The New Year's horoscope: the outlook for 2022

 (29 December 2021) As the second year of the coronavirus pandemic comes to a close, we wonder what lies in store for 2022.  While this year's vaccine rollouts and partial lifting of restrictions was a welcome improvement over the shock of 2020, the world still seems far away from a return to anything approaching normal.  And the emergence of the Omicron variant in November has been a harsh reminder that the pandemic seems likely to last longer than expected.  

One useful source of information about possible future trends for 2022 is the horoscope for the New Year.  The turning of the calendar at midnight on January 1 imbues the planetary positions at that time with a special symbolic importance that manifests during the rest of the year.   Prominent planetary alignments involving benefics Venus and Jupiter, for example, increase the likelihood that peace and prosperity will prevail for most of the world.  Conversely, a New Year's horoscope where malefics like Mars and Saturn are stronger suggests a year where conflict and suffering will be the focus of our collective attention. 

The New Year's horoscope for January 1, 2022 offers little cause for celebration.  As always, the two most important planets to consider are the Sun and the Moon.  The Sun, representing vitality and confidence, is in a decidedly mixed condition as it is in a degreewise alignment with Saturn (limits, oppression, control) and Uranus (change, revolution, technology),  although neither of these outer planets casts full-strength aspects upon the Sun.  Nonetheless, the alignments are close enough (within one degree) to indicate that 2022 will be a time of social instability and change as traditions are challenged and authority structures are questioned.  Some governments will likely fall. 

We should remember that the Soviet Union collapsed when Saturn and Uranus (and Neptune) were conjunct the Sun in the New Year's horoscopes of 1989 and 1990.  While this year's minor Saturn and Uranus aspects to the Sun are weaker than those conjunctions, we should not be surprised if long-established hierarchies or governments suffer a similar fate as the USSR. 

The Moon is arguably more afflicted than the Sun in this year's chart.  The Moon (24 Scorpio) is conjunct malefic Mars (19 Scorpio) and raises the possibility of suffering through military conflict or sudden or fiery natural disaster.  Since the New Year is ushered in at different times across the world, the Moon-Mars conjunction will be closer and hence more powerful in Asia and the Middle East. 

But the bigger concern here is that the Moon-Mars conjunction is square Neptune.  As we know, Neptune is the planet most closely associated with the notion of disease and has been prominent over the past two years during the pandemic.  Writing in December 2019, the reason why I thought a pandemic was possible in 2020 was because the Moon (the people) conjoined Neptune (disease) in the 6th house of health and both were aspected closely by Saturn (suffering, loss).   Fortunately, this time around Saturn is not aligned with the Moon or Neptune.  But Mars is aligned with the Moon and Neptune and this increases the possibility of more troubles and suffering from Covid.  The Mars influence here also hints at the possibility that the pandemic may be seen less in terms of suffering (Saturn) more in terms of its military or geopolitical implications.   

The economy is also a source of concern as the key economic planets are under stress in this chart.  Venus, the planet of value, is retrograde and just past its conjunction with Pluto.  The concentration of economic power by large corporations (Pluto) is likely to continue in the New Year but this may have negative consequences for the economy as a whole.  But I am most concerned about the difficult position of the Mercury, the planet of commerce and trade.  Mercury's conjunction with Saturn and Pluto in sidereal Capricorn suggests ongoing limits to trade which may translate into continued supply chain problems through 2022.  This, in turn, argues for more inflation and higher interest rates.

Moreover, Mercury is further afflicted by the loose 120-degree aspect from Rahu (North Lunar Node) and the exact 45 degree aspect from Mars.  The Rahu-Mercury combination suggests a distorted economy, as trade and transportation difficulties from lockdowns are more likely to hamper economic growth.  The Mars-Mercury alignment suggests trade disputes could further undermine economic activity.  These two afflictions to Mercury increase the probability of slower growth and lower stock market returns in 2022.

Overall, the 2022 New Year's chart looks challenging.  The strong Neptune influence here suggests pandemic concerns are likely to continue.  The April alignment of Saturn with Neptune and the Lunar Nodes looks like another possible setback in that respect, possibly signaling a new variant or perhaps new evidence of waning vaccine efficacy.


Weekly Market Forecast

Stocks have generally moved higher in recent days as the year-end Santa Claus rally appears to be underway amid low holiday volume.   Thus far, the Venus retrograde cycle (Dec 19-Jan 29) has been bullish following the initial Omicron pullback during its 32-day preceding shadow period (Nov 17-Dec 19).  While it is possible that the current up trend could extend into the New Year, some kind of significant pullback looks increasingly likely before the end of its 40-day retrograde cycle.


For more details, check out my weekly subscriber newsletter which is published every Saturday afternoon (EST).   In addition to reviewing the key planetary and technical influences on US and Indian stocks for the short and medium term, I also provide an astrological analysis of potential upcoming moves in currencies, gold and oil.

Manchin pulls the plug on Biden's spending plan

(20 December 2021) Stocks extended their sell-off to start the week after Democratic Senator Joe Manchin abruptly withdrew his support from President Biden's ambitious Build Back Better plan.  Without Manchin's decisive vote in the 50-50 Senate, the Democrats will not be able pass their $2 Trillion spending package that has been the centerpiece of Biden's domestic agenda.  And if this additional fiscal stimulus isn't forthcoming, the economy will become more vulnerable to a slowdown, especially in light of the impact of the rapidly-spreading Omicron variant. 

The sudden withdrawal of fiscal stimulus was bad news for the stock market which had assumed these trillions of government largesse would eventually filter through the US economy and onto the corporate bottom line.  While further negotiations cannot be ruled out in the coming weeks, investors may have to rethink their earnings' forecasts for 2022 without the help of Washington, DC. 

We can see how Joe Biden is behind the planetary eight ball here.  Mars and Ketu are transiting his Ascendant (10 Scorpio) while Venus stationed opposite his Jupiter and Neptune is conjunct his IC (4th house cusp).  Mars-Ketu to the Ascendant represents frustration and anger from surprise developments, and the Venus-Jupiter opposition suggests expected rewards that do not come to pass.  Neptune to the 4th house cusp (IC) is a broader, slow-moving influence that symbolizes an inner weakness in Biden that makes it more difficult for him to realize his ambition.  Neptune is associated with confusion and lack of vitality so its placement on the 4th house cusp is very unwelcome at this critical time.

