Financial Universe published 20 August 2009
Dear Fellow Star-Gazers,And greetings from Chicago.I am four hours behind the New Moon: please forgive me: jet-lag has addled my brain.I ought to have been writing this on the trip over yesterday but I got stuck into Niall Ferguson's history, "The Ascent of Money" and was subsequently side tracked by looking at key dates and charts for the Rothschild family - and then there was a lovely reception here last night and time flew until I was reminded to get this letter out (for which many thanks to Gay who reminded me!)In my last letter I expressed concern about the last week in August which I felt would be a slippery time in the markets.Waking up to CNN News this morning I learn that all indices are up presently. Well, yes, of course given the present planet formation. I don't think the indices will come off the boil until early next week - probably from late Monday (24th) and most visible with the Dow figures that day.A big cosmic news story is next Wednesday's Mars Pluto opposition which will be the first of its kind in our lifetime. Now true, the markets might not react - but I suspect that they will. This is a violent combination and yes, it could be that the Earth itself has some kind of apoplexy (earthquake, tropical storm etc) which reverberates on markets world-wide. But if it's not that and what's experienced is people tuning in to the need to experience drama, then I think we'll see sharp downward moves. Of course markets could move in the opposite direction just as sharply but I doubt that given the conditions that are waiting in the wings.I'm in Chicago to give a talk about the US dollar, sterling and Euro tomorrow. I've loved every moment of the research and would love to spend more time on it. Though I've focused on these currencies it's become clear that the dollar is most likely to fall further against other currencies - particularly Brazil, India and China. Sterling, the Euro and the dollar each have to negotiate cosmic rapids in the coming months. The first really tense period for the dollar is in November - though we should see clues as to how far it could fall mid September.It's in September, and soon after the next Full Moon (4th) that I expect gold prices to be on the move once more. Even allowing for a fall in the dollar, I still think that gold will offer better return than many other investments in the coming months.You may remember that I mentioned an issue or so ago that I thought we might see increasing activity in mergers and acquisitions this autumn. It might be worth reading the papers carefully after next Tuesday (25th) when, in the city gossip columns, the first news of these should surface.What may be slipping under the radar presently is the sheer number of smaller businesses that would gain by joining forces. This could be their way of staying alive. If you have interest in these small (probably family or close-knit-community) ventures incorporated since 1997, watch for this kind of activity. These companies seem set for a growth spurt and could provide excellent investment opportunity.I'm off in a moment to go and hear lectures by some of the finest astro-cycles experts in the world and will brief you on this in my next letter. One final thought: in preparation for the subscription service to be launched in the autumn, my website is in the process of redesign and will have a password protected area where I'll place the contents of tomorrow's lecture. Will let you know more about this next time.For now, Yours from the starsChristeen
Financial Universe published 6 August 2009
Dear Fellow Star-Gazer,Thank you for your various good will holiday messages. Once I'd got over Internet-withdrawal, the holiday was near perfect - the best bit being time to look at charts that drift on and off my desk! It's good to be back though and to see confirmed some of my thoughts about the market. The FTSE and Dow certainly did rise into August 3rd. There are some tricky 'banking' aspects around over the next couple of days though and that might take the shine off a little. That said, there are some interesting days between now and the New Moon (20th) with Thursday 13th and Monday 17th looking particularly promising: the former for the FTSE and the latter for the DOW.Please don't be fooled though. I cannot see how these levels can be sustained and have concerns about the last week in August which looks to be a very slippery time.Just as I finished this sentence I took a call from a client who, amongst other things, wanted a quick and dirty view of Gordon Brown's chart for the autumn. The black clouds gather over him in October and continue - most likely reflecting general negativity and the harsh reality that the UK is one very big financial hole. It's actually from the end of that month that I fear we shall see some very sharp market falls.In my last letter, I forecast that oil would rise into July 29th. I was slightly out there - it went through the $70 the day before and then did indeed slip back. It's now on the rise again - this morning at $74 (Brent Crude). The planets suggest that this climb might be sustained through until August 26th.Gold too has gained. I am not sure that this will continue beyond this Full Moon and am expecting it to fall back by September 11th when I imagine it will be just above the $900 level.Which brings me to the US dollar: and the work I have been doing preparing for my talk in Chicago later this month. I can't begin to tell you how fascinating and absorbing this research is proving. If I'm picking up on the correct clues, then the dollar will continue to fall against sterling until Wednesday 19th (just before the New Moon). My charts actually suggest a low on 15th but this is a Saturday. The dollar might bounce at Friday's close level through to the Wednesday (19th) then before gaining strength. I'll be writing about this more after I've delivered my full analysis in Chicago on August 21st.Meanwhile, as always, I've been considering investments and which sectors are definite 'buys'. Obviously, given my recent holiday dramas any business that can improve global internet connectivity! I'm also pretty keen on the vet/pharmaceuticals: we worked out that our cat's new daily table costs ?1 a time - and that tablet's for life! Way back when I was preparing notes for the first edition of the Financial Universe, I was fascinated by the potential for 'arts renaissance' between 2004 and 2012. I'm now even more convinced of this. With Saturn en route to Libra, I imagine a growing number of people will feel that investing in the Arts will be more rewarding than savings in the banks!Lastly, whilst away, I sketched out the format for the subscription service I want to launch this autumn. If any of you have views as to what you'd like this to contain, please do let me know.For now, wishing you all happy holidays!Yours from the starsChristeen
Financial Universe published 21 July 2009
Happy Solar Eclipse .....And greetings from Ruhpolding in Bavaria!The sun is shining, the weather is hot but the Internet connection is lousy - if we do have a global recession/depression it will surely be partly due to the poor telecoms in hotels! For the many of you to whom I owe a reply and which I planned to do whilst on holiday and free from calls, apologies: I'll write the replies here but may need to send them on my return.But back to the task in hand and this coming fortnight:As you know, a solar eclipse is an upmarket or sophisticated New Moon with its own very special cycle. This one can be traced back to the 14th century. In more recent times, it parallels one at the end of World War II and the Bretton Woods agreement. Just as then, the talk is all about cross-country financial arrangements.One of the leaders in yesterday's Financial Times made the point that Mr Bernanke would need to be very clear indeed when he explains the next stage of the rescue plan. Do these people know that he's a Sagittarius with a Pisces Moon?? Clever he may be, clear he can't do!! Like a darting fish, you see and understand him clearly one moment only to be dazzled, befuddled and confused in the next. (Not so dissimilar to his predecessor Alan Greenspan whose Sun was in Pisces and Moon in Sagittarius: the theme continues).But actually, there's a problem for anyone speaking out around this solar eclipse - which has a Mercurial, darting and now-you-see-me-now you don't - quality to it: there are just SO many ideas floating around. True, some of them will verge on the brilliant, but many won't be understood and others will be lost within days. Just like my Internet connection.........here one minute and gone the next!Here in Germany, attention is on the 10 billion Euro rescue plan needed to save Germany's Hypo Real Estate. There's evidence in the local papers too of the deficit crunch facing many regional governments. The Lander face a combined deficit of 30 billion Euros.All this is clearly visible in the chart for the Unified Germany. The IMF has called for a transparent stress test of the various lenders here: action as yet resisted by the German finance minister. The 'stars' are clear here though: the German financial system will be under acute stress for the next 14 months and not on the way to full recovery until 2014.Every business sector has its own planetary signature with the motor industry greatly affected by the patterns created by Mercury - and especially its cycles with the outer planets. Attention is drawn to this sector through the eclipse too.As we know, this industry is in big trouble - something signalled by tomorrow's eclipse. As yet no deal has been agreed between the UK government and Jaguar Land Rover whilst Porsche is preparing to lose its independence and GM is almost at the point of stand off with the German government over the sale of Opel. Expect all this to have a significant effect on this business sector this Friday (24th) and from 29th to 31st July. I haven't looked closely at all these charts but do anticipate that at least one deal will be struck over the first weekend of August and that this will bring about a significant rise in these stock prices on Monday August 3rd.Given that an eclipse often coincides with great drama and that this eclipse has such a mercurial tone to it, today's other headlines are perhaps not too surprising: the world's largest car crash - which took place in the north of Germany, involved 259 cars, 82 casualties, 79 fire engines, 340 ambulances, 4 helicopters! The road was blocked for 9 hours and there was a 60km tailback!Meanwhile Iceland has been back in the news. Its parliament recently voted to start negotiations to join the EU. The Icelanders also agreed to reimburse monies lost by British and Dutch savers in Icelandic accounts. These decisions fall into the big-time category and are entirely consistent with tomorrow's eclipse picking up a key point in their chart. Iceland came into being in June 1944. It was 'born under the sign of Gemini': in fact, there were many planets in that sign that day. Mars moved into Gemini on Sunday, July 12th and Iceland has been hitting the financial news since then. their minds (how Gemini would that be!!). As regards repaying those monies, I don't think I'd get too excited about this. Based on their chart, we may be hearing more talk than witnessing action.The early days of August are interesting from the mining stocks perspective too. European after-lunch trading should be especially interesting to watch. (I'm particularly interested to see what happens in London at 14.20 local time.)I am still 'on the case' with regard to oil and anticipate a rise into Thursday 29th and then for the price to fall back. I'm playing with a few charts here and am not yet wholly comfortable with any one. Charts for oil's early trading continue to elude me (and yes, this is a cry for help from traders who may have access to material I don't have!).My last thought for this mailing is to mention mergers. These will be the big news stories for the end of year when I anticipate many companies will need to take this route if they're to survive in any form. I'll be listening out for early first clues on this theme as July gives way to August. And that, for now, is it! I'll be back - refreshed I hope! - in time for the Full Moon letter on August 6th.Meanwhile wishing you all a happy and healthy summerYours from the starsChristeen
Financial Universe published 09 July 2009
Dear Fellow Star-gazers,The Full Moon isn't until Tuesday (7th) but I thought I'd take advantage of a quiet moment (it's early Sunday) and drop you a line now.This Full Moon doesn't technically qualify as a lunar eclipse but it's very interesting nevertheless as it's from this point that we start to pull toward the Solar Eclipse - visible across much of Asia - on July 22nd.Just before moving forward though, let's look back on the last fortnight.Do you remember how I'd singled out June 30th and July 1st as significant for oil prices? I couldn't make my mind up as to which way they'd go and settled for using the word 'volatility'. There was plenty of that. It appears that a rogue trader was responsible for trades which saw the price push up to $73 - all within the space of just half-an-hour. What's interesting is that the firm involved was London based and that the rogue activity occurred in the very early hours - and just as both Mars and Venus were rising in London. There isn't another day like this on the horizon - though Monday 13th could prove a day of significant activity for oil.I mentioned silver in the last letter too, and thought that July 2nd would be a significant date in this commodity. The movements that day were indeed quite sharp. On the basis of those moves, Monday 20th and Tuesday 21st could see falls in this price - perhaps especially on the Tuesday as we approach the solar eclipse.Now, back in April, I took the unusual step of issuing an extra newsletter. This was just around the time of the G20 meeting in London.Years before, when researching material for The Financial Universe, I studied the astro-charts for the Bretton Woods agreement (which gave birth to the IMF and World Bank) - and which took place against the background of a solar eclipse.What struck me then, was that that particular eclipse aligned with a black hole. Though little is known about these areas of space, what I had read prompted me to pose the question; Is it further possible that a particular mind-set was given voice during this period (Bretton Woods conference) and that this attitude was oblivious to the extreme financial dangers that lay ahead?" The coming eclipse is once again on this point. Though the action may have taken place at the G20 meeting some weeks ago (it's not unusual for eclipses to be felt ahead of time), it does seem to me that we are not out of the woods.In preparing for a talk recently, it struck me just how tense the planetary configurations at the end of the year really are. Much as I would like to be proved wrong, I suspect that the opening months of 2010 will be exceedingly difficult and that by then hyper-inflation will be a reality.Again back in April, I felt that coming eclipse would coincide with a fall in the value of the US dollar and a rise in the price of gold. I am rethinking this position - but only slightly. It may be that the dollar does not slide quite as dramatically for a few more weeks yet. It is also quite possible that gold will not surge over $1000 until after September 11. That said, I fully expect the dollar to be shaken over these next few weeks - especially on Monday 20th and Tuesday 21st July.If the price of gold does wobble in this next two weeks, then my charts suggest Friday 10th July - Wednesday 15th and then again in the few days leading into the eclipse.Tuesday 14th looks particularly interesting for wheat and pork prices - both could make significant moves that day. I am interested in this date for shares in water companies too.In my last letter I focused in on the mining stocks. I am interested to see how these react to planet activity on the afternoon (GMT) of Monday 13th.In the early hours of Sunday July 12th, Mars joins Venus in Gemini (geocentrically) and for the rest of the month I anticipate considerable activity in travel and communication stocks. I am slightly concerned about the threat of strike action around this date and even calamity the following weekend. At the very least I anticipate disruption.I don't have a trip to Brazil planned (yet!) but this week have had my attention drawn to that country and its charts. Wow! From the astrological perspective, this area of the world really does appear an 'emerging market'. It would certainly be worthwhile asking your astrologer if you have good investment lines through this part of the world which looks as though it will grow fast in the next few years. I'll be doing more study on this country as soon as I can.My really exciting news is that I have been invited to speak in Singapore at the end of October - which is giving perfect excuse to study unfamiliar charts and then plenty for me to offer you all later.As always, many thanks for the feedback to the last letter. The list of Void of Course periods went down really well (these are super for space-clearing but not conducive to decision-making and often suggest periods of poor judgement). The list for the next fortnight is given below. You could view these as 'chill out time!'Until next time,Yours from the StarsChristeenVOIDSJuly 8th 9.43 - 15.04July 11th 02.17 - 03.44July 13th 08.04 - 14.40July 15th 15.08 - 22.30July 17th 23.08 - July 18th 02.42July 19th 22.13 - July 20th 03.52
Financial Universe published 21 June 2009
