Bitcoin hits new all-time high to close out 2020

  (30 December 2020)  As the world says goodbye and good riddance to 2020, all is not well in financial markets.  To be sure, many stock markets are near all-time highs as the Fed's QE liquidity injections have succeeded in their goal to boost the value of risk assets.  This asset inflation has come at the expense of the US dollar as the greenback has fallen to its lowest level in almost three years.  More worryingly, bitcoin has made new all-time highs in recent days.

As a reaction to the unprecedented levels of debt and government intervention, Bitcoin has hit record highs this year and traded above $28,000 today.  On the face of it, the new highs in bitcoin are a simple reflection of the weakness of the US dollar as the Fed and the US government have borrowed and printed in an effort to prop up the economy during the pandemic.  The surge in the supply of dollars is the main reason for the decline in its value relative to most other assets, including bitcoin.  

But the rise in bitcoin may have reached a dangerous level as the chart shows a seemingly parabolic rise in price. While this exponential growth makes for exciting headlines and draws in all kinds of speculators to the casino, it is probably unsustainable in the long run.  Parabolic rallies typically end in tears, although the exact timing of the decline is often hard to predict.  Let's see if the planets offer any clues when this rally may end, or at least, take a breather.

While there are several factors that may explain the current rally, the transits are the best place to start.  We can see that bullish Jupiter (8 Capricorn) is conjunct Mercury this week, after having recently conjoined its own natal position in mid-December.  While this is a clearly positive influence, once Jupiter passes Mercury in a few days, the bullish influence will begin to wane.

The bigger concern is that Saturn (7 Capricorn) is following close behind and is due to conjoin Mercury late next week. This is a more bearish influence and suggests that the price of bitcoin is more likely to fall.  The 60-degree alignment of Jupiter with the Moon (10 Pisces) could offer some support to prices but given the simultaneous Saturn influence, it could produce a choppy, uncertain market in early January.

Planetary progressions provide another window on possible future price trends.  The tertiary progressed chart has been very bullish in recent months given the alignment of Jupiter, Neptune, Chiron, and Uranus.  That is the kind of multi-planet alignment one would expect for a parabolic move.  Tertiary progressed Mercury is also currently forming a bullish angle with natal Jupiter (5 Capricorn) so that could account for this latest December surge. 

One possible warning sign here is that the the progressed Moon will conjoin the progressed Jupiter-Neptune-Chiron alignment in early and mid-January.  This is bullish but could signal an interim top.  Mercury will also move past its alignment with Jupiter by this time and instead align with unpredictable Rahu (6 Capricorn) and Saturn (21 Leo).  Therefore, there is a rising risk of a significant pullback after this progressed Moon-Jupiter alignment on January 18. 

After some kind of correction over the next several weeks, Bitcoin could well rally again in March and April as progressed Sun is due to align with that very bullish Jupiter alignment.  Things look less positive after that after Saturn turns retrograde in late May while in alignment with the natal Sun (19 Sagittarius).  The rest of 2021 does not look very bullish for bitcoin as Saturn hangs around its 7th house cusp for much of the year.  Overall, there is some reason to think the parabolic rise may come back down to earth later this year.


Weekly Market Forecast

Stocks have generally moved sideways this week as stimulus confusion and a new virus mutation has weighed on sentiment.  The typical post-Christmas Santa Claus rally has been fairly tepid so far as stocks are very close to their all-time highs.

Some weakness is possible for the rest of this week as the Moon opposes Saturn and Jupiter tomorrow (Thursday).  The New Year next week begins with some decent bullish alignments of Mercury-Venus and Jupiter-Uranus-Chiron so markets may well move higher in the short term.   That New Year celebratory optimism seems unlikely to last, however, as Saturn is once again waiting in the wings.


For more details, 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.

After Covid: the New Year's horoscope for 2021

  (23 December 2020) After enduring this plague year of 2020, most of us feel that January 1, 2021 can't come soon enough.  The dreadful Covid pandemic has the world looking ahead with eager anticipation to the New Year.  Certainly, 2021 couldn't be any worse than 2020 and indeed there is good reason for optimism as vaccine rollouts are already underway.  A return to some semblance of normal life seems within reach over the next 12 months, even if a return to the status quo ante may take a while longer.