Underneath all these alignments lies the most telling chart affliction: transiting Saturn (16 Capricorn) square to his Mars (19 :Libra).  In several previous posts, I had suggested that Biden's first year in office was likely going to be very difficult since this Saturn-Mars square was within range for the whole year.   At a general level, the Saturn-Mars square represents thwarted ambition, losses through anger, and actions that fail to deliver on its promises. 

After stationing retrograde exactly square to his natal Mars back in May, Saturn is now gearing up to come back to that exact same point on January 16, 2022.  In other words, President Biden will likely continue to struggle to implement with his agenda for the next several weeks at least.  We can also speculate that Biden and the US are likely to suffer some additional frustrations and setbacks in January.

Today's decline in the stock market coincided with the start of the 40-day Venus retrograde cycle.  Venus retrograde marks a period of time in which value and worth are subject to reappraisal and can sometimes mark a change in trend.  As a default setting, Venus retrograde should be considered a bearish influence although other planetary influences also should be considered.  Actually, the preceding Venus retrograde cycle occurred in May-June 2020 and marked a time when stocks actually rose.  But on that occasion, Venus was strong since it was in its own sign of Taurus and there were no powerful afflictions to other planets.  In other words, the fact of retrogradation was offset by other positive factors.

This time around the situation looks less favorable.  Venus is in Capricorn, a sign ruled by Saturn.  Moreover, Venus is also conjunct malefics Saturn and Pluto. We can also note that Saturn forms its third and final square aspect with Uranus this week on Wednesday, December 23.  This is another negative influence that could weigh on investors.  While short term rebounds cannot be ruled out in the coming days, the overall planetary outlook seems challenging.  The US stock market has been amazingly resilient during the pandemic, but these upcoming planetary alignments make me wonder how long this bull market can continue. 


For more details, check out my weekly subscriber newsletter which is published every Saturday afternoon (EST).   In addition to reviewing the key planetary and technical influences on US and Indian stocks for the short and medium term, I also provide an astrological analysis of potential upcoming moves in currencies, gold and oil.

Stocks fall on inflation worries ahead of FOMC meeting

(14 December 2021) The markets are looking jittery ahead of Wednesday's much-anticipated FOMC meeting where Fed Chair Jerome Powell is widely expected to announce an accelerated tapering of QE asset purchases.  Stocks fell for the second straight day on Tuesday after the wholesale PPI inflation number came in higher than expected at 9.6%.  The inflation problem comes at a particularly bad time for the Fed in the wake of fresh Covid restrictions in Europe following the rapid spread of the Omicron variant. 

This early week sell-off was in line with our expectations given the nasty Mercury-Mars-Ketu alignment.  Mars and Ketu (South Lunar Node) are both malefic planets and their conjunction increased the odds of a decline on Monday and Tuesday.  The involvement of Mercury in this configuration further added to the tension.  In my weekly market forecast from November 3, I had suggested that this Mars-Ketu conjunction could signal major problems for the Fed given its affliction to the natal horoscope of the Federal Reserve (Dec 23, 1913).  Powell appears to be caught between a rock and a hard place here as inflation is much higher than expected while slowing seems inevitable given the new Covid restrictions.  The last thing the Fed wants to do is to tighten in a slowing environment and yet that is the difficult reality of the current situation. 

Large cap tech stocks in the Nasdaq suffered more than other indices as perennial market leaders were dumped ahead of the likely Fed tightening tomorrow.  Large cap, growth-oriented stocks (Apple, Tesla, Microsoft, etc.) are more dependent on low interest rates and thus become more vulnerable if the Fed tightens monetary policy by reducing QE stimulus and hiking rates. 

One reason why tech stocks suffered more in the sell-off can be seen in the Nasdaq horoscope (February 8, 1971).  This week's Mercury-Mars-Ketu alignment closely activates the Ascendant at 8 Aries (all positions sidereal zodiac, Krishnamurti ayanamsha).  Mercury (7 Sagittarius) was exactly aligned with Mars (6 Scorpio) and Ketu (7 Scorpio).  As an added affliction, both Mars and Ketu were conjunct the 8th house cusp which is considered a malefic dussthana house by traditional Vedic reckoning.  While Mercury was not in a full-strength aspect under standard rules (Mars square/opposition or Ketu trine), the exact 30-degree angular separation nonetheless created a negative resonance with both Mars and Ketu. 

Looking ahead, markets could remain volatile after Wednesday's FOMC meeting.  While some relief is possible as Mercury moves away from its alignment, Mars and Ketu will inch closer to an exact conjunction with the 8th house cusp and will form an opposition aspect with the Moon on Thursday. 

As noted in previous posts, the overall risk level is also elevated due to the approach of the Venus retrograde station on Sunday, Dec 19 and the Saturn-Uranus square on Dec 23.  Both are potentially negative influences on sentiment in the coming days.


For more details, check out my weekly subscriber newsletter which is published every Saturday afternoon (EST).   In addition to reviewing the key planetary and technical influences on US and Indian stocks for the short and medium term, I also provide an astrological analysis of potential upcoming moves in currencies, gold and oil.

In the shadow of Venus, Omicron weighs on stocks

(6 December 2021) US stocks bounced today on hopes that the Omicron variant may be less serious than originally feared.  Despite this oversold rebound, markets have trended lower in recent weeks in the wake of a fresh wave of Covid restrictions and the Fed's more hawkish stance to combat inflation.  As the Fed embarks on tightening its monetary policy, we may well ask if this could be the start of a larger correction, such as we saw with Fed Chair Powell's previous attempt at tightening in 2018? 

One window on this question may be found in the approaching Venus retrograde cycle.  Venus turns retrograde about once every 19 months where it appears to move backwards in the sky for a period of 40 days.  Venus is due to station retrograde on December 19 at 2 Capricorn (Krishnamurti/sidereal zodiac) and then return to normal forward motion on January 29 at 17 Sagittarius.  In terms of financial astrology, Venus is a bullish planet that signifies value and worth.  Its retrograde cycles suggest a more bearish energy, however, since its traditional positive symbolism is reversed so that the collective sense of value becomes susceptible to revision. 

Actually, the full retrograde cycle of Venus is comprised of three distinct phases, of the which the more well-known retrograde cycle proper occurs in the middle. The first phase is what is known as the pre-retrograde shadow period, in which Venus is slowing down before it turns retrograde.  The shadow period is measured from the point of its eventual resumption of direct motion (here at 17 Sagittarius) until the date of the retrograde station and lasts for about 32-33 days.  The Venus pre-shadow period began on November 17 and will end on December 19 when Venus finally stations retrograde.  The post-shadow period begins on January 29, 2022 when Venus returns to normal forward motion but is moving very slowly.  Venus will conclude its post-shadow period on March 2 when it returns its location of the retrograde station at 2 Capricorn. 

