK’s huge budget deficit. The G20 will gather in Toronto over the weekend. The Capricorn Lunar Eclipse and Pluto are opposing the USA’s natal Venus and Jupiter in Cancer, reflecting that while other nations want to tackle their budget deficits, the USA is out of sync with the planetary influences by desiring to pile on the stimulus. President Obama sent a letter to other G20 nations in advance of the weekend meeting, urging them not to withdraw stimulus too quickly.
The mood shifts on Wednesday at 2:10 PM EDT when the Moon enters Jupiter-ruled Sagittarius until Friday evening. Five minutes later the FOMC announcement is released (see the Summer Solstice post).
Fed Vice Chairman Donald Kohn is retiring today. Like Fed Chairman Bernanke, Kohn was born without any planets in the earth element, reflecting their enthusiasm for masking reality with mathematical formulas to justify their doctrine. In an interview in Friday's Wall Street Journal, Kohn said in regard to dealing with bubbles that “the principal way that we have for dealing with these instabilities is through supervision and regulation.” And who was supposed to be regulating the banks?! Kohn had an excuse for that too, saying that “some of the most exposed sectors were either effectively unregulated or not under our purview.” Oh, puleeze!
And if the Senate lets President Obama have his way, Kohn will be replaced by San Francisco Fed president Janet Yellen who might even be more dovish than Ben Bernanke if that were humanly possible! Yes, Yellen was also born with a lack of planets in the earth element. In fact she has a lack of planets in the water element as well, making it difficult for her to fully comprehend how monetary policy really affects consumers.
The numerous planetary alignments described in the Summer Solstice post this week are likely to bring a big increase in volatility, setting up the potential for reversals and large and wild market moves.
Monday, June 21, 2010
The Sun square Uranus in Aries at the Summer Solstice can bring unexpected reversals and choppy and wild swings in direction. Negative trend bias.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Negative trend bias; market strongest around midday before falling back into negative territory.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
The Sun square Jupiter in Aries can bring large moves, most likely to the upside.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Mercury in Gemini squaring Saturn in Virgo could keep the market confined to a tight trading range. Choppy/mixed, seesawing between moderately negative and moderately positive.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Mercury enters Cancer and squares Uranus in Aries and the Sun opposes Pluto in Capricorn. This can bring wild intraday moves with the market likely selling off going into the close.
Janet Yellen: August 13, 1946 time unknown Brooklyn, NY
USA: July 4, 1776 5:10 PM Philadelphia, PA
The Record Breaking, Unprecedented and Transformative Energies of the 2010 Summer Solstice, Part I
Published by WallStreetWeather.netSummer begins in the northern hemisphere at 7:30 AM EDT on June 21, 2010 when the Sun enters Cancer. At the Summer Solstice, the Sun appears to stand still as it has reached its highest point in the northern hemisphere and the hours of daylight are the longest all year. From this point on the hours of daylight will gradually decrease leading up to the December 21 Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year.
The Sun is the vital life force; it symbolizes self-identity. Physical and emotional security takes center stage when the Sun is in Cancer, the first sign in the water (feeling) element. Cancer is ruled by the Moon, which represents instinctual needs and nurturing. Home and family (especially women), food and liquids, agriculture, real estate, and domestic security issues are ruled by Cancer and the Moon and these themes will be in the forefront over the next three months.
The Sun in Cancer encompasses the two energies we cannot live without – sunlight and water. Our bodies contain over 50% water; men are actually under the lunar influence slightly more than women since their bodies contain at least 5% more water! This reflects that physically and emotionally we are affected by the relationship between the Sun and the Moon just as much as nature and the planet and animal kingdoms are.
A low level of water element energies this summer and even a complete absence of planets in water signs between July 22 and August 13* symbolically represents a lack of emotional support in caring for ourselves and others. Too little water energy can also go to the other extreme and over express what’s missing, drowning in a tidal wave of emotions.
This tends to bring drought, higher than normal temperatures, and fires. When precipitation finally arrives in the form of sudden and intense storms, it is likely to cause severe flooding. Water levels could become dangerously low, creating supply problems. There is also the potential for supply disruptions and water supplies becoming contaminated.
The cardinal signs – Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn mark the seasonal turning points of the year as cardinal signs represent embarking on new initiatives. Since the Sun symbolizes who we are, the Sun in Cancer takes the lead and gives us a preview of the unprecedented planetary alignments of Jupiter and Uranus in Aries opposing Saturn in Libra while all three planets square Pluto in Capricorn on the world stage during July and August. An abundance of solar energies at the Summer Solstice increases the likelihood that solar flares and sunspots could increase, raising the potential for power and communication disruptions.
The Sun’s series of alignments to the outer planets at the Summer Solstice reflect that major transformation begins at the individual level. It’s time to decide what you intend to create as these planetary alignments stimulate action that has a long term influence. Actions taken by corporate and world leaders now will rapidly unfold as the summer progresses, reverberating for years to come. With Mercury the planetary energy of communication and movement entering Cancer June 25 and forming challenging alignments to Uranus that day, Jupiter (June 26) and Pluto (June 27), and the Sun conjoining Mercury June 28, individuals and leaders will have to think outside the box. It’s time to walk the talk or be held up for hypocrisy. Mercury shifting signs can equate to currency shifts and revaluations. Mercury in Cancer can represent more protectionist thinking about domestic security issues, particularly related to border policies.
Saturn represents all types of structures, government and big business. It is the only planet involved in the cardinal concentration of outer planets this summer that is not in a cardinal sign at the Summer Solstice. The Sun in Gemini squaring Saturn in Virgo the day before the Summer Solstice represents the need to clean up the mess from the shaky financial and societal foundations.
Saturn can bring painful lessons when there is a failure to be accountable for one’s actions since there are no shortcuts with Saturn. The Sun squared Saturn in Virgo June 19, emphasizing the importance of having the discipline, determination and patience to overcome any obstacles and barriers in order to achieve what is fundamentally important.
Saturn in Virgo since September 2007 correlates to the contraction in employment after the credit and housing bubbles burst. Since Gemini and Virgo are part of the mutable element, the Sun in Gemini squaring Saturn in Virgo at the end of these signs indicates that individuals must have greater flexibility regarding the type of work they do along with a stronger financial backbone to prepare for periods of unemployment or underemployment. Having at least two distinct careers over the course of one’s work life is now the new normal. Carrying very little debt or preferably no debt, living below your means, and saving as much money as possible will help to ensure a more secure tomorrow.
Saturn is generally resistant to change, preferring to cling to the status quo until it becomes beyond repair. Leaders who continue to try to recreate what worked in the past will only prolong the pain and postpone economic recovery. This is no different than a person who is ill taking medication that masks the symptoms but refuses to make long term changes to address the root cause of their illness.
Ironically, high deficits and budgetary shortfalls will end up forcing all levels of government to implement austerity measures that bring long sought reforms that were not politically possible during stronger economic times. Although these changes will be painful now and in the near term future, the results are likely to pay off in the long run.
The downside of Saturn in Virgo is that there can be so much criticism of what needs to be done, too many obstacles are created to block doing anything about it if the proposals are not deemed to be the “perfect” solution. For example, healthcare reform is considered to be a very Saturn in Virgo issue, yet healthcare legislation didn’t pass until Saturn had temporarily moved into Libra and the Sun had reached its most powerful point of the calendar year (the Vernal Equinox). This reflects the power of planets at the beginning of cardinal signs which represents what is new and continuing to evolve. When Saturn re-enters Libra July 21 until October 2012, action will be focused on legislation and laws that seek fairness by bringing structures that have become out of balance back to equilibrium.