One way to glimpse into the future is to take a look at the New Year's horoscope.  The planetary alignments at the stroke of midnight on January 1 can provide useful clues for what is to come over the next 12 months.  A mostly good year will usually feature benefic planets like Venus and Jupiter in prominent positions while more challenging years will typically see Mars or Saturn occupying significant places in the horoscope. 

The Covid pandemic was not unexpected as I noted the close conjunction of the Moon and Neptune in last year's New Year horoscope.  Neptune symbolizes health and illness while the Moon represents the people as a whole.  Moreover, the conjunction took place in the 6th house of health and received a negative aspect from Saturn.  This suggested some kind of epidemic was more likely in 2020, even if I didn't grasp the extent to which it would upset our lives.

Happily, we can see that Neptune is much less prominent in the New Year's horoscope for 2021.  It's still in the 6th house of health, of course, since Virgo always rises at midnight on January 1 throughout the world, but it is not negatively associated with any other planets.  There is, however, a close sextile (60 degree) aspect with Mercury which likely reflects the ongoing importance of the pandemic.  Since it rules the Virgo Ascendant, Mercury is the chart ruler so its aspects can indicate important trends and themes for the upcoming year.  But the sextile aspect is not a negative aspect, so it suggests the virus will likely come under control even if it still is the predominant concern for 2021.  So that's a plus.

A greater worry may be our collective mood.  The condition of the population as a whole may be seen through the Moon and here it is opposed by Jupiter and Saturn.  This suggests we could see a time of austerity (Saturn), even if it is seen as the right and sensible thing to do (Jupiter).  A year of abundance seems quite unlikely with this pattern, as the the combined impact of Jupiter and Saturn symbolize lowered expectations and pragmatic recovery. 

The square alignment of Mars and Uranus with the Moon could prove to be more unpredictable, however.  The Uranus-Moon square speaks to possible agitation and protest and a sense of unease in the world.  Clearly, we have already had a strong taste of that in 2020 with various protest movements.  The Uranus-Moon square suggests that popular protest will continue in 2021 and this time with the possibility of more violence due to the placement of Mars.  Wars and popular revolts are also more likely with this Mars-Moon-Uranus planetary alignment.   A significant war is more likely to breakout sometime in mid-year (May to July) as Ketu conjoins the Mars node at 15 Scorpio.  We should also note that the Mars-Moon square is closer in Asia at midnight on January 1 than elsewhere, so that might be the more likely place where military conflict could occur.

The economy is another area of concern.  The conjunction of Venus (value, money) with ascetic Ketu (South Lunar Node) suggests significant changes in the economy are likely.  Another recession is possible, especially in the second half of the year.  The Ketu influence is perhaps less negative than bearish Saturn, however.  This could mean that the economy doesn't merely contract but rather is transformed along somewhat different lines than it has in the past.  Since the Lunar Nodes, Rahu and Ketu, symbolize change and transformation, we should not be surprised if new types of economic growth and regulation emerge in 2021, possibly as a result of the pandemic.  To be sure, the incoming Biden administration in the US is more likely to experiment with different types of economic arrangements following the Trumpian efforts to solidify purely capitalist principles.  The New Year's horoscope suggests that the economy may well undergo some meaningful structural changes.  

Overall, the indications suggest a very uneven return to normal may be in store for 2021.  The affliction of the Moon by Mars and Saturn suggests that a sense of unease and dissatisfaction will continue to percolate throughout the year.  While the aspects are not strongly negative, they are nonetheless more negative than positive in my view. The continuing sense of malaise may give rise to more protests and anger directed towards governments.  The economy well may be one of the main areas of complaint in this respect as Ketu's influence on Venus hints at a more austere or even spiritual turn.  It is possible that the culture of consumption (Venus) could evolve into something very different as Ketuvian principles of renunciation assert themselves.  In other words, I don't see the sudden emergence of a hedonistic Roaring Twenties scenario with this 2021 horoscope.   That may have to wait. 


Weekly Market Forecast

Stocks have weakened in recent days after a more infectious coronavirus mutation saw a spike of cases in the UK.  The uncertainty was more or less expected as Monday's Jupiter-Saturn conjunction and subsequent Mars-Pluto square hinted at possible troubles on financial markets.

Of course, we are now entering the traditionally bullish period for the Santa Claus rally from Dec 24 until about Jan 4. Stock prices typically melt up during this time as many traders are on holiday and institutions are reluctant to sell into a thin market. 