The common thread of the entire period from November 17 until March 2 is that Venus will be moving much slower than usual and that for a part of this time will be moving backwards -- as seen from our perspective on Earth.  While the Venus retrograde cycle has a overall bearish bias, this is not to suggest that this entire 15-week, three phase period will necessarily be negative for stocks.  More often, it is only one of these three phases of the cycle tends to be bearish, while the other two phases may be more neutral or even bullish. 

And sometimes the Venus retrograde cycle doesn't produce much of anything. The previous Venus retrograde cycle (May 13, 2020 - Jun 25, 2020) was modestly bullish with no discernible trends, either in the retrograde phase or the two shadow phases.  The preceding retrograde cycle (Oct 5, 2018 - Nov 16, 2018) was more bearish, however.  Stocks rallied during the initial shadow period throughout September and then peaked in early October just three days before the start of the Venus retrograde phase.  Stocks then began a two-month, 20% correction that finally bottomed a week after the end of the post-retrograde shadow period.  In that unusual case, the pre-shadow phase was bullish, while the retrograde and post-shadow phases were both bearish. 

This time around we have seen the market already begin to decline well in advance of the Venus retrograde cycle.  In fact, the start of the pre-retrograde shadow phase (Nov 17) was just five days before the S&P 500 peaked on Nov 22 and US stocks have been falling ever since.  So the question is: what is likely to happen when Venus finally turns retrograde on December 19?

While it is difficult to make firm predictions based on single planetary factors, we can nonetheless speculate that stocks could well reverse their decline closer to December 19 and the retrograde station.  There is precedent here in that the major market low on March 6, 2009 following a global financial meltdown occurred on the exact same day that Venus stationed retrograde.  As in 2021, stocks had been falling throughout the pre-retrograde shadow period from early February, and indeed had been falling since the start of that year.  Therefore, it is worth considering the possibility that whatever trend has been in place during the shadow period, it could reverse after the retrograde station. 

We should also consider the condition of Venus at the time of the retrograde station.  If it is afflicted, then that would support the scenario of declining markets before the station and then reversing higher after the station.  In March 2009, Venus was in a tense 150-degree alignment with Saturn which may have partially accounted for the down trend heading into the station.  Now, Venus will be closely conjunct Pluto which introduces the possibility of negative sentiment, although I would not say it is an unequivocally negative association. 

More important may be that Venus will form an indirect alignment with the ongoing Saturn-Uranus square aspect.  Saturn-Uranus is a bearish pairing and it is due to form an exact 90-degree angle on Dec 23.  While Venus does not form any clear aspects with Saturn-Uranus, it will form a 60-degree alignment with the Saturn-Uranus midpoint at 2 Pisces. At normal speed, this Venus-Saturn-Uranus configuration likely wouldn't have any effect.  But with Venus having no velocity at all at its retrograde station, this is more likely to coincide with problems for financial markets.  An additional parallel is that Saturn formed an alignment (opposition) with Uranus in March 2009, just as it does here in Dec 2021 with the square.

Therefore, there is a very plausible case that stocks could continue to decline over the next two weeks.  If stocks do continue to trend lower before Christmas, the Venus retrograde station on Dec 19 would be one potential time to watch for a reversal higher.  Let's see how this all unfolds in the days ahead.


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.

Omicron variant forces new restrictions; stocks move lower

(29 November 2021) The pandemic continues.  An official alert from the WHO regarding the new Omicron variant caused markets to sell-off sharply on Friday amid mounting concern that the virus may becoming more transmissible.  Many countries have tightened restrictions in response to the new threat although it is still early days.  Based on early data out of South Africa, it seems that most cases are mild among vaccinated people, although unvaccinated people may be more likely to be experience serious illness and hospitalization. 

While Friday's near-panic selling saw stocks fall by more than 2%, markets generally rebounded today after President Joe Biden delivered a reassuring address and ruled out further lockdowns for now.  And Fed Chair Jerome Powell was quick to calm markets by noting new uncertainty in the inflation outlook given the disruptive potential of the new variant. This was a way of reminding investors that the Fed tapering of asset purchases may be subject to change.  In other words, more monetary stimulus will come if needed. 

While the early data on the variant is somewhat encouraging (more transmissible, but less lethal), the planets are a source of concern.  One potential trouble spot is the upcoming December conjunction of Saturn with the south node of Neptune at 16 Capricorn (sidereal zodiac).  Neptune is one of the planetary significators for illness and Saturn is the planet of suffering.  The blending of these two energies in mid-December could indicate that Omicron may coincide some new challenges in the pandemic. 

The likelihood of a fresh round Covid problems may also be seen in President Biden's horoscope as I have previously noted in an August post.  Since the president's chart is an indirect reflection for the nation (and to a lesser extent, the world), the upcoming Saturn (16 Capricorn) square to Biden's natal Mars (19 Libra) is worrisome.  Mars is doubly significant here because it rules both Biden's 1st house (Scorpio) representing the self and the body and the 6th house of health (Aries). 

Afflictions to these houses suggests health challenges for either him personally or for the country as a whole.  The emergence of the Omicron variant right before this Saturn-Mars aspect is likely more than coincidental.  This aspect will become exact for its theoretical maximum effect in mid-January.

These health-related planetary afflictions may raise the odds that the Omicron variant may be more than just a blip.  And when we factor in the prospect of the Venus retrograde cycle starting right around the same time (December 19), it is possible that markets will be more vulnerable in the coming weeks.  While Venus retrograde cycles are not always bearish, they are associated with changes in the prevailing trend.

As far as this week is concerned, the downside risk looks greater in the second half of the week as the Moon conjoins Mars and Ketu.

 

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.

Nasdaq soars to record high as Europe succumbs to new Covid wave

(21 November 2021) US markets continued their ascent last week as technology stocks benefited from falling bond yields after a surge in Covid infections in Europe brought new restrictions.  Stocks have been in rally mode since October as earnings have generally been strong and the Fed remains wedded to its ultra-loose monetary policy despite sharply rising inflation.  The rally is increasingly narrow, however, as most of the gains have been confined to the big tech companies while the rest of the market lags. 