With the Sun in Cancer squaring Uranus in Aries on the day of the Summer Solstice, “expect the unexpected” should be the motto this summer, as sudden events occur that are intended to shock people into awakening. This also comes in the form of physical shocks such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, thunderstorms that create fires, tornadoes, and hurricanes. Leaders could exhibit unexpected behavior and even reverse long standing policies.
The Sun rules speculation and gold. The Sun square Uranus is about breaking free from the herd mentality and doing what you intuitively feel is right for you. How could any new ideas ever manifest unless at least one person was willing to break free from the herd and hold a contrary point of view? The “trend is your friend” but if everyone is speculating in overcrowded trades such as shorting the Euro, buying Treasuries that mature in over 5 years time, and buying gold or the gold ETF (GLD), then what happens when the herd wants to get out? (And at least one if not all of these themes could start unraveling big time over the summer.) Uranus (especially in fast moving Aries) can bring sharp and sudden reversals that break through conventional measures of support and resistance. The more market sentiment is calibrated to one particular extreme, the greater the chance Uranus will want to defy it.
At its lowest level the energies of the Sun square Uranus is rebellious, desiring change simply for its own sake as a way to attract attention. However, the real meaning of the Sun in Cancer squaring Uranus in Aries is to be a trailblazer in your own unique way as this energy is all about being a leader, not a follower. Which means determining what you think could be the next investment opportunity might put you ahead of the curve.
Jupiter represents growth and expansion. Jupiter exaggerates, creating overbought or oversold conditions. The Sun squaring Jupiter in gung ho Aries June 23 can bring a burst of confidence that can make individuals and leaders prone to promise more than they can deliver.
Strong Jupiter energies are inflationary. Jupiter conjoining Uranus in Aries throughout the summer indicates that inflation is emanating from sources not traditionally measured by the Federal Reserve and the government. What exists is a bifurcated economy where deflation exists in most consumer discretionary products and services while the products, services, and taxes you have to pay for are increasing.
If there’s really “no inflation,” then why was the May CPI up 2% year over year, the supposed “ceiling” of the Fed’s target for inflation? May producer prices increased 5.3% from a year ago and companies are subtly passing along the costs using lower quality materials, reducing the content, or passing the costs through regardless of economic conditions. Goodyear (GT) raised consumer tire prices 6% at the beginning of the month. You can postpone purchasing the latest electronic gizmo, but you can’t continue to drive on worn out tires.
Several central banks including the Bank of Canada have already raised interest rates to combat inflation, and the Bank of England will have to act if UK inflation continues to come in above 3% year over year.
So it’s symbolically rich that the Federal Reserve led by Jupiter-ruled Ben Bernanke will issue its statement on monetary policy the day the Sun squares Jupiter, exacly five minutes after the Moon enters Jupiter-ruled Sagittarius. Yet the Sun squaring Jupiter in bold acting Aries seems to be lost on the Fed and especially Bernanke who although born with the Sun in Sagittarius opposite Jupiter in Gemini lacks the confidence to even take a baby step by dropping the “extended period” language from the FOMC statement for fear of setting off another Great Depression. The reality is that while Bernanke & Co. are determined not to repeat the Great Depression, they are trying their very best to emulate Japan’s lost decade.
The Sun in Cancer square Jupiter in Aries reflects the proposed expansion of the Fed’s powers under the financial regulatory reform bill as the Sun conjoins the Fed’s natal Pluto and Jupiter conjoins the sector of the Fed’s chart representing its reputation (the Midheaven). During the summer Jupiter, Saturn and Uranus are engaged in challenging alignments to the Fed’s natal Sun in Capricorn which opposes natal Pluto in Cancer, along with the Fed’s Aries Midheaven. Triggering these alignments into action will be the July 11 Solar Eclipse that exactly conjoins the Fed’s natal Mars. Since the Fed has already used up all its ammo, it has little room to expand policy accommodation in the event of a double dip recession and/or stock market collapse.
Between now and early 2012, Uranus in Aries will conjoin the Fed’s natal Midheaven, square its Sun (the Chairman), and Pluto, creating shockwaves as all the Fed’s secret financial arrangements engineered by Bernanke during the crisis get exposed. Uranus squaring the Fed’s Pluto reinforces the energies of the transit of Uranus in Aries squaring Pluto in Capricorn influencing the world between 2010 and 2015. This time when Fed engineered asset price bubbles (in stocks, commodities, and especially Treasuries) burst, the Fed is likely to face a radical overhaul regardless of what ends up in the financial regulatory reform bill. The Fed will no longer be able to use the excuse that it’s saving the world.
Power struggles and issues concerning consumer and sovereign debt, consumer interests vs. corporate interests, nuclear power, corporate and government corruption, could spew like toxins to the surface as the Sun in Cancer opposes Pluto in Capricorn June 25.
Oppositions act like a Full Moon as they make us aware of the need to balance opposing yet complementary energies. The energies of the Sun opposite Pluto are intensified as the alignment occurs the day before the Capricorn Lunar Eclipse which conjoins Pluto.
Pluto represents the extremes of great wealth in the hands of the few (the plutocrats) as well as massive debt levels and bankruptcy. Pluto in Capricorn reflects the mountain of debt that will need to be reduced, with some of it occurring through corporate and government defaults.
Pluto reflects the painful death and transformational phases that must take place in order for a rebirth to occur. Eclipses help us to see situations in a whole new light in retrospect. The Lunar Eclipse conjoining Pluto preceding the major planetary alignments of July and August brings awareness that the consumer-based economy is waning. It cannot be resurrected since it wasn’t built on a secure foundation in the first place. With 1 in 7 borrowers owing more on their homes than they are worth and likely carrying additional debt, combined with high unemployment and wages not keeping up with inflation, along with much tighter lending standards, consumers are still living with the repercussions of their spending binges from the Pluto in Jupiter-ruled Sagittarius years (1995-2008).
The reason why the stock market will take a dive this summer is because the days of government handing out stimulus to mask the true health of the economy are reaching the end. What will ultimately rise from the ashes will be an industrial and high tech-based economy where the only government “handouts” will comprise of public-private partnerships where private industry cannot or will not participate alone do to the costs or potential outsized liabilities.
In Part II of my Summer Solstice analysis to be posted during the week, I will explain why the USA is most affected by the eclipses and planetary alignments occurring this summer, why the market could enter bear market territory by late July/early August, a list of dates of potential shifts in market direction as well as days most likely to witness the most pronounced market moves of the summer, and potential global hot spots.
The Weekly Forecast features a detailed view of planetary influences and how they might affect the economy and financial markets.
*Except for July 28-29 when the Moon is in Pisces and August 6-7 when the Moon is in Cancer. Even after Uranus re-enters Pisces August 13, it will be the sole planet in water until Venus enters Scorpio September 8 and Jupiter re-enters Pisces the following day.
WallStreetWeather.net Forecast For Week Of June 13, 2010
Summary Of Last Week’s Influences:
“Forecasting is very difficult and I make no promises in any particular direction.” – Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke testifying before the House Budget Committee on June 9
Although the market does not like uncertainty, it is usually comforted by the Fed Chairman’s words. Monday the Dow surpassed the May 6 “flash crash” intraday low to close at 9816.49, its lowest level since November 4. So in a Monday evening interview Bernanke said his “best guess” is for the economy to continue to recover “but it won’t feel terrific.” Wall Street focused on the recovery part which was credited for the market’s late day turnaround Tuesday.