The planets here suggest a mixed market at best next week.  The early week could suffer from the lingering effects of the Mars-Pluto square.  The midweek looks somewhat better as Venus aligns with Neptune and the Lunar Nodes, however.   Overall, it could prove to be some tough sledding for Santa.


For more details, 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.

Pluto in Capricorn: "The Great Reset"?

(16 December 2020) As 2020 winds down, there is a sense that we are collectively turning the page.  The vaccine rollout has begun and promises to put the pandemic behind us in 2021.  Also, the new Biden administration will mark a clear break with the Trump presidency and suggests a new direction for the US.  Throughout the world, there are some voices now calling for a "Great Reset" -- a fundamental reshaping of the economy and society in wake of the Covid experience. The Great Reset has been championed by international agencies such as the UN and the World Economic Forum to create a more equitable world that shifts the focus away from capitalism towards a more socialist vision.

It is interesting to note that all this talk of a new era coincides with two fairly rare astronomical alignments.  As many have noted, Jupiter is due to conjoin Saturn on December 21 in the sign of sidereal Capricorn.  Jupiter conjoins Saturn every twenty years and often marks a period of new beginnings in society.  The Kennedy era and the 1960s was ushered in with the Jupiter-Saturn conjunction in 1961.  The Reagan era of a less-regulated capitalism began the same year as another Jupiter-Saturn conjunction in 1981.  The Jupiter-Saturn conjunction of 2000 can also be seen as an planetary signature for the Bush era and its focus on terrorism and the rise of the national security state.

So it is not surprising that next week's Jupiter-Saturn conjunction should coincide with a major change in direction for the US and the rest of the world.  With the left-leaning Biden, it seems likely that there will be a significant shift in policy away from unrestrained capitalism towards a greater emphasis on environmental protection and social justice.  As the pandemic has opened the door to the notion of direct government support to its most vulnerable citizens, it is quite possible we could see more direct payments as a way of redressing some of the inequities in the current system.  Instead of the Fed's QE that disproportionately helps banks, corporations and the wealthy, it is possible we could see something like a "People's QE" (or Modern Monetary Theory) that seeks to stimulate the economy through direct payments to individuals. 


Pluto enters Capricorn: A time of revolution 

However, there is another important development in the sky in December: Pluto will enter sidereal Capricorn.  Using the Krishnamurti ayanamsha, Pluto will leave Sagittarius and enter Capricorn on December 28, 2020.  It will then transit through Capricorn until 2040.  Distant Pluto is a very slow-moving planet and makes its full journey around the zodiac every 250 years.  The last time it transited Capricorn was from 1773 until 1792.

The transit of Pluto into Capricorn puts the notion of government front and center.  Pluto symbolizes power, control and coercion and is the planet most associated with the exercising of human will upon the world.  In the horoscopes of individuals, a strong Pluto can represent a person who is ambitious and pursues their goals above all else.  On a mundane level in the charts of nations, Pluto is associated with dominance and hegemony. 

The entry of Pluto into Capricorn amplifies the theme of power.  As the 10th sign in the zodiac, Capricorn symbolizes government and rulers.  Therefore, the entry of Pluto into Capricorn combines these two significators of power and politics.  The 20-year transit of Pluto in Capricorn therefore highlights an era when power and politics undergo fundamental transformation. 

The previous transit of Pluto through Capricorn (1773-1792) coincided with two singular events in human history: the American Revolution (1776) and the French Revolution (1789).  In many ways, this period could be seen as the original "Great Reset" which defeated absolutist monarchic rule and ushered in the modern, rational form of government which still prevails today.  The American Revolution occurred over a period of several years during the 1770s and culminated in the Declaration of Independence in 1776. 

While it is difficult to specify one starting date for the revolution against the British, the Boston Tea Party (pictured above) is one key event that would eventually lead to the overthrow of British colonial rule.   As a revolt against unfair taxation, the Boston Tea Party took place on December 16, 1773 -- exactly 247 years ago today.  This was just two months after Pluto stationed direct in the first degree of Capricorn at 00Cp03 on October 2, 1773.  Due to its retrograde cycle, it first entered Capricorn in December 1772, but then retraced most of its initial transit before stationing on the near-exact cusp of Capricorn in October 1773. 

Although it is only a single data point, it may well be a telling one, not least because the entry of Pluto into Capricorn in 2020 will coincide with a Jupiter-Saturn conjunction.  This doubling of the significators of change may amplify the developments that are destined to come over the next twenty years.  Another period of reform and revolution may well be in store during 2020-2040 and it seems likely to have a more socialist direction. 

