Saturn-Ketu revisited; Fed meeting on Wednesday

(29 July 2019) As the Federal Reserve prepares to meet Wednesday, the US stock market continues to defy gravity with the indexes at all-time highs.   It's a perfect storm for investors as corporate earnings are generally strong, money is pouring in from abroad, and now the Fed is widely expected to cut rates to make credit even cheaper. 

The "insurance rate cut" of either 25 or 50 basis points may have an immediately calming effect on markets, but by cutting now the Fed is gambling that lower rates can prevent a recession. If it's wrong and we end up in recession anyway, then there will be fewer tools left to kick start the economy.   That would increase the risk that this massive $244 Trillion global debt bubble may finally burst through depression, hyperinflation or war.   But everything is coming up roses for now as the promise of lower rates has lit a fire under stocks. 

In the early spring, I thought the market would be vulnerable to deeper declines in 2019, especially during the summer.  One key reason for my concern was the conjunction of Saturn and Ketu (South Lunar Node).  These are two natural malefics which do not combine well and can signal major declines and even bear markets.  This conjunction occurs every 12 years or so and while they do not always correlate with declines, bearish outcomes occurred more frequently than chance would predict such as in 1939, 1962, 1973 and 2007. 

I also thought that the Saturn-Ketu conjunction of 2019 would be more likely to evolve along bearish lines because it included a Saturn retrograde period which saw the conjunction last for several months rather than the usual couple of weeks.  The Saturn-Ketu conjunction is still ongoing and will become exact in September when Saturn concludes its retrograde cycle and stations direct.

Aside from a pullback through the month of May, US and Europe stocks have powered higher.  While Indian and Chinese stocks have declined during this time of the Saturn-Ketu conjunction, the overall effect has been much more positive than expected.  One possible explanation is the presence of Jupiter in the alignment which has been almost exactly 30 degrees away from Saturn and Ketu for the past several weeks.  As we know, alignments in multiples of 30 degrees can induce a resonant quality between planets which modulate their effects, for better or worse.  Jupiter is a bullish planet, of course, so its ongoing influence on Saturn and Ketu may have mitigated some potential downside.

While this 2019 conjunction may well end up being rather benign and even bullish like the ones in 1985 and 1997, we should note that there are still two full months to go for this bearish conjunction so we cannot rule out the possibility of some troubles in the market.  Moreover, we should note that the previous bull market peaked in October 2007 just as Saturn conjoined Ketu.  Over the next 18 months, stocks would fall 45% in the Great Recession.  So that is an alternate scenario to consider: the Saturn-Ketu conjunction in September may only mark the start of the decline.  


Weekly Market Forecast

Our more immediate concern is the Fed meeting on Wednesday.  The short term influences are decidedly mixed this week and do not preclude any outcome.  The Moon-Venus-Uranus-Chiron alignment on Wednesday suggests a positive reaction to the Fed and yet the Mars-Neptune alignment looks more problematic.  It is possible these two factors may offset each other and produce something of a wash.  And yet the Mars-Neptune alignment will be past exact by Wednesday so therefore possibly less powerful.  For this reason, a bullish outcome looks a bit more likely this week. 

For a more detailed analysis of the markets, please check out my weekly subscriber newsletter which is published every Saturday afternoon (EST).   I outline the key technical and planetary influences for US and Indian stocks for the short and medium term, as well as currencies, gold and oil.

It's Mueller time again; stocks pull back on Fed uncertainty

(22 July 2019) It's Mueller time once again.  Former FBI Director and Special Counsel Robert Mueller is due to testify to Congress on Wednesday.   Mueller will respond to lawmakers questions in the Justice and Intelligence Committees regarding his investigation of Russia's involvement in the US 2016 election.

This will be Mueller's first full public appearance since delivering his report back in April.  His report concluded that Russians did interfere with the elections but he took a more nuanced view of Trump's role.   While no bombshells were forthcoming, he did not exonerate the Trump campaign from illegality in deference to the constitution which holds that sitting presidents cannot be indicted. 

Mueller's testimony will likely determine if impeachment will go forward.  With time running out before the primary season begins in February 2020, the pro-impeachment Democrats are now up against it.   So what can we expect from Mueller's testimony on Wednesday?