The markets were also soothed during Bernanke’s testimony Wednesday, the day Mercury squared Neptune. Like an addict who on the one hand knows they need to get over their addiction but believe it can be postponed to some later date, Bernanke soothed the market by saying the government needs to get a grip on the deficit – but just not yet.
Like the person who needs to reduce their weight but continues to consume all the wrong foods before dieting, Bernanke wants the government to spend before cutting back at some future and undefined (Neptune) time. So the market didn’t like it Wednesday afternoon when German Chancellor Angela Merkel appeared to be channeling the energies of Saturn square Pluto when she said that now was the time to withdraw stimulus as lessons from the debt crisis must be learned.
China’s progressed* Mars conjoins Saturn in Virgo now which describes the labor strikes and wage increases occurring at several factories. Taiwanese electronics company Hon Hai which employees about 800,000 workers in China will raise wages again at its Foxconn factory town in the wake of more suicides and labor unrest. The CEO of Hon Hai whose company supplies iPads and iPhones for Apple and manufactures for other companies such as Hewlett-Packard (HPQ) and Dell, remarked last week: “This is a watershed. You can no longer rely on China’s cheap labor.”
More strikes have taken place at three different Honda plants in China. Many of the workers on strike at the Honda key lock plant returned to work with the promise of higher wages and the threat of being replaced if they did not end their strike. As noted in a previous post, the June 26 Lunar Eclipse in Capricorn opposes China’s natal Uranus in Cancer which is likely to spark more strikes and lead to rioting as the public is ready to stand up to the government and the corporations that exploit them.
While the wage increases are not high enough to cause the cost of manufacturing in China to increase for now, it will be in the future (although it does feed into China’s inflation rate which is now above 3%). As I described in my post on Uranus in Aries, companies and consumers will not be willing to wait for merchandise to arrive from Asia. What comes around goes around, and a manufacturing renaissance will be getting underway in the USA.
Summary Of This Week’s Influences:
Just in time for the mega volatility and downward dive I am expecting in the stock market in late July/August when Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Pluto all form stressful alignments to each other at the beginning of cardinal (action-oriented) signs, the exchanges are implementing the SEC’s new circuit breaker rules.
Hoping to prevent another May 6 flash crash, the SEC has begun a pilot program running through December 10 that triggers circuit breakers for 5 minutes if an individual stock in the S&P500 has a 10% up or down move within a 5 minute period. However, circuit breakers won’t be triggered if the move occurs before 9:45 AM and after 3:35 PM which is weird since the period going into the close tends can be one of the most volatile times of the day.
Even though ETFs were most affected by the flash crash, they will not (at least initially) be covered under the circuit breaker rules. As a hypothetical example, if Apple (AAPL) stock plummets and is halted, a trader could short the Nasdaq 100 (QQQQ) as Apple currently comprises almost 18% of this ETF. Or a trader could do the same thing with a futures contract. And since high frequency traders see prices in advance of other participants, and have the firepower to react quicker, they will have calculated and anticipated potential circuit breakers in advance of the general market. Hence the high frequency traders will exit positions in advance of circuit breakers affecting the general market.
Although the combination of Jupiter and Uranus together in Aries has the potential to create many fast and furious flash crashes that could start and finish in the blink of an eye, I think it is highly unlikely the new circuit breaker system will face its first test this week.
Venus moves into Leo early Monday morning until July 10 which can increase the desire to speculate. In the enthusiastic fire element, Venus in Leo is more prone to spend discretionary money on self adornment, entertainment, and entertaining. Venus harmonizing with Uranus Monday and Jupiter early Tuesday morning tends to be a positive influence on the market.
The Moon represents the mood of the market. Mondays are ruled by the Moon, and the Moon in its home sign Cancer could put the focus on equities connected to consumers. The Moon in Leo Tuesday and Wednesday could boost the appetite for risk.
Mars is action, Virgo is financially discriminating, Pluto rules insurance, and Capricorn represents government regulations. So as Mars in Virgo harmonizes with Pluto in Capricorn Tuesday, the House and Senate conference committee will take up these specific issues in the financial regulatory reform legislation.
Leo represents leaders as it is ruled by the Sun. As Venus conjoins his natal Mercury in Leo, President Obama will address the nation Tuesday at 8 PM EDT regarding the BP disaster which he described in an interview with Politico “echoes 9/11” because "I think this disaster is going to shape how we think about the environment and energy for many years to come.” The President raises issues in the interview that I described in the Gemini New Moon post, including transitioning from an oil-based economy. What he doesn’t mention is the need for every American to do what they can to help facilitate the transition.
The key leaders in the BP drama will be in Washington this week. Wednesday BP Chairman Carl-Henric Svanberg goes to the White House. On Thursday when the Moon moves into Virgo, putting more emphasis on the financial and environmental costs of the disaster, BP CEO Tony Hayward will testify at 10 AM EDT before the House Subcommittee on Oversight & Investigations hearing on oil spill. Venus forming a stressful aspect to Pluto Thursday reflects the enormous price tag BP will be hit with from the US government for the company’s negligence.
This week looks to have a positive bias that could be interspersed with choppy/mixed to negative conditions intraday, especially later in the week. Next week becomes much more active with the Summer Solstice beginning the week and the Lunar Eclipse in Capricorn ending the week that is likely to usher in a very volatile and highly active summer.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Positive.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Positive trend bias but could weaken going into the close.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Positive trend bias.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Negative trend bias, but could improve in the afternoon to become choppy/mixed, seesawing between negative and mixed to slightly positive.
Friday, June 18, 2010
(Quadruple Options Expiration). Negative trend bias, but could improve to choppy/mixed conditions in the late morning before turning down.
*A mathematical calculation that moves the planets forward in time as a method of prediction.
People’s Republic of China: October 1, 1949 3:15 PM Peking, China
“Forecasting is very difficult and I make no promises in any particular direction.” – Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke testifying before the House Budget Committee on June 9
Although the market does not like uncertainty, it is usually comforted by the Fed Chairman’s words. Monday the Dow surpassed the May 6 “flash crash” intraday low to close at 9816.49, its lowest level since November 4. So in a Monday evening interview Bernanke said his “best guess” is for the economy to continue to recover “but it won’t feel terrific.” Wall Street focused on the recovery part which was credited for the market’s late day turnaround Tuesday.
The markets were also soothed during Bernanke’s testimony Wednesday, the day Mercury squared Neptune. Like an addict who on the one hand knows they need to get over their addiction but believe it can be postponed to some later date, Bernanke soothed the market by saying the government needs to get a grip on the deficit – but just not yet.
Like the person who needs to reduce their weight but continues to consume all the wrong foods before dieting, Bernanke wants the government to spend before cutting back at some future and undefined (Neptune) time. So the market didn’t like it Wednesday afternoon when German Chancellor Angela Merkel appeared to be channeling the energies of Saturn square Pluto when she said that now was the time to withdraw stimulus as lessons from the debt crisis must be learned.
China’s progressed* Mars conjoins Saturn in Virgo now which describes the labor strikes and wage increases occurring at several factories. Taiwanese electronics company Hon Hai which employees about 800,000 workers in China will raise wages again at its Foxconn factory town in the wake of more suicides and labor unrest. The CEO of Hon Hai whose company supplies iPads and iPhones for Apple and manufactures for other companies such as Hewlett-Packard (HPQ) and Dell, remarked last week: “This is a watershed. You can no longer rely on China’s cheap labor.”
More strikes have taken place at three different Honda plants in China. Many of the workers on strike at the Honda key lock plant returned to work with the promise of higher wages and the threat of being replaced if they did not end their strike. As noted in a previous post, the June 26 Lunar Eclipse in Capricorn opposes China’s natal Uranus in Cancer which is likely to spark more strikes and lead to rioting as the public is ready to stand up to the government and the corporations that exploit them.
