Dear Fellow Stargazers,

Happy Full Moon (Sunday, 24^th) and a belated Happy New Year!

Am sending this early as there have been so many requests for updates re the markets – together with calls from clients who have clearly found this cosmic weather tough to negotiate and are seeking reassurance that these times won’t last. I suspect that the change of pace has begun. Alongside other factors, Mercury turns direct early next week: hopefully a positive sign for those who need such a signal.

As forecast in my December letter, 2016 hasn’t got off to a good start as far as the markets are concerned. In that letter I stated that ‘If history repeats, then we should expect a downturn during the first full week of trading in January and for this decline to last until at least 22^nd – and possibly, if there is an exact repeat, through to mid-February’.

Writing today (22^nd), it seems that the markets have turned. There is even talk of recovery from recent falls. This could be attributable to the approaching Full Moon - but is as likely to be linked to Jupiter’s alignment with the lunar node (using one method, this is exact tomorrow, 23^rd).

As good as this news may be for many, I doubt that we have seen the last of recent volatility. True, the Jupiter-Node formation is around for some days and markets could enjoy further upward trajectory before the end of January. I not convinced that this will last into February however.

The first days of February could prove problematic and not just in the market-place: there may be evidence of human nature at its very worst through acts of terror.

It is also possible that echoes of last August’s devaluation of the Chinese currency will be heard and that forex departments will be super-busy in early February. Anticipate strong moves – particularly in Euro trading.

It is, of course, always possible that there will be a turn-around as regards equities after Mercury stations early next week (26^th). Whether the next turn is on 26^th or 29^th, it looks as though it will be the third week of February before markets enjoy respite from volatility.

(Looking ahead, I have concerns about the early days of March which could again see negative trading.)

The oil price has, of course, dominated new bulletins. Strong moves overnight – significantly with the Sun now in Aquarius – have been contributory factors to today’s market rise. Oil price increase though is unlikely to last and further falls could come in February. I don’t foresee a substantial change of direction in this markets for several months – perhaps not before September.

Astrologers will note that Neptune does not leave Pisces until almost half-way through the next decade. It is probable though that demand for oil will increase through 2018-19 which should then see the price move decidedly upward.

There is one thing that I would like to draw your attention to:

 For the next few years as the Sun or any planet passes across the first degree of this sign we may see similarly marked movement. The next date to look for is February 14^th-15^th when Mercury – in direct motion – reaches this degree. In 2020, the next Jupiter-Saturn conjunction takes place – and at 0 Aquarius. It may be that the cosmos is dropping clues and that this conjunction will mark fast-paced development in certain sectors. More on this in coming talks and workshops.

 I will be talking about this at the coming SFAA meeting in Ft Lauderdale, Florida on the evening of Friday February 5^th and offering a one day workshop on Saturday 6^th February. Details can be found at http://www.southfloridaastrology.com. 

On the Friday evening I will be looking at 2016 through 2020 and on Saturday offering ‘A Day with the Moon’.

Back in London, I will deliver another talk about 2016-2020 for the Astrological Lodge of London on Monday February 15^th: again looking at charts featuring this degree. www.astrolodge.co.uk

After that its back to working on the Beginner’s Guide to Financial Astrology (an off-shoot of the recently finished book whose cover design was agreed yesterday – very exciting) which it is hoped will be launched in February 2017.

Looking forward to seeing some of you in the US and in London before the next Full Moon!

For now, with every good wish

Yours from the Stars

Christeen