First off, Robert Mueller's horoscope suggests he has a good chance to come out of this process with his reputation intact.  Transiting Mars (action, energy) will be conjunct his Sun (self, ego) just as Jupiter prepares to station direct while in close favourable alignment with his natal Sun.  The Mars-Sun pairing denotes intense events, while the Jupiter influence usually provides a protective effect.  Mueller may be under considerable pressure here, but Jupiter ensures that he will likely remain in high esteem by the American public regardless of what happens. 

However, there are also hints of possible conflict and negative consequences for Mueller.  There are two potential problems.  Mercury and Venus will be conjunct his natal Rahu.  On one hand, this likely reflects the huge importance of his testimony to the country.  Rahu acts as a magnifier in that respect and Venus tends to produce more positive outcomes.  Mercury's role in this pattern is more equivocal, however.  Mercury-Rahu alignments are typical of confusing situations that can undermine outcomes for the individual.  Let's call this interesting but not decisive. 

The second problematic alignment concerns the Saturn-Ketu conjunction at 21-22 Sagittarius with natal Mars at 23 Leo.  This pattern strongly suggests conflict and frustration and may represent some difficult implications of his testimony.  Since this aspect is past exact, we should consider the possibility that some of this frustration may have manifested already, perhaps as a result of private White House directives to Mueller himself about what he can and cannot say.  Nonetheless, there is some potential for conflict this week even if I'm not convinced anything too dramatic will happen in the Committee hearings. 

So while the planets for Mueller's testimony looks appropriately intense, I'm less convinced there will be any immediate damage for Trump.   The Mercury-Venus conjunction occurs atop Trump's Venus which typically signifies positive events, for example.  However, there is an elevated risk of some political damage to President Donald Trump in the days following the testimony.   There are a couple of things worth noting.

If we look at the 2017 inauguration horoscope, we can see that Mars will conjoin the equal 4th house cusp this week at 20 Cancer.  This is an unsettling influence on the nation as a whole, as the presidency in particular.   This increases the chances that Mueller's testimony will be politically important and quite possibly disruptive of the status quo.  The Mercury-Venus conjunction at 1-2 degrees of Cancer will hit the IC (unequal 4th house cusp).  I would not interpret this as inherently positive or negative but rather see it as underscoring the importance of the testimony for the current administration. Located at the bottom of the chart, the IC has a slightly negative energy, however, so that may also increase the chances of new problems arising as a result of the testimony.

This summer's ongoing Saturn-Ketu conjunction is still conjunct natal Pluto and forms a very close 60-degree/3rd house aspect to the natal Venus in the inauguration.  This is one very key reason why the US has been riven with such acrimony over the immigration crisis and more recently with Trump's racist pronouncements against some minority Democratic congresswomen.  Both Saturn and Ketu are malefic planets which damage national well-being while happiness as represented by Venus.  The Pluto influence serves to amplify this effect, and introduces the role of power and coercion into the mix.  Overall, it is a nasty brew of influences that reflects the increasing political polarization of the US. 

Looking ahead a few days, we can see that Mercury is due to station direct at 29 Gemini on July 31.  This looks particularly difficult since it will align with Mars (0 Pisces) and Saturn (29 Scorpio).  While it is possible this could reflect a negative market reaction to the Fed meeting that day(!), there is also the possibility of fallout from the Mueller testimony with this station. 

Moreover, we should pay close attention to the fact that the Mercury station will conjoin Donald Trump's Saturn at 0 Cancer.  Mercury-Saturn alignments tend to equate to "bad news".  Therefore, we cannot rule out the start of impeachment proceedings with this pattern, although it may well be something less earth-shaking.  The Mars alignment to Trump's Moon-Ketu in the first days of August is another warning sign of uncontrollable anger and frustration for the US president. 


Weekly Market Forecast

Global stocks have generally retreated over the past week following last Tuesday's lunar eclipse.  I had thought that the lunar eclipse would be bearish for stocks and so we did see markets sell-off in the US, Europe and Asia.  After comments from various Fed members, there is now some uncertainty about what the Federal Reserve may do in its next meeting on July 31.   CME probability puts the odds of a rate cut at 100% although the more likely scenario is only a 25 point cut versus a 50 point cut. 