While the wage increases are not high enough to cause the cost of manufacturing in China to increase for now, it will be in the future (although it does feed into China’s inflation rate which is now above 3%). As I described in my post on Uranus in Aries, companies and consumers will not be willing to wait for merchandise to arrive from Asia. What comes around goes around, and a manufacturing renaissance will be getting underway in the USA.
Summary Of This Week’s Influences:
Just in time for the mega volatility and downward dive I am expecting in the stock market in late July/August when Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Pluto all form stressful alignments to each other at the beginning of cardinal (action-oriented) signs, the exchanges are implementing the SEC’s new circuit breaker rules.
Hoping to prevent another May 6 flash crash, the SEC has begun a pilot program running through December 10 that triggers circuit breakers for 5 minutes if an individual stock in the S&P500 has a 10% up or down move within a 5 minute period. However, circuit breakers won’t be triggered if the move occurs before 9:45 AM and after 3:35 PM which is weird since the period going into the close tends can be one of the most volatile times of the day.
Even though ETFs were most affected by the flash crash, they will not (at least initially) be covered under the circuit breaker rules. As a hypothetical example, if Apple (AAPL) stock plummets and is halted, a trader could short the Nasdaq 100 (QQQQ) as Apple currently comprises almost 18% of this ETF. Or a trader could do the same thing with a futures contract. And since high frequency traders see prices in advance of other participants, and have the firepower to react quicker, they will have calculated and anticipated potential circuit breakers in advance of the general market. Hence the high frequency traders will exit positions in advance of circuit breakers affecting the general market.
Although the combination of Jupiter and Uranus together in Aries has the potential to create many fast and furious flash crashes that could start and finish in the blink of an eye, I think it is highly unlikely the new circuit breaker system will face its first test this week.
Venus moves into Leo early Monday morning until July 10 which can increase the desire to speculate. In the enthusiastic fire element, Venus in Leo is more prone to spend discretionary money on self adornment, entertainment, and entertaining. Venus harmonizing with Uranus Monday and Jupiter early Tuesday morning tends to be a positive influence on the market.
The Moon represents the mood of the market. Mondays are ruled by the Moon, and the Moon in its home sign Cancer could put the focus on equities connected to consumers. The Moon in Leo Tuesday and Wednesday could boost the appetite for risk.
Mars is action, Virgo is financially discriminating, Pluto rules insurance, and Capricorn represents government regulations. So as Mars in Virgo harmonizes with Pluto in Capricorn Tuesday, the House and Senate conference committee will take up these specific issues in the financial regulatory reform legislation.
Leo represents leaders as it is ruled by the Sun. As Venus conjoins his natal Mercury in Leo, President Obama will address the nation Tuesday at 8 PM EDT regarding the BP disaster which he described in an interview with Politico “echoes 9/11” because "I think this disaster is going to shape how we think about the environment and energy for many years to come.” The President raises issues in the interview that I described in the Gemini New Moon post, including transitioning from an oil-based economy. What he doesn’t mention is the need for every American to do what they can to help facilitate the transition.
The key leaders in the BP drama will be in Washington this week. Wednesday BP Chairman Carl-Henric Svanberg goes to the White House. On Thursday when the Moon moves into Virgo, putting more emphasis on the financial and environmental costs of the disaster, BP CEO Tony Hayward will testify at 10 AM EDT before the House Subcommittee on Oversight & Investigations hearing on oil spill. Venus forming a stressful aspect to Pluto Thursday reflects the enormous price tag BP will be hit with from the US government for the company’s negligence.
This week looks to have a positive bias that could be interspersed with choppy/mixed to negative conditions intraday, especially later in the week. Next week becomes much more active with the Summer Solstice beginning the week and the Lunar Eclipse in Capricorn ending the week that is likely to usher in a very volatile and highly active summer.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Positive.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Positive trend bias but could weaken going into the close.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Positive trend bias.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Negative trend bias, but could improve in the afternoon to become choppy/mixed, seesawing between negative and mixed to slightly positive.
Friday, June 18, 2010
(Quadruple Options Expiration). Negative trend bias, but could improve to choppy/mixed conditions in the late morning before turning down.
*A mathematical calculation that moves the planets forward in time as a method of prediction.
People’s Republic of China: October 1, 1949 3:15 PM Peking, China
Beginnings and Endings during the June 12, 2010 Gemini New Moon
Published by WallStreetWeather.netThe New Moon is a time of new beginnings offering the opportunity to make a fresh start in the matters that rule the sign the New Moon is in.
The New Moon on June 12, 2010 at 7:15 AM EDT occurs in Gemini. Gemini rules all forms of communication, transportation, commerce, neighborhood/local environment, and siblings.
Gemini is ruled by Mercury. With Mercury in Gemini during the New Moon and forming favorable aspects to Jupiter and Uranus in Mars-ruled Aries, the New Moon offers the opportunity to get your message across in a bold and concise manner.
As the first sign in the air element, Gemini emphasizes the circulation and exchange of information in order to satisfy its natural curiosity. And since Mercury/Gemini and Aries represent physical movement, the best ideas that pop into your head are likely to come from getting out and about in your local environment to observe what’s happening and interacting with others. With Gemini, some of the most valuable nuggets of information and inspiration can come from the most mundane sources - the neighbor, the retailer, the person standing in line next to you. It can also come by visiting that Gemini repository of information called the library.
As a mutable sign, Gemini teaches us to be flexible so it is easier to adapt to changing circumstances. Gemini is symbolized by the twins, reflecting its dualistic and changeable nature. Mercury has a twin nature as it rules both Gemini and Virgo. This twin nature reflects that many people as well as the USA, will be preoccupied with two equal but different issues during the next month. The Gemini side of Mercury loves information for its own sake and prefers a “lighter” mental atmosphere, reflecting its reputation as the trickster. The Virgo side of Mercury wants to analyze and number crunch all the details into something useable since Virgo is part of the practical earth element.
Mercury in Gemini squares Mars in Virgo. Squares motivate us to act; combined with Jupiter and Uranus in Aries it’s time to commit ideas into action. The Gemini New Moon is the time to write down your plans and goals, compose a new resume, put new vigor into a job search or work on how you can make yourself more visible and valuable in your current job.
With the New Moon harmonizing with Neptune in Aquarius, your best ideas and work emanate from what inspires you, while the New Moon squaring Saturn in Virgo provides the motivation and discipline to achieve your intentions and get noticed by those who are in a position to reward a job well done. Mercury forming a stressful alignment to Pluto in Capricorn can help to purge all the excess mental and physical clutter. You could allow email, the internet, gossiping, TV etc. to consume your time or make working on your own agenda the top priority.
This contradictory combination of planetary energies has the potential to create nervous tension and aggressive behavior. Gemini rules the arms and hands, with a nervous need to constantly be in motion and multitasking. Too much of this scattered energy raises the potential to create accidents. Walking outside can release this excess tension and compulsion. Since Gemini rules the lungs, taking a moment to stop and take a few slow and concentrated breaths in and out can help restore balance and calm the body’s nervous and digestive systems.
The Gemini New Moon exactly conjoins the USA’s natal Mars in the sector of the USA chart representing partnerships/alliances which squares natal Neptune in Virgo in the sector of foreign relations. Mars rules aggressive behavior, weapons, and the military, and Neptune rules oil, beliefs, and illusions. As I have written, the USA has a history of aggressive behavior when it comes to things that Neptune rules such as oil.
