Dear Fellow Star Gazers,

Happy Thunder or Hay  Moon.

We are entering a period that promises to be eventful and exciting - though sadly not always in a good way. Perhaps, with a  little understanding of what's going on in the cosmos you may be able to enjoy the excitement and take steps to avoid negative events.

Let's for a moment imagine that the planets do indeed play music. The present complex square formation may be said to sound like very heavy organ chords (ie non-melodic) played at maximum decibel. With the best will in the world it will surely be hard for human-kind to ignore this sound. The need to respond to dark and gloomy rhythms and chords may be all too compelling.

History shows that even when one part of this planetary chord is playing then there is coincidental military action in the Middle East (and in all areas where there has been centuries-old conflict). Resisting the temptation to take arms (how very Mars in Libra!) will surely be very hard indeed.

You may recall that the present banking crisis, though begun as Pluto moved across the Galactic Centre, resulted in the collapse of banking structures (Lehman brothers etc) as Pluto entered Capricorn. It is perhaps not so surprising that today's Full Moon (aligned with Pluto) is coinciding with the announcement of the resignation of Bob Diamond (what a Capricorn name!) from Barclays.

This may be just the start. By the time Mars reaches right-angle to this Full Moon (Thursday 26th July) there may be more shocks. As explained in the subscription letter, if the banks are indeed dancing to planetary music then they won't change step until 2017 and some may still be dancing to old rhythms until Pluto moves out of Capricorn in 2024.

From the financial perspective the week of July 16th (amongst other things Mercury at extreme declination and then at greatest distance) could prove highly dramatic. At the very least we may hear of another banking scandal. More likely it will be shock moves affecting the Euro. The effect this would have on other currencies cannot be underestimated. Though September could see the biggest dramas of all, this middle week of July may be most unsettling - requiring inspired (and probably technical) action over the weekend of July 22nd. What seems certain is that there will be a market change of direction between Friday 20th and Monday July 23rd.

The Moon reaches zero declination on 23rd as Mars moves through the South Node within a day of the Sun's Leo ingress. As we have seen many times before, when there is a build-up of activity that usually translates into financial drama.

You can use this information when undertaking financial strategy risk assessment:  ensuring you have cash to get you through those dates when there might be banking difficulties. Investment-wise you might also avoid holding banking stock (where value may be volatile) and instead focus only on those stocks for products and services you know and appreciate.

The weather is another BIG news story. Here in the UK we have experience the wettest June in over a century whilst in the US several states have announced weather-related emergency status and in India, flooding has brought chaos and devastation to the Assam region.  It may be that the combination of this planetary line-up with lunar cycles is a contributory factor. If that is indeed the case, then we should anticipate more bad-weather news over the weekend beginning July 13th when the Moon reaches apogee as first Uranus and the Mercury arrive at stations. (Perhaps this will be another factor in financial chaos from 16th).

Most important of all is how we each respond to the planets. If there are indeed 'war chords' playing then each of us could feel torn in two as different parts of ourselves demand attention.

In these conditions it wouldn't be surprising if those born under Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn) took centre stage. Their need to make changes in their lives may have extraordinary impact on everyone. Of course the planets affect us all and every sign will surely experience this as a period of inner conflict.

Though trading conditions may be less than perfect in one sense (the challenges of forex), those seeking to break into new trading areas should find the ground fertile however. I anticipate some extraordinary developments in the next four weeks as fresh alliances are formed.

These weeks seem to be about stretching and challenging. To do this with kindness is perhaps the greatest challenge of all. Under these stressful conditions personal bests could be exceeded (great for would-be Olympians). These few weeks may be excellent for competition (not war!) of all kinds.

And yet: I have clients who are decidedly apprehensive about the London Olympics and fearful of terrorist attack. They are certainly responding to the music of the spheres which could indeed be heard as sinister and violent. This warrants a separate 'Olympics' letter which I'll aim to write over the next few days. I will state now though that those who think these Olympics will benefit the UK financially may well be proved right. The chart for the opening ceremony shows clearly the cost of the whole venture but also the potential for financial growth over the next six years especially.

Today's Full Moon lies close to the Midheaven in my own chart. It's perhaps not so surprising that this is proving an exceptionally busy time.

Plans are underway for a finance seminar in Dublin on Friday Sept 14th followed by a two day event (Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th) with my colleague Margaret Gray again in Dublin. 

I am also midst the required technical training for the two international webinars for the IAA and ISAR. My Sagittarian Moon is also SO pleased to know that I'll be returning to speak in Florida in January and at the NCGR conference in Philadelphia next August. There will also be a trip to Boston - just not yet sure of the date.

If you're interested in any of these events, please drop me a note via the contact form on www.financialuniverse.co.uk

For now, wishing you all a happy and safe few weeks

Yours from the stars

Christeen