This week is a mixed bag.  We got some upside in the Monday US trading session as Venus prepares to enter sidereal Cancer.  However, I would be skeptical about any gains this week as Mars aligns with Jupiter, Saturn and Ketu after Tuesday.  The Mars influence raises downside generally risk this week, especially from Wednesday to Friday.

For a more detailed analysis of the markets, please check out my weekly subscriber newsletter which is published every Saturday afternoon (EST).   I outline the key technical and planetary influences for US and Indian stocks for the short and medium term, as well as currencies, gold and oil.

Trump's racist tweetstorm unifies Democrats; US stocks at record highs

(15 July 2019) How low can Trump go?  After this past weekend's racist tweets against four minority Democratic congresswomen, it seems there is no floor.  Was there ever?  Previous dog-whistles to his white nationalist base may now be evolving into out-and-out racism as Trump looks for new ways to divide the country (and the Democratic party) and provoke chaos ahead of next year's election.  It may well be his only hope.

Trump's target was the Squad -- a group of four left-wing Democrats led by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez who have strongly criticized Trump for his immigration policy and treatment of refugee claimants on the southern border.  Last week AOC, as she is known, delivered passionate testimony of the terrible conditions facing asylum-seekers in Texas border detention camps.   Just 29 years old and elected to Congress last year, she has become the face of the left progressive wing of the Democrats. 

Like Trump, she is a polarizing figure.  She has become a charismatic celebrity in liberal circles as her youthful energy has captivated many party members who view the leadership as out of touch and in need of renewal.  By contrast, the right wing mocks and vilifies her at every opportunity, much as they did with Hillary Clinton. 

Ocasio-Cortez's horoscope shows her to be a very gifted communicator.  She was born with Mercury in its own sign of Virgo in the 11th house (=gains through speech) alongside a very forceful conjunction of the Sun and Mars.  AOC's strong 11th house is a key source of her good fortune and career success at such a young age.  Her Mercury is further enhanced through its close opposition with the Pisces Moon (=compassion, empathy) and the square with Uranus.  The Moon-Mercury is a very strong alignment for sharing her vision with the world and the Uranus contact amplifies this further.  To be sure, the Mercury-Moon-Uranus T-square has a downside: the risk of unpredictability and lack of consistency.  She enjoys innovative ideas and solutions but may become bored with people or issues after a while.  She may also be prone to change her mind quickly and thoughtlessly. 

There have been hints of this destabilizing Uranian effect already as she sometimes seems overly earnest, naive and emotional when confronted with facts or with other ways of looking at the problem.  The ongoing tension with the more deliberate House Speaker, Nancy Pelosi, is emblematic of AOC's preference for innovation and novelty.   AOC also enjoys her unconventional ways through the aspect between Rahu (North Lunar Node) and the Sun-Mars.  Whenever Rahu or Ketu is associated with the Sun or the Moon, the person tends prefers to go their own way and not toe the company line.  She is very much a trailblazer.

As a photogenic and media-savvy politician, it is helpful that she has Venus rising in Scorpio.  Venus so positioned in the 1st house lends attractiveness and charm which usually benefits the individual throughout their lives.

It is also possible to see Ocasio-Cortez as a mirror image of Trump.  Both are disruptors of their respective party's status quo.  Trump has transformed the GOP from a globalist, pro-free market party into a anti-free trade, white nationalist party.  AOC wants to take the Democrats further to the left towards a more Western European balance of capitalism and socialism where the rich are taxed more highly and the poor are better protected by a safety net.

We can see some intriguing overlaps in their horoscopes.  AOC's lunar nodes align exactly with Trump's Sun-Moon opposition.  Her nodal placements identify her as his interrupter, much as an eclipse dims the light of the Sun or transforms the appearance of the Moon.  She has the capacity to block or distort (Rahu) his fundamental energy (Sun, Moon) through her ideas and tactics.  The Lunar Nodes and the Lights (Sun, Moon) are antithetical to each other in a fundamental way.  The Rahuvian influence suggests AOC seeks to undermine the Trump's power through unconventional or surprising means.  