This is perhaps not surprising since the political pendulum usually swings one way and then the other.  The post-war period tended towards a statist Keynesian compromise, while the Reagan revolution focused on the free market which has prevailed over the past 40 years or so.  Now the pendulum may swing to the left once again.  Given the powerful Pluto in Capricorn influence, this particular swing of the pendulum could bring about many fundamental changes to government and society.  After the Great Reset of the last quarter of the 18th century, we may be on the cusp of the Great Reset of the 21st century.


Weekly Market Forecast

Stocks suffered only a very modest pullback in recent days as Mercury aligned with the Mars-Ketu aspect early this week.  I thought we might have seen more downside, but vaccine optimism and Fed largesse won out yet again as US stocks retested last week's highs after Wednesday's FOMC meeting.

Typically, stocks are bullish during late December as the Santa Claus rally often takes prices higher as we head into the New Year.  However, next week's planets do not offer strong support for Santa's usual arrival.  Monday's Jupiter-Saturn conjunction is somewhat bearish and the midweek Mars-Pluto square is definitely more negative than positive.  Perhaps Santa will be delayed this year.


For more details, 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.

The battle for the Senate: the Jan 5 Georgia run-off elections

(9 December 2020) With the failure of President Trump's attempts to overturn the election results after Monday's safe harbor deadline, attention is now focused on the upcoming Georgia Senate run-off elections on January 5.  Both Georgia Senate seats are up for grabs and the GOP only needs to win one of them for Mitch McConnell (left) to maintain control of the Senate.  The Democrats under the leadership of Chuck Schumer (right) therefore have to win both seats in order to gain control of the upper chamber and thereby boost Joe Biden's ambitious legislative agenda on taxes and the environment.  Polls suggest both races are very close and could go either way, although the GOP appears to have a slight advantage. 

While I may attempt a chart analysis of both contests (Perdue-Ossoff; Loeffler-Warnock) in the coming weeks, I thought I would examine the charts of the Senate leadership since the outcome is more likely to show up more directly in the horoscopes of McConnell and Schumer.  If the GOP wins one or both seats, then McConnell's chart should be positive.  If the Democrats win both seats and take control of the Senate, then Schumer's horoscope should clearly show it. 

While we lack timed horoscopes here, I would say that McConnell's chart looks better than Schumer's.  McConnell's Venus (12 Capricorn) may be pivotal in this respect as Jupiter and Saturn are approaching a double conjunction while Uranus and Chiron are also in auspicious and close alignments. Moreover, if the location of the Moon (11 Aries) is approximately accurate (for a midday birth) then these aspects should provide an additional benefit to McConnell and the GOP on January 5 since all those transits would energize not only Venus but the Moon as well. 

Chuck Schumer's chart looks less positive overall.  To be sure, the Jupiter-Saturn conjunction does align with his Venus (10 Scorpio) but by sextile (60 degrees) and not by the stronger conjunction.  It's good, but it seems to be not as good as McConnell's transit set up.  The other concern for Schumer is that there is a lot of Mars energy in his chart in the first week of January.  Transiting Mars aspects his Sun by 8th house aspect (210 degrees) and the Sun conjoins his natal Mars.  In some instances, this strong Mars energy can reflect intense situations without necessarily dictating bad outcomes.  But Mercury is aligned with Ketu, the South Lunar Node, on election day which is a more difficult placement.  Given these somewhat difficult transits, I think the GOP is more likely to win at least one seat in Georgia.

I will try to revisit these Senate elections by a closer look at the charts of the candidates themselves in the coming weeks.  But for now, there is no compelling astrological evidence to expect the Democrats to take control of the Senate in January.  The default position therefore remains divided government with the Democrats controlling the White House and the GOP controlling the Senate.



Weekly Market Forecast

US stocks declined today (Wednesday) as stimulus talks broke down once again.  While stocks remain bullish here, today's decline hints at rising volatility.  This volatility may well be reflective of the bearish Mars-Ketu alignment that I have noted in previous posts.  The Mars-Ketu alignment is now within range where it is more likely to coincide with falling markets.