The New Moon squares President Obama’s natal Mars in Virgo. Since the President’s Mars conjoins the USA’s natal Neptune, he can waste his energies trying to please the media by acting “furious” in front of the camera over the BP disaster, or he could manifest its highest energies by having BP work under the orders of the US military to stop the oil flow and clean up the mess.
As Commander-in-Chief, President Obama could order a stop to the wars abroad and bring the troops and equipment back home to work on the battle lines in the Gulf. The US cannot afford to wage war abroad when the black goo that the nation has been addicted to for decades is destroying our environment and our economy. The President must have the courage (Mars) to free the nation of its illusions by convincing the public to relinquish its addictions (Neptune) to oil. This means no more gas guzzling vehicles and energy hogging habits.
President Obama’s Mars in Virgo harmonizes with natal Saturn in its home sign Capricorn. On July 17, Mars will return to its natal position and harmonize with natal Saturn. At the same time, Mars and Saturn will conjoin the President’s progressed Sun in Virgo. Besides signing financial regulatory reform legislation, he will be under pressure to act to completely restructure and tighten safety requirements and regulations at the Interior Department and its MMS that have a history of intertwined corporate and government corruption that ran rampant during the Bush Administration and the Republicans chant to “drill baby drill.” The President will also need to act on the environmental fallout caused by all the chemical dispersants used by BP and the government that have made the disaster even more toxic to the health of the environment in the Gulf and the people who live and work there.
Major planetary transits and New or Full Moons aspecting the USA’s natal Mars/Neptune square have triggered major crises in the US. Jupiter in Pisces the ruler of oil and the sea was squaring the USA Mars and opposing the USA Neptune at the time of the Deepwater Horizon explosion, indicating that the oil being released from the well is much larger than continues to be reported and is likely to spread over great distances. The September 15, 2008 Pisces Full Moon triggered the financial tsunami on Wall St. after Lehman Brothers filed for bankruptcy. Now it is becoming likely that an oil crisis could trigger another Act in the financial crisis as the oil makes its way into the Gulfstream current and around to the U.S. East Coast.
The chart for the New Moon set for Washington DC describes what is happening in the USA. The New Moon in the sector representing behind the scenes activities could bring a lot of dirty laundry spilling out of the closet, from the Administration to the military, corporate interests (hospitals, drug companies, prisons, charities), and the Republican Party. Since this sector is naturally ruled by Neptune and Pisces, the issues center on oil, fraud, and other deceptive practices.
With Gemini/Mercury ruling this sector of the chart and squared by Mars in Virgo in the sector representing communications, the media could be in overdrive trying to stay on top of the fast moving developments. And media outlets will be criticizing other media outlets for failing to get all the details correct.
The Moon is the ruler of this chart and squares Saturn in Virgo located in the sector representing land and real estate values. Virgo rules the sector of this chart which conjoins the USA’s progressed Moon in Virgo and natal Neptune in Virgo; both square the USA Mars. These influences are likely to contract real estate values and sales. Neptune rules dreams, and it looks like the illusion of low mortgage rates subsidized by the government could begin to get covered in oil. The Moon represents the public and the USA’s progressed Moon conjoining natal Neptune and squaring Mars could finally start to destroy the long held propaganda known as the “American Dream.”
Venus in Cancer opposes the USA natal Pluto in Capricorn, conjoins the Federal Reserve’s natal Neptune and squares the NYSE’s natal Saturn in Aries and Neptune in Libra. Economic growth is likely to be slow and modest. The aggressive behind the scenes lobbying of Congress by the “independent” Fed is likely to become more exposed, along with the potential for scandal relating to actions taken during the financial crisis. Venus conjoining the Fed’s Neptune reflects asset price bubbles particularly in bonds and gold.
True to Gemini’s dualistic and contradictory nature, the New Moon cycle period of June 12 to July 10 is a mixed bag of indicators with the first part of the cycle looking stronger than the second half.
Planets in mutable signs such as Gemini and Virgo* indicate that it’s time to tie up loose ends, as one cycle is ending and a new one is about to begin. The June 21 Summer Solstice and the June 26 and July 11 eclipses will usher in a lineup of planets in cardinal (initiating) signs that will bring dynamic changes to our economic, governmental and societal structures. As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, the closer we get to the late July/early August timeframe, the greater the turmoil in financial markets. The planetary alignments this summer set up the possibility that the indices could even break through their early March 2009 lows.
Some of the areas of the world that could be more prominent in the news over the next two weeks due to severe weather conditions, increased geophysical and geopolitical activity are:
USA: Maine, New Hampshire, Cape Cod, eastern Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, Florida (potential that the oil spill migrates further into Florida), Dakotas, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas (esp Houston/Beaumont), Hawaiian islands (strong potential for earthquakes/volcanic eruptions).
World: Haiti and Dominican Republic, Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, Venezuela, Colombia, northwestern Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina. Greater potential for more volcanic eruptions in Iceland, especially around the time of the June 19 First Quarter Moon period, affecting travel in Ireland, the UK and northern Europe. Spain, Norway, Germany, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Yugoslavia, Albania, Greece. Central Africa from Libya to S. Africa. Eastern India, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, southeastern China, Koreas.
*Sagittarius and Pisces are the other mutable signs.
Related Posts: “The General, Economic and Geopolitical Influences of the March 20, 2010 Vernal Equinox”, “Saturn square Pluto 2009-2010: Time For Action!”
“The Waning Economic Cycle Of Jupiter Opposite Saturn: 2010-2011”
USA: July 4, 1776 5:10 PM Philadelphia, PA
WallStreetWeather.net Forecast For Week Of June 6, 2010
Due to the amount of planetary activity taking place this week, I am skipping the summary of last week’s influences.
Seismic shifts occur this week as three planets move into new signs and Jupiter conjoins Uranus for the first time since February 15, 1997. Jupiter and Uranus last conjoined in Uranus’ home sign Aquarius then which marked the first time the Dow closed above 7,000.
As the first sign of the zodiac, Aries represents the beginning of new initiatives and “firsts.” The Moon is our emotional barometer and the mood of the market. The Moon awakened from the slumber of Pisces and entered Aries early this morning, closely followed by Jupiter’s shift from Pisces into Aries. If you suddenly feel a burst of enthusiasm that you could meet just about any challenge head on if you put your mind to it, then you’ve awakened to the new energies.
With the Moon and Jupiter in Aries joining Uranus in Aries, the market may decide it’s time to plough full speed ahead into risk. However, Jupiter conjoining Uranus in Aries might expand the scope of risk to be investing in U.S. sovereign debt and the dollar trade. It’s all a matter of whatever Jupiter and Uranus thinks has become exaggerated and overblown that presents the potential for a reversal. With Jupiter and Uranus conjoined in Aries, risks could change in a nanosecond. Jupiter was last in Aries from February 1999 to February 2000, corresponding to the peak of the dot com bubble. The 1987 crash occurred during the prior transit of Jupiter in Aries. (More on Jupiter in Aries in a separate post.)
Aries is ruled by Mars, the planetary energy of action. The curtain closes on the long and drawn out drama of Mars in Leo that began October 16, 2009, as Mars moves into Virgo Monday until July 29. It’s time to give the calculators a workout to see if the numbers really add up.
Healthcare reform will become active again as HHS Secretary Sebelius has to get a move on and announce the new rules for the high risk pools that go into effect July 1. A groundswell of anger could erupt when people who are shut out of the individual insurance market realize they don’t qualify for the high risk pool unless they haven’t had insurance coverage for the last six months. And individuals who are already enrolled in the few state high risk pools that currently exist are already angry that they cannot switch to the new high risk pools which will have much cheaper premiums unless they go without health insurance for six months.
