Financial Universe published 22nd January 2008
Well is this or isn't it Full Moon madness?
Stock markets across the world have made dramatic falls and we are told to expect more when Wall Street opens later today.
FYI, the Full Moon is exact at 13.35 GMT. So, by the time Wall St. does open, sentiment may well change.
It's interesting that the commentators are stating that this falls compare with those of Sept.11th, 2001. Uranus is now more or less opposite the position held by the Sun that day. The planet of the unexpected may well be playing its part.
As I stated in the last letter, I am fearful of the dates around next month's lunar eclipse (Feb.21st) by which time Uranus will have edged a little closer to that Sept 11th solar degree.
There are two other points to mention. As we know, this coming Saturday, from the geocentric perspective, Pluto enters Capricorn: a sign it last visited in the 18th century!
If we're looking for images, think 'bank' for Capricorn. And now along comes Pluto and the underpinning on the bank goes. That doesn't stop the bank working: but it does imply that major repairs and restructuring will need to begin.
True, I could be accused of being Pollyanna, but I'm really not sure that 2008 will be as doom-ridden as is suggested. There are still some positive aspects around and some perfectly frightful ones yet to form before the end of the decade.
This may be just the dress rehearsal!
If you've read The Financial Universe, then you'll know that the Federal Reserve bank was formed with the Sun at the very beginning of Capricorn. And yes, Pluto is almost there! True, it will cross this degree a couple of times this year.
I suggested in the book that at the very least, this would most likely coincide with the need for new management at the bank. I think I'll stick with that forecast!
I don't have a time of birth for Mr Bernanke. Whereas Alan Greenspan was a Sun in Pisces with a Sagittarius Moon, Mr Bernanke is a Sagittarius Sun with a Pisces Moon. I don't think either combination is brilliant at giving direction but, in Mr Bernanke's case, I think it's dreadful combination. The need to say what will please is sure to win over what ought really to be said.
As explained, I don't have his exact time of birth and so I don't know the exact position of his Moon: but I think a change of job is quite possible! True, that might not happen for some months most likely closer to his birthday in December.
In April, Saturn and Pluto form a trine (they are a third of a cycle apart). This is generally NOT a bad news aspect (in financial terms). When we consider that Pluto will be firmly established in Saturn's sign (Capricorn) by then, I think it likely that some stability will be around.
The word 'confidence' seems to be used in just about every bulletin I hear. Expect to hear it used even more from early March until mid May as Mars moves through Cancer.
Short-term, these storms could be weathered. It's the longer term picture that is so frightful. In a couple of years, Saturn arrives at its square with Pluto coincident with some other pretty awful aspects. Not only does this look bleak for the markets, it doesn't look at all good for the Middle East, the India/Pakistan border and for China.
But back to Mars:
You might agree with me that this retrograde Mars has been a real pain in terms of trying to get anything done. I've been given charts with incorrect data, had to move meetings again and again, and generally found it difficult to get new ideas and ventures off the ground.
Yet I do feel that there is an upside. I've had time to observe reactions and to read documents that have been close by for ages and yet ignored.
I'm inclined to think that one of these was 'meant' to surface at this time.
I've been reviewing some Mayan Astrology and, in particular, the Sun-Venus cycle. This tells an intriguing story. A quarter-millennium cycle is at work here (not so very different to Pluto's journey through the zodiac). This suggests a grand pattern at work.
If that's the case, then the coming Sun-Venus conjunction in Jun 2008, is mirrored by one that took place in June 1757.
In researching this, I came upon this piece:
'The practice of financing public elections with private money is older than our nation itself. In 1757, for example, George Washington was charged with a kind of campaign spending irregularity in his race for a seat in the Virginia House of Burgesses. With only 391 voters in his district, Washington is said to have purchased and distributed during his campaign more than a quart and a half of rum, wine, beer, and hard cider per person.'
Not quite the money story I was looking for but interesting nevertheless!
I am now pouring through histories of various banks and will let you know if I come up with anything useful.
