You may recall that I sent the last letter out a little early as I thought that Monday January 5^th could prove a tricky day for equities – as indeed was the case. Given linked planetary pictures, this does not augur well for the rest of the year – particularly around the lunar eclipses of early April and late September: though true, these will surely offer buying opportunities.

Several years ago (and following the financial horrors of 2008), the two planets Uranus and Pluto have been at apparent right-angles to one another. This aspect will appear ‘exact’ once more mid-March and then will not be seen again in our lifetimes.

It is of no surprise to astrologers that this period has been one of extreme unrest at social, economic and political levels: study of this cycle shows that at similar phases, mankind tends to respond with the experience of havoc, chaos and revolution.

None should have been surprised by the results at the recent Greek election. The most recent chart for Greece was particularly affected by the Uranus-Pluto square. So too though are many other countries and the chart for the Euro itself. The Euro could experience a very tricky 2015 but respond rather better to planetary pictures in 4 years’ time.

I note that EU leaders are due to hold a significant conference on February 12^th. Ephemeris watchers will know that this is within hours of a direct Mercury station. It also happens to be a Last Quarter Moon in the Fixed sign of Scorpio. It seems unlikely that there will be agreement that Greek debt can be re-negotiated to that new government’s satisfaction,  and more likely that the voices demanding austerity  will dominate.

Soon though it will be the turn of Saturn and Neptune to dictate the pulse. This is a faster moving cycle. During the 20^th Century, the phases of this cycle coincided with quickening pace in socialist movements. Anticipate a crescendo of this mood toward the end of the year. Inflexibility between now and late March would surely fuel this.

On March 19^th – and just hours ahead of the Equinox, there is a solar eclipse. Over Thursday 19^th and Friday 20^th February, first Mars and then Venus move across these degrees. It is probable – and particularly since the Sun makes its entry into Pisces on 18^th with a New Moon in that sign – that these few days will prove exceedingly difficult for traders. It may be that it is over this period that news of potential default is headline news. Problems over these two days are likely to escalate in March.

Even so, markets may be headed – after Monday February 23^rd, toward relative highs in early March, - though they could recover these positions after the lunar eclipse in April.

Client-wise, attention over the last few weeks has been given to those with planets in the early degrees of the Mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces). Saturn’s arrival in Sagittarius on December 24^th was certainly felt by some! Roles and working patterns have altered and new opportunities sought. Though many are used to the idea of Saturn bringing limitations and burdens, it is also true that it brings the gift of focus and stream-lining. Notwithstanding some health challenges, it is noticeable that these clients are developing business plans requiring understanding of the changing role of administration – especially where governments are concerned. Working within developing boundaries and the challenge of determining which way political winds are blowing is a strong theme.

Another big theme concerns property – both in the UK and elsewhere. Clearly valuations play their part. As loudly heard though has been the requirement to find the optimum place to live should health deteriorate. The song of age and ageing has played very loudly indeed.

Under these conditions it is a challenge to live in the moment and to enjoy being alive – something that always seems harder to do when Jupiter is in its retrograde phase (comes to an end of April 9^th). Yet within this period that planet forms a trine (third of a circle) aspect to Uranus in early March.

Not only do I think that markets could experience a rebound around this time, but it is also quite possible that some people will feel that ‘cosmic mission papers’ have arrived and that at last they have a sense of both who they are and where they are going. True, this is followed by a few weeks of turbulence. This though could be thoughts of as time to gather the necessary equipment and gather intelligence before setting off on this adventure.

Those born under the Cardinal signs of Aries and Libra ought, perhaps, to take particular care not to set off unprepared.

For all signs though, the coming weeks seem to be about tuning in to fresh opportunities against the backdrop of chaotic change.

This letter is coming to you from Florida where I landed last night. On Thursday evening (5^th) I will be speaking in Ft Lauderdale when I will consider trends for the coming years. Then, on Saturday, it’s a day of case studies and chart analysis. More information at www.southfloridaastrology.com

For now,

Wishing you peace and happy trading,

Yours from the stars

Christeen