Indices may be particularly volatile on the 29th-30th May

Dear Fellow Star-gazers,

Happy Full Moon!

WAR, TRADE WARS, PROTECTIONISM AND GENERAL GRUMBLING

Slightly ahead of this Full Moon, Mars moved into Cancer where it will be joined by the Moon and Mercury on June 5th. The lunar node is already in this sign whilst Saturn and Pluto are at the other end of the zodiac.

It might help to think of this as a colossal tug of war in the sky. And yes, that might also coincide with pressure on the Sun and increased risk of damage to Earth through solar activity. Already, at a similar line-up, space weather reported a Coronal Mass Ejection from the Sun which, thankfully, did not affect satellites but could have done.

Given that this planetary alignment comes on top of tricky aspects applying during crop seasons in N. America, we should not rule out the possibility of devastation through flood across the Mississippi basin – a possibility that remains for some months.

This is, of course, out of man’s control. Trade and other wars are entirely within control however. The difficulty with this planetary combination is that it will likely give rise to protectionist behavior. The demand to protect borders – perhaps using the threat of disease as well as economic and social pressures could see politicians put tough controls into place.

Already – and entirely in keeping with the stage set by the inauguration chart of January 2017, trade wars in the US have begun. These may well continue and affect us all – especially in the early part of 2020. Even the threat of these has negative effect on markets. There are some quite worrying dates coming later this year.

Some of you will be aware of the formidable planetary arrangements forming next year. In fact, from the perspective of declination, the mainstays of next January’s Capricorn stellium, Saturn and Pluto, have been in parallel aspect for the last couple of years. This combination has a justified reputation for pruning, cutting back, making do, mending and focusing on essentials.

Combined with a ‘clean-up the oceans’ campaign and warnings that thousands, if not millions of species are now at risk for extinction, there is growing awareness and consciousness that we have to alter our ways if we are to do good business and at the same time protect long-term interest.

It is perhaps no surprise that small repair outlets are making a comeback. Perhaps also related to the themes associated with ‘waste not, want not’, there is a backlash against excessive packaging. A news headline in a recent children’s newspaper announced the search for a ‘package free’ Easter Egg. With this will undoubtedly come new commercial opportunity. You may not need to look far to find small businesses supplying services and items long ignored. Investing in these could fulfil many needs – not just financial.

KEY DATES

We have already seen significant and planet-coincidental activity in the markets since the last Full Moon.

Coming next: Monday – Tuesday 20th/21st May should be important for grain prices – most likely moving unexpectedly. Indices may be particularly volatile over Wednesday 29th and Thursday 30th May. If a recent response is repeated, then we should expect a decidedly downward turn between Wednesday 5th and Friday 7th June.

Longer term, and anticipating an important Transit of Mercury in early November (and not too long after the anniversary of the 1929 crash), further falls seem more likely than not.

Yes, I am aware that according to one cycle, stocks should not reach a serious low for some years. Difficulties in 2019 may be viewed as overtures to what has yet to come. These lows offer buying opportunities but only if you know what you are doing! Trading with the planets also requires technical analysis and trading experience.

GOLD AND OTHER PRECIOUS METALS

There are interesting possible trades to be made in this sector in the coming months. I am focused on silver and platinum both of which hold promise. How to trade these and optimum times to buy and sell will be suggested at the NCGR Baltimore conference.

For now, wishing you good health

And Happy and Safe trading

Yours from the Stars

Christeen