Dear Fellow -Stargazers,A very happy Solstice!The New Moon isn't until 1935 GMT tomorrow but I thought I'd write this ahead though as I anticipate that Tuesday 23rd could be a day of high drama and you might like to be prepared - if only to see it all unfold.For the first time in roughly a quarter of a millennium Pluto will be at the other end of the zodiac to the Sun. This cycle began in November of last year and coincided with great drama on the global banking stage. I anticipate more of the same this week. As you know, I am of the opinion that the real credit crunch has yet to bite and that the opening weeks of 2010 will prove exceedingly difficult. I am interested to know how those in charge will react to this week's events which might include the unearthing of yet more large-scale losses.On a positive note, mining stocks especially are in the spotlight this Tuesday and then again next Tuesday (30th) and through Wednesday, July 1. As mentioned before, I believe that the price of gold will fall this summer. The price has already dropped but I do not expect acceleration until post- July 1st. I still believe this to be an excellent long-term investment and fully expect prices to rise sharply before the end of the year.This week it could be the turn of silver to attract attention. The key dates here are 23rd and 24th of June and Friday July 2nd.As you will remember from the beginning of the year, I was expecting the price of oil to move quickly from the beginning of June - as has been the case. I anticipate further sharp moves here on Tuesday 30th June and again Wednesday July 1st (these two days seem particularly volatile).Since my last letter, I have been somewhat preoccupied with an inflation cycle. You may remember that last year I was writing about the end of May 2009 as being a potential takeoff point for this trend. I am now concerned about the possibility of hyper inflation taking hold some time after September 19. This date, so close to the Equinox, suggests any effect would be heightened. Using my 'Astro-magnifying glass', I am concerned that by the middle of October this could be a serious problem. Given my negative thoughts about the beginning of 2010, this is most worrisome - in the space of just a few short months huge difficulties could arise: perhaps fuelling the currency crisis I have long thought could arise in the first few weeks of 2010.I think it just possible that clues about these developments could be dropped on Monday July 6th. I suspect that this will be a busy day on currency markets generally and that both sterling and the US dollar will be involved. (When I last wrote, sterling had fallen over 2 cents to the dollar but recovered those losses on planetary cue. I suspect then that July 6th will be another volatile day.)Some weeks ago I wrote about the possibility of medical breakthroughs during the coming months. It was delightful to read yesterday that just one dose of a new drug had cured supposedly inoperable cancerous tumours. Whilst financially the world may be in the throes of great difficulty, it seems the scientists are blazing an extraordinary trail! They are not alone. It has been a privilege to work with some of our fashion designers in the last few years and delightful to now see some of their work now splashed across front pages. Tempting as it is sometimes to see the gloom and doom around, there have been some fabulous developments so far this year. I expect to read more of these in this coming fortnight.I have now been monitoring lunar 'Voids' for the last few months and have come to the conclusion that trading within these is not for me. Tradition suggests that these are not good times to take decisions. Market-wise there is lack of consistency and considerable side-ways movement. It may be helpful for you to make your own notes about these periods for the next fortnight.In GMT they are as follows:June 24 11.25 - 16.51June 26 12.29 - 17.47June 28 15.26 - 21.25June 30 21.59 - 04.19 on July 1st.You will note that I've managed to make it through this letter without saying 'up' or 'down'! For the moment, I'm picking the significant days for exaggerated activity. I am very excited about some research I've been doing but learning the hard way that it's not always possible to get the direction!!Until next time and once again with thanks for the feedbackYours from the starsChristeen
Financial Universe published 07 June 2009
Dear Fellow Star-gazers,It's Full Moon day and the Euro election results are due out later: I think we can safely assume that these won't be the most rational results there have ever been! It so happens that this Full Moon strikes a chord with the UK PLC chart. It's no surprise that sterling has suffered in the last couple of days. Obviously this is connected to the present political turmoil. I'm anticipating that sterling will recover ground lost since last Wednesday - probably after Tuesday (9th). It's the Euro's turn for attention tomorrow I think: with greater volatility than usual before falling against sterling by the weekend.Meanwhile, as suggested earlier this year, the oil price began to move up at the end of May. There were various planet signals for this. The important thing is that these are set to continue - arguably through to the solar eclipse next month.Gold too has been on the move: a situation that I don't imagine will reverse until Thursday June 18th at the earliest. I am expecting the price to fall this summer before it rises, surpassing the $1000 levels this autumn.The situation regarding commodities generally is most interesting. As you may know, the Chinese have been buying in large quantities and must now have significant reserves. I suspect that as they reduce their shopping, that prices will fall for the next couple of months.What s really scary is what's happening in the natural world and the high probability of insufficient food supplies in 2010. This may well be a major contributory factor in outbreaks of war during that year.Whilst it is suggested by some that the world has avoided depression and that recovery from the recession will shortly be underway, the planets suggest something rather different. Until Saturn and Uranus complete their opposition phase, this 'problem' is not over.Looking beyond the planets, our Sun continues to behave oddly - with low sun spot activity still recorded. Until the numbers pick up, there is much to be concerned about. The knock-on effect on harvests and all growth cycles may be considerable - again underlining the potential for grave difficulties next year when the tense relationship between several planet cycles suggests mankind polarising around different political and social aims - probably resulting in major war.The bad news continues too: few countries have the necessary reserves should there be natural catastrophe in the summer of 2009. The moment when the Sun reaches Equinox or Solstice offers a snap-shot picture of the planets that sets the scene for the coming three months.When I next write to you, it will be at just this point. Curiously, the next New Moon occurs just after the Solstice. In consequence, the charts are very similar. Both point to potential weather difficulties: in the UK suggesting potential flooding - possibly in early July.The purpose of this note though is to look closely at trading activity in the coming fortnight. In my last letter I suggested that negativity in the banking sector might result in stock indices falling at the end of last week. The bank headlines occurred but the markets were left unscathed. This problem may still be waiting in the wings though and, in the few days after the next New Moon (June 22nd), those same stories could gather momentum.For now though the picture (indices-wise) looks good. Though still volatile, it is probable that this upward trend will continue - at least until June 18th. It may be that they reach new levels by close of play on Friday 12th. Tomorrow I am giving the long-promised seminar for astrologers. Last week's seminar for traders went really well. The post-mortem isn't quite finished but I am listening carefully to the proposal that there should be a beginner's course for traders. If you have any thoughts on this, please do let me know.I'll leave you with one final thought: in many cultures, the day when the Sun and Jupiter form positive aspect is seen as being excellent for weddings, business unions etc. There are three such dates in any year. It is not uncommon for the price of gold and silver to rise in the days before as people buy gifts ready for the celebration. The next such date aspect occurs at 02.29 GMT on Thursday 18th June - enjoy.Until next time,Yours from the stars,Christeen
Financial Universe published 24 May 2009
Hello fellow stargazers,Happy Gemini New moon!As many of you will know, I do not hold with a commonly held view that whenever Mercury is retrograde communication breakdowns will occur or that there will be insoluble commercial difficulties. There are far too many instances of successful businesses being launched during one of these periods which, after all, occur three times in every year!However, I have to admit, that the present retrograde Mercury period has been exceedingly troublesome. Despite my best endeavors, it became necessary to move the date of a seminar: essentially because there were too many transportation difficulties for those who wished to attend!! (New date Tuesday June 2nd )Mercury is often seen as the trickster planet and market-wise that's been most evident in this last fortnight. Leading commentators seem divided as to whether or not we are at the start of a bull market or whether this is one last throw before serious recession/depression.The planets tell an interesting story. The present conjunction of Jupiter (expansion) with Chiron (healing) and Neptune (vision) has coincided with extraordinary breakthroughs in the medical scene. The pharmaceutical share prices have risen and taken the markets with them.The Jupiter/Chiron and Jupiter/Neptune cycles show explosions of optimism and consequent growth. If history were to repeat exactly, then this would indeed be the start of a bull run. However, we have to remember that waiting in the wings is last-quarter phase of Saturn to Pluto (turn of the year) which is likely to bring yet more bad news from the banking sector.On top of that, Saturn and Uranus are at either end of the sky and, just as they were in the 1930s when they were similarly in tense relationship. This pattern doesn't break for over a year. So, I don't think we're out of the woods at all. The next Full Moon is Sunday June 7th. Two days before that, another of the 'difficult' bank-sector aspects occurs. I suspect that despite general optimism, that Monday 1st and June 5th will find the markets in negative mood.In my last letter I singled out Friday 15th and Tuesday 17th May for strong equity movement and Monday 18th for currencies and gold. Friday 15th marked a low whilst the FTSE and Dow soared on Tuesday 19th. Meanwhile, the US dollar made significant gains on Monday 18th.You may remember that in a letter some time back I thought this date would be of significance for the Euro. It was certainly weak last Monday and confirmed itself to be responsive to a particular cycle. I am still playing with this and will give you some dates for significant turning points in my next letter.Gold began another upward march this week. I suspect that it will fall back a little before this coming weekend but enjoy a good day next Tuesday (2nd) and another on Friday 5th - lasting in the Far East markets through until Monday 8th. It will be very interesting to see just how this works out. As you know, I believe that gold has far to go.I am also expecting the price of oil to rise. It has already gained and is likely to gain more from next Monday June 1st, with high prices on Thursday 4th and again between June 11th and 17th.It's Sunday Bank Holiday weekend here in the UK and theoretically time to read the newspapers - still full of political expenditure scandal. What an effective smokescreen! True, there has been one story about the head of a bank standing down but we've heard little of how the global financial situation is unfolding. Though anything but negative by nature, I'd urge anyone to take great care with their portfolio and with where they keep their cash until these stormy planet formations have passed.One of the many big stories yet to reach the surface will revolve around credit-cards, fraud and debt that can't be repaid. This iceberg has yet to hit debt-ridden Britain. It won't have quite the same effect in Euroland but even there, with UK citizens 'stay-cationing' tourism will no doubt be affected.As some of you know, I have developed a fascination with India and am just developing a feel for their market. It was interesting to see that their system fused last Monday when volume was significantly high - a scenario that may be repeated in early July when a similar planet-picture is formed again.But, for now, am returning to currency research and very much looking forward to delivering a paper on this in August and to outline some of this at the two June seminars in London. (For non-astrologers on June 2 and for astrologers on June 8th). If you need more information on either, please do email.Until next time then,Yours from the starsChristeen
Financial Universe published 9 May 2009
ers,Where to start? What a fortnight it's been!The potential swine flu pandemic had me fascinated. I won't bore you with the astrology of it (could be the negative side of the Jupiter-Chiron - Uranus/Neptune) coming up at the end of May, combined with very low sunspot activity). It's not surprising that this should be felt ahead of time either. However, I am 100% confident that this is not the pandemic feared by statisticians and the medical profession. I am much more concerned about a virus (possibly man-made or a mutant of the swine virus) which I fear will affect many from November this year and peak in February 2010.It's possible that this will be a contributory factor in the currency debacle I've been forecasting for that period. Can you imagine what it would be like if borders were closed and/or if certain countries had to close down for a week or more? Then there's the question of when the present financial debacles will end - with the UK Chancellor suggesting that the UK will pull out of this later this year. Clearly he is NOT consulting an astrologer!I am not wholly negative about the next few months. In fact, analysis of past cycles suggests considerable equity growth (assuming that the past really can indicate the future). What concerns me is that Saturn and Pluto arrive at a new stage in their cycle in late October. If the past is indeed anything to go by, this is a gloomy signal. It's enhanced, under-scored and under-lined by taking place in a very special area of the zodiac and further accented by a tricky lunar eclipse on the last day of 2009: none of which looks good for bank stocks - and even the possible bankruptcy of a nation.Some of you may remember that on the last day of 2003, Uranus slipped into Pisces and began a curious dance with Neptune. If we're looking for fertile ground (or test-tubes) for viral attack, this could be it. It doesn't have to be germ attack either: a virus that attacks computer systems could similarly paralyse trade.That's the real problem with astro-analysis - there are so many variants on one cosmic theme!! The bottom line is the same though - global commercial pandemonium. And that brings me to the banks. As expected in my last letter, this sector surged into Tuesday 5th May. The problems are anything but over though. I don't think we've really seen how big the problem actually is - and I don't think we'll do that until early 2010. Whereas some feel we'll leave this recession at the end of this year, my reading of the planets suggests the autumn of 2010 before those green shoots are truly visible and viable. In the meantime, natural catastrophe and/or pandemic would sabotage earlier progress: factors which I am not sure are part of political thinking.But back to the present, Mercury stationed yesterday (7th) and is retrograde for the rest of May. Here in the UK, a new tranche of quantitative easing was announced (the first was on the Venus station in March). I'm not sure that these are perfect starting times. Given that it will take some time for the results of this action to be known, the accent is once again on early next year when I fear we could all hit serious buffers again - though I would be very happy to be wrong!My reading of the planets for the last fortnight was that banking stocks would be a contributory factor in a rally on Tuesday 5th May - which occurred. I went on to forecast a fall from Wednesday through the Full Moon and suggested recovery today, Friday. The FTSE actually sailed through this particular lunar phase. The rise may well continue.Elsewhere it has been suggested that the mid-March lows will be the negative markers for the year. I certainly don't think they'll be repeated in the next few months but do have anxieties about late autumn - as outlined above.For now it appears that a bull run may have begun - though I think it will be more obvious in the latter days of May (after the next New Moon on 24th).The key dates in this next fortnight are Friday 15th and Tuesday 19th for equities, and Monday 18th for commodities and currencies.Monday 18th could be particularly significant for the Euro. I am not sure that it will start that week well - especially against sterling which could benefit from the Saturn station that weekend.This could also be a key date for gold. As you know, I am very much in favour of gold in any portfolio and firmly believe its value will rise. Closer inspection of the eclipse patterns this summer suggests that the price might first fall significantly. If that's going to happen, then Monday 18th should yield clues.With that I'm off to put together some slides for the seminar two weeks today.Wishing you all a happy and safe fortnight,Yours from the starsChristeen
Financial Universe published 25 April 2009
Dear Fellow Star Gazers,It's the Taurus New Moon tomorrow and, I suspect, the start of a significant month of financial fun and games. First though, here in the UK, our Sagittarius born Chancellor delivered his budget and forecast the other day. In this he announced that we (the UK) would start to pull out of this recession before the end of 2009. He's not listening to an astrologer then! - but he is proving himself to be a classic Sagittarius (like Ben Bernanke in the US) who thinks optimistically.Astrologically, the UK recession is not going to shift until mid-way through 2010.The Chancellor forecast that we would not pay off our ever-growing national debt until 2017 - which I also expect not to be true. It could take until 2024 or even longer.Yet this letter is not all doom and gloom. Indeed, I think that there is much to be excited about.You may remember that I mentioned a curious formation of Jupiter, Chiron, Uranus and Neptune that occurs late in May. Leaving aside the links with hyper-inflation, this combination also suggested breakthroughs in medical science and in biotechs.Given the slow movement of some of these planets, it's no surprise that there are early signs of developments here. A field of daffodils in Wales has been grown as part of a pharma-experiment and is set to help in the development of a drug to slow down the effects of Alzheimers. Meanwhile, in Edinburgh, the clever research scientists there are on to four different 'cancer brakes'. I am wholly confident that there's more to come!I've been giving great thought to this long, long transit of Pluto in Capricorn. Clearly it's coincided with banking and even corporate giant collapse (as forecast in The Financial Universe'). Now though I've turned my attention to what it might mean in a positive way - specifically which stocks will benefit. Geo-thermal technology has my full attention. It's worth googling this and learning. This could be an area for extraordinary growth.But back to this coming fortnight:EQUITIESThe cosmic indicators for the last fortnight worked well with rises as expected between 15th and 18th (led by banking) and again between 20th and 23rd.This coming fortnight concludes with the Taurus Full Moon phase on May 9th. You may remember the old phrase 'sell in May and go away'. In the past, there was some wisdom here - and there could be again. We may well see a market 'top' on Wednesday May 27th.There does not appear to be a steady climb into that date though: the rough and tumble continues.Next week's big news stories are likely to centre on falls in some media and technical stocks (this morning Microsoft has announced its first 'bad' figures in 23 years). I am anticipating more of the same on Tuesday 28th.It's banking stocks which should be on the move from late next week though - pushing all indices upwards for Tuesday 5th. I'm not sure that the indices will stay up until the Full Moon(9th) though and fully expect there to be falls from late evening (GMT) on Wednesday 6th - though upward motion could be regained late Friday (8th).COMMODITIESI read with interest that the Chinese have been buying large quantities of copper - more than they presently need and likely to be put in reserve. Perhaps they've been consulting their astrologers! Copper prices are likely to rise from end October 2009.Meanwhile, if you haven't done so yet, I think there's still time to buy into gold which I am confident will rise sharply at the end of this year.CURRENCIESThe US dollar which, as you know, I've been forecasting to fall, slid against the Euro. Sterling did rather better in this last fortnight though.I suspect that these trends will continue into the Full Moon - with sterling doing fairly well in the first few days of May. The next big turning point for the Euro seems to be May 18th.SEMINARSInformation about the two seminars - one for traders and one for astro-students will be sent out this weekend. The dates are Friday May 22nd and Monday June 8th. Both will be held in the City of London and run from 10.30 to 17.00.For now, reminding you that Mercury begins a retrograde phase on Thursday 7th - and in its own sign of Gemini. I will attempt to get the Full Moon letter out ahead of this event!!For now,Yours from the starsChristeen