Mars in Virgo puts the focus on the armed services which will be front and center as Saturday’s New Moon conjoins the USA’s natal Mars in Gemini. People will more actively search for job opportunities now.
Jupiter exactly conjoins Uranus early Tuesday morning. Two events will occur that reflect these energies.
Jupiter represents things at a distance which have a global impact. Jupiter rules the Courts, Aries rules the actions of a single individual (particularly a male), and Uranus in Aries represents the actions of a rogue individual.
On Tuesday the three week trial begins in Paris against Jerome Kerviel, the former Societe Generale “rogue trader” who caused the biggest trading loss in the French bank’s history. Kerviel is charged with forgery, breach of trust and unauthorized computer use which if convicted carries a sentence of up to five years in prison and a fine of 375,000 euros. Saturn in Libra will square Kerviel’s natal Mars/Mercury conjunction in Capricorn and conjoin natal Pluto this autumn, marking a time when Kerviel could face the consequences for his actions.
With Saturn opposing the bank’s natal Neptune in Aries and Saturn returning to its natal position during the autumn, SocGen could face difficulties with the law and governmental authorities concerning its deception as well. With the June 12 New Moon conjoining natal Uranus in Gemini, Saturn in Virgo conjoining progressed Mercury, and the June 26 Capricorn Lunar Eclipse squaring progressed Sun in Libra, unexpected information will probably be revealed that further damages SocGen’s reputation.
As I wrote in a post on Societe Generale, Kerviel’s actions had a ripple effect across the Atlantic at the time that caused Bernanke to panic and confer an emergency meeting of the Fed who voted to drop interest rates 75 basis points to prevent a market selloff the following day in the U.S.
Jupiter conjoining Uranus in Aries represents new discoveries about our solar system and outer space that demonstrate the “as above, so below” principle. As the center of our solar system and the vital life force, the Sun represents self-identity. Since the Sun rules speculation, what’s happening on the Sun can influence market behavior.
The confidence and creativity of the Sun synergizes well with the courage and boldness of Aries to birth new initiatives. On Tuesday NASA’s Space Weather Enterprise Forum will hold a meeting at the National Press Club to discuss how an expected increase in solar activity necessitates the urgency for better space weather forecasting at a time when the world has become totally dependent on technology. The National Academy of Sciences warned in a report two years ago that a intense solar storm could cause twenty times more economic damage than Hurricane Katrina.
As Richard Fisher, the head of NASA’s Heliophysics Division states: "I believe we're on the threshold of a new era in which space weather can be as influential in our daily lives as ordinary terrestrial weather." By accurately predicting when a solar storm could have an adverse impact on Earth’s communications and power systems, preparations could be made to put satellites in 'safe mode' and disconnect transformers to protect them from damaging electrical surges.
The Moon shifts into Venus-ruled Taurus late Wednesday morning until early Thursday evening, putting the focus on the financial sector and valuations. With Mercury in Taurus squaring Neptune in Aquarius Wednesday, information could be confusing or misleading. Reports of fraudulent activity could surface.
Mercury the planetary energy of communication, commerce, and trading currencies, has been in Taurus since April 2 and now moves into its home sign Gemini Thursday until June 25. Mercury forming favorable aspects to Uranus and Jupiter could generate a lot of buzz about the next big thing in tech.
News events could unfold rapidly Friday with the Moon in Gemini and Mercury squaring Mars. There’s a tendency for fast talking, fast driving, and being quick to criticize which can cause tempers to flare.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Strong aspects between Mars, Jupiter and Uranus can bring large market moves in either or both directions, but I think these influences could reverse to positive.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Strongest in the morning and weakens as the day progresses; closes negative.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Positive.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Positive trend bias.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Choppy/mixed to moderately positive.
Seismic shifts occur this week as three planets move into new signs and Jupiter conjoins Uranus for the first time since February 15, 1997. Jupiter and Uranus last conjoined in Uranus’ home sign Aquarius then which marked the first time the Dow closed above 7,000.
As the first sign of the zodiac, Aries represents the beginning of new initiatives and “firsts.” The Moon is our emotional barometer and the mood of the market. The Moon awakened from the slumber of Pisces and entered Aries early this morning, closely followed by Jupiter’s shift from Pisces into Aries. If you suddenly feel a burst of enthusiasm that you could meet just about any challenge head on if you put your mind to it, then you’ve awakened to the new energies.
With the Moon and Jupiter in Aries joining Uranus in Aries, the market may decide it’s time to plough full speed ahead into risk. However, Jupiter conjoining Uranus in Aries might expand the scope of risk to be investing in U.S. sovereign debt and the dollar trade. It’s all a matter of whatever Jupiter and Uranus thinks has become exaggerated and overblown that presents the potential for a reversal. With Jupiter and Uranus conjoined in Aries, risks could change in a nanosecond. Jupiter was last in Aries from February 1999 to February 2000, corresponding to the peak of the dot com bubble. The 1987 crash occurred during the prior transit of Jupiter in Aries. (More on Jupiter in Aries in a separate post.)
Aries is ruled by Mars, the planetary energy of action. The curtain closes on the long and drawn out drama of Mars in Leo that began October 16, 2009, as Mars moves into Virgo Monday until July 29. It’s time to give the calculators a workout to see if the numbers really add up.
Healthcare reform will become active again as HHS Secretary Sebelius has to get a move on and announce the new rules for the high risk pools that go into effect July 1. A groundswell of anger could erupt when people who are shut out of the individual insurance market realize they don’t qualify for the high risk pool unless they haven’t had insurance coverage for the last six months. And individuals who are already enrolled in the few state high risk pools that currently exist are already angry that they cannot switch to the new high risk pools which will have much cheaper premiums unless they go without health insurance for six months.
Mars in Virgo puts the focus on the armed services which will be front and center as Saturday’s New Moon conjoins the USA’s natal Mars in Gemini. People will more actively search for job opportunities now.
Jupiter exactly conjoins Uranus early Tuesday morning. Two events will occur that reflect these energies.
Jupiter represents things at a distance which have a global impact. Jupiter rules the Courts, Aries rules the actions of a single individual (particularly a male), and Uranus in Aries represents the actions of a rogue individual.
On Tuesday the three week trial begins in Paris against Jerome Kerviel, the former Societe Generale “rogue trader” who caused the biggest trading loss in the French bank’s history. Kerviel is charged with forgery, breach of trust and unauthorized computer use which if convicted carries a sentence of up to five years in prison and a fine of 375,000 euros. Saturn in Libra will square Kerviel’s natal Mars/Mercury conjunction in Capricorn and conjoin natal Pluto this autumn, marking a time when Kerviel could face the consequences for his actions.
With Saturn opposing the bank’s natal Neptune in Aries and Saturn returning to its natal position during the autumn, SocGen could face difficulties with the law and governmental authorities concerning its deception as well. With the June 12 New Moon conjoining natal Uranus in Gemini, Saturn in Virgo conjoining progressed Mercury, and the June 26 Capricorn Lunar Eclipse squaring progressed Sun in Libra, unexpected information will probably be revealed that further damages SocGen’s reputation.
As I wrote in a post on Societe Generale, Kerviel’s actions had a ripple effect across the Atlantic at the time that caused Bernanke to panic and confer an emergency meeting of the Fed who voted to drop interest rates 75 basis points to prevent a market selloff the following day in the U.S.
Jupiter conjoining Uranus in Aries represents new discoveries about our solar system and outer space that demonstrate the “as above, so below” principle. As the center of our solar system and the vital life force, the Sun represents self-identity. Since the Sun rules speculation, what’s happening on the Sun can influence market behavior.
