Dear Fellow Star-Gazers,

Happy Super-Moon!

Today the Full Moon coincides with lunar perigee when the Moon is closest to Earth. In fact, this will be the closest the Moon gets to Earth this year, at just 356,989 KM. The Moon will appear larger than usual and yes, human emotion could be close to the surface too. Whether or not that's a 'good' or 'bad' thing will be depend on who's doing the experiencing -  but it might be as well to accept that many (including you, reader) could be in more emotional state than usual.

Coming hard on the heels of Friday's solstice - one of the four more powerful days of our year - it's also possible that Core Tide (the effect of the Moon on the molten core of our planet) will be great, - possibly resulting in movement of Earth crust with consequent volcanic eruption or earthquake.

The Moon will, of course, move away from the planet in the coming days, reaching greatest apogee of the year (406,491KM) in the hours before the next New Moon on July 8th.

This particular New Moon is interesting in that it coincides with Saturn's station, prior to that planet moving direct as viewed from Earth, and an occultation of Mercury by the Moon. It could then be a day of some significance in the market place with a change of direction for commodities likely either that day or on Tuesday July 9th.

Before that, you might like to mark June 26th in your trading diary. Not only does Mercury turn retrograde that day (in Cancer), but Jupiter arrives in that sign. This should be a day of some significance in global markets bringing a marked change of direction - and yes, this could be to the upside. With Mars arriving at the position held by Jupiter at the recent Taurus (bull market) eclipse on Saturday June 29th, it's quite possible that recent losses will be recovered this coming Thursday and Friday. In fact, we might not meet another squall of downside until mid-July.

For the moment though, let's step back from what's going on this month and look at the next decade. I don't think anyone should think that the global financial problems of 2008 are now behind us. The mess is still there to be cleaned up. True, the Chancellor of the Exchequer here in the UK seems to think that the UK economy is now out of intensive care. It might be in a high dependency unit for some years yet though.

On the precious metals front, gold may have lost its lustre but that's probably temporary. Yes, it could go to a new low mid September 2013 and yes, it might not recover for a full year after that. I still think it's a good long-term hold though - especially from 2017 when its value will surely soar. (Though I am expecting a few uplifts from March 2015).

I don't want to be a doom-monger but I have very real concern that many of the 'lessons' of the last decade have not been learnt and have concerns that the end of this decade will bring yet another housing and banking crash/collapse. I'm coming to this conclusion through analysis of planetary cycles. What's happening on the Sun itself may be no less important.

What strikes me more and more though is just how vulnerable we are to apparently 'freak' solar activity. A powerful solar flare striking the Earth at just the 'right' angle could bring total devastation. We are now all so reliant on technology not just to keep doing our various jobs, but also to bring food to our doorstep. Essential investment for all of us must surely lie with strong community ties and good friendships - and mastering crafts that don't depend on machines or technology.

In recent years I've spoken many times about the release of creativity that I thought would come about as Jupiter, Saturn and Neptune form a Grand Water Trine mid July 2013. It is fitting to mention this again on Super Moon day. If there are older relatives around with expertise you can tap, perhaps today is the time to do so.

This same Grand Water Trine and the general distribution of planets around the Sun could also coincide with unusual activity on our special star. As the Moon reaches the half-way point between perigee and apogee, Pluto will be opposite the Sun (August 2nd). This could be the tipping point factor that results in extreme solar activity - perhaps even bringing a small but salutary reminder of the need to develop alternative non-technological systems to put into daily use should a solar flare knock out present-day systems.

It is perhaps a statement of the obvious (for those with any understanding of astrological terms) to suggest that Jupiter's move into Cancer will coincide with an upside in home improvement. At one level this could be about home-building, at another it may be all about redecoration. Investors then might like to consider those companies working in these areas - and restaurants and hotels - in this coming year. If the basic condition of the company is good, then these stock values could offer best return.

As some of you will know, I was unable to give the planned lecture at the Astrological Lodge in London earlier this month. I am hopeful that we can do a recording of this later this week and make this available to all. I'll send out an extra notice when this is done.

Of course I will be making use of some of this material at the NCGR conference in Philadelphia in August (www.ncgr2013.com). As I understand it, bookings are going very well indeed and extra hotel rooms have been made available. Even so, if you are thinking of going, do sign up soon before the only rooms left are at high prices.

Last but not least - and to all our Cancer readers: whatever your birthday, take time to toast the arrival of Jupiter in your sign on Thursday.

With all good wishes

Yours from the stars

Christeen