Financial Universe published 9 April 2009
Dear Fellow Star-Gazers,The good news is that the new edition of the Financial Universe arrived here last night - with a lovely new cover! It's good to know that it has been so well received and that there are people waiting for it.It seems so, so long since I first started to write it. Saturn's travelled a third of a cycle since then - and many of the forecasts have come to pass. I'm hopeful that some of the positive ones for the next decade come true too. We certainly need something to look forward to. My biggest hot tip for you all is to seek out local craftspeople and see if you can invest in their enterprises: it's these which should take off at speed in about two years time.You may remember that I was pessimistic about the period April 3 to 9th. Both the FTSE and DOW have fallen through those dates. This isn't the first time that the markets have responded to a particular planetary theme. This being the case, I'll risk a forecast now and say that Friday June 5th will be sharply negative.The next New Moon is Saturday April 25th. A week before that Venus appears to stand still in the sky: from 18th appears once more to be moving forwards. Will stocks do the same?In some ways I'm undecided. I can certainly imagine a slight lift between 15th and 18th and could also argue a compelling case for an increase in bank stocks (which would then pull up the indices) between Monday 20th and Thursday 23rd.The problem is that there's rather too much background nose over this next fortnight: which may mean that moves are equal this way and that - and that generally the markets are undecided about what to do. A large part of my difficulty is that the most interesting days are bank or weekend holidays. That said, the weekend of 18th/19th could have us riveted. One possibility is further quantitive easing - another could be a currency mini-crisis.I have now accepted an invitation to speak at the ISAR conference in Chicago in August. I'll be talking about currencies with emphasis on the Euro, Sterling and US dollar. As many of you know, I've been forecasting a fall in the US dollar for this July for oh-so long - and that's against many currencies. As of now, I don't think that sterling will improve its position much at all this year - though perhaps improve against the US dollar in August.The real attention is no doubt going to fall on the Euro. Here I think Monday 18th May will be significant. I'll write more about this in the next letter. I mention this now as through until the next New Moon it should hold its strength leaving sterling the weakest of these three - at least for the next few weeks..As I wrote in the Financial Universe, a currency crisis may be on the horizon (early 2010) and the Euro could be hit very, very hard around the lunar eclipse on December 31st 2009.On a positive note, and with Easter almost upon us, I've been looking for evidence of any 'bright green shoots' for investment. It's amazing just how many innovations there are around once you start looking. I've made a list of twelve young UK companies which really have my interest and hope to do a profile of these for you sometime in May.India has also loomed on my horizon. I rather think that developments in hi-tech industries in that area could have extraordinary impact in the coming few years. Though that country could experience great political challenges in the coming 18 months especially, these are dovetailed with exceptional promise of development in other areas.I hope to make mention of this at the seminar scheduled for Friday May 22nd when, I am delighted to say, I will be joined by a trading colleague who's willing to talk you through some of the trades he's made using astrology alongside other tools. We'll be mailing you separately about this as soon as Venus goes direct!In the meantime, do please keep me posted about areas that have your interest. Many of you have been kind enough to call and email in recent weeks and have flattered me by saying that they look forward to these letters. When they began, each reader was a client. Now there are readers I don't know: the venture has taken on a life of its own. The feedback is hugely helpful - thank you.For now, wishing you a very Happy Easter,Yours from the starsChristeen
Financial Universe published 3 April 2009
Dear Fellow Star-Gazers,Yes, I know that the next Full Moon isn't until next Thursday (and I will be writing to you again then). I also know that I'm supposed to be working on a very different project whilst on this writing weekend on the White Cliffs near Dover - but I just can't resist making some comment on this recent G20 meeting.Years ago when I was researching for the' Financial Universe', I spent some time studying the planetary configurations for July 1944 when the Bretton Woods meetings were held. One of the features of that time was that AS NOW, this was a period of extraordinarily low sun-spot activity: prompting me to ask in that text "Is it possible that although there was clearly a desire to arrive at a beneficial system for those in need, there was insufficient human creativity at work to carry this through? Is it further possible that a particular mind-set was given voice during this period and that this attitude was oblivious to the extreme financial dangers that lay ahead?"This is truly worrying as it seems this recent G20 meeting was a replay.In the Financial Universe I also made clear that I didn't like the fact that the conclusion to those meetings took place close to a solar eclipse - THAT ALIGNED WITH A BLACK HOLE. A further factor was that so many planets were 'ganged' up in one part of the zodiac - leaving another part quite empty: which I felt was symbolic of the potential for ignoring the needs of many countries.Well, the Bretton Woods agreement eclipse took place at 29 Cancer - an eclipse which is repeated this coming July. It was because of this - and the fact that both Saturn and Neptune were adversely aspecting the major group of planets that led me to forecast that the standing of the IMF and World Bank (both born out of the BW meetings) would be affected in 2009/2010..It seems we're at that point and, as indicated by the original weakness in the Bretton Woods chart, that it's time for a new agreement (and new chart). This G20 meeting may well have been its conception and, approximately nine months from now, perhaps Bretton Woods Mark 2 will be signed.I also felt that the US dollar would take a hammering around this eclipse (and still think this) and that gold prices will soar.I am now so, so convinced of this.The G20 final communique was announced with retrograde Venus at right angles to Pluto - which was arriving at a station - at the very least, the devaluation of many currencies is probable - with the first hint of this coming in just a couple of week's time (which will be explored in the next letter).For now though I really would urge you to assess your gold and commodities position and to discuss this with your agents. The price may fall back a little in the next few weeks but I'm so, so sure that it will soon soar.I'm also going to suggest that it won't be long before we hear talk of a new currency - which for now I'll call the g-taler (g for global and taler from the original German word that evolved into dollar). I'm also going to go out on a limb (nothing new there!) and suggest that this will come into being NEXT March (2010)...................for now though, back to what I should be doing which is ...researching and writing.Will be with you again before the end of the week.Wishing you a good weekendYours from the starsChristeen
Financial Universe published 26 March 2009
Dear Fellow Star-gazers,Well, that was an amazing rise on Monday. Yes, just as the Sun and Pluto reached their first quarter phase, the markets zoomed upwards. If this is to be the pattern for this cycle, then June 23rd should be interesting!As we know, quantatitive easing began just as Venus stationed in the sky and is continuing throughout Venus' retrograde phase. I don't wish to think negatively but this does not seem a good sign. Indeed, as the song says, 'there could be trouble ahead'. At the very least more will probably be required before the end of April - setting up even greater difficulties for when Saturn reaches its last quarter phase with Pluto toward the end of the year.That said, clearly a way through this awful mess has to be found. I would rather this initiative hadn't begun until mid April and feel it will prove more costly because the timing is askew. Yet there may be realised benefits toward the end of May. Indeed, for some of that month, markets could ' face the music and dance' - in an upward direction (though not for long).For now my preoccupation is in two areas. Firstly I'm doing some new and exciting work with currencies which I hope to present in a few months time. For now, I can tell you that I am now even more convinced that the US dollar will suffer greatly by July. It's even possible that sterling will rise back to above its $1.80 level by the solar eclipse on July 22nd..Here in the UK, there's a little background noise concerning a possible election. I'll stick with what I thought a short time back - that this could happen in May - especially if there are signs that the q-easing is working.The big preoccupation though is with the G20 meeting next week. It's very interesting that this is taking place as Pluto appears to stand still in the sky for the first time since making its Capricorn ingress last November: perhaps this is an appropriate moment to take stock.Just how grave the situation is - and the repercussions for governments and national banks will of course be clear. I don't know if any of the G20 members are consulting astrologers but, if they are, then presumably they'll have been told that it's probable that it will take the whole of Pluto's journey through Capricorn (i.e until 2024) for these debts to be repaid.In the short term, I suspect that as Venus will still be retrograde through their meeting, that some old alliances will unravel and that new ones will be tentatively formed. This shift in world global financial order will have huge implications - and suggests interesting developments around Thursday April 23rd which might eventually mark gathering momentum for a new global currency. Relationships, partnerships, alliances and allegiances are in the spotlight this coming weekend (March 28/29) Those which were just getting off the ground could come to ground on legal rocks - presenting huge headaches to those who thought this was the way forward. This is likely to affect bank stocks particularly - which could suffer once again next Thursday and Friday (April 2 and 3).Equity-wise I do not expect another major rally as was experienced earlier this week. The most significant date in the coming two weeks looks to be Friday 3rd which could see marked movement. I suspect that this will be a downward move but we shall see.In my last letter I suggested that the oil price would rise - which it has. I suspect that there will be even bigger moves in June - again in an upward direction.Back here I am busy working on a long piece for the Institute of Technical Analysts which I will let you have later. I have also been looking for seminar dates. I will do another one in London on Friday May 22nd. This will be a full day as there is so much material to cover. Astrology students who are familiar with the ephemeris might like to know that I am planning a training day for them on Monday June 8th.For now, wishing you all well,Yours from the starsChristeen
Financial Universe published 11 March 2009
Dear Fellow StargazersWell, we certainly live in interesting times.You may remember that I singled out last Thursday (5th), Friday (6th) and yesterday (Monday 9th) as being the key dates to watch for major events in the marketplace. Here in the UK the much discussed quantitative easing began at the end of last week! (perfect timing) On top of that, banking stocks suffered once more and, at the time of writing have caused the FTSE index to fall further. The value of HSBC stock in Hong Kong was down sharply this morning also - again, very much in keeping with the present planetary picture.For Monday 9th, I suspected sharp currency moves. Sterling fell against the dollar - and that wasn't the only marked move.I think that we can learn much from this. If the pattern continues, then bank stocks should fall again around Tuesday 17th - though there might be some rise in the value before that date. This could also be a significant date in the currency markets.As you know, I am of the opinion that there will be a rally in equities into the end of May. I am extremely doubtful that this will last through June and indeed feel that there will be serious difficulties during the last week of that month. The positive 'bounce' could be marked though - particularly from April 10th.But back to the present: analysis of the chart for this week's Full Moon (Wednesday 11th), suggests that present negativity will vie with positive glimmers. Though I suspect that Tuesday 17th and Thursday 19th will not be easy days, there are markedly positive trends not too far below the surface.The next New Moon is March 26th - a few days after the Sun moves into Aries. There might well be a marked positive bounce on Friday 20th.Of course, the big question is whether or not quantitative easing will work. It must surely be significant that this was put in place just as Venus stationed in the sky. The earliest date at which we might have a clue as to whether or not this action has been successful could be Friday 17th April - though I suspect that at that point it will be decided that more of the same is needed.Some of you may remember that years ago when asked to look at the chart for 2010, I explained that I was confused about a particular cosmic phenomena. The greater part of this picture would normally signal inflation on a grand scale. However, I did suggest that this particular cosmic picture (which includes Chiron now seen as something of maverick), could indicate inflation as being used as part of a cure. Perhaps this will be the case. It is likely to be at least six years before we are able to say whether or not quantitative easing has worked. . One of the most interesting charts presently is that of General Motors. GM is now just seven years away from its centenary. Looked at through the planet perspective, it's unlikely to reach that anniversary without profound changes being made. Assuming it makes it through this week's Full Moon (which could coincide with significant announcements), then the big danger period is early next year. As it stands, I am not confident that it will survive and think it more likely that it will be broken up. Indeed, we might even here about that possibility this week.Back here in the UK, one of the big questions is whether or not there will be an election before June. That is just possible - perhaps in the 3rd week of May. As always, we shall see.One of the other things I have been looking at is the oil price - which I believe might rise from Monday 16th March.Which brings me neatly to commodities: I am still of the opinion that these will rise sharply from late October. We shall have to see what changing weather patterns do to this year's harvest of course. Planet-wise the outlook is not good and a poor harvest on top of other difficulties suggests that these prices will rise sharply.My favourite investments continue to be Gold and water.Lastly, given the success of the recent seminar, I am looking at dates in late May for the next one. It would be helpful to know if you have a preference for weekdays or weekends.Until next time,Yours from the starsChristeen
Financial Universe published 25 February 2009
Dear Fellow Stargazers,Well, following on from the lunar eclipse earlier this month, (this one signalling action for gold), that precious metal has indeed gone on to touch $1000 - a figure it's likely reach again later this year. I expect it to pull back in the coming months but then to move up again in the latter half of the year.This last fortnight has offered much to study. You may recall that I expected Monday 23rd to be negative - which it certainly was! The planets suggested recovery from Tuesday 24th and that too seems to be holding true.Today's New Moon coincides with an interesting aspect involving the two 'wealth' planets. This is probably not enough to lift markets substantially but does suggest that work going on behind the scenes will pay off later in the year. This coming fortnight is interesting for many other reasons - not least of which is that Venus begins a retrograde period on Friday 6th.This doesn't happen every year and commonly indicates breakdown in mergers. Un-coupling of one sort or another is more likely than not. Expect to see recently formed alliances come unstuck. The legal community may well be over-stretched in the coming weeks as the processes that ought to have been undertaken late last year are finally set in motion. Expect a few writs to be flying!This Venus retrograde is in the sign of Aries. Industries connected with that sign include anything using steel - so perhaps not a good time for these companies. Each sign is also associated with a part of the body. In the case of Aries, this is the head. As we saw last year with the banks, oftentimes there is a clue in the name. So, perhaps companies with 'head' or 'top' (or even Ram or goat) in their title, will hit the headlines in the next few weeks.On a personal note, those of you considering forming partnerships between March 7th and April 17th would be wise to have individual charts checked. The retrograde Venus position works for some people - but not many!Venus arrives at this key 'station' at 17.17 GMT on Friday 6th. In this instance, the effect may be felt a day or so beforehand. Specifically I will be looking for further bank difficulties: including a possible collapse. That weekend looks set to provide another huge headache for both politicians and bank managers.(Curiously, though not quite exact, this Venus station aligns with an important feature of Gordon Brown's chart. This, plus an up-coming challenging aspect suggests he will be involved in extraordinary fire-fighting exercises before the next Full Moon.)Equity-wise then, the key dates in the next fortnight appear to be March 5th, 6th and 9th (probably negative) followed by some recovery into the Full Moon on March 11th.Please note too that there is potential for currency mayhem in early March. Monday 9th March could prove a day of extraordinary fluctuations.And now an update: the seminar went ahead on February 20th. We covered a huge amount of material, sharing experiences and information along the way. There will definitely be a repeat in May if not before.I understand also that the new edition of the Financial Universe will be ready shortly - will keep you advised.With the Sun now moving through Pisces, my attention is turned to the health and media sectors - more on all that anon.For now, wishing you all happy trading! - and reminding you that the most important thing is your mental and physical health. Don't let the news get you down.As alwaysYours from the starsChristeen