Until the New Moon,
Yours from the stars
Christeen
Financial Universe published 10th January 2008
I didn't want to start this with an apology but it is necessary. This newsletter is late by two days. I hope that won't happen again. Sadly the ear infection is still with me and it was difficult to handle normal work let alone add extra work at the start of this week.
But things are improving and I'm back on track.
Meanwhile, of course, the New Hampshire primaries took place. Irritating as it is, we don't have complete (affirmed birth time) data for all the candidates. That's a real nuisance as it's time-consuming trying to work out what the time should be. I am back on this case now and will give you a forecast in the next newsletter. (I note that 'Super Tuesday's voting takes place the night before the solar eclipse which should be highly entertaining).
Gold has jumped considerably this week too. I know that there are theories that this market is being manipulated (probably by the banks), but even allowing for gold pulling back to around $830 which is possible in the coming weeks, I still feel that it could climb a long way yet. It has considerable appeal in the East and I don't see that changing.
On that note, there is 496-year cycle (the Neptune-Pluto cycle) which seems to match the commercial shift from East to West hemisphere and back again. We are presently in the early phase of an Eastern emphasis. Much is written about economic growth in India and China but these aren't the only countries to look out for. I would expect a surge in places like Kazakhstan especially in the coming six years.
Market-wise 2008 has got off to a predictably bumpy start. I don't see this changing in the next few weeks either. The last week of February looks particularly grim. I can't make up my mind if the bottom is more likely to be 24th or 26th but either way, I think that the few days after the lunar eclipse on Feb 21st, will be difficult.
My analysis suggests that there might be some positive dates before that though. Indeed, we could see markets rise into Valentine's Day (Feb. 14th). Friday 15th doesn't look brilliant so perhaps the falls will start then and keep going.
Before then we have to negotiate a retrograde Mercury period. Yes, Mercury appears to stand still before 'going backwards' starting on Jan 28th. Two days later Mars appears to move forward after it's long retro phase. So, the last week of January looks interesting. All this happens just after Pluto's arrival in Capricorn.
I'm slightly backing a hunch here, but I suspect we'll see marked currency volatility over those few dates. This could also be a significant time for gold whose prices could fall before recovering a month later.
The US dollar has gained a little strength (against sterling) in recent weeks. I'm not sure that this is sustainable: we could be back over $2 by Feb 20th.
Yesterday Marks and Spencer posted their figures and Sir Stuart Rose made clear that he expected trading conditions in 2008 to be tough. (Maybe someone's told him about Pluto moving into Capricorn!).
The thing about Pluto moving into Capricorn though is it's likely to bring renewed interest in quality and durability. People may buy less, but could pay more. Specialist departments are likely to do well. We should see a return to the value of expertise and professionalism. In clothing retail, tailors and seamstresses could do very well though I'd agree that you might not see this momentum gathering until the end of the year.
Those small businesses will so, so need to have interest rates at affordable levels. I fully expect rate cuts in the next couple of months.
I have enjoyed interesting conversations in recent weeks with those who think we may have a return to stagflation. I'm just not comfortable with that word. In astro terms stagflation belongs to the Saturn/Neptune cycle whose opposition was last year. In 2008, one of the dominant themes is Saturn opposition Uranus which is very different. True, Neptune and Uranus are in what is known as 'mutual reception' so there is a lingering effect from last year's opposition. But there does seem to be a twist.
I'm not sure that we should underestimate the ability of humankind to break cycles and patterns. The cosmic conditions building now haven't been seen for more than two centuries, so repeats of 20th century challenges seems most unlikely. A new word may be needed. I'll let you know if I find it!
I'll leave you with one further thought. There is a very interesting cycle involving the Moon's node and US naval action. This was tripped into action last week. Apparently on cosmic-cue, there was an incident between Iran and US naval forces. This further underscores the probability of serious incidents in 2009 (more on that later).
I don't want to finish on a gloomy note so instead will conclude with thoughts about the Arts. According to this morning's BBC Today programme, it is thought that a renaissance has begun. They're a bit late: I figured it began with the Venus transit in June 2004! If you have any creative talents, I'd urge you to give them attention. Between 2004 and 2012, the cosmos may be sending remarkable messages. Tune in: if nothing else it's a pleasant way to spend time. More, it might even be a sound investment!