The Sun is due to conjoin Ketu on Friday and thus provide an added measure of energy to its alignment with Mars. While all outcomes are possible, this alignment carries added downside risk.  The slower-moving Mars and Ketu will remain in alignment next week with Mercury conjoining Ketu early in the week.  This is another potential source of volatility as Ketu symbolizes interruptions in the status quo, often in a sudden or unexpected way.  


For more details, 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.

Looking ahead to the Biden presidency

  (2 December 2020) With the presidential transition now fully underway, this is a good opportunity to consider the possible contours of a Biden presidency.  No doubt, it will be a sharp contrast to the Trump presidency in terms of style, tone and policy.  Although widely seen as a moderate, Biden is expected to nonetheless move the country to the left through higher taxes on the wealthy and a renewed commitment to environmental and climate initiatives.  But how is the US likely to fare under his administration?

One useful perspective on this question is to examine the horoscope of Biden's inauguration on January 20, 2021 in Washington, DC.   While the exact timing of Biden's swearing-in is significant, the Constitution stipulates that the incoming president assumes the duties of the office at noon.  Therefore, a chart cast for noon on Inauguration Day can reveal some of the significant themes and trends that could emerge over the next four years. 

Overall, the horoscope suggest major changes lie ahead for the US.  The Jupiter-Saturn conjunction in an inauguration chart indicate significant reforms and social change.  The Jupiter-Saturn conjunction occurs every 20 years or so and has marked the inauguration chart more recently of Reagan (1981) and Kennedy (1961).  Reagan ushered in free market de-regulation and lower taxes while the Kennedy era marked the beginnings of the Civil Rights movement and other liberalizing trends of the 1960s. 

The Biden inauguration chart suggests changes are more likely to focus on government itself since the Jupiter-Saturn conjunction occurs in Capricorn which is the sign in the 10th house denoting rulers and governance.  Moreover, Jupiter and Saturn will be conjunct the Sun, the planetary significator of leaders.  While it is difficult to predict the precise nature of any changes, some possibilities include eliminating the filibuster rule, increasing the number of justices on the Supreme Court, and major immigration reform.

We can see further evidence of change through the Mars-Uranus-Moon conjunction in the 1st house.  While this also signifies change, it looks less stable and frankly, more worrying.  The Mars-Uranus conjunction is almost exact and looks disruptive and even chaotic for the country as a whole.  Mars-Uranus can represent violence, conflict, and accidents and thus there is an elevated danger of major disasters (e.g. earthquakes) during the Biden administration.  A rise in domestic political violence or US involvement in an international conflict are other possibilities here. 

The proximity of the Moon (the people) to Mars-Uranus suggests popular agitation and, sadly, some suffering or a sense of national injury.  Transiting Rahu is due to conjoin the Mars-Uranus conjunction in early 2023 so that is one possible time window when this dangerous energy may manifest.  And we should pay special attention to the sign rulerships here:  Mars rules the 1st house/Aries which rules the chart/nation as a whole.  Uranus is therefore destabilizing the entire nation through its conjunction with the 1st house ruler, Mars.  It is worth noting that there has never been a Mars-Uranus conjunction in the 1st house for any previous inauguration. 

The economy may also be a source of concern during a Biden administration.  Rahu afflicts the 2nd house of wealth, although happily the 2nd house ruler, Venus, is well-placed in the 9th house.  However, Mercury, the planet of commerce and business, is closely aspected by Rahu.  This is a negative influence for the economy.  The square with Neptune (24 Aquarius) is also unhelpful in this respect as Neptune tends to have a weakening and dissolute influence, especially when in alignment with a malefic such as Rahu. 

Generally, the stars do not look auspicious for the Biden presidency.  The inauguration horoscope suggests the Biden administration is going to be tested by some significant challenges during its tenure.  While some changes and reforms could prove beneficial for the US over the long term, the next four years may be difficult.



Weekly Market Forecast

Stocks have continued to defy gravity so far this week as investors anticipated some positive developments from Congress with the contentious stimulus package.  Jupiter's bullish influence is supporting the market here as its key alignments in the Dow and NYSE horoscopes is still within range. 

However, Jupiter's influence is more likely to gradually diminish as it approaches its conjunction with Saturn on December 21.  This could make it more difficult for the stock market to extend its rally. 

More immediately, the Mars-Ketu alignment is due to tighten in the coming days.  The alignment is exact next week (Dec 11) although its probable negative impact could be felt several days before.  The rest of this week could go either way, although the rising Mars influence suggests a growing downside risk. 


For more details, 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.