Financial Universe published 9 February 2009
Dear Fellow Stargazers,I am happy to report that the updated edition of the Financial Universe is now on the way and that plans for the afternoon seminar in London on Friday 20th February are in place also (see below). You might also like to know that work has begun on an in-depth look at 2010: with sections on sectors and specific companies. But back to the present: As forecast, it seems that gold is now on the move. I fully expect it to break through $920 in the next couple of days and won't be surprised if it makes it to $980 this month.I'm also looking for further gains for silver - later this week and then in the last week of February.You may remember that I was concerned about last Friday's complex planetary aspects. I anticipated bad news for the banking sector and bigger headlines than actually occurred. This planetary picture happened between eclipses however. Echoes from these celestial events will be heard for some months. Specifically, this coming Friday (13th) could be one of those reactive days.There might even be a hang-over effect into next Monday's (16th) Last Quarter Moon, with some of last summer's banking headaches surfacing once more and threatening temporary negativity.I did think that a rescue package of some kind would be announced this week. Perhaps President Obama's proposals will gather pace - bringing big news tomorrow (Tuesday 10th).This letter covers the period through to the New Moon on Wednesday February 25th: a lunation that coincides with the two wealth-giving planets (Jupiter and Pluto) arriving at an interesting phase in their cycle.This, coupled with other factors leads me to think that equity-wise, and following a short period of negativity on Monday 16th that a rise in equity indices is probable for the remainder of the week. Monday 23rd could yet prove a negative trading day but Tuesday 24th suggests recovery.Sunday 22nd and Monday 23rd could be uncomfortable days for many. Deals could be derailed. I am not sure that either of these dates is good for trading.And now to the seminar:Though I taught astrology for many years, I am new to working with investors and traders in seminar conditions. I am indebted to several top speakers who have given me encouragement to move into this area. On their advice, this first half-day seminar is offered at substantial discount.A full day's astro-trading seminar will be priced at ?499 and will be scheduled for late May/early June. . The Feb 20th event will cost ?180 and will be limited to 12 attendees maximum. I very much hope that those attending will give feedback. The venue is adjacent to Monument and Bank stations in London - not too far from London Bridge station.My intention is to divide the afternoon into 4 parts. The first will focus on reading an ephemeris (book of planetary tables).This will be followed by an over-view of long-term planet cycles and how these might correlate with stock market activity between 2009 and 2015.After a break for tea, I will look at faster moving cycles and the period between now and early 2011.This will then be followed by a closer look at 2009 with several forecasts.I will be mailing those who have already expressed interest. We have many new readers though and if any of you are interested in attending, please drop me a line.For now,Yours from the starsChristeen
Financial Universe published 27th January 2008
Dear Fellow Star Gazers,Many thanks to the very many of you who rang or emailed with congratulations on the forecast for Friday January 16th and banking. However, getting this one 'right' fills me with some dread. If a particular cycle works in this way, then there's further trouble ahead.First though: as you know, these letters are timed for New and Full Moons. This Monday's New Moon (also the Chinese New Year) is also a solar eclipse and the coming Full Moon (February 9th) is a lunar eclipse. So, this fortnight is extra special - and likely to be hugely eventful.Coinciding with the Solar eclipse, the Moon eclipses Jupiter: the planet usually associated with optimism. This isn't promising and neither is the fact that on Friday, Jupiter and Saturn reach another negative phase in their cycle - all of which happens whilst Mercury is retrograde.And then there's next week, when Saturn and Uranus take up position at either end of the sky (a signature that coincided with earlier banking chaos), and which concludes (Friday 6th) with the next phase in the cycle that brought such mayhem to bank stock on January 16th.So, these next two weeks could be exceedingly difficult. The loss of a bank this week (Thursday?) followed by pressure on bank stocks on Friday February 6th as more facts about earlier risks become known, could be devastating. [For those of you interested in a longer term view, the very last days of October look ugly for bank stocks too].President Obama has a lot on his hands! As you would have expected, I listened to his speech carefully, watching the exact position of the planets during that special hour. He concluded his speech with Jupiter on the Midheaven. Though there was rapturous applause, most agreed that he did not end on a 'high note' and that he attempted to reduce expectation. I had expected that equities might enjoy a little rally for a few days after. They didn't and that means that a cycle which I saw as being a 'shadow' is working more negatively than I thought.Of the many tests President Obama faces, how he copes with the end of this coming week will be interesting. I fully expect to hear the word 'no' or some equivalent to be heard clearly and for personal accountability to be a big theme next week.All that said, and despite the clearly very negative signals suggested by present planetary formation, I anticipate that a major bank-rescue package will be put together during the eclipse period and that it will be announced during the week beginning Monday 9th February. By that time though, gold prices may well be on an upward course. (You may remember that I thought gold prices would rise around this lunar eclipse).Midst all this, it really must not be forgotten that, in keeping with a 'science' cycle reaching a next phase, there have been some extraordinary breakthroughs. It is the small companies working in these areas whose values are likely to soar in the coming months. If you need a lift, then do read New Scientist and similar publications - wonderful work is being done and should bring investment opportunity.Looking through my notes of phone calls, a recurring question has been about property and mortgages - and when lending might be available again. On both sides of the pond I'm looking for short term improvement here in June - with the accent on short-term. This is a very small window of opportunity for those trying to move or re-mortgage and obviously depends very much on personal charts.And now to those seminars!I am writing slightly ahead of the solar eclipse and whilst Mercury is retrograde - not a brilliant time for planning!A date seems to be choosing itself: afternoon of Friday February 20th.This would be very much a 'pilot' for something bigger later on. Do let me know if this appeals to you. This is emphatically NOT for astrologers but for those who are intrigued by the cycles of the planets.For now, wishing you all a Happy Year of the Ox Yours from the starsChristeen
Financial Universe published 11th January 2008
Hello,And Happy New Year.Well, as expected, last week saw considerable movement on the currency markets with, amongst other moves, the Euro falling against the US dollar whilst sterling gained a little. True, not exactly what I'd expected but clear indication - for me anyway - that 2009 will prove a volatile year for currencies generally. I expect moves to become sharp and near cliff-hanging in the second half of the year: by which I mean that many, many people will have real concern about their cash and how their currency is viewed by other nations. If the planet pictures are anything to go by, then global trading will be very, very difficult.Over the course of the holiday season, I had opportunity to go back to some old charts and review my forecast for 2009 generally. I am now firmly of the opinion that post early June, equities will fall significantly. There might well be a rally before then, but after that date, I don't see signs of any market being supported by benevolent cosmic signals.The banks of nations (Bank of America, England, China etc etc) give me cause for concern too. I am not at all convinced that these are safe havens. Bond markets too look fragile - at least through the cosmic lens. That's probably not true of all nations but is likely to be true of most of the Western nations. Naturally I have been looking at the chart for Barack Obama's Inauguration. The chart for noon, Washington time suggests something quite unexpected and individual. This new Presidency is already marked as special - but there may be something new and memorable about the few minutes just after midday local time.Then again, I will be listening closely to what the new President has to say between 12.28 and 12.34 local time and again around 12.45. These could be the really significant moments of the speech. Education is sure to top his agenda - but I am also expecting signs of working on a new diplomatic frequency and the importance of language particularly - as well as signals of support for new science and the need to 'break new frontiers'.True, this President is already described as a great orator but, for the purposes of the inaugural chart, I think he will demand that others think and talk positively too. What he says from 12.32 onward could inspire the world into thinking and talking differently.Exciting as this may be, the very deal difficulties still to be faced by all, are clear in this chart - including great pressure on the US dollar from July 2009.Ahead of this great event, on Friday 16th January, an extra-ordinary aspect suggests huge news from the banking sector. Yet another 'victim' may need to be rescued - again imperilling at least one government. The waves this might have been expected to create in global markets could be somewhat reduced by the 'Inauguration effect' - yet leave another black mark against the banking sector. It might also mark the start of an upward push on the gold price (which I expect to increase significantly by the February 9th lunar eclipse).Over the next fortnight I anticipate a general rise in equities - particularly from 21st to 24th.However, this could come to a halt on Monday 26th. This marks the first solar eclipse of the year: a sophisticated New Moon which, this time, carries a tricky and decidedly negative aspect - more of which in the next mailing.The response to the idea of seminars is encouraging. I hope to be mailing you again this Tuesday with full details.Until then,Yours from the starsChristeen
Financial Universe published 27 December 2008
Dear Fellow-Stargazers,This is the 25th of these newsletters and the last of 2008. I began writing these at the beginning of the year as a way of maintaining contact with special clients. Although the chart for the launch was a good one, little did I realize that these letters would gather a momentum of their own: they now reach many people not on the 'official client' base.When I began, I promised that I would not write using astro-technical terms. I hope to maintain that style of writing throughout 2009. If you do want to know more, I will be hosting training seminars on a regular basis with the first of these, for absolute astro-beginners, in late January. Do email me if you would like to know more (christeen@christeenskinner.com).As expected, we hit very bumpy financial waters during 2008. I expect more of the same doing 2009. Though apparently, some sunspots are developing, these are still very few in number. It may be some months before we can be sure that the new cycle has begun. If the sun-spot cycle is related to the position of the outer planets, then the new cycle might not get started until the end of 2009.What this means in real terms, is that the instability and volatility that we have witnessed in recent months will most likely continue.Yet 2009 premises to be very different to 2008. For a start, in a few weeks time back Barack Obama will take the oath of office and usher in a new wave of political thinking. It is probable that this will push all markets up in the very short term - or at least postpone dramatic falls. (The fragility of the banking system in particular will continue for many moons yet.)As you know, for many years now, I have been concerned about the banking industry and, by default, currencies and commodity prices. I continue to be of the opinion that the price of gold in particular will rise. It is doubtful that it will reach $1000 before the end of 2008, but it could be fairly close. I now think that $1000 will be reached by the lunar eclipse on February 9.Indeed, the pattern formed by Venus, Uranus, Pluto and the Moon during January suggests that gold will be jumping up and down - as if on a springboard ready to test new levels.As you know, astrologers deduced that while Pluto made its slow transit through the sign of Capricorn between 2008 and 2024, there would be need for a total reorganization of the banking system. It is of course of great concern that none of us can now trust that money placed in this system will be secure. As a result, there is likely to be great temptation to form cooperative groups and alliances. These systems might work - at least for a decade. However, in 2024, Pluto will move on into the sign of Aquarius, and it is these organizations which could then experience the calamities presently befalling the present banking sector. It may be helpful to know this now - particularly if you wish to tie up savings over an extended period.On a nearer horizon, on Friday, January 16, Venus and Pluto will reach the first stage of a brand new cycle. This one signals something new and quite untoward - and very likely linked to developments in international banking agreements. This must surely affect currencies. Sterling may need to be supported by the government on that date.Currency traders could find the few days following the next Full Moon (Sunday, January 11) particularly treacherous. Clues as to how difficult this will be should be apparent over Monday 5th and Tuesday 6th January. On the latter date gold may break through a significant figure.As always, we shall have to wait and see. However, cosmic signals in 2008 correlated to financial events with above average expectancy. These dates in January could be of similar significance.For now though, wishing you all a peaceful and healthy start to the New Year and looking forward to further contact with you all in 2009.Yours from the stars,Christeen
Financial Universe published 12th December 2008
Dear Fellow Star-gazers,As mentioned in my last mail, as viewed from Earth, all the planets are in forward motion: a situation that persists until the last day of 2008. I don't think that there has been any shortage of discussion about what to do about the present global financial crisis but, in true Sagittarian form, multiple opinions haven't yet resulted in concerted action !The markets - especially currencies - have swung wildly: a situation that's likely to persist for a few more weeks.Sterling has suffered whilst the Euro has gained: again a situation that might continue. I am not looking for a change of sentiment here until the week beginning January 5th at the earliest. I am working on facts and figures here and will say more about this in the next letter.Tomorrow (Full Moon day: 12th), Mercury and Pluto align in Capricorn (geocentric) for the first time in a couple of centuries. I suspect that this will be a day of extraordinary trading - particularly with regard to currencies and that special commodity, gold. Many may decide that it's time to make this investment.The next tricky trading day is Monday 15th which looks likely to be the busiest trading day of next week. Markets might also end the day lower - if the history of this cycle is anything to go by.Then, on Monday 22nd, it's the Sun's turn to align with Pluto in Capricorn (the last time was January 1778)- which could also be a day of some significance. In this instance I wonder if we will hear news of developments within a national bank and, most likely, with the Federal Reserve. Might there even be some talk about chain of command changes? We shall see.The chart for the solstice itself is fascinating from the UK perspective: it seems likely that the Bank of England will be much in the news - as well as large corporations centred in the UK. Taxation and incentives to stay could hit the headlines.Slippery financial slopesWherever you are in the world, the long opposition of Saturn at one end of the sky and Uranus at the other, colours the next few months. Allowing for the ancient term, 'mutual reception', this opposition has more than a hint of Saturn-Neptune about it. So it is not just a struggle between the past and the future but also slippery slopes and old misunderstandings and fraud. There are plenty of financial banana skins for governments and large corporations to negotiate before this planet configuration wanes.Again, looking back at the 'form' of these cycles, more than one bank could come to the brink of collapse in the next few months. In short, the banking crisis is NOT over (at least from the astro-perspective).The global recessionIt was the clash of two major cycles: Saturn and Pluto at their waning square together with Jupiter and Saturn at opposition that alerted me to the strong possibility of intense financial pressures at the end of this decade. The 'eye' of this storm is in the first few weeks of 2010. We also need to consider that Uranus and Pluto will arrive at their first quarter phase that same year. In keeping with this very long cycle, this phase lasts until 2015. It could even be argued that until this clears that there won't be much recovery.Yet there are promising under-currents. Though this cycle links to war, it also links to social change and revolutionary technology. Non-oil dependent engines/motors could rapidly develop with firms providing the materials for their development growing quickly and bringing fast reward.Jupiter's role is to extend horizons. It seems quite reasonable to expect great strides in bio-technology and technology generally surfacing half-way through next year. It could even be argued that investing in these stocks whilst they are at low price, would be a wise move. These firms might need your investment - and make excellent use of it.How nice to end on an upbeat note!Wishing you all a very Happy ChristmasWill be in touch before the New YearUntil then,Yours from the StarsChristeen
Financial Universe published 27th November 2008