How long can this rally last?  The life of the bull market may ultimately depend on a rapid end to the current inflation spike since this entire asset bubble (stocks, real estate, bitcoin) is contingent upon the Fed's near-zero rate policy.   In the near term, it is tempting to think that stocks will continue to rise into the New Year since December tends to be among the more bullish months of the year as evidenced by the phenomenon known as the Santa Claus rally.

But the upcoming planetary alignments do not offer clear support for this bullish view.  In fact, the month of December could well diverge from the typical year-end bullishness as Venus is due to turn retrograde on Dec 19.  As the planet that symbolizes value, Venus retrograde cycles have a negative correlation with stock prices as its backward apparent motion reverses its usual positive influence.  I hope to explore this correlation in more detail in future posts.  

Another window on the near term trends is seen through the horoscope of the New York Stock Exchange (May 17, 1792). I should note that there is no consensus among financial astrologers on the correct time for this chart.  I have generally used the 10.10 a.m. chart while trying to avoid making any strong predictions that derive solely from the exact time, i.e. the Ascendant, Midheaven, or the Moon and its resulting minor dasha periods.  Here I'm using the 8.52 a.m. chart although again I am avoiding making any deductions from the more time-sensitive elements in the chart. 

Regardless of the exact time one uses for the chart, we can see that the current transit of Jupiter is one reason why stocks have been moving higher.  Jupiter just entered sidereal Aquarius two days ago and will move to 1 degree of Aquarius on December 1, the date I have chosen to cast the chart for.  We can see that it is very close to an exact conjunction with Pluto (2 Aquarius) as well as lesser alignments with natal Jupiter (2 Libra) and Mercury (2 Taurus).  Since all three alignments are bullish influences, it is more likely that the trend will stay fairly positive at least until Jupiter makes its exact conjunction with Pluto at 2 degrees of Aquarius in early December.

Of course, market sentiment cannot be reduced to the placement of a single planet.  While Jupiter enjoys an outsized importance in determining market trends, the condition and placement of bearish Saturn is also more important than the transits of the faster-moving planets.  Saturn (14 Capricorn) is currently in a 90-degree square alignment with natal Venus (14 Aries).  As a rule, Saturn-Venus alignments tend to be bearish but there is little evidence that this pairing has had any effect on stocks.  One explanation is that this is not a full-strength aspect according to traditional Vedic rules which stipulates that the full strength square only throws Saturn's negative energy forward 9 houses/270 degrees, and not 3 houses/90 degrees.  The 90 degrees square aspect is therefore has a significantly reduced bearish effect on Venus in the NYSE chart, even when in exact degreewise alignment.  It is still theoretically bearish but it may require a second or third triggering planet to release Saturn's bearish payload.

Therefore, we can see something of a mixed picture in the near term. Given its greater number of aspects, Jupiter's bullish influence looks more active than Saturn's potentially negative alignment.  While the presence of the Saturn-Venus square means we cannot completely rule out some brief weakness or consolidation, the strong Jupiter influence here suggests that a deep pullback is unlikely over the next two weeks or so. 

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.


Photo Credit: ajay_suresh

Stocks fall as inflation hits 30-year high of 6.2%

  (10 November 2021) US stocks fell for a second straight day on Wednesday after the latest CPI data release showed a stunning 6.2% annual rise in inflation.  The rise in inflation to its highest level in 30 years prompted investors to dump both stocks and bonds in favor of safe havens such as the dollar and gold.  The soaring inflation rate belies the Federal Reserve's more benign view of inflation as merely transitory.  With inflation likely to stay elevated into 2022, more observers now believe the Fed will be forced to hike rates sooner than expected.  Of course, this would be bad news for stocks which have come to depend on the Fed's near-zero interest rate policy.

The sell-off comes as no surprise as I highlighted a particularly bearish alignment of Mercury, Mars and Saturn in last week's update.   As alignments go, it was a fairly high probability bearish pattern since it involved malefics Mars (upset, frustration) and Saturn (loss) and both were in close connection with Mercury (commerce).  Moreover, Saturn was casting a difficult, 90-degree square aspect to the Mercury-Mars conjunction.  The fast-moving Moon may have acted as a trigger as it conjoined Saturn today just in time for the larger 1% decline.

Another dimension of this decline is that the Mercury-Mars-Saturn pattern also closely aligns with the natal Venus (14 Aries) in the NYSE horoscope.  Since Venus is a benefic planet, alignments involving Mars and Saturn are more likely to manifest as declines around the date of the exact angle.  Saturn (13 Capricorn) is within just one degree of its tense square aspect to Venus while Mercury and Mars are also just one degree from being in opposition to Venus. 

 

The Mercury-Mars-Saturn alignment is now separating.  As a general rule, separating alignments are weaker than when they are applying.  This suggests that additional downside in the near term is far from certain.  That said, other factors should also be considered. 

First, we should note that Saturn will form an exact square with natal Venus (14 Aries) in two more weeks.  This is one factor that suggests that volatility could remain elevated.  However, the picture is complicated by the fact that bullish Jupiter is quickly approaching its exact 30-degree angle with Pluto.  The effect of this more positive alignment will likely offset some of the Saturn influence.  Taken together, the competing influence of Jupiter and Saturn could indicate a choppy market in the coming days.


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.


Photo Credit: Michael Jastremski

Fed finally tapers QE to address rising inflation

(3 November 2021) Fed Chair Jerome Powell delivered another bravura performance today as he finally announced the Fed would begin to taper its emergency QE asset purchases in November.  Stock markets cheered the long-awaited tapering as Powell was careful to note that any interest rate increases would only occur if labor markets showed further improvement.  In other words, Powell's initial act of monetary tightening in this cycle was about as dovish as one could imagine. 

Powell continued to insist that inflation was transitory due to supply chain bottlenecks rather than excessive stimulus although he did acknowledge that inflation would remain high well into 2022.  This fervent belief in transitory inflation was music to the ears of investors since it means that any actual rate hikes are still some ways off.  Markets have come to rely near-zero interest rates since companies can borrow at rock-bottom interest rates in order to buy their own shares back which, in turn, drives up share prices.  It also reduces borrowing costs for consumers. 

One wonders how long the Fed can keep the stock market afloat despite rising inflation and more signs of slowing growth.  The Fed may well choose to continue its dovish approach until the bond market forces its hand.  The Fed wants to keep yields as low as possible in order to keep the current asset bubble from bursting.  But if inflation continues to trend higher bond yields would also rise further as buyers demand a higher premium.   Key levels to watch may be 0.75% on the 2-year note and perhaps 2% on the 10-year, although it is unknown just where the pivotal thresholds may lie. 