The confidence and creativity of the Sun synergizes well with the courage and boldness of Aries to birth new initiatives. On Tuesday NASA’s Space Weather Enterprise Forum will hold a meeting at the National Press Club to discuss how an expected increase in solar activity necessitates the urgency for better space weather forecasting at a time when the world has become totally dependent on technology. The National Academy of Sciences warned in a report two years ago that a intense solar storm could cause twenty times more economic damage than Hurricane Katrina.
As Richard Fisher, the head of NASA’s Heliophysics Division states: "I believe we're on the threshold of a new era in which space weather can be as influential in our daily lives as ordinary terrestrial weather." By accurately predicting when a solar storm could have an adverse impact on Earth’s communications and power systems, preparations could be made to put satellites in 'safe mode' and disconnect transformers to protect them from damaging electrical surges.
The Moon shifts into Venus-ruled Taurus late Wednesday morning until early Thursday evening, putting the focus on the financial sector and valuations. With Mercury in Taurus squaring Neptune in Aquarius Wednesday, information could be confusing or misleading. Reports of fraudulent activity could surface.
Mercury the planetary energy of communication, commerce, and trading currencies, has been in Taurus since April 2 and now moves into its home sign Gemini Thursday until June 25. Mercury forming favorable aspects to Uranus and Jupiter could generate a lot of buzz about the next big thing in tech.
News events could unfold rapidly Friday with the Moon in Gemini and Mercury squaring Mars. There’s a tendency for fast talking, fast driving, and being quick to criticize which can cause tempers to flare.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Strong aspects between Mars, Jupiter and Uranus can bring large market moves in either or both directions, but I think these influences could reverse to positive.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Strongest in the morning and weakens as the day progresses; closes negative.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Positive.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Positive trend bias.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Choppy/mixed to moderately positive.
Uranus in Aries: The Race To Enlightenment
Published by WallStreetWeather.net
As the only planet that orbits the Sun sideways, Uranus is the rebel of the solar system. Twelve days before Uranus was discovered on March 13, 1781, the Articles of Confederation were ratified that officially established the United States of America. Sir William Hershel’s discovery symbolized that America was about to win the War of Independence which sparked revolutions in other parts of the world.Mythology and Meaning:
Astronomers named the revolutionary planet Uranus which is the Latin name for the Greek Ouranos, the god of the starry sky and father of Saturn. Discovered during the Age of Enlightenment, the shocks and upheavals of Uranus can lead us to break free from what philosopher Immanuel Kant described as “man's emergence from his self-imposed immaturity” due to “a lack of courage to use your own understanding.”(1)
Kant’s “Sapere Aude!” (“Dare to Know!”) combines the energies of individualistic and freedom loving Uranus with Aries, the first sign of the zodiac and the first sign in the fire element. Even the glyphs representing Uranus resonate to Uranus in Aries. Aries is ruled by Mars. The astronomical glyph for Uranus combines the symbol for the Sun with the lance of Mars, as the self-identity and creativity of the Sun synergizes with the courage and boldness of Aries to birth new initiatives. Aries and Mars rule the head and brain, reflecting the astrological glyph for Uranus is ready to dive head first into new ideas and trends that shake up the world below.
Fire represents the act of creation which sparks the light within that awakens our consciousness. Uranus in Aries reflects that the true mythology and meaning of this planet is really represented by Prometheus.
As described by philosophy professor Richard Tarnas in his book Prometheus the Awakener, the behavior of the mythological Uranus is completely at odds with the energies of the planet Uranus. Uranus was so resistant to change he was overthrown by his own children which included Saturn, the planetary energy that is fearful of change and supportive of the status quo! Prometheus rebelled against the gods, stealing fire from Mt. Olympus to liberate humanity from the power the gods held over the world. Humanity can dare to know and express the highest manifestation of Uranus in Aries, or engage in fearful and aggressive behavior that only helps to further entrench the worst elements of the status quo.
Uranus entered Aries on May 27, the day of the Sagittarius Full Moon and will remain in Aries until August 13 when Uranus returns to Pisces. Uranus will move back into Aries on March 11, 2011 until March 6, 2019.(2)
Trends and Technologies:
As the first planet to be discovered through a telescope, Uranus represents scientific discoveries and technological innovation. Uranus rules lightning, symbolizing the flash of insight that sparks the next great invention. Electricity, computers, and all types of electronic devices are ruled by Uranus. As the ruler of the starry sky, Uranus rules satellites, air and space travel.
Uranus is futuristic, and fast moving Aries wants things done in a flash. Uranus in Aries wants the promise of tomorrow today. There is likely to be a lot of new and exciting inventions and innovations during the next several years, the downside being that some of these inventions could have detrimental effects from not being thoroughly tested.
Uranus rules cyberspace and Aries and Mars rule war and the military. The Pentagon recognizes that cyberwarfare is the new battlefront and is establishing the U.S. Cyber Command led by a four star general and integrated into strategic command. Gen. Keith Alexander is already endorsing talks with Russia on a “cyber weapons” control policy.
Since Aries/Mars is a very physical energy, new attacks and conflicts are likely to arise in the most unexpected places that include space. Developments in flight, space telescopes, and space exploration should accelerate while Uranus is in pioneering Aries.
With Uranus in Aries, studying what the military is experimenting with today provides insight into the trends of tomorrow in energy, engineering, medical treatments, and space exploration. Some of the general trends that could be fully developed under Uranus in Aries are electric powered vehicles that when away from home get fully recharged while at the movies or shopping at the mall. This will happen when batteries shift from lithium ion to nanowire batteries. Nanowire batteries will be incorporated into all electronic devices and household appliances, supporting off peak purchasing of electricity by consumers. Battery backup will help support businesses and residences from the affects of protracted power outages.
Aries/Mars rule heat and the physical body. More devices will be created that can translate physical exertion into useable energy which can have a side benefit of helping to reduce the obesity epidemic. Nokia (NOK) has just released a charger that attaches to a bicycle’s handlebars that can recharge a mobile phone depending on how far and how fast you cycle. Nanowires will eventually be worn on the body to generate electricity, so the more you move, the greater the charge you can generate to power your electronic devices!
Mars and Aries rule inflammation which can occur in the body due to anger/fear, consuming processed foods, and inactivity. Inflammation weakens the immune system which can lead to arthritis, diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular dis-ease. Scientists will likely discover exactly what triggers the inflammatory response and initiate treatments that go against the grain of many current medical protocols.
During Uranus in Aries, great strides will be made in harnessing the ability of the body and mind to heal itself. There will be great breakthroughs in regenerative medicine, particularly between 2012 and 2015 when Uranus in Aries squares Pluto in Capricorn. Since Uranus rules the circulatory system and the blood, the need for donated blood could eventually become obsolete.
New techniques will be developed for treating strokes and people with epilepsy as science makes great strides in understanding brain function. Uranus in Aries should bring new techniques to treat burn victims and regenerate damaged skin tissue.
Neuromarketing (analyzing the response of people’s brainwaves) could come into the forefront during Uranus in Aries as all types of companies discover what triggers an emotional reaction that motivates consumers to purchase their product or service. Since thoughts travel faster than light, what you think is the most powerful energy of all and should be treated accordingly.
The shift from Uranus in Pisces to Aries will move the technological focus from being preoccupied with entertainment gadgets to more practical devices that can help people accomplish mundane tasks faster and easier. The use of robotic technology will greatly increase and we might finally have full size “humanoid” robots that can help with tasks and are specially programmed to assist the elderly and disabled.