Dear Fellow- Stargazers,Happy Pluto in Capricorn!Yes, it's finally happened. Today Pluto begins its 16 year journey through Capricorn. It's been easy to write negatively about this transit. One of the advantages of astrology is that it's possible to see these cycles way ahead. Knowing that Pluto brings with it death and destruction, it was not a difficult to predict doom and gloom for industries associated with the sign of Capricorn: banks being first in the frame!Unsurprisingly, since Pluto first set foot in Capricorn way back in January (coinciding with the Society Generale fiasco), and fololwing hard on the heels of another cycle known to undermine positions, the financial industry has dominated headlines On the hour, every hour newscasters have reported unbelievably bad news from the banking sector: to such a point that we are now almost numbed to the scale of this financial disaster.Yet Pluto is the planet associated with wealth and its journey through the earth sign of Capricorn, is likely to favour those who wish to look after the treasures and bounty of the fabulous planet we inhabit. In a financial sense, it seems perfectly reasonable to forecast that commodities will increase in value in the coming years and that those who seek to protect Earth's treasures will have some success.As most of you know, my two favourites are gold and watter. I firmly believe that investments in these areas will deliver maximum growth in the coming decade.Push forward the clock to the year 2024 when Pluto leaves Capricorn and moves on into the sign of Aquarius, and I know that I will be writing about the potential demise of non-government organizations. By then, there will be anxiety about the power of these groups. For now, we are watching the death throes of systems and governments that have long been respected but which are now being shown to be decidedly unsafe.There are some who believe that we may be about to experience a repeat of the 1930s. During that time, Pluto was working its way through the sign of Cancer (Capricorn's opposite). There may be hints of that earlier time, but it must be underlined that what we are about to experience is quite, quite, different - and might even be long-term beneficial.Here in the UK, the Chancellor gave a speech on Monday afternoon to which I was riveted. His pre-budget report took place just as the Sun, Mars, and Mercury were setting. As each of these bodies took their place on the local horizon, Mr Darling announced a new tax initiative - and all against the backdrop of a void of course Moon. Like the Sagittarius he is, he accentuated the positive! I doubt very much that his measures will work - mostly because Sagittarius is not known for attention to detail: there are likely to be many, many problems in implementing his proposals.Coinciding with Pluto is moved into Capricorn, there happens to be a New Moon this Thursday. This is the first Sagittarius New Moon in three decades to occur with Mars also in that sign. The planet Uranus also ceases its apparent retrograde motion in the next 24 hours. From this new moon and all the way through until December 31, all the planets appear to be moving forwards. This is the first month of its kind in 2008.There are several facts that can be deduced from this. On the negative side, this New Moon takes place on a degree of the zodiac associated with flight. The presence of Mars near this point could indicate dramas in the travel industry. Mars, as the planet of war and explosion does not present a pretty picture here. At the time of writing, I understand that there are protests at Bangkok airport. It could be that this turns nasty in the next few days.Away from all of this however, it is possible but before the full moon, we will have news of further collapses in the airline industry. This would seem to be the most likely sector to experience serious difficulty in the next two weeks.In my last letter, I managed to select key dates for extraordinary stock market activity. Whilst I did not get the direction right on every occasion, the dates themselves were bang on. This time, I won't make the same mistake of announcing the direction, but will instead suggest those dates when I believe there will be most action. These include Monday 1st December, Thursday 4th and Friday 5th and the following week, Wednesday 10th through to the Full Moon on Friday 12th. This three day period, looks to be exceptionally volatile. I can't finish this letter, without making a comment about tax. Pluto is the planet associated with taxation. It seems that every government in the world will find it difficult to balance its books whilst Pluto moves through Capricorn. You may remember that when I wrote the last letter, I was preparing for a trip to Canada. It was whilst there, that a headline caught my attention. One of the headlines for the Montreal Gazette of Tuesday, November 18 was as follows :Feds want cut of online sales.The article went on to say that " in the face of a slowing economy, the federal government is turning its attention to merchants who sell goods online without paying taxes. As more Canadians make purchases over the Internet, this grey market is costing the government millions in lost tax revenue."Watch this space folks: I imagine that Internet traders will be hit hard in the coming years. The Canadians have already asked Ebay for details of 10,000 traders and details of sales that they made in 2004 and 2005. Expect to hear more of this from other countries.Until the Full Moon, yours from the stars, Christeen
Financial Universe published 12th November 2008
Dear Fellow Star-Gazers,It seems like two years and not just two weeks since my last letter.What a fortnight!Aside from the markets, Mr Obama has made history. (If only he didn't have a Mars -planet of War - line running close to Baghdad). That said, I have looked ahead to the next election and think it likely he could win again in 2012 - and perhaps even in 2016.As you know, I have been worried about the planetary build-up for 2010 for a long, long time. The only mitigating factor was an extraordinary picture that is exact in May 2009. Study of previous cycles hasn't helped for this and I've floundered.All I could say for sure was that this picture made clear that a repeat of the 1930s style depression would not occur. Let's hope that that's right and that this unusual configuration is part of a healing pattern.Even so, several cycles reaching critical pints in the coming two years suggest that we will all be tested and that much ingenuity will be required to deal with complex developments.What is clear from recent events is that people want to experience hope - traders included! That suggests in turn that as soon as there is a break in this cosmic weather (next Monday, 17th), that some stocks will rise swiftly.True, I am still worried about the banking sector and expect bruising encounters in this sector the following week. November 24th to 28th could be challenging indeed.At the time of writing both the Dow and FTSE indices are down - as expected. I wrote before that I thought this week would be ugly. Bad as things are, they're not quite as bad as my imagination suggested - though the week is not yet over. Expect recovery next week when the cosmic weather is more up-beat.The next newsletter is due for the New Moon (27th) which also happens to be the day of Uranus' station and Pluto's Capricorn final ingress. I have seen colleagues shaking their heads sadly about what's to come and fearful about what more this transit will do to the banking and mortgage industries especially. In many ways I agree. However, I do think that the UK (and Australia) are far better placed to cope than the US (from an astro point of view anyway). True, it could take as much as three years before there are real signs of positive movement - but that is better than the picture in the US where it could take several years more.Pluto is the 'tax' planet and Uranus signals change. Though proposals have been made, expect these to gather momentum from 27th with capital gains and inheritance taxes leading the way. These may be part of the solution.Again, here in the UK, the proposed Lloyds TSB/HBOS merger has faltered - exactly as indicated by the chart for the initial proposal. It will be interesting to see the proposals put forward in the days leading into 27th: expect this to be an exceedingly busy time and for the due diligence legal people to be rushed off their feet!It will be interesting to see what happens on Monday 24th which, as stated earlier, I feel will be miserable for the banking industry. It is regularly pointed out that a significant problem is the banks unwillingness to lend to one another. Planet-wsie it's hard to see this situation changing until mid-December at the earliest.The other thing we need to be prepared for before the end of 2008 is the collapse of an airline - or perhaps even more than one. These next few weeks could be critical for these stocks too.Back with the currencies - expect the US dollar to appear bright and sparkly against other countries for the next few weeks. Note though that I doubt it will hold this position and that its decline should be swift and steep toward the middle of 2009.If asked where I'd like to put money, I'm still with gold and a few select energy stocks: not oil-related.Better still, I'm all for investing in happiness and good-health!I'll be sending the next newsletter following our return from a trip to Canada. It'll be interesting to read their papers and to study the chart for Canada whilst there.Until next timeYours from the starsChristeen
Financial Universe published 28th October 2008
Dear Fellow Stargazers,Yes, once again this newsletter is a little early. The next new moon is on Tuesday (28th). However, given current conditions I thought it might be helpful to send this ahead of time and cover a slightly longer period.Whilst Friday's financial storms were dramatic and extreme, they may still not be quite as bad as those which could occur around the time of the November Full Moon which this year falls on Thursday 13th. This is not the only difficult date worth mentioning in November. It may be that 21st proves to be another black Friday and even that we see trading suspended sometime between 24th and 27th.It is possible to trace the roots of the current shambles back over three decades. In the last decade, the biggest clue to these difficulties was the extraordinary line up of planets in 2000 - and the dot com bubble which coincided with this. Charts from that period once again highlight 13 to 26 November as being turbulent.It may not be a bank that collapses during this period - but a hedge fund or insurance company making the weekend of 21st - 24th truly depressing and causing even greater headaches for those seeking solutions.As you will know from 'The Financial Universe', I have doubts as to whether the Chairman of the Federal Reserve can keep his job. The fact that the previous Chairman, Mr Greenspan has now admitted that mistakes were made, could make it easier for the incumbent to renounce his position though: we might also see changes in the structure both of this organisation and of the IMF.It is well over a decade now since I began advocating investment in gold. Many times during this period the price has fallen. However, as a long-term investment, gold has outshone everything else in the last decade. Its performance from January 1, 1998 to close of October 20, 2008 saw it gain 171% whilst the Dow Jones gained 5%, the Nasdaq 9% and the S&P 500 lost 11%.Presently the price is falling again. I do not imagine that this situation will continue. It is quite possible the gold will make dramatic and sharp move upward during December.It has been pointed out that metal prices are unlikely to rise during a recession. We are living through extraordinary times however and the astrology suggests that the price of precious metals will increase - particularly post November 27th.Meanwhile, currency markets require close attention. The US dollar may be doing well against sterling presently but this is a situation most unlikely to continue. It is likely to be under severe pressure from late January (perhaps no coincidence that this is just AFTER the inauguration of the new president). That pressure might well be resisted but I fear that that will not be possible in the fourth quarter of 2009 when its value could fall through the floor.Late in the day, and in fact within just two days of severe falls in its value, I found charts which revealed the present negative sterling storyline. I think it unlikely that sterling will reverse its downward trend for some months. The second quarter of 2009 could be especially difficult for sterling - as could the last few months of that year - but even then its fall is likely to be far less than the dollar. The US dollar will take years to recover once the slide starts.But back to this next fortnight............In just over a week, citizens of the US go to the polls - and on the very day that Saturn opposes Uranus in the sky: what timing! Saturn is age and Uranus represents the exciting and unknown - which more or less sums up the choice. Whoever gets the job is in for one tough, tough time too. John McCain is under extraordinarily difficult configurations which could be 'weight of responsibility', whilst there is something in Mr Obama's chart suggesting that 'a dream becomes a nightmare'. Roll forward though and it looks more likely that it will be Mr Obama taking the oath next January.That week is interesting market-wise and it could be that equity prices rise into November 7th - which looks to be the last 'good' day for some time. Will write to you again that weekend with more thoughts on Pluto's upcoming Capricorn ingress and what it might mean for sectors other than the banking industry!Until then, stay safe and put health first.Yours from the starsChristeen
Financial Universe published 14th October 2008
Dear fellow stargazers,I am sending this letter ahead of the Full Moon (Tuesday) as you may find the information helpful. In my last letter I singled out the week between October 2 and 9th as critical. I made mention of Friday 3rd and Monday 6th and Thursday 9th as each offering singular drama. As we now know, the US bail-out was agreed on Friday 3rd, stocks fell sharply on the Monday and over Wednesday and Thursday interest rates have been cut whilst we've all witnessed extraordinary turmoil. With the Full Moon yet to come, we may not have seen the worst!Again, in the last letter I pointed out that Mr. Bernanke key and Mr. Paulson were both born under fire signs of the zodiac. This week it has been the task of the Chairman of the Bank of England, (an Aries), Mr. Bernanke, (Sagittarius), and the chairman of the European Central Bank, (another Sagittarius) to attempt further fire-fighting. Perhaps, born under these fire signs, they are the best people for the task...though I have my doubts.Their efforts have taken place across the backdrop of unusual conditions. I understand that solar wind activity, and a lack of sunspots is curiously different to what might have been expected. The combination seems to have resulted in mankind being disorientated which, along with the regular lunar cycle, has resulted in wide-scale panic - at least in the financial market-place.I am doubtful as to whether this will be stemmed before the Full Moon. Indeed, it is quite possible that next Monday and most of Tuesday will prove extra volatile.As it happens, this October Full Moon is followed by Mercury, the planet associated with commerce, appearing to stand still in the sky.. It is emphatically not the case that whenever Mercury is retrograde, that communications go awry. Much depends on the sign in which Mercury is making this motion.In this instance, the effect of Mercury returning back across degrees it held in the last couple of weeks, may coincide with the unwinding of certain decisions - or, at the very least, re-negotiation. Mercury has been retrograde in the sign of Libra, another of the Air signs and the sign associated with a quality and fairness. It is probable that in the fiery haste to get things done, there has been cursory attention to due diligence. .Whilst I feel negative about Monday's trading, it is possible that sometime late on Tuesday we will start to see a turnaround. Indeed, it may be that by Friday ((17th), some people will feel that the worst is over. There are apparently optimistic aspects due to form. Then may well be an overnight bounce from Asian markets that results in Wednesday 22nd beginning well. I am not sure that this will continue through all sectors - though there may be better news as regards bank stocks during the afternoon of Friday 24th.In terms of complexity of aspects, the next most important day is Monday 27th October. If there is to be in global agreement on the action to take to reduce this crisis, this could be announced then.In very simple terms, recent dramas may all be seen to be linked with Pluto's Capricorn ingress. The final stage of this occurs next month - on November 27th. I suspect that this will prove a key date as regards government involvement in the banking sector. I fully that this will also be an important time for the international banking community, and particularly for the Federal Reserve. The word recession has been used over and over again in recent weeks. If mankind responds to planetary alignments as in the past, then the full effect of a recession would be felt this time next year. Between now and then an array of positive aspects occur. There may yet be sufficient time to reposition and to be prepared for the difficult months that lie between late autumn 2009 and the first half of 2011.As you know, I think of the planets as playing music. The chord they played in May 2000 reverberates today. In fact, it could be argued that this is a recapitulation of the theme playing when the dot-bubble burst. This is not the only chord at work though. There are also melodies playing in the distance and over the next fortnight I will be trying to tune into these - in the hope of determining which stocks will fly quickest in the first half of 2009.Wishing you well, and urging you to remember that these times too will pass!Yours from the starsChristeen
Financial Universe published 29th September 2008