But if Powell falls far behind the yield curve, he may not be able to resist the pressure to raise rates.  On the other hand, it may be that Powell is willing to accept a lot more inflation than he is letting on in order to keep the wealth-generating effects of the stock market rally going as long as possible. 

The horoscope of the Federal Reserve can offer clues about when the economy is more likely to experience significant headwinds.  Planetary afflictions to the chart usually occur during times of distress, such as during the initial Covid panic in March 2020 when transiting Ketu (South Lunar Node) was conjunct the natal Sun at 8 Sagittarius and Saturn and Pluto were conjunct Jupiter at 0 Capricorn.

The next noteworthy affliction could come as soon as December as Ketu and Mars conjoin and form a 120 degree aspect to the MC (i.e. the 10th house cusp) while Saturn forms a tighter square to the natal Moon within just six degrees of orb.  The Ketu and Mars influence on the 10th house of status symbolizes sudden events that upset or undermine the reputation and authority of the Fed.  The ongoing Saturn aspect to the Moon suggests disappointment and loss, as if policy aims will fail to deliver their promise.  We should also note that Saturn's difficult square aspect to the Moon will continue into January and February 2022 when it is exact. 

And to introduce another layer of uncertainty, Venus turns retrograde on December 19.  As the planet of value and harmony, Venus retrograde periods should be treated with some caution as prevailing notions of value and worth become subject to change.  Venus will be retrograde from December 19 until January 29. 

It is important to note that these planetary pressures could represent either higher levels of inflation that forces the Fed to act or it may also signify a slowdown.  With recent GDP data showing a rapid cooling of the economy since the summer, some analysts have suggested that the Fed may be on the verge of a policy mistake by tightening (tapering) while the economy is slowing.  Therefore, these potential December troubles could just as easily represent higher inflation or a rapid slowdown.  Either way, the Fed is likely to feel the heat as markets may become more vulnerable. 



Weekly Market Forecast

US stocks rallied to new all-time highs today as Powell's dovish taper announcement put an end to the uncertainty.  I had thought we might have seen a bit volatility this week given the Mars-Ketu alignment, particularly since this activated key points in the Nasdaq horoscope quite closely as I noted in last week's post.  Thus far, the volatility has been a no-show, although I would note that the Mars-Ketu alignment is still within range, albeit in a weaker state, for the rest of the week.

Troublesome Mars will remain in focus as we head into next week.  Mars forms an exact contraparallel in latitude with unpredictable Uranus on Friday -- just in time for the US jobs report.  Then the outlook becomes even more uncertain next week as Mars conjoins Mercury and both will be simultaneously squared by Saturn.  It's hard to see how stocks don't decline on this pattern, although there are no certainties in astrology as we know.  Nonetheless, the next several days warrant some caution. 



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.

Microsoft and Google lead tech stocks to record highs

 (27 October 2021) Tech giants Microsoft and Google surged to new all-time highs today after reporting record corporate earnings for the third quarter.  Following their early October lows, stocks have  generally rebounded into the October earnings season as most earnings have come in above analysts' expectations.  The recent gains are a plausible manifestation of the prevailing energy of Jupiter. 

Since the culmination of its retrograde cycle and direct station on October 16, Jupiter (28 Capricorn) has returned to normal forward motion.  More importantly, it now forms a close alignment with Pluto (0 Capricorn) and Neptune (26 Aquarius) whereby each planet is separated by 28 degrees. 

Whenever three or more planets form this type of symmetrical alignment, the energies of the planets becomes more powerful.  Both Pluto and Neptune act as neutral factors here, but Jupiter is almost always bullish and its participation in this alignment is a key source of the current rally. 

Natal charts provide another window on the ups and downs of collective human sentiment.   In light of the importance of these trillion-dollar technology companies, the horoscope of the tech-heavy NASDAQ can provide additional insights into potential market movements going forward.

We can see that transiting Jupiter is well-placed as it is in conjunction with both the Sun and Rahu in the 10th house.  This is another reason for the strong performance of technology stocks.  Although Jupiter is moving quite slowly here following its direct station, it will gradually separate from the Sun and Rahu later in November.  This is a potential source of weakness. 

More immediately, we can see that Rahu and Ketu (the Lunar Nodes) and Mars will form a potentially significant alignment with several key points in this chart.  Since both Rahu/Ketu and Mars are natural malefics, their alignments with the natal Ascendant, Mercury and the Moon in the coming days are more likely to coincide with a decline.  Rahu (7 Taurus) also forms an exact 120 degree alignment with natal Mercury (7 Capricorn) and Ketu (7 Scorpio) aligns with the natal Moon (7 Cancer). 

While I have chosen to use the transits for Monday, November 1 to illustrate the theoretical maximum of this alignment, I acknowledge it could manifest a few days before or after.   Sometimes human sentiment does not faithfully obey the laws of planetary geometry.

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.

Supply chain disruptions fueling inflation

(20 October 2021) While the worst of the pandemic is behind us, it seems the full impact of its economic consequences are only starting to be felt.  Supply chain disruptions are causing havoc all over the world as port facilities are overwhelmed playing catch-up with the backlog as consumer demand returns to something approaching normal.  The interruption in global trade has led to shortages in many goods and raw materials and this scarcity has produced a rapid rise in both retail and producer prices.

Inflation has risen sharply across many sectors such as energy, food, base metals and other commodities.  The consensus view is that these supply bottlenecks are unlikely to end anytime soon.  Even the normally sanguine Federal Reserve is now admitting that its previous prediction of inflation as "transitory" may have been too optimistic.  Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen expects these higher levels of inflation to persist well into 2022.  

An astrological perspective on this question also suggests we could be in for extended period of economic disruption and elevated inflation.  Looking at the horoscope of the USA, we immediately notice the multiple afflictions upon Mercury.   This is a key point because Mercury is the planet that represents commerce, transport and communications.  When Mercury is afflicted, then problems associated to these areas become more likely.   The initial pandemic and subsequent lockdowns in 2020 occurred while Saturn closely opposed Mercury.  The August 1981 air traffic controllers strike and subsequent mass firing by President Reagan occurred as Rahu (North Lunar Node) was conjunct Mercury.  

Currently, Mercury is afflicted by no less than three malefic planets -- Pluto, Ketu, and, to a lesser extent, Saturn.  While slow-moving Pluto was exerting its negative influence on Mercury throughout last year's pandemic lockdowns, Pluto (0 Capricorn) is still opposite Mercury (3 Cancer).  Pluto afflictions are known for their coercive and unpleasant qualities and often involve some exercise of power that blocks the free expression of will that otherwise animates the free market capitalist economy. 