Uranus in Aries brings unexpected events that necessitate immediate action. Engineers will be in demand as the combination of natural and manmade disasters will force long neglected and decayed infrastructures to be rebuilt.
Outsourcing manufacturing to China and other far flung countries will cease to be profitable as consumers will demand products that are unique and customized to their individual tastes and they will want them NOW! Being able to deliver goods on demand will become crucial and the only way to do that will be to move production back to North America. In order to stay competitive, companies will have to offer products and services that are unique and far more customized to individual needs and tastes. Businesses must be quick and nimble as the impulsive nature of Uranus in Aries quickly moves to a competitor.
Economic Cycles:
Uranus takes about 84 years to make a complete cycle around the Sun. Reflecting that Uranus is the planetary energy of extremes, one Uranus cycle encompasses 3 Saturn and 7 Jupiter cycles, incorporating the opposing energies of growth and bullishness (Jupiter) vs. contraction and pessimism (Saturn).
Uranus was last in Aries from March 31, 1927 to March 27, 1935.(3) Stocks and real estate soared during the Roaring Twenties only to crash and burn in the Great Depression that followed. The California gold rush occurred during the previous cycle of Uranus in Aries. (California became a state during the end of that cycle as Uranus conjoined Pluto in Aries; this is why the golden state leads the nation in the latest trends and technologies.)
Uranus takes the energy of any planet it interacts with to the extreme and often coincides with market reversals. Jupiter last conjoined Uranus in Aries from mid 1927 to early 1928. Jupiter conjoining Uranus at zero degrees Aries on June 8 could unexpectedly increase investors’ appetite for risk which could briefly propel the stock market to new 2010 highs before moving on to new lows.(4) Volatility could break all records this summer as sharp and sudden spikes in either direction quickly break through support and resistance levels which could make the May 6 “flash crash” look like a market running in slow mo.
For the first time since the Great Depression Uranus, Jupiter, Saturn, and Pluto will be forming challenging alignments to one another in cardinal (initiating) signs. The planetary alignments over the next three months are even more potent this time around as they occur in the early degrees of cardinal signs, reflecting rapidly unfolding events that reverberate around the globe. What took a few years to unfold from 1927 through the early 1930s is largely condensed into the space of a few months. Jupiter conjoining Uranus represented the excess that precipitated the 1929 crash and subsequent depression. Jupiter conjoining Uranus now not only represents the excesses that led to the current financial crisis but also the economic and political excesses in response to the crisis.
Jupiter inflates and Uranus brings unexpected spikes. Jupiter and Uranus in fiery Aries can bring sharp and unexpected spikes in inflation and inflation expectations. Ben Bernanke likes to talk about the Federal Reserve’s “unconventional” policies and tools used to prevent another Great Depression. The Fed has kept interest rates at the record breaking level of nearly zero for a record breaking 18 months, recreating asset inflation in Treasuries and commodities especially gold.
Treasuries and Fannie (FNM) and Freddie (FRE) debt are risk weighted at zero, yet underlying market forces are moving forward to a dividend based rather than growth based structure. When you have a “good as gold” dividend such as Intel’s (INTC) at 3%, current Treasury yields clearly are unsustainable. The excesses in the government and agency credit markets will lead to the explosion of the unprecedented bond bubble later this summer. Interest rates will rise in spite of the Fed.
The mythological energies of Uranus and Prometheus will be fully evident when Saturn in Libra opposes Uranus July 26. The push/pull between the status quo vs. the call to reform government and corporate structures began on Election Day 2008 and finished its cycle of Saturn in Virgo opposing Uranus in Pisces on April 26 when the indices made fresh 2010 highs. Virgo and Pisces represent the end of a cycle and the need to clean things up on all levels, but most of this cycle has been spent acting like deer staring at headlights. What has become totally out of balance is in our face now requiring swift and decisive action.
Planetary fireworks will erupt this year as Uranus stations retrograde(5) during the Independence Day holiday at the time of the last Quarter Moon in Aries which squares the USA’s Sun in Cancer and opposes natal Saturn in Libra. This is preceded by the June 26 Lunar Eclipse that conjoins Pluto in Capricorn that opposes the USA’s Venus and Jupiter in Cancer.
Pluto the planetary energy of transformation was discovered in 1930, and it was during the early 1930s that Uranus in Aries squared Pluto in Cancer. The economy was transformed through new initiatives from FDR’s New Deal to the creation of the FDIC, SEC, and the Glass-Steagall Act that separated commercial and investment banking. Now as Uranus approaches an exact square to Pluto in the opposite sign Capricorn between 2012 and 2015, new laws and regulations will once again transform the financial and economic landscape.
Pluto in Capricorn represents sovereign debt. The challenging alignments of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Pluto are and will be profoundly affecting the USA chart. Venus conjoining Jupiter in Cancer reflects that the issue for the US is not the ability to repay its creditors because we can always expand our money supply. Right now the market is confident that we can sustain the value of our own currency, so fear (Saturn) of risk (Jupiter) has increased the strength of the dollar. Just like the credit contagion spread from one bank to another, two years later we are likely to see that the US is not immune either. And since Pluto rules loans and Venus rules the banking system, these planetary alignments will demonstrate that the financial crisis has not finished with Wall Street yet.
Uranus in Aries is a wakeup call for revolutionary change within each individual which in turn will transform economic and societal structures that will be forced to shift from the good of corporate and special interests to the good of the nation.
The planetary influences I have described raise the potential to create even more conflict, disasters, and crises in the world than we have already experienced. We can choose to use the energies of Uranus in Aries to implement new solutions to solve old problems or we can pile on more problems by continuing to try to solve old problems with old solutions in order to try to escape the pain (Uranus in Pisces). Delay is not possible with Uranus in Aries; we must confront the problems head on. But the challenges will be offset by the new enthusiasm for using Prometheus’ gift of fire to create new technologies and new ways of doing things that can improve the quality of our lives. This is the new and exciting adventure of Uranus in Aries.
1. ”An Answer to the Question: What Is Enlightenment?” by Immanuel Kant, September 30, 1784. I recommend reading Kant’s essay (click above link) as Saturn was opposing Uranus at the time. (Saturn was in Capricorn and Uranus was in Cancer.)
2. Uranus will be in Taurus from May 15 to November 6, 2018.
3. Except for November 4, 1927 to January 13, 1928 when Uranus was in Pisces, and June 6 – October 10, 1934 when Uranus was in Taurus.
4. Keep in mind the influence of these planetary alignments extend beyond the day the planets are exactly aligned. Jupiter in Pisces will conjoin Uranus again on September 18 and January 4, 2011.
5. When a planet from Earth’s vantage point appears to be stationary in the sky and change direction, its energies are more pronounced. Uranus turning retrograde brings our attention inward. There is an elevated potential for violent thunderstorms, earthquakes/volcanic eruptions, and atmospheric disturbances. Unexpected and “freaky” incidents, explosions, data feed problems, system breakdowns, and power outages could occur around July 3-5, 2010.
Prometheus the Awakener: An Essay on the Archetypal Meaning of the Planet Uranus by Richard Tarnas (Spring Publications, 1995)
Uranus Discovered: March 13, 1781 at 10:12 PM Bath, England. (Born November 15, 1738 in Hanover, William Hershel was born with Saturn opposite Uranus. He died August 25, 1822 in Slough, England during his Uranus return.)
California enters the Union: September 9, 1850
USA: July 4, 1776 5:10 PM Philadelphia, PA
Related Post: “Saturn square Pluto 2009-2010: Time For Action!”
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