Dear Fellow Stargazers,Firstly, you are right - there is no New Moon today! The New Moon is on Monday, - but as I will be away, I decided to send this bulletin early.You may remember that last month's Full Moon and the difficult planetary configuration of which it was part, clearly indicated the potential for serious difficulties in the financial markets. The ensuing two days also indicated problems for the banking sector. Last week's dramas certainly seemed written in the stars.In that same bulletin, I suggested Wednesday 24th as being a day of marked activity. Mr. Bush's televised address last night made clear just how serious the situation is - his words articulating an extraordinary planetary picture that's coinciding with unusual solar activity.As you know, my feeling is that this is still a rehearsal. I do not believe that we have yet felt the full impact of the credit crunch and still feel that the six months from July of next year to the early part of 2010 will be more traumatic. (My biggest concern is for the currency markets and the impact that a falling dollar will have.)As you might expect, I have not shifted my position on commodities and continue to feel that these are the best long-term investments.This bulletin covers the period through to the Full Moon of Tuesday, October 14. The key dates from marked commercial activity are Friday October 3rd, Monday 6th, Thursday 9th and Friday 10th.What has been apparent over the last eight weeks is that the impact of negative cosmic activity has been felt a day or so earlier than listed. You might like to factor this in to your planning.During the last two days of September, we may hear news of yet another significant bank merger - putting further pressure on those seeking solutions.Concentrated activity between the two Thursdays (2nd and 9th) would seem to indicate that out-of-the-box thinking will win the immediate argument. Political arm twisting could win the day. However, it is likely to be clear just before the Full Moon (14th) that insufficient attention to due diligence has been given. It is entirely possible that some deals will unravel between 12th and 15th.The critical date may well be Friday 3rd which could witness considerable upheaval across all markets. This is followed early the following week by yet another turning point in the commodities cycle. To be clear, I would expect significant movement in those markets, - but that which ever direction this takes, that the direction will not be sustained. A reversal of positions is probable before the end of October.I have been really reading something I wrote five years ago for the financial universe in which I suggested the possibility that the 2009 inauguration would not take place as planned. I'm not sure that I would arrive at that conclusion today, but it is still interesting that the present presidential candidate's have chosen to suspend their campaigns for the moment. Perhaps my earlier thinking will be proved correct!Mr. Paulsen was born under the Fire sign of Aries, whilst Ben Bernanke was born under the other fire sign of Sagittarius. It is fascinating to watch them both in action presently. The United States of America came into being under the Water sign of Cancer, and you can almost see the steam coming out of the ears of some of its citizens as they come face to face with the proposals offered by these two financial Fire-fighters (don't we need someone from an Earth sign to help out now??)The proposals presented are revolutionary to say the least. There are several dates during the course of the next fortnight when further apparently unthinkable ideas will be heard. I'm looking for ideas proposed by those born in the mid to late 60s - which might just have solutions.Meanwhile I think we can be assured send of a busy two weeks in the marketplace. As stated earlier, I believe that what is happening now is only the start of something much, much bigger and that we are in for a very difficult 2009 and 2010.Until next time,Yours from the stars,Christeen
Financial Universe published 16th July 2008
Dear fellow star-gazers,At 12.43 GMT on Sunday 20th July, Venus will hold the position that will shortly be held by the solar eclipse. I suspect we may be given a clue as to what this particular eclipse (which is a sophisticated New Moon) will mean - at least in terms of finance.MergersThis could coincide with good news: certainly new thinking as to how best to balance the books may be much discussed. I expect Tuesday 22nd to show a definite upturn.One possibility is that news of a merger (Venus is, after all, about relationships) will take the edge of recent gloom. It may be that this is linked to events last summer. Deals (these may be plural) that were derailed in August 2007 could be put back on track.Recent forecasts and new onesIn my last letter I singled out a few dates when I expected negativity. Sadly, though marked volatility was right on, I was out by 24 hours in each case. As always, these are learning experiences. With this in mind I am going to single out Friday 25th July as being the potentially 'best' equity day of the next two weeks. Strong moves in an upward direction seem more likely than not.The following week (the days leading into the eclipse) could bring other dramas - specifically in the world of media. On 31st there might even be stories reminiscent of the dot-com bubble of 2000.CommoditiesMonday 28th and Tuesday 29th could see a change of direction in commodity markets. Attention could then be drawn to gold. This would hardly be surprising given that the eclipse will be in Leo (the sign associated with the sun-metal, gold).CurrenciesAs you know, I have anxieties for the currency markets in the period between the solar and lunar eclipse next month. To my mind these could be in some turmoil toward the end of that period. So far I have been unable to determine which currency is likely to fail - though as you also know I've been looking at many: including Korean and Vietnamese money. Whatever the disturbance there is no question for me that currencies with which I am more familiar (the US dollar, Euro and Sterling) will be affected. Hopefully by the time I write again I will have honed in a little more. Much longer term (this time next year), the outlook for the US dollar does not look good at all. Analysis of recent downward moves suggest that these will be even stronger next year - a bleak outlook indeed.The US mortgage marketAs we know, the 4th July chart for the US determines its Sun position in Cancer. Pluto has recently visited Capricorn (Cancer's opposite) and will be firmly in that sign from November 2008 through 2024. The opening stages of this will place Pluto directly opposite the US Venus position - suggesting a complete change in their foreign policy, their key relationships and in their financial situation. I fear that what we have seen in recent weeks is but a dress rehearsal for severe difficulties from 2009.In the short term (perhaps early September), plans to stabilise - and even a four or five year plan to resolve the mortgage situation may be announced. The planets suggest that these plans might not work. Something radical - and which has yet to reach human consciousness - may not emerge until late next year at the earliest.The Banking IndustryA similar forecast can be made for the banking industry. September announcements are likely to include rescue packages (especially on 8th/9th of that month). It is even possible that bank-stock values will rise into that date. If the past is any indicator of the future, then these positions are unlikely to hold however.DepressionThere has been much speculation that a 1930s-style depression will soon take hold. There are indeed planetary similarities between that time and the next few years - but the cosmos doesn't do exact repeats, - and on the horizon, there are other formations pointing to expansion.InflationThat said, a worrisome combination of Jupiter, Chiron and Neptune in Air sign Aquarius next year suggests rampant inflation in 2009.Final noteI will be spending the next two weeks completing the revised edition of the Financial Universe and studying charts from Latin America - even a brief look suggests that this may be the best emerging market of the coming years.Until the solar eclipse,Yours from the starsChristeen
Financial Universe published 3rd July 2008
Dear Fellow star-gazers,Last week's equity falls were exactly on cue.This from the last letter: As I mentioned in my last letter, one strong possibility - bearing in mind that Jupiter and Saturn are due to have one of their regular tussles on 26th, is that a bank will close. There were similar cosmic patterns at work when both the BCCI and Barings bank collapsed. If this forecast comes true, then no doubt this would be a significant factor in further bank share price falls and subsequent drops in equities - marking a very negative end to June.And that was on top of having identified the equity falls for the Full Moon on June 18th!And there was this about the gold price: Hints of what is to come may be apparent in the coming two weeks - especially between 25th and 28th June, the gold price could move swiftly.Let's hope that I can continue to read the cosmic signals correctly! First though, let's just go back to earlier in the year when I suggested that we might be able to identify which banks would be in trouble by seeing whether or not there was anything 'Capricornian' in their name. BEAR Stearns and NORTHERN ROCK both came into this category as did CREDIT GENERALE. Banks containing names of countries might also now be in the frame: with those without these obvious links perhaps being less affected by global storms.Those of you who have read The Financial Universe will know that I believe that the real credit crunch will occur in the opening months of 2010. Until a formidable planetary configuration occurs, I do not believe we will really know the extent to which the world's financial institutions are affected by sub-prime mortgages or anything else.Clearly all banks will be affected. The coming solar eclipse may give further clues as to which institutions will suffer. Yes, the next New Moon is a solar eclipse (August 1st). It is followed by a lunar eclipse on August 16th. When a solar precedes a lunar the effect can be very, very marked - which is likely to be the case this time for yet another reason: Venus' position.Venus is the planet associated with currency as well as with relationships - which is why I think that we may see currency mayhem in the August markets. In my last letter I stated that I thought that the Russion ruble would be in the frame. I am now considering the Vietnamese currency as well. It is true though that the solar eclipse will only be seen in high northern latitudes, (in Mongolia and some of China) which could educe the effect. As always, we shall have to watch and learn.Back in the land of equities the last two weeks have been marked by considerable volatility and negativity particularly. We may expect more of the same between now and the Full Moon on Friday 18th.Days of exaggerated (and probably negative) trading are likely to be Wednesday 9th and Monday 14th. If we do see falls then, they should be viewed as to a potentially very difficult eclipse period (August 1 to 16).In the commodity markets and, perhaps, specifically gold trading, It seems likely that we will witness a change of direction on 14th - probably downward for a few days: which could represent a buying opportunity. It might be worth noting this if there are marked rises in these prices between 6th and 9th - which seems more likely than not.And then there's oil. We arrive at a new phase in one of the oil cycles this weekend which could mark the start of a pull back in oil prices. However, from the heliocentric perspective an applying aspect could keep prices up until mid-August. If there is a slight fall in prices next week I'm not sure that this will hold for more than a few days. Indeed, it could be that bleak news from Opec proves to be the root of negative reaction on Monday 14th.One last note - the Sun is now in Cancer, the sign associated with silver. I'm wondering if prices here will rise significantly around the Full Moon (18th).Until next time,Yours from the starsChristeen
Financial Universe published 17th June 2008
Dear Fellow Star-watchers,If Full Moons were drinks, then tomorrow's would be classed as a lethal cocktail: the Moon and Pluto are at one side of the zodiac with the Sun and Venus at the other. Actually, you can almost see and hear this being poured now! Extraordinary activity by the cosmic bar-tender has coincided with agitated talks about the oil price, Mr Obama coming out on top (though Hillary Clinton's chart shines clearly in late January 2009), increased troop numbers for Afghanistan, and the extraordinary behaviour of one British politician amongst many things. You can feel the hang-over coming!A different analogy: If this were a musical sound it would no doubt be an unresolved and very loud organ chord - painful on the ear and ringing for hours afterwards.True, it's usually the run-up to a Full Moon and not the lunation itself that brings activity. Even so, I suspect is that there will be news (the Gemini/Sagittarius element) of even further difficulties with the banks (Venus in Cancer) and further food price rises (also Venus in Cancer) to hit the headlines before the weekend.This Full Moon coincides with a station of Mercury in Gemini and within a couple of days of the solstice. These factors confirming the potential for a turning point.As I mentioned in my last letter, one strong possibility - bearing in mind that Jupiter and Saturn are due to have one of their regular tussles on 26th, is that a bank will close. There were similar cosmic patterns at work when both the BCCI and Barings bank collapsed. If this forecast comes true, then no doubt this would be a significant factor in further bank share price falls and subsequent drops in equities - marking a very negative end to June.You may remember that in my last letter I forecast difficulties on the currency markets in the days prior to this week's Full Moon. The dollar is indeed falling against the Euro, whilst sterling is falling against both the Euro and the US dollar. I believe that this turbulence is a dress-rehearsal for what could happen between the two August eclipses. Though my attention has been drawn to the South Korean won in recent days, I don't think that it will be problems with this currency that is the source of August mayhem.Currency activity during last February's eclipse season leads me to think that it might be the Russian ruble that will be the focus of attention. A fall in its value, on top of deepening concern about the US dollar, could be key factors in currency-market mayhem in August. True, it could be the oil price that dominates headlines - but I think I will stick with my initial forecast of currency trading difficulties.Where oil is concerned, it is possible that we could see price falls next week after Mars opposes Neptune on Saturday 21st. Another 'high' could occur just after the next New Moon though: July 6th seems to me to be a more significant high. Clearly we have to get used to much higher prices for oil - and for a great many other commodities. What we haven't really seen yet, but which I suspect could become a big story over the next few months, is a significant increase in the price of jewels - especially through August when I also expect gold to break out of $900 again. I still feel that gold will end the year above $1000. Hints of what is to come may be apparent in the coming two weeks - especially between 25th and 28th June, the gold price could move swiftly.Perhaps the most significant astro-factor in the next two weeks is Mercury's movements back across degrees it crossed mid May. Many of the commercial deals that didn't reach conclusions then could come together. If any one sector is to gain from this it will most likely be media stocks whose value may well rise - especially in the first few days of July.Until the next New Moon (July 3),Yours from the stars,Christeen
Financial Universe published 3rd June 2008
Hello fellow star-watchers,It looks as though we're in for another hectic fortnight.We are coming up to a point in one of the business cycles that's coincided in the past with bank collapse. I fully expect that 18th - 26th will prove a rough ride for the banking sector - though that probably also represents a buying opportunity for those playing for the long term.I am writing to you from London, UK which, as one of the financial capitals of the world, feels the effect of some planet cycles acutely. It is also the case that the UK (like Australia) is one of the Capricorn nations of the world. It is quite possible that banks in both countries will be under great pressure over the next few weeks. I am inclined to think that this will be due to internal pressures and perhaps not so easily blamed on the US sub-primes.It is simply not possible to look at the charts of all banks in the world! - nor is it easy to get accurate data for some. As explained in an earlier letter however, it may be that there are clues in the name of the bank. If this is the case, then we should expect those with city names, or those that have peaks or mountains suggested in their name or logo, to be vulnerable.On that basis it is not surprising that in the UK, the Bradford and Bingley Society has been in the news this week. Using an astro-geography techniques I am drawn to a different set of towns however and wonder whether banks, building and friendly societies whose roots are in the corridor between London and Bristol might not be more affected. The coming Full Moon planet picture is fascinating and around 18th, I think it reasonable to expect a global financial crisis that sets the scene for that collapse.The period 15th - 18th could also find currency traders under great pressure. In the lead up to the Full Moon Euro rates may be especially volatile. It seems likely that many will need to think out of their usual comfort zone. Those prone to taking high risks should take great care: conditions are unusual and losses and gains are likely to be spectacular.As you may remember, Mercury, Jupiter and Neptune are in retrograde phase. On Sunday 15th - Pluto appears to slip back into Sagittarius (from the geocentric perspective). History may show this date to be a turning point. A degree of 'unravelling' in the ensuing days seems more likely than not. One possibility is that a firm of auditors will be much in the news - most likely due to the uncovering of (mis)information. (Though mis-selling could also be a factor). It is even possible that by the Full Moon, that there will be calls for greater International accountability.The Federal Reserve in the US came into being over a century ago. It too seems to be under severe stress around 18th. It won't be surprising if there are calls for a change in its top personnel.(Staying in the US, I'm not sure that we should yet write of Hillary Clinton. Her astro-prospects for the White House still seem good whilst Mr Obama could experience a setback in the next few weeks.)Whilst it seems clear that there are tough times ahead, it is only fair to point out that one sector - the telecoms - could experience an upswing. Yahoo, Microsoft, Google et al may well go through a multiple partner marriage. The week beginning Monday 9th could see an upsurge in telecom and dotcom shares generally (though a reversal of this trend will probably occur before the end of the month).And finally - to the indices: thanks most probably to talk of mergers, we could see small rises through to Tuesday 10th. News from the banking sector could wipe out any gains from 11th however. True, these could be recovered between 16th and 18th. However, Mercury stations on 20th and a reversal of trend could then occur. If this is what I believe it to be, then the last week of June could see sharp falls (especially on 26th). Until the Full Moon,Yours from the starsChristeen
Financial Universe published 20th May 2008