And yet there are some apparently positive connections between their charts.  Her Jupiter (16 Gemini) is exactly conjunct his Mercury (15 Gemini) while her Saturn (14 Sagittarius) is in opposition.  They somehow can benefit each other, as if playing off each other like professional wrestlers or even musicians.  While politics may not be cynically reduced to entertainment, I do see them as opposing forces in some larger Marxist-Hegelian dialectical morality play.  Thesis-antithesis-synthesis.   Just as Bush begat Obama, and Obama begat Trump, it seems that Trump's extremism has laid the foundation for far-left Democrats like Ocasio-Cortez.  Their mutual antagonism produces conflict but this can allow both to flourish in the political arena by leading their respective sides.  In some sense, they may actually need each other.  Like an angry talk-show host, Trumps needs conflict to survive politically and AOC provides that in abundance.  Similarly, AOC also needs a status quo establishment power holder to fight against in order to further her ambitions. 

Another compelling contact occurs through her Sun and Mars which are conjunct his Jupiter.  That is an alignment of mutual understanding and constructive alliance.  This is not to say that they will cooperate in future (!), but that they somehow can understand each other, at least in some basic existential sense.

AOC is enjoying some of the spotlight here as Jupiter will soon station on her Scorpio Ascendant.  This should create more positive outcomes for her generally.  The Jupiter influence is giving her a much-needed break from the difficult Saturn square to her Sun and Mars this past spring when her Green New Deal failed to gain any traction among the Democratic leadership.  Let's see how long Jupiter can remain her ally against the negative effects of that ongoing Saturn square.


Weekly Market Forecast

US stocks are still flying high this week on the promise of lower interest rates from a pliant Federal Reserve.  While other markets are showing more signs of flagging (e.g India, Germany, China), the US large cap market is the best of the bunch as capital is still flowing into USA.  As many other economies are showing more obvious signs of slowing, if not recession, the US is proving to be more resilient for now. 

I thought we might have seen more downside last week given the Mars-Mercury conjunction and the Mercury retrograde cycle.  Some of the aforementioned global markets were down but the US shrugged off concerns and powered higher. 

This week there is the potential for some uncertainty to rise around the lunar eclipse tomorrow (Tuesday evening EDT).  Eclipses aren't always bad news for markets but this one has the added feature of taking place just one degree from the south Saturn Node at 29 Sagittarius (sidereal).  I wouldn't forecast the end of the world here, but there is a deductively plausible case for some downside that merits watching, especially on Wednesday.  The US market is setting records so it's hard to be too bearish, and yet the planets are still not giving an 'all-clear' signal.  That suggests some problems may lie ahead this summer.

For a more detailed analysis of the markets, please check out my weekly subscriber newsletter which is published every Saturday afternoon (EST).   I outline the key technical and planetary influences for US and Indian stocks for the short and medium term, as well as currencies, gold and oil.

Will Trump be re-elected in 2020? (First in a series)

(8 July 2019) The presidency of Donald Trump has been the most controversial and divisive in decades.  Trump's radical nationalist agenda is a clear break from the more outward-looking stance of previous US administrations.  His aggressive and unpredictable tendencies have created havoc on the world scene as allies have largely rejected his transactional approach to diplomacy and trade.  His presidency is historically unpopular as his support has never cracked the 50% level and now in Year 3 remains stuck in the mid to lower 40s. 

And yet with his GOP base seemingly as loyal to him as ever, there is still a decent chance that he could be re-elected in November 2020.  So what do the stars say?

Since we are still sixteen months away from the election, I wanted to address this question in a comprehensive way over a series of posts.  There are many charts we can examine to gain a fuller understanding of the election outcome.  Trump's horoscope is, of course, pivotal in this respect.  And yet while Trump's chart should be decisive in terms of evidence, we must acknowledge the fact that sometime charts are not easy to read.  They can present mixed indications or otherwise lack the tell-tale signs of a win or loss. 