The Pluto opposition aspect is particularly difficult and is one essential ingredient in the current interruption of transport and commerce.  But the really bad news here is that since Pluto only moves about 2 degrees per year, it will remain within range of the USA's Mercury through all of 2022 and into 2023.  This suggests that the inflationary fallout of the supply chain breakdowns may be with us for a while. 

Also, we can see that Ketu (South Lunar Node) is approaching its 5th house/120 degree aspect with Mercury.  Ketu is another natural malefic that often brings troubles to Mercury-related significations.  Ketu symbolizes disruptions of order, sudden upsets and the erasing of boundaries.  Ketu (7 Scorpio) has been slowly backing into a closer alignment with Mercury (3 Cancer) for the past two months or so.  And since it isn't due to exactly align with Mercury until February 2022, we should expect the current economic and transportation troubles to continue at least until that date.  

And we can still point to the ongoing role of Saturn (12 Capricorn) in this situation.  Saturn has been opposite Mercury for the past 18 months and may still be frustrating communications  and undermining commerce.  That said, it has now concluded its latest retrograde cycle and has begun to move further away from its opposition aspect.  This suggests a gradually diminishing affliction although Saturn will remain in the sign of sidereal Capricorn well into 2022. 

Overall, these ongoing afflictions to Mercury suggest that the situation is unlikely to substantially improve before the key holiday retail season.  Perhaps the exact Ketu-Mercury alignment in Q1 2022 could mark the worst of it, after which the situation could start to improve.  But the Pluto-Mercury opposition could indicate further economic problems for much of the rest of Joe Biden's term. 


Weekly Market Forecast

Stocks have rebounded strongly in recent days on favourable corporate earnings and the promise of more QE support from the Fed despite rising inflation.  Not surprisingly, we saw some gains in the early week as both Jupiter and Mercury stationed direct on Monday.  Planetary stations (i.e. moments when planets reverse their apparent direction as seen from Earth) coincide with periods of greater planetary influence.  Since both Jupiter and Mercury are considered natural benefics, their stations are more likely to bring gains in the stock market.  Today's Full Moon hinted at some volatility but it proved to be a non-event.

The rebound likely has a bit further to go as the near-stationary Jupiter (28 Capricorn) remains in a close midpoint alignment with Neptune (26 Aquarius) and Pluto (0 Capricorn) here in late October.   That said, Friday's Mars-Pluto square carries some downside risk, especially since both planets will be in the first degree of Libra and Pluto, respectively.  The first and last degrees of sidereal signs can sometimes increase the manifested energy of the planets, for good or ill.  Since both planets are malefics, the downside risk increases. 

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.

Photo credit: Marc

Global energy shortage pushes oil above $80

(13 October 2021) Financial markets have turned cautious as an emerging global energy shortage has driven the price of oil and natural gas to their highest levels since 2014. The energy shortages in China, India and several other countries are the partial result of post-pandemic supply chain bottlenecks and have produced regional brown-outs and significant industrial restrictions in power use.  The shortages are one reason why inflation has been on the rise as US crude oil prices topped $80 a barrel this week, with Brent surging past $83. 

The rising price of oil is putting pressure on the stock market.  Higher oil prices create more inflation, which then forces bond yields higher as bond owners demand a higher premium in compensation for their loss of buying power.  Higher bond yields increase the cost of borrowing and thereby limit credit expansion and economic growth as debt servicing costs for both consumers and corporations becomes more expensive. 

How much longer will the current rise in oil prices last?  The horoscope for oil offers some clues to this question. While there are several possible horoscopes which can be used to track the price of oil, let's use the horoscope for Brent Crude oil (September 5, 2001). 

The chart is highly activated at the moment as both Jupiter and Saturn are making important conjunctions.  A key factor behind the recent rally is that bullish Jupiter (28 Capricorn) is exactly conjunct Uranus.  Jupiter is currently retrograde and will station direct on Monday, October 18.  The periods near Jupiter stations are quite positive if it forms a close aspect with a planet in the natal chart as is the case here.  In addition, we can see that Jupiter also forms very close alignments with both the MC (10th house cusp) and the Ascendant.  These alignments have likely intensified the positive effects of this Jupiter-Uranus transit.

At the same time, however, Saturn (12 Capricorn) is exactly conjunct Neptune and therefore also in alignment with natal Mercury.  This should be a more bearish influence which may offset some of the bullish influence of the Jupiter-Uranus conjunction.  Like Jupiter, Saturn is also near the time of its direct station as it returned to normal direct motion this past Sunday, October 10. 

Clearly, there isn't any evidence of this more negative Saturn influence as the oil price has been rising for the past 8 weeks.  One possible explanation for the overshadowing of Saturn by Jupiter is that the Saturn-Neptune conjunction is a less negative influence.  Neptune is not as important here as it moves very slowly -- just 2 or 3 degrees per year -- so its placement is less unique to the horoscope.   If Saturn had been conjunct the natal Sun or the Moon in the Brent chart, then it might have had a greater impact on price.

Looking ahead, we can see that Jupiter will separate from its conjunction starting early next week, just as Saturn has done this week.  This should begin to diminish the bullish influence of Jupiter on the price of crude oil.  Therefore, the odds of a pullback in oil are increasing and will increase further next week as Jupiter resumes forward motion away from its conjunction with Uranus.  


Weekly Market Forecast

Stocks have generally moved sideways over the past week as inflation fears and the prospect of Fed tapering have been mitigated by the expectations of stronger growth in corporate earnings.  The choppy trading is a probable consequence of last week's Sun-Mars-Mercury conjunction, although the downside was fairly muted.

The rest of this week features a range of both bullish and bearish short term influences.  The Sun-Jupiter aspect is often bullish but the Mars-Neptune and Mercury-Chiron alignments look more bearish.  Next Wednesday's Full Moon has a bearish bias due to its alignment with Mars.  While the twin stations of Jupiter and Mercury early in the week could offer some new bullish energy into the mix, the Full Moon suggests some volatility is still likely along the 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.

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US debt ceiling melodrama

(5 October 2021) If Shakespeare had lived in Washington, DC, he might have written, 'All the world's a stage, and politicians are merely players in it.'  Fortunately for us, he didn't but we are nonetheless stuck with the predictable melodrama of US politics.  And so the debt ceiling negotiations are again taking center stage as the Democrats and Republicans are forced to find ways to compromise without risking a catastrophic debt default by the October 18 deadline.