Dear fellow star-gazers,Apologies... this should have gone out last night. The Scorpio Full Moon has coincided with falls today though - as suggested in the last letter.Well, it appears that there IS correlation between the planets and market behaviour - certainly based on the last two weeks! As expected, indices rose and so too did the oil price. We may have seen the top for a while now though. True, it's possible that things could hold up for a couple of days. However, by Thursday, I'm expecting the gloom-mongers to have the upper-hand and for the indices to fall. Actually, these drops could be severe: both Mercury and Neptune begin retrograde periods this coming weekend. That isn't always bad news, but, in this instance, could signal a reversal of recent trends - though the good news is that we might even the oil price fall over the next couple of weeks.Before getting in to that though, let me make some observations about Mercury's retrograde period. It's often written that communications go haywire during these periods - but that isn't always the case (though some find it a nice excuse!). It is probable though that this particular period (lasts until June 20th) will bring bad news for the travel industry. True, that could be associated with recent oil price hikes. It could be far more than that though. One strong possibility is that car manufacturing will be in the headlines - for the worst of reasons. If this industry is seen as a barometer of economic conditions, then many may conclude that the outlook is bleak indeed.Are we headed into a recession? The short answer is probably 'yes': at least according to the planets - but possibly not quite yet. It's late 2009-2010 before we see planet pictures that are reminiscent of the 1930s. The picture is not an exact replication though (the cosmos doesn't do repeats!) and though this is definitely not an easy period, other, positive aspects are also at work. I don't think we've really had the 'credit crunch' yet either. For me, that won't really occur until early 2010. This is an interesting overture or dress rehearsal but it's not the big drama.What's really interesting is a curious planet formation that occurs next May and which hasn't occurred in the last few thousands years. Having nothing to compare it with, imagination comes into play. The sign of Aquarius is involved. Now, this sign is usually associated with all things 'quirky'. It's also said to be the most future-orientated of all the signs. The two 'planets' taking part in this picture are Jupiter and Chiron. It's just possible that some global problem-solving will take place and that new and presently inconceivable solutions will be found to global banking difficulties (amongst other things). A big feature could be co-operative banking and, perhaps, greater co-operation over debt. I'll come back to this in later letters. For now, I think it fair to say that I don't think that a recession lasting years and years is likely - though I would agree that a difficult few months (most likely November 2009 - April 2010) will probably occur.BACK TO THE PRESENTThis letter is being sent out for the Full Moon, May 20th. The next New Moon (and next letter) should reach you by June 5th.Between now and then I am expecting indices to fall but for commodities to once again rise - including gold and silver. Gold seems once again to be on the move and I don't expect silver to be far behind.There may be a significant 'commodity turning point' in this next fortnight too. True, June 1st is a Sunday but we may still see a reversal of trend in grain commodities especially on the morning of Monday 2nd.As explained above, I am expecting the major indices to fall toward the end of this week. However, it is possible that some losses could be recovered on Wednesday 28th and Thursday 29th.Lastly, I have now had chance to look at the NYSE chart. That stock exchange has a May 17th birthdate. It's interesting to note at the May 17th charts for subsequent years. That for 2008, shows Pluto at the base of the chart - which rather suggests that its foundations might be rocked in the coming year!The Moon - which represents the public - is in what's known as its detriment: which rather suggests that confidence could be in short supply. If there is good news, it's that there is much to suggest increased dealings with European businesses. This could prove an interesting twelve months in terms of acquisitions.I am still working on thoughts about the currency crisis that I feel will affect us all in August. Hopefully, by the next letter, I'll be in a position to give you an idea of which currencies are likely to be most affected.Until next time,Yours from the stars,Christeen
Financial Universe published 4th May 2008
Dear star-watching friends,I hope that you found the last newsletter helpful.Literally hours after its mailing, the forecast announcement about assistance to the UK banks from the Bank of England was made. The cash became available just as the Sun, and then Venus, trined with Saturn and Pluto. Stock-markets rose too - with mining stocks another anticipated helpful factor.And then, just the other day I heard it mentioned (just as I had suggested someone would say!) that perhaps the worst of the banking crisis was over. Indeed, someone even ventured to suggest that perhaps the banks had over-reacted and that the figures aren't nearly as bad as had been thought.Well, that's possible: but I doubt it. I don't think we've had the worst of the credit crunch at all. It might not be sub-prime but more regular mortgages and increased cost of raw commodities that creates the next tsunami of panic.You may remember that Pluto began its geocentric Capricorn journey as of January 26th. It's heliocentric trip has yet to begin. Both measurement systems show Pluto in Capricorn from mid-November - and it's from then that more dramas are likely to occur: recent events may then be described as the 'dress-rehearsal'.So, equities began a bounce back over the last couple of weeks while the price of some commodities (gold and silver) fell. Gold, which had crossed $1000, has really dropped and could fall even further before the next Full Moon on May 20th . That said, both metals could temporarily fare better this week in the run into Monday 12th and even, perhaps, into Sunday 18th. Indian astrologers have no doubt signalled these dates as excellent for marriages - which could increase demands for these metals as gifts. After the latter date we could then see the prices drop for a couple of days around the Full Moon. Longer term, I remain convinced that gold will exceed $1200 - possibly before the end of the year. Meanwhile, crude oil has surged to new highs. These prices could be sustained until Monday May 12th but then start to fall back a little. That said, in transiting Capricorn proper, Pluto (God of the underworld and so connected to the black stuff as much as to the Earth's precious metals and jewels), might demand that this resource be valued even more highly by the end of the year. Just post the Full Moon (May 20th) a series of very difficult aspects comes into force . I think it likely that these will coincide with equities falling dramatically - especially on May 22nd.Meanwhile, in preparing an updated last chapter of my book 'The Financial Universe', I've been looking closely at various War Cycles and the correlation these have to known planet cycles. As most of you know, I have very real fears for 2010 when a series of very difficult aspects could coincide with nation at war with nation - specifically in the Middle East but also on much of the Chinese borders and the Indian/Pakistan frontier.When I first put the book together I very much enjoyed the realisation that as these difficult aspects dispersed, they were replaced by some of the most creative aspects to be seen in a long, long time. I delighted in the prospect of a 'peace blanket' being thrown across troubled areas of the world and hoped that this influence would last for a few years. Perhaps I revelled too long in those thoughts.Closer inspection suggests that 2018-2022 could be very difficult indeed. The build up into those pressures begins in the middle of the next decade. It could even be argued that from 2015 there will be an escalation in the number of outbreaks of war (some lasting a few weeks and others growing and leading into great difficulty at the end of that decade).All this further underscores the probability of further commodity price rises in the coming years. There appears to be considerable correlation between the number of sun-spots and the number of wars existing at any time. We know there to be just over 11 and 22 year-cycles in operation on the Sun. Presently we are in a 'minimum' period if the number of sunspots increases (assuming there is no disturbance to that cycle), then by the end of 2020, global warfare would seem more likely than not. I will be following through on this research in forthcoming issues.For now though, back in the present, I was intrigued to learn that the Microsoft/Yahoo deal has apparently finally bitten the dust - which leaves me wondering which media tie-up will be in the press next weekend. I suspect a very big story will break and that this will be a key factor in price rises between 12th and 18th.Even this deal could go sour though. The next Full Moon is not an easy one. It seems probable that a deal will come unstuck. A further possibility could be the announcement of significant levels of bankruptcy in arts and media-related businesses. I learnt just the other day that a chain of music retail stores in the UK (possibly the biggest; with 28 outlets) had gone into receivership. Perhaps this will be followed by one of the 'big' names from their supply chain.I wonder too if some media, energy or insurance firms will announce their intention to leave the UK to avoid punitive tax increases. If that happens, then further job losses in the City seem likely - perhaps also acting as a depressant to the FTSE100.It's perhaps not all 'bad' news though. There is something magical about Wednesday 21st which could coincide with a major scientific breakthrough. As always then, there's much to look out for. By the time I write to you again I'm hoping to have finished the rewrite of the last chapter of the book with forecasts through to 2020. If there are any areas you'd like to have covered in this, do please drop a line!Until next time then,Yours from the stars (and a desk awash with charts!)Christeen
Financial Universe published 16th April 2008
Dear fellow star-gazers, I'm sure I must be giving the impression of being a wandering minstrel but yes, once again I will be travelling this weekend (Germany this time). I had already decided that it would be a good idea to issue this letter a little ahead of what could be a very interesting Full Moon (Sunday 20th ). This Full Moon is in Scorpio which suggests a degree of negative thinking. (There is another Full Moon in Scorpio on May 20th whose colour and effect could be much stronger). Yet there are also promising aspects at work. So we may see something of a stalemate activity of Monday rather than large falls in the usual indices. This could be the calm before significant activity. The approaching Sun trine Saturn and Pluto with Grand Trine in EarthBefore looking ahead though, it may be helpful to recap recent forecasts: In the last e-letter I suggested that stock markets across the world might react negatively on Friday 11th - which they did. Since this forecast was proved correct, I will say that a similar theme might play again on Friday 6th June. By that time, Mercury will also be retrograde in its own sign - possibly providing accentuated drama in telecom and travel stocks (air travel especially). Approaching Moon occult Mars with Moon in Cancer on the Friday - might not work but ME is also retroThe focus of this mailing though is to cover the period between Sunday's Full Moon and the New Moon on May 5th . Within this time-frame the Sun will move on into the sign of Taurus. I fully expect there to be talk early next week then of the banks coming to an understanding between themselves. I also expect that the World Bank, the Federal Reserve and the Bank of England to be front page news even on those papers that focus on different types of stories. A concerted attempt to restructure loans may well be made. These actions may well be enough to offset some of the negativity that has abounded in recent weeks. Grand Trine in EarthThough I doubt that it will be possible to unravel the sub-prime loan debacle for some months yet (and arguably for 5 years that's until after Saturn has left both Virgo and Libra), just before the New Moon on May 5th Saturn station , it may be suggested that the worst is known. In the days leading into Thursday 24th , I fully expect new strategies to be announced and for these to have significant positive effect on banking and mining stocks especially. Mars opp JupiterA big theme in the coming years is likely to be the down-sizing of companies and the break-up of some of the larger conglomerates Pluto in Cap. News of this kind could break over Wednesday (23rd ) and Thursday (24th ) Venus-Mars-Jup T-square. This could coincide with another big news story - of hostile take-over. The net effect of all this could lead to confusion in the market-place on Friday 25th Sun Q Nep. Overall however, I would expect that there would be a general upswing. With the exception of Wednesday 30th (Me PL aspect and Moon in Pisces) when some pull-back seems likely, the week ending May 3rd could end positively (Venus traine Saturn and Pluto)- prompting some to wonder if the worst is over. The outlook for May as a whole does not look too bad. It might be an idea to ring Friday 23rd May in your diaries now though: after that date, things could get decidedly gloomy. (ME and Nep station)But back to the present: you may remember that I suggested Wednesday April 16th as being a day of some significance. Oil reached a new high the day before whilst the US dollar came to an all time low against the Euro. Meanwhile, the Dow forged ahead. (Sun con ME)With respect to oil, I don't think that its price will fall significantly until around May 26th (post ME and NE stations) . The US dollar still seems to be on a very uncomfortable path indeed (US chart being Pluto'd) whilst the Euro appears to be enjoying planetary blessings - which are likely to continue for some weeks yet. I am slightly surprised that the dollar is experiencing SUCH a bruising time and wonder now if its condition will improve a little after the next New Moon (May 5th ) (Saturn direct and Mercury in Gem). However, if it does, I don't think that this will last. As you know, I am worried about currency markets in August. I have yet to determine which currency will be wounded most during this period but of course will let you know if/when I do! With the Sun moving into Earth sign Taurus next week it seems right to conclude this letter with some thoughts on property - and particularly in the UK. I have had calls every day this week asking what I think will happen here. News bulletins are already suggesting that prices are falling and a few estate agents have suggested that the market has slowed. In June it may be suggested that this is, in part, due to the Home Information Pack demands as much as to mortgage difficulties. I am inclined to think that we will see some recovery during the summer months. (When Pluto slips back into Sag)For me the real credit crunch doesn't hit globally until early 2010 - the present period might best be viewed as the overture. In answer to the unspoken question of what's best to invest in, I am gong to stick with health - your own especially! Wishing you all well and hoping that the next two weeks are good for you, Until the New Moon, Yours from the wanderer, Christeen
Financial Universe published 6th April 2008
Dear star-watching friends,Many thanks for the various bon voyage messages. It took a few days to thaw out from Lithuania (lovely place but too cold!). We met up with musicians and professors whose dedication was amazing. Prices (but not wages) are rising there and even before they switch to the Euro, it is increasingly difficult for them to manage on their existing monthly salaries. Their ingenuity in stretching food further and taking on more jobs to pay for essentials reminded us of just how rich we are.I wasn't familiar with the chart of Lithuania - and was amused to discover that its most recent incarnation made it Pisces. Given their obvious creativity (and the enormous number of fashion houses already on their main street), they're clearly resonating to this chart. Pluto is squaring their Mercury and trining the Midheaven - an era of commercial change is clearly underway - with the move to Euro just part of the story.Until 1385, Lithuania was a pagan country and even now they celebrate many associated festivals. The recent Equinox (March 20th) was celebrated on the first convenient Friday (28th) which I thought missed the point rather. I suppose that this very loose approach is another expression of their interpretation of Pisces!What is clear is that Lithuania is attracting, film, media and fashion companies. Investing in these might not be such a bad move given the burgeoning talent - though it could be some years before those investments are realised.We have already been invited back and when we go, I'll take with me the charts of companies and industries already working there and keep you posted as to which might do well in the region.We returned to the forecast turn-around in precious metal prices. As you will know, gold fell back markedly a couple of days ahead of Pluto's station. I anticipate that it will recover this ground in the eclipse season in the summer. I still feel that it will finish the year between $1100 and 1200.My attention is now turned to the currency markets and specifically to the US dollar. I did think that it might recover a little against the Euro during April. From May 27th, its position could become very difficult. It is possible that it's this currency that will suffer most during the August eclipse period (1st to 16th). Yet this could be just a factor in general currency mayhem through those weeks. I am also looking again at the Russian rouble which suffered the last time that there were eclipses in this zodiac area.This is the New Moon letter - and this is an interesting New Moon. There are Saturn overtones at work - all indicative of the present feeling of doom and gloom. Saturn's in Virgo too - which might explain why everyone is SO worried.Yet this New Moon coincides with Venus' arrival in Aries. This is one of the Fire signs of the zodiac. Green shoots of optimism may be seen over the next fortnight - especially this coming week. We could even see equity rises (across all indices) through to Thursday 10th. I don't imagine that these will hold for the weekend however. A downward turn seems more likely on Friday with recovery the following week.Present volatility may be connected to Mars' present position and speed. With Jupiter opposing Mars for some weeks yet, it's probable that volatility in some markets will continue. Equally there may be little clear idea as to which way interest rates (credit, mortgage or saving) should go. In both the US and UK, all indices could experience swift moves - especially in the run into the next Full Moon (Apr 20th). It could be that markets rise considerably and that even banking stocks regain some lost ground.I do not expect this to last. The afternoon of Monday 21st looks gloomy to me. We may well see sharp falls - particularly of the Dow and to a lesser extent the FTSE100.Wednesday 16th could yet prove a key date - especially with regard to the banking industry. I shall be very interested to hear what is said in the UK about Northern Rock that day. I also wonder if we will be alerted to difficulties with one of the co-operative or ethical banking groups.16th could also prove a red-letter day for commodities - crops especially.It was suggested recently that we may be headed toward a 'famine' period - particularly in the US. This kind of thinking is apt for the current Mars - Jupiter position and could be a factor in price rises mid-month.I am just beginning some work on the Australian markets and will be very interested to see if there are marked rises in their markets between this New Moon and the First Quarter on April 12th.It will be good to be back at my 'real' desk to do this. Presently I am in Northern Ireland for another music adventure.So today it's not 'yours from the stars'ButYours from the emerald isleChristeen
Financial Universe published 7th March 2008