Therefore, it is often necessary to obtain confirmation from other charts.  In this respect, the Democratic challenger's horoscope -- whoever it turns out to be --  will also be helpful in determining if Trump can win again.  The horoscopes of the Vice-Presidential candidates can also consulted since the winner will likely have a more active and productive chart on election night.  Even the horoscopes of the two parties can provide clues about election outcomes. 

To begin this series, I thought I would initially focus on the chart of the USA.  The national chart can provide important information about election outcomes through a focus on government significators such as the Sun and the 10th house.  I have found that whenever the Sun and the 10th house (and its sign ruler) are well-aspected, the incumbent party is returned to power.  This was most recently the case in May with with the re-election of India's Narendra Modi as transiting Jupiter closely aspected the Sun in the Indian national horoscope. 

In 2016, we can see why incumbent Democrats were at risk of losing power.  Pluto (21 Sagittarius) was exactly opposite the Sun (22 Gemini) while Saturn (21 Scorpio) was exactly quincunx (150 degrees) from the Sun.  That is a double-barreled dose of affliction to the Sun that increased the odds of a Trump victory. 

It should be noted that this approach is not always reliable. When Democrat Barack Obama beat John McCain in 2008, the Sun was not afflicted as much.  In fact, benefic Jupiter aspected the Sun by opposition. But we could still see that change was in the air.  As a bellwether for social change, the planet Uranus was prominent through its trine aspect with the Sun in November 2008.  Also the nodes, Rahu and Ketu, were making a semi-return to their natal position as Rahu conjoined Ketu.  Moreover, Rahu exactly aspected natal Uranus.  This was another sign that major change was afoot around the time of the 2008 election. 

For 2020, I would say there is no strong affliction to the Sun in November.  That said, Mars will be square to the Sun around election day so that may reflect some tense or conflictive situation with the office of the presidency.  But the absence of any slower-moving planet afflictions (Saturn, Nodes, Outers) means the matter is by no means clear. 

But we can also see that Mercury, the ruler of the 10th house, is exactly aspected by Saturn.  This is a negative factor for a Trump re-election.  The Saturn-Mercury aspect may not necessarily means that Trump loses and the Democrats win, however.  It may also reflect serious problems in the election process itself.  Mercury is due to conclude its retrograde cycle on the same day as the election and it will form a tense square with both Saturn and natal Mercury.  This strongly suggests the results will be unclear and/or contested on the night of the election.

Overall, the chart does not present a clear picture.  The Saturn influence is just as likely to related to vote tabulation issues as anything else.  There is a slightly negative lean to the chart for Trump and the GOP but I would not say it is decisive. 

In upcoming parts in this election series, I will take a look at Trump's chart in terms of its likelihood for winning or indeed of even being nominated by the GOP.  As I have noted previously, Trump is due to face some serious difficulties this summer so it isn't yet certain that he will be the nominee in 2020.  One step at a time. 


Weekly Market Forecast

US stocks have held their own over the past week as investors wonder if the Fed will cut rates after Friday's strong jobs report.  Stocks generally declined on Monday with some overseas markets such as India suffering significant losses.  As noted last week, Mercury turned retrograde on Sunday the 7th and thus loaded the cosmic dice in favour of the bears. 

As the timeline below suggests, there is more red than green this week.  Mercury is now retrograde and its conjunction with Mars on Monday could produce more repercussions.  In addition, the Sun opposes Saturn on Tuesday and then Mars squares Uranus on Wednesday and Thursday.  While not all of these negative influences may pan out, some of them likely will.  For that reason, I would expect more downside this week. 

For a more detailed analysis of the markets, please check out my weekly subscriber newsletter which is published every Saturday afternoon (EST).   I outline the key technical and planetary influences for US and Indian stocks for the short and medium term, as well as currencies, gold and oil.

Kamala Harris shines in debate: S&P 500 hits record high

(1 July 2019) The race to be the Democratic nominee in 2020 is heating up.  The Democratic party held their first debate last week and Kamala Harris was the clear winner.  The California Senator bested frontrunner Joe Biden on the topic of race and his record on mandatory busing.  Biden appeared uncertain and rambled at times while Harris was sharp and well-prepared.  New polls still show Biden with a lead of 10-15 points but Harris has improved her standing significantly and matches the support levels of  Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders.  Biden may still have the lead but now it's anybody's race.  