Until next time,
Yours from the stars,
Christeen
Seriously, the old Financial Universe newsletter was, I think, just too ambitious at two letters a week. The management team also wanted me to aim at the N. America market. Given that most enquiries came from the UK, I think a different approach is needed.
So, I've come to a decision (which isn't easy given that I'm a Libra!). I've determined to do two letters A MONTH. This first one is a promise to myself to get started on the first day of the year.
Henceforth I'll aim to send you a letter on each of the New and Full Moons.
Another big problem has been how to address the needs of those who want something specific but who don't want a full consultation. So, I'll go commercial here and say that if you want to chat over a specific point, then I'll have a fixed fee, make a note, and bill you every quarter: and I'll set that rate at £15 per 15 minute call.
And now on to the year ahead:
The upside of having been laid low with a flu-type virus is that it's given me time to read papers that I'd almost forgotten owning. I've also had chance to put some new and old techniques into practice. So now I feel more confident about writing about the year ahead.
Yesterday's papers were full of August 9th, 2007 and how they felt that the financial world had been changed forever that day. With the benefit of hindsight there were several cosmic factors suggesting that world finance would make headline news that day. The 'rot' though could be traced back a couple of years which is presumably when those sub-prime loans were being sold on a massive scale. The fact that the situation began to unravel soon after Saturn's opposition to Neptune and as Pluto aligned with the Galactic Centre suggests that a little astrology was at work!
Now Gordon Brown tells us we must prepare for a tough year ahead. I don't know if he can read an ephemeris or if he has ever consulted an astrologer, but he is 'roughly' right. I think he's overlooked ingenuity and scientific advances though. For me, the FTSE could still advance this year (more on that in a later letter).
As to the credit crunch: in my book 'The Financial Universe', which was written in 2003 and published in 2004, I picked a date in February 2010 for a massive currency and credit collapse. Though some of the forecasts I made haven't worked out quite as planned (though some have), I am sticking with this one.
Through 2008, it may well be possible to retrieve some ground from the recent credit crunch debacle. I fear that we may only be buying time however and that my 2010 forecast will coincide with doom and gloom.
So, now you're asking what's safe and if there will be any winners through this timeframe? Those of you who know me, will know that I've been binding on about gold and commodities for over a decade now. You'll also know how mad I am that Gordon Brown sold our gold at those crazy (less than $300) prices ages ago. As of yesterday gold was at $840 and yes, I do think it's got a long way to go. I still think that it's on target for over $1000 by the end of the decade: though of course if you want a riskier investment there may be more lucrative ways to make your money work.
You may know that Jupiter has now begun its journey through Capricorn. It visits each sign for roughly 12 months in as many years. Analysis of 'Jupiter-Capricorn' years show the equity areas that grow most to be specialist retail and consumer hardware (both sectors up over 50% last time Jupiter went through Capricorn) . This year I think we can add waste management companies and, crucially, those firms specialising in good water management.
I confess to having a wry smile over the tale of the missing data files. The story broke not long after Saturn arrived in data-collecting Virgo. I don't imagine it will be long before firms specialising in securing data will outstrip others in their share price rises.
The Financial Services Act doesn't allow me to name names as it were, but if you want to suggest any companies you'd like me to look at and to compare with your chart then do get in touch.
Of course, the big question is 'what will happen to house prices?'. Well, I think that there may be some better news here.
The UK chart is based on Jan 1st, 1801 which makes us a Capricorn country. With Jupiter moving through our sign, we could still see some price rises. Yes, Pluto is also moving through this sign but Jupiter leads the way. In the capital city (London) particularly, I'd expect prices to at least hold and, in some areas, perhaps to rise.
I'm not as confident about other areas of the UK though there again, with Saturn trining Jupiter and Pluto this year, I'd expect there to be more of a 'hold' than price falls.
Again, those who're familiar with my work will know that I'm worried about the shifting water table. I think that flood risk is likely to have more impact on prices than what's happening in the financial world.
At least for now
..
The situation is likely to change in 2009 as you'll read in later letters which I'm very much look forward to putting together.