While nobody really expects a US government default to happen, financial markets have become volatile in recent days as the debt ceiling talks are now inextricably intertwined with negotiations involving the two Biden infrastructure bills.   Markets have largely discounted the fiscal stimulus from these bills so there is some downside risk in the event that these bills are not passed.  Without these major spending bills, the post-pandemic recovery would be more fragile and thus vulnerable to market disappointment. 

We can see the current political tension in Washington in the US horoscope.   The government is traditionally symbolized by the Sun so any tense aspects involving malefic planets (especially Mars and Saturn) will tend to coincide with difficult situations.  This week there is a fairly rare triple conjunction of Mercury, Sun and Mars which will form a square alignment with natal Sun (22 Gemini).  This Mars-centered configuration suggests significant tension with government and leaders and is one very good reason why the debt ceiling talks are unlikely to resolve quickly. 

Resolution becomes more likely only after the Mercury-Sun-Mars conjunction has passed exact on Saturday, October 8.  Until then, all three planets will be sources of stress on the Sun (government).  Based on this factor alone, markets are therefore more likely to remain volatile for the rest of this week, although other offsetting factors could remain significant.

The other planet to watch in this respect is Saturn.  Saturn is due to station direct at 12 Capricorn on Sunday, October 10 while in an exact alignment with natal Venus in the USA chart. Venus symbolizes harmony and economic well-being while Saturn represents disruption and disappointment.  Together, these planets form a potentially toxic brew of dissension which makes any quick resolution to the debt ceiling talks unlikely in the near term.  The outlook may improve after October 10, although its negative effects could linger a while longer. 


Weekly Market Forecast

While it is a very remote chance, a US debt default would likely cause a stock market crash.  This is one very obvious reason why it will never happen.   Nonetheless, the fear of a default could well spook markets further in the near term. 

The Sun-Mars conjunction in sidereal Virgo with retrograde Mercury backing into a triple conjunction suggests volatility is more likely to persist than to subside.  But while the US may be locked in the uncertainty of Saturn and Mars here, optimism is more likely to emerge after the Jupiter direct station on October 18. 

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.

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Congress in debt ceiling stalemate as Mercury turns retrograde

(28 September 2021) Negotiations in Washington, DC ground to halt today as the two parties could not agree on a way forward to raise the debt ceiling.  With the Republicans digging in their heels against a bill which would raise the debt ceiling, odds of a government shutdown were rising before the Thursday deadline. 

And if things really go off the rails, there is there the possibility that the government will run out of money as the deadline for a US debt default is October 18.   And just to ratchet up the pressure some more, liberal Democrats are now threatening to vote against the bipartisan infrastructure bill if centrist Democrats vote against Biden's larger $3.5 Trillion stimulus bill. 

The melodrama in Washington shouldn't be too surprising given that Mercury turned retrograde in the early morning hours on Monday.  As we know, things often go haywire whenever Mercury, the planet of communication and commerce, reverses its normal forward motion and turns retrograde and moves backwards in the sky during its three week cycle. 

Against this backdrop of government dysfunction, US stocks tumbled 2% today as bond yields spiked on fears that rising inflation would force the Fed to tighten its monetary policy sooner than expected.  The current pullback is more or less in line with our expectations since we have seen an intensification of bearish Saturn energy in recent weeks.   Stocks peaked in early September just a few days before the exact Jupiter-Pluto alignment.  Once that bullish alignment began to lose its strength, the more bearish influence of Saturn took over.  Saturn is due to form a 45-degree alignment with Neptune in October just as it stations direct on October 10. 

Saturn alignments with outer planets like Neptune tend to be bearish, even if the aspect is a minor one, as is the case here with the 45-degree angle.  The current configuration is more likely to be bearish because Saturn is just days away from its annual direct station.   Planetary stations are especially powerful and can be pivotal market events for good or ill depending on the nature of the planet involved and the direction of the prevailing trend.  Saturn tends to be more bearish around the times of its stations (both retrograde and direct) while Mercury has a bearish bias near the date of its retrograde station.

This week could see additional selling as Mars opposes Chiron and Mercury squares Pluto.  While the recently-discovered Chiron (in 1977) is not a traditional Vedic planet, it nonetheless has observable effects so that its positive aspects tend to be bullish while its negative aspects with malefics like Saturn and Mars tend to be bearish.  And while neither Mercury nor Pluto are malefic planets, the square aspects can be tense and thereby increases the odds of some negative fallout later in the week, especially in light of the background Saturn influence. 

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.

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China's Evergrande crisis roils markets

 (21 September 2021)  Global stock markets are sharply lower this week as Evergrande, China's second largest real estate developer, teeters on the brink of bankruptcy.  While default now seems inevitable, the more important question is whether the Chinese government will provide a bailout.  Even a partial bailout of its $300 billion in debt would help not only the 1.5 million customers who invested their savings in new homes, but it also would reduce the risk of financial contagion.  Evergrande is large enough that a disorderly default would damage the Chinese economy and therefore could have ramifications for investors all over the world. 

The Evergrande crisis can be seen as a part of an ongoing attempt of the Xi government to tighten regulations throughout the financial sector.  Earlier this year, the CCP imposed stricter anti-trust regulations on tech and internet companies such as Alibaba.  The regulatory initiative is seen as a part of a campaign to bring the free-wheeling Chinese economy under closer political control by the CCP. 

Chinese stocks have suffered the consequences of the new restrictions this year as stocks have fallen more than 25% from their February high.  The decline can be seen in the horoscope of the Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE - December 19, 1990, 9.30 a.m.).  Very quickly we can see the problem in the chart: Saturn, the planet of loss and constraint, is exactly conjunct the Ascendant at 13 degrees of sidereal Capricorn.  Saturn is the most bearish of all planets so its alignments usually coincide with declines, especially when they involve important chart points like the Sun, Moon or the Ascendant. 

Interestingly, Chinese stocks began their long descent in February just as Saturn was also transiting the Ascendant during its normal forward motion.  Now retrograde, it is once again crossing over the Ascendant and as stocks are similarly mired in a period of pessimism.  

We can also see that the apparent peak of this crisis is occurring while three malefics, Saturn, Rahu, and Mars, are all in 120 degree alignments with the SSE Ascendant. In the short term, further downside is possible when Mars exactly aligns with Saturn and the Ascendant later this week and early next week.  Chinese stocks are likely to remain under pressure for a while yet since Saturn isn't due to end its retrograde cycle until October 10.  A rebound of some size becomes much more likely after Saturn makes its final conjunction with the SSE Ascendant in November. 