Fortunately, we know Kamala Harris' birth time thanks to the research efforts of Oregon-based astrologer, Steven Stuckey.  According to her birth certificate, Harris was born 20 October 1964 at 9.28 p.m in Oakland, CA.  The chart is very strong.  She was born with Rahu (North Lunar Node) rising in Gemini which can indicate a person who values originality and innovative thinking and does not shy away from breaking with convention, if necessary. The Rahu placement in the 1st house often describes a person who is shrewd, ambitious and self-sufficient.  

This nodal influence is even more pronounced because both Rahu and Ketu aspect both the Sun and Moon.  This is because Harris was born on a Full Moon -- a very auspicious placement that inclines the native more towards gaining public recognition.  As it happens, President Donald Trump was also born on a Full Moon and lunar eclipse which similarly bring the Sun and Moon in association with the nodes, Rahu and Ketu.  Rahu casts its 5th house/trine aspect to the Sun in the 5th house while Ketu casts its 5th house/trine aspect to the Moon in the 11th house.  The double nodal aspects of Rahu and Ketu to the Sun and Moon clearly mark her as a trail-blazer and someone who is not afraid to ruffle establishment feathers to get something done. 

The Moon in the 11th house in the fiery sign of Aries is an excellent placement for keenly pursuing ambitions.  These 11th house Moon individuals tend to be successful in achieving life goals.  Even the close sextile/3rd house aspect from Saturn is likely beneficial to her career success since it would likely give her a prudent sense of caution and emotional control.  This is likely an asset in the fiercely competitive world of national politics.

 

We can quickly see why Harris did so well at the debate on June 27.  Venus (29 Taurus) was closely conjunct her Ascendant (1 Gemini).   There are few more reliable patterns in a chart than this kind of Venus transit.  Venus brings happiness and success whenever it is closely conjunct key points in the chart such as the Ascendant, the Moon and the Sun.   Interestingly, we can see that combative Mars was square her Sun-Moon opposition.  While it is less clear that this is a positive influence on outcomes, it definitely reflected the conflictive nature of the debate. 

The next debate is slated for July 30-31.  Harris' chart looks less activated by transits so that may translate into a good performance but one that may not change her poll standing that much.  Joe Biden's chart looks better for this second debate so that could help him somewhat stabilize his support. 

While Harris' horoscope is very strong this year and next, there are some patterns that look more challenging in early 2020.   For example, Saturn will conjoin her 8th house cusp (1 Capricorn) in February and then square her Sun-Moon opposition in early March.  These difficult placements will occur during the early primary season and will make it more difficult for her to win delegates.  At the time of the potentially decisive Super Tuesday (March 3), Saturn will be exactly square the Sun-Moon alignment in her chart.  While she could still win the nomination without doing well on March 3, I think it would be much more difficult. 

I will provide frequent updates on the race for the Democratic nomination in the weeks and months ahead.


Weekly Market Forecast

US stocks hit a new record high today (July 1) after the US and China promised to return to the bargaining table to resolve their trade dispute at the weekend G20 conference.
 
The ongoing Saturn-Ketu conjunction has fueled fears of an imminent recession as bond prices have surged higher amid falling yields and lowered inflation expectations.  Yield inversions now pervade the curve in most developed economies and most European bonds now have negative yields. 

Tomorrow is the solar eclipse at 16 Gemini.  Eclipses can sometimes indicate times of interruption and disruption of the status quo.  They may also signal a change in trend.  That said, the correlation with reversals actually isn't that impressive.  To further muddy the waters, this eclipse will occur on the Jupiter node which may well be bullish, at least in the short term. What may be more important is what follows the solar eclipse. 

On that score, there is some reason to be cautious.  Mercury is in close conjunction with Mars for the rest of this week and next week in the sign of Cancer.  The conjunction will tighten into next week as Mercury turns retrograde on Sunday July 7.

For a more detailed analysis of the markets, please check out my weekly subscriber newsletter which is published every Saturday afternoon (EST).   I outline the key technical and planetary influences for US and Indian stocks for the short and medium term, as well as currencies, gold and oil.