I hope to send the next letter to coincide with next Tuesday's (8th) lunation.
Until then, all good wishes for 2008 and, as before,
'Yours from the stars'
Christeen
SELECTION OF THOUGHTS: mailed 6 August 2006
Not withstanding the present theatres of war in the Middle east:
Four areas of the world could be markedly affected in the next 10 days. It is unlikely to come as any surprise that the Beirut through Haifa region is affected by gloom. However, Japan, the Philippines and Australia might also feel the effect.
SHORT TERM:
SHORT TERM:
Part of this planetary picture contains a stressful aspect between Saturn and Pluto. At any time in the last century when these two planets when these two planets have been aligned (i.e. conjunct, opposite, and eighth or quarter cycle from one another), there has been an escalation of tension between ancient peoples : most particularly in the Middle East and, since Israel's birth in 1948, between that country and the Palestinians. In a recent newsletter I wrote of my concern regarding a tight planetary formation that was exact between 16th and 22nd June 2006 over the summer solstice.I pointed out that the chart for the solstice itself which is used to forecast the coming 3 months until the Equinox, was 'difficult' and that tension could result in political dissension and stress in the global market place. It is perhaps no surprise that within this formation, Saturn and Pluto arrived at the half-way point between their 'Full Moon' and 'Last Quarter Moon phase. With sickening regularity, the response of the ancient peoples of the volatile region of the world that encompasses Israel, Palestine and the Lebanon is to be at violent odds with one another. Though the current events were apparently triggered by the taking of an Israeli soldier on 25th June, the stage was clearly set a long time before: the tinder box needed very little to set it alight. (In this instance, Mars transiting the Saturn-Pluto conjunction in the Israeli chart). Global markets have already reacted and the price of both oil and gold has risen sharply from their June positions. In the early hours of next Tuesday (18th June) a 'fusion' of the Sun with Mercury, within hours of Mars and Jupiter (a military strategy cycle), suggests communication stalemate and a new phase in hostilities. It could be that an ultimatum is issued. It is probable that this will be mirrored in the market-place with a reversal of trend. Any further increase in commodity prices may be halted for the moment frayed financial nerves may be steadied though perhaps not for long. Though there is much to suggest financial relief after 26th July when markets could start to recover, before then sharp falls could be experienced in particular on 24th and 25th. By this time Mars will have moved out of Leo and into Virgo and will have passed Mars in the Israeli chart. It is to be hoped that a winding down of military action will be apparent. The story though will be far from over. It might even be argued that events taking place now form the overture to even greater hostility. Pluto's long, slow transit of the Galactic Centre is not concluded for many months. History does not give many clues for interpretation of this rare phenomenon. However, it seems reasonable to suggest global unrest and a revaluing of the Earth's resources. It might also be a contributory factor in the increased prise of commodities forecast for between the two transits of Venus (June 2004 and 2012) and which could accelerate in the coming months as Pluto passes this position. Pluto's journey through Sagittarius has brought ample evidence of fundamentalism and terrorism under the guise of religion. As Pluto moves over the Galactic Centre we might anticipate more of the same particularly after the New Moon of November 20th. Much longer term, as Pluto moves on into Capricorn (2008), the terrorism to be feared is likely to be corporate with systems crashing and causing untold misery to all those who put their faith in banks and savings. The potential for a different kind of global terrorism seems clear. More immediately, the opposition phase of Saturn and Neptune suggests economic stalemate and stagflation in autumn 2006. The last week in October could bring decidedly chilly economic winds and sharp falls in equities world-wide. It is interesting to note that Venus and Mars the two planets associated with war, cross the Ascendant of the Israeli chart mid-October. It is reasonable to conclude that even if hostilities reduce sharply in September, they could escalate again within a few short weeks. This same period is likely to find pressure put on the US dollar. Though its value might increase against the usual basket of currencies in August, the situation could start to reverse as early as the last days of August. During September we might see its value start to slide. Christeen Skinner 16 July 2006 The last word in competitive intelligence - Christeen Skinner's astro-view
Hello again,
The 'red' planet is apparently moving backwards presently. It's also alone on one side of the sky. Negative action is one possible outcome of this picture. Mars doesn't start moving forward until Jan 30th and yes, it is possible that the markets won't respond in a truly positive way until after that date.