Weekly Market Forecast

Given this week's ongoing Saturn-Rahu-Mars alignment, US and global stocks are also vulnerable to further downside in the coming days.  Tomorrow's FOMC statement could well see a relief rally, however, as Mercury enters sidereal Libra and aligns with Jupiter and the Moon.  But downside risk will be somewhat elevated as we approach the Mercury retrograde station next Monday. 

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.

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Stocks fall on possible Biden tax hike

 (14 September 2021) After their relentless summer rally, US stocks have trended lower in recent days as investors have begun to factor in the possibility of significant tax hikes needed to pay for the ambitious $3.5 Trillion Biden budget proposal. While it is far from clear if the proposal will pass the Senate in its current form given the Democrats narrow majority, markets generally don't like taxes as they directly impact the corporate bottom line which is the key driver of stock prices.  This market weakness is not too surprising given the current major planetary alignments that I outlined last week.

Stocks started selling the day after the Labor Day holiday while Jupiter was approaching its closest alignment with Pluto.  I thought we might have seen a bit more upside last week from the bullish entry of Venus into Libra on Monday, September 6.  But while some international markets were up on Monday, any positive influence was already largely spent by the US opening on Tuesday. The theoretical maximum of the bullish influence occurred on Friday, September 10 but stocks drifted mostly lower that day.  Since both Jupiter and Pluto are slow-moving planets, their moment of maximum influence should be understood as a multi-day window rather than one specific day. 

As Jupiter is now separating from its 30-degree alignment with Pluto, there may be less bullish sentiment to keep a bid under stocks.  In addition, Saturn seems likely to become more powerful in the near term as it approaches its 45-degree alignment with Neptune. 

While neither of these alignments conform to standard aspecting rules in traditional Vedic astrology, they nonetheless are worth watching.  Saturn alignments with outer planets like Neptune are often bearish in their influence, especially when either planet is near a planetary station.  That is very much the case here as Saturn is backing into its direct station slated for October 10. 

And if we examine the NYSE horoscope, we can see the pessimistic Saturn influence is also likely to be further heightened.  Saturn is due to end its retrograde cycle at 12 Capricorn and this will form an exact 135-degree alignment with the natal Mars in the chart.  Since both Mars and Saturn are malefic planets, there is a higher likelihood of declines around the time of the direct station in early October.  

The periods near Saturn stations -- both direct and retrograde -- aren't always bearish but the odds shift significantly towards the bears whenever it aligns closely with another planet. 

Therefore, the next few weeks could see some increased volatility.  Caveat Emptor. 

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.

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September arrives with stocks at all-time highs

(7 September 2021) As the summer holiday season yields to the more sobering winds of September, financial markets await a new catalyst.  Buoyed by an accommodative Fed and the prospect of the economic re-opening,  stock markets have moved higher over the past several months with few significant interruptions.  While valuations may be becoming stretched by conventional measures, most investors are reluctant to sell given the absence of any viable alternatives with interest rates pinned near zero. 

And it's hard to blame them.  Inflation may be at its highest level in ten years but that is of little concern for the Fed since it has pre-emptively declared that inflation is "transitory".  Even though the cost of housing and food continues to spiral upwards, Fed Chair Jerome Powell is in no hurry to reduce emergency QE asset purchases, let alone actually raise interest rates.  Powell needs to keep the liquidity taps turned on full if there is to be any chance to reduce unemployment back to its pre-pandemic levels, no matter how high inflation may rise.  Stock markets have mostly accepted this logic and have tagged along for the ride.

The current planetary picture offers some insights into this bull market rally.  Despite a mixed session today following Labor Day, some clear bullish energy is evident in the close Jupiter-Pluto alignment.  This 30-degree alignment has been tightening over the past few weeks and is one important reason why stocks have generally melted higher.  The strength of this bullish pairing has even neutralized most bearish aspects, including the fairly close Saturn-Rahu aspect.  While assessing the relative influence of potentially offsetting aspects is more art than science, a glimpse into the Nasdaq horoscope provides another window on this matter. 






One reason why the Jupiter-Pluto alignment may have outweighed all other potentially offsetting aspects is that it is activating some key points in the Nasdaq chart.  First, transiting Jupiter (0 Aquarius) is conjunct natal Rahu.  This is a very bullish pairing since Jupiter's bullish influence is usually magnified by Rahu (North Lunar Node).   This is even more likely to be the case since natal Rahu is well-placed in the 10th/11th houses in conjunction with the Sun. 

While the lunar nodes (Rahu, Ketu) are considered natural malefics in Vedic astrology, any involvement with Jupiter is more likely to convert them into positive influences.  And this is perhaps more likely to be the case here since Jupiter is aligned with Ketu (South Lunar Node).  This amounts to a double amplification of Jupiter's bullish energy.

Interestingly, transiting Ketu (11 Scorpio) is approaching its conjunction with natal Jupiter (10 Scorpio).  This is another potentially bullish influence that may partially explain the relentless rally in stocks, especially in large cap tech stocks.  While spiritual Ketu is a less reliable bullish influence on prices than materialistic Rahu, the involvement with Jupiter here nonetheless tilts the scales in favor of positive outcomes. 

But the question, of course, is how long will this rally last?  Here the planets offer some useful clues.  First, we know that the ongoing Jupiter-Pluto alignment will peak this Friday, September 10.  Typically, bullish Jupiter alignments tend to lose their bullish energy shortly after this exact peak, often within days.  However, this reversal dynamic can vary significantly depending on other factors. 

Also, we can see that transiting Jupiter will begin to separate from its bullish conjunction with natal Rahu next week as it slips back into Capricorn.  While it will remain in close bullish conjunction, this is likely to be a waning influence in the coming days.  And it is much the same story with transiting Ketu.  Ketu (True Node) will conjoin natal Jupiter late next week but it will begin to separate in subsequent days.  This will likely be another diminishing source of bullish sentiment.  Moreover, we can see that transiting Ketu will conjoin the very malefic 8th house cusp later in September.  This conjunction looks more bearish, especially with Neptune in close proximity.

All three of these bullish Jupiter influences are therefore very close to their peaks.  This suggests that the available bullish energy may become less readily available as we go deeper into September and October.  The carefree days of summer may soon be behind us.  


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.

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