Hello Fellow Star Gazers,It seems many moons since I last wrote but it's actually only been a fortnight!The markets have done what we expected: volatility rules OK and Hillary Clinton is still on track for the White House (your may remember that I don't have full data for all the candidates but that using what I do have, her chart is the one that suggests she'll be in position next January).Mars has now returned to Cancer and, as expected, clients I hadn't heard from since last November are back in touch and eager to know where the US dollar is headed.I can't offer much good news there: though I think the dollar should rally over the next few weeks. The bottom line is that dollar seems 'doomed'. It's unlikely to be anyone's favourite currency for years.Friday's New Moon (March 7th) is a spectacular one however. New Moons usually signal fresh starts and this one is unlikely to be an exception. I'm expecting that early next week we'll hear some positive news from the world of media and advertising. I'll also be watching campaigns that are launched over the next few days - and keeping a weather eye out on fashions and how they're displayed. It'll require innovation to get shoppers to spend presently - but I'm convinced that there will be plenty of design talent around and, perhaps, that retailers will enjoy a good week next week.If you fancy using some of this energy yourself, updating your image probably won't be a problem. From new ink colour to new outfit, I'm sure that many people will be conveying to the world that they've changed in recent times.Clearly this same energy should have effect in the Arts world. A couple of things here: if you have artistic talent, then let it flow through you over these next two weeks - you may be delighted with the results. Note too what's put up for sale and the prices that are reached. Once again I think we may reach an arts stratosphere where those sales are concerned.Gold is once again on the move ($983 when I looked a few moments ago). I did think that it might have reached its high for the year but now I'm not so sure. Certainly I think its price will fall back from June. The price will probably start to rise again in November - though that may not give enough time for it to go over the $1000 before the end of the year.There is one more potential spurt for these prices - and that's due in a fortnight and just before the Easter weekend. Indeed, it could be that those holidays act as a bar to it going through the $1000 mark. It could be a close call though.The fact is that between tomorrow's New Moon and the Equinox (20th), there is considerable planetary activity. In the first instance, this underlines continuing volatility. The Full Moon is the day after the Equinox and the day after that, the Sun and Pluto are at right angles to one another (in Aries and Capricorn respectively). This is the first such aspect involving these signs since the mid 18th Century. This would seem to indicate drama that's underlines at least twice.And where might that come from?My vote goes to the banking industry: which one again could come up with a shock announcement (not dissimilar to the Soc Gen debacle and might even be connected).It's this that would send shock waves through commodity trades and which could push up the gold price. (Incidentally, we might see a high for silver around the Full Moon on March 21st).I fear that Europe could be seriously affected if I have tuned in to this correctly. Those who work for the European Bank could have their Easter break curtailed.All this could come as an even greater shock if markets do rise next week (which seems likely). With talk of take-overs in the air (including perhaps more discussion about Microsoft and Yahoo), by Thursday 13th, we could be witnessing a rally.I'm really not sure that this will be sustained the following week. Indeed, it seems to me that it will run out of steam on Friday 14th: though I imagine that any gruesome drops will coincide with the Equinox.Could I have misread this? Could it go the other way?Well yes, of course. The cosmos is good at custard-pie throwing! And yes, given the key role to be played by the planet of the unexpected, I could be proved wildly wrong.Where I think I'll be right is in the degree of change. Volatility we're used to. Extremes are rather more rare.So, it's perhaps the degree of change that will be noteworthy.I'm sorry that this is both shorter and later than I'd intended. In keeping with my chart, I'm rushed off my feet presently and desperately trying to meet an extra deadline.Until next time,Yours from the stars,Christeen
Financial Universe published 2nd March 2008
Hello Fellow Star Gazers,It seems many moons since I last wrote but it's actually only been a fortnight!The markets have done what we expected: volatility rules OK and Hillary Clinton is still on track for the White House (your may remember that I don't have full data for all the candidates but that using what I do have, her chart is the one that suggests she'll be in position next January).Mars has now returned to Cancer and, as expected, clients I hadn't heard from since last November are back in touch and eager to know where the US dollar is headed.I can't offer much good news there: though I think the dollar should rally over the next few weeks. The bottom line is that dollar seems 'doomed'. It's unlikely to be anyone's favourite currency for years.Friday's New Moon (March 7th) is a spectacular one however. New Moons usually signal fresh starts and this one is unlikely to be an exception. I'm expecting that early next week we'll hear some positive news from the world of media and advertising. I'll also be watching campaigns that are launched over the next few days – and keeping a weather eye out on fashions and how they're displayed. It'll require innovation to get shoppers to spend presently – but I'm convinced that there will be plenty of design talent around and, perhaps, that retailers will enjoy a good week next week.If you fancy using some of this energy yourself, updating your image probably won't be a problem. From new ink colour to new outfit, I'm sure that many people will be conveying to the world that they've changed in recent times.Clearly this same energy should have effect in the Arts world. A couple of things here: if you have artistic talent, then let it flow through you over these next two weeks – you may be delighted with the results. Note too what's put up for sale and the prices that are reached. Once again I think we may reach an arts stratosphere where those sales are concerned.Gold is once again on the move ($983 when I looked a few moments ago). I did think that it might have reached its high for the year but now I'm not so sure. Certainly I think its price will fall back from June. The price will probably start to rise again in November – though that may not give enough time for it to go over the $1000 before the end of the year.There is one more potential spurt for these prices – and that's due in a fortnight and just before the Easter weekend. Indeed, it could be that those holidays act as a bar to it going through the $1000 mark. It could be a close call though.The fact is that between tomorrow's New Moon and the Equinox (20th), there is considerable planetary activity. In the first instance, this underlines continuing volatility. The Full Moon is the day after the Equinox and the day after that, the Sun and Pluto are at right angles to one another (in Aries and Capricorn respectively). This is the first such aspect involving these signs since the mid 18th Century. This would seem to indicate drama that's underlines at least twice.And where might that come from?My vote goes to the banking industry: which one again could come up with a shock announcement (not dissimilar to the Soc Gen debacle and might even be connected).It's this that would send shock waves through commodity trades and which could push up the gold price. (Incidentally, we might see a high for silver around the Full Moon on March 21st).I fear that Europe could be seriously affected if I have tuned in to this correctly. Those who work for the European Bank could have their Easter break curtailed.All this could come as an even greater shock if markets do rise next week (which seems likely). With talk of take-overs in the air (including perhaps more discussion about Microsoft and Yahoo), by Thursday 13th, we could be witnessing a rally.I'm really not sure that this will be sustained the following week. Indeed, it seems to me that it will run out of steam on Friday 14th: though I imagine that any gruesome drops will coincide with the Equinox.Could I have misread this? Could it go the other way?Well yes, of course. The cosmos is good at custard-pie throwing! And yes, given the key role to be played by the planet of the unexpected, I could be proved wildly wrong.Where I think I'll be right is in the degree of change. Volatility we're used to. Extremes are rather more rare.So, it's perhaps the degree of change that will be noteworthy.I'm sorry that this is both shorter and later than I'd intended. In keeping with my chart, I'm rushed off my feet presently and desperately trying to meet an extra deadline.Until next time,Yours from the stars,Christeen
Financial Universe published 22nd February 2008
Dear Star Watchers,Well, just how much can happen in a fortnight?! This recent period between eclipses has been just incredible. Northern Rock aside, the markets have seen extraordinary volatility.But let's learn from this. What you've now seen in action is that the period between two eclipse (a solar and lunar) proves ultra-eventful - which is exactly what could happen in August when we get the next eclipse period (August 1st - 16th)Of course, that one won't be an action replay. You might like to ponder on the fact that the last time we had August eclipses there were problems with the Russian Rouble. I don't suppose that currency will be affected this time and I am working to see if I can trace which currency will provide headaches this summer.By August, Pluto will have tipped back into Sagittarius - which is the main marker for currency crisis rather than the clear banking difficulties hitting today's headlines.Let's just focus on these for a moment:As explained, the sign of Capricorn is linked to governments, large corporations and the banking industry especially. Pluto demands change - and usually root and branch pruning.Pluto has only recently left Sagittarius and just think of all the hassles in the last decade that can be traced to industries associated with that sign: long distance travel, journalism, publishing, higher education, the law (in whatever country) and, of course, religious affairs. Each of these areas has witnessed power-struggle and deep change.We have to expect this now from our large corporations, the banks and governments. Expect to hear more talk of the uncovering of corruption.And yes, I do think that we will witness further bank collapse. I wish I could tell you which bank (there are SO many!) but I'm on safer ground if I try to go for the date when news hits the media. There are two possibilities pre the next eclipse: March 18th and June 26th.So what of the next two weeks?As I write, the FTSE is rising - in keeping with the hours post the lunar eclipse. I am not confident that this will be sustained. The Sun opposes Saturn early on Sunday morning so I figure that most markets will close the week down.Next week is quite different. In all I anticipate that we'll see rises - mainly on the back of good news from the high-tech sectors. End of month trade figures could be promising too.I am concerned about an aspect that's exact during the first weekend of March. It's the first of its kind for over two decades. If I'm right, then we could see commodity prices soar.But let me move on. There are some 'critical' days ahead: notably March 5th to 7th. I anticipate currencies, commodities and equities to be affected.The day before (March 4th) Mars returns to Cancer - which is the USA's 'sun-sign. I am expecting advances in the US dollar between early March and mid-May.Whatever the news is around that time, the action in the marketplace could send a few people running for cover - especially on the afternoon of March 5th when the Moon which describes the people or traders) is occulted by Mercury and then Venus. That kind of double whammy suggests misinformation and sudden re-balancing. So, a volatile day perhaps? We shall see.I am inclined to think that this will leave equities ready for a huge up-swing into the New Moon on March 7th.(My intention is to send the New Moon letter a little early so that you're ready for this.)And now back to Northern Rock. I nearly fell off my chair laughing when I heard of the link with the company called Granite! Another amazingly Saturnine word!Northern Rock (aka Saturn) has gone into public ownership with Saturn at one end of the sky and Uranus at the other. Though this aspect isn't yet exact, I think we can be assured that the situation won't be resolved until these two planets have separated from this formation - and most likely not until Saturn has left the sign of Virgo (in 2009).I watched the Prime Minister and Chancellor give there briefing with a moving horoscope beside me. I knew that during the course of the conference Neptune would reach the Midheaven (believe me, these guys are NOT using astrology! Nobody would have picked this hour for a meeting of his kind). What they said was always going to be 'pie in the sky', lacking in focus and could be unpicked when held to any scrutiny - which is exactly what happened as Mars reached the Ascendant and one of the journalists started a chain of questions requiring hard fact answers.And now we've had the lunar eclipse (with Saturn) and we've learnt about Granite. Probably by the next New Moon we'll have a better idea of the real sums involved - and yes, it could be news from here that creates further ripples across the banking sector mid March.Saturn isn't a 'bad' planet, but it does seem to draw attention to tasks that ought to have been done over the previous 30 years. In Virgo, it's putting emphasis on playing by agreed rules and having access to reliable access to accurate records. The fact that so much data has gone missing and that accountability is such a hot topic shouldn't really surprise us.On that note, I'm off to tidy my desk and to double check the accuracy of some of the charts I'm working on!Until next time,Yours from the starsChristeen
Financial Universe published 7th February 2008
Dear Star Watchers!Today marks the start of the Chinese New Year. Apparently, this will be the Year of the Rat. Chinese astrologers are already forecasting a year of dramas in world markets: though significantly suggesting a small rise in the final months of their year (November 2008 - February 2009).As it happens, this particular new moon, is also a solar eclipse. My next newsletter to you will be written for the lunar eclipse in a fortnight's time. During the period between eclipses, the earth's magnetic field is altered. Perhaps as a result, people tend to behave differently. It's perhaps not surprising that history shows major world events to have taken place around the time of eclipses. The present period is unlikely to differ from that rule.The picture in the sky presently is very interesting anyway. Mars is alone on one side of the zodiac with the other planets, spread out in the other hemisphere. It's interesting to note that since Mars took up this singleton position, global market volatility has been marked. I do not expect the situation to change until after April 20th.In the coming fortnight, Mercury is retrograde. Matters that were probably intensely discussed behind scenes in January will no doubt hit the headlines - creating predictable shock-waves. I expect that we will hear more 'merger' talk between now and the lunar eclipse on Feb. 21st (the lunar eclipse). As I wrote in the Financial Universe, I think it more likely that we will see the break-up of large companies in the coming years. 2008 is exceptional. With both Jupiter and Pluto in the sign of Capricorn, the concept of large conglomerates is sure to carry great weight. I'm not sure that these deals will be struck however. It may be that the monopolies commission impedes final deals. Indeed, after Jupiter changes sign at the end of the year, we will probably start to hear more and more of large institutions being broken down into smaller, more manageable units.For now, I am expecting that global markets will rise, particularly around Thursday 14th. I doubt the levels reached will be sustained however, and feel it likely that the few days around the lunar eclipse will witness dramatic trends in the opposite direction. I would be very surprised if there were no sharp falls on Friday 22nd.Much is made of the apparent communication problems that can coincide with a retrograde Mercury (Jan 29th to Feb 19th). Mercury is presently working its way through the technology- related sign of Aquarius. If there are difficulties, I would suggest that these will surface in the week beginning Monday 11th. It may be that a computer virus (a Valentine's Day curse?) is launched that week. If it's been some time since you backed-up your data, this is perhaps a task you could usefully undertake this weekend!When I wrote last, news of Soc. Gen. and its rogue trader (a Capricorn!!) was just breaking. I don't think we've heard the last of this story and fully expect to hear more in the first week of March. This links to my view about Pluto's transit through Capricorn leading to the need for greater need for greater internal security. I know that I keep banging on about this, but it seems to me that it won't be religious terrorists that we need to worry about in the future, but acts of sabotage in the world banks that create their own kind of terror.There must be computer people who provide security systems to these organisations. If it's possible to invest in these people, that could be the growth industry of the future!Over the last fortnight we've heard ever-more about the 'credit crunch' and now we have Egg playing hard-ball (or boiled?) with some of its customers. I expect that we'll hear far more about this once Mars enters Cancer on March 4th - and especially when it opposes Pluto on 7th. Shake-ups in the credit card industry could be announced then and subjected to great newspaper analysis that weekend.Again, as you'll know from my book, I think that the real credit crunch is still about a year away. Before then I expect that Mr Bernanke of the Federal Reserve will be long gone. I read in the papers that there is already talk that his contract will not be renewed. This could be one of the big news stories in November - which also happens to be the time when I think that gold could be on the move once more.As you will know, gold hit $935 recently but has recently dropped back to $905 - and could call further. I think it likely that there will be a buy signal here in late June (which I'll cover later). If I'm right, then gold prices are set to spiral between November 2008 and March 2009.Final thoughts must go to Super Tuesday and the US Presidential race. As you may know, there is conflicting birth data for some of the candidates. Just going from the birth dates (excluding time and place), it does seem that Hillary will make it. Will write again in time for the lunar eclipse.Until then, do enjoy this special pocket of time: between eclipses is an excellent time to see opportunities that were there all the time - and find the courage to act on them.As always,Yours from the starsChristeen
Financial Universe published 22nd January 2008
Hello again,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: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.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 starsChristeen
Financial Universe published 10th January 2008
Hello again,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
Financial Universe published 1st January 2008
Hello,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.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.If you don't want to receive these, then do just drop a quick line saying 'no thanks'. 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