Hello again,
And yes, I do remember saying that I was 'popping over the horizon' way back in July last year and that I'd be back shortly! I guess I took a detour.
With regard to the present Lebanon/Israel conflict, tomorrow's (August 7th) Sun Saturn alignment would be an unusual signature for peace. Though this might be described as 'slamming the brakes on' aspect, it is also associated with hard-line. A cessation of hostilities seems most unlikely particularly when the charts of Lebanon and Israel are taken into account. The next 'peace' aspects do not form until August 14th (a mild aspect), August 23rd (more likely) and September 8th. Indeed, the strongest signal for peace is an alignment of the Sun with Jupiter on November 21st.
Mercury's return, on Friday 11th August to the position held on 5th July, may be significant and could be felt not just around the negotiating tables of the world, but also in stock markets. The wording for a cease fire might be found then. This date could also witness marked movement in various stock market indices.
Market-wise, volatility (perhaps related to the natural disaster indicated above) seems likely for the trading week beginning Monday 14th August, though recovery could occur over Tuesday 22nd and Wednesday 23rd.
August 11th could be a significant date in terms of US dollar Euro trading. Between this date and August 21st, the dollar could slide against the Euro. It could then recover some ground until the lunar eclipse of September 9th when the Euro could gain again setting a trend that is likely to continue for a few months.
Quote from last week's bulletin:
A rising trend is likely through Thursday though there may be hints on Friday of another change of direction most particularly in blue-chip stocks.
As we saw, there was indeed a rising trend last week though the equity falls anticipated on 24th and 25th did not materialise. Gold, however, did fall markedly on 24th though rose to close at $641 on Friday.
Another quote:
Mercury arrives at its station in the small hours (GMT) of Saturday morning. This could coincide with a change of direction both in the action in Israel and Lebanon.
It is now clear that Friday and Saturday brought frenetic discussions with regard to the escalating conflict. That it was not possible to agree a ceasefire if only temporarily is very worrying given the phase relationship of several key cycles. The Mercury station (early hours of Saturday GMT) offered a window of opportunity: regrettably it seems this was not used to advantage.
________________
On Monday 7th, the Sun and Saturn will align (as viewed from Earth). The effect of this conjunction is likely to be felt from Thursday (3rd). This particular conjunction often coincides with the brakes being slammed on. It is deemed a negative force and generally avoided as a launch date for new businesses. (NB. No company in the FTSE 100 has this aspect). Prior to this aspect's formation, another of the 'anything's possible/super-human' aspects forms on Wednesday 2nd.
Of course, it is possible that markets will continue to rise almost to see how high they can go - until this aspect is passed.
However, once this aspect is out of the way, there is much to suggest that the mood of the market will turn aggressively negative (signs of this may be apparent not long after Wall Street opens for trade on Tuesday 1st). If a slide does begin then, it is likely to quickly capture momentum bringing indices sharply down by Monday 7th.
True, there is one aspect in operation (and which does not clear until August 29th) which might keep certain stocks up. However, if past experience is anything to go by, then the most likely trend is DOWN.
Four areas of the world could be markedly affected in the next 10 days. It is unlikely to come as any surprise that the Beirut through Haifa region is affected by this gloom. However, Japan, the Philippines and Australia might also feel the effect.
Taking into account the latent effect of the March 2006 solar eclipse, earth-shocks could destabilise any or all of these regions. The effect is likely to be most pronounced between 7th and 11th August. These dates encompass a Full Moon (August 9th) which might well be the trigger for marked activity in the Earth crust.
GEORGE W. BUSH THIS WEEK:
As we saw last week, this is a trying time for the President. His unpopularity both at home and abroad would appear to be increasing. However, in the next few days a new cycle opens for him. This one could see him 'come out fighting' especially next weekend. Though this is likely to be driven by the need to avoid humiliation, it might still be effective, allowing him to slip from another hook at least for now.
As mentioned in last week's newsletter, the chart for his presidency is hit hard later in August when the issue of accountability could be on every headline.
TONY BLAIR THIS WEEK
Most commentators seem to agree that Mr Blair is indeed fighting for his political life. He too is under a Saturn transit which is exact on 11th August. The yoke of office is undoubtedly weighing heavily on him. However, once this Saturn transit is passed, the heat could quickly reduce. Indeed, it could be argued that he will be able to charm some of his accusers as early as next weekend (though we may never know what is actually agreed).
Of course, it is possible that the limelight will move elsewhere and that natural events will deflect some of the attention from his handling of the global and national political situations.
MEDIUM TERM
The next solar eclipse (September 22nd) occurs within hours of the solstice. These moments are always powerful, setting the scene for the next season on Earth. This eclipse chart includes a planetary formation suggesting considerable economic tension.
Three forecasts seem appropriate:
LONG TERM
Please see Chapters 8 & 9 in 'The Financial Universe'.
Quote from last week's bulletin:
Any further increase in commodity prices may be halted for the moment frayed financial nerves may be steadied though perhaps not for long.
As we saw, commodity prices fell as if on cue early last week.
Another quote: Though there is much to suggest financial relief after 26th July when markets could start to recover, before then sharp falls could be experienced in particular on 24th and 25th.
There is nothing to suggest the need to revise this forecast.
________________
On May 31st, as viewed from Earth, Jupiter and Pluto were an eighth of a cycle apart from one another. This same aspect is exact again in the early hours of Tuesday July 25th (GMT) at almost precisely the moment of the New Moon. As happened at the end of May, stock markets around the world could react negatively with sharp fall possible on Monday 24th and no real recovery until late Tuesday. A rising trend is likely through Thursday though there may be hints on Friday of another change of direction most particularly in blue-chip stocks.
Mercury arrives at its station in the small hours (GMT) of Saturday morning. This could coincide with a change of direction both in the action in Israel and Lebanon.
The US dollar might benefit. It is likely that the dollar will then rise against a basket of currencies for a few weeks.
Gold prices could experience a short change of direction: they could rise into July 27th but then fall back. This 'fall' may be marked. It might then hover around the price reached on August 4th until 22nd when it is likely to start it's (initially slow) rise before reaching significant highs at the end of 2006.
GEORGE W. BUSH THIS WEEK :
Mr Bush is likely to be facing serious private and public difficulties. Burdens in both areas are likely to be heavier than usual. Family responsibilities versus public accountability could result in this being one of the most difficult weeks of his presidency.
The issue of accountability could be a recurrent theme in the coming weeks. A chart for this presidency, suggests growing clamour for legal reckoning with this 'rockets' falling ever closer to the President.
TONY BLAIR THIS WEEK :
Tony Blair is also likely to experience a tough week. A loss of face and further communications 'slips' are possible. What he says with confidence on Monday 24th, may need to be quietly withdrawn on 26th. These banana skins might not stay headline news however, as between 28th and 30th, he comes under Mars' style influence: the street-fighter in him could surface and might need to when he comes up against fierce criticism. In one sense it might be argued that he will be fighting for his political life. He might also be justifying the 'special relationship between the UK and US. It is perhaps most likely that he will be arguing that his way is the only way and that there are times when war (Afghanistan, Iraq, Israel) is justified.
MEDIUM TERM
A 'cluster' bomb of tricky aspects suggests marked volatility (political and financial) from August 29th to September 5th. This latter date could mark the start of another rise in commodity prices. It might also mark the date when the US dollar loses momentum.
A similar 'cluster bomb' of aspects mid June appeared to pass unnoticed. However, within just 2 days, the Israeli soldier was kidnapped triggering the present conflict.
The early September aspects are different and could be felt more 'on cue'. The chart for Lebanon suggests high-level political and social activity over these dates.
International attention might also be drawn to another area of the world: both Japan and N. Korea could make the headlines.
In the case of Japan, this could be an early warning signal for economic difficulties that escalate trough the autumn.
Those of you who have read my book 'The Financial Universe' will know that the patterns created by the outer planets, particularly between 2008 and 2010 suggest a difficult period ahead. If mankind responds to these formations as it has in the past, then there is very real danger of global warfare.