(17 November 2024) The transits this week remain somewhat unstable. Last week’s 120-degree Mars-Rahu alignment moves a bit past exact but will still be very close for much of the week. The decline in stocks last week was due in part to this Mars-Rahu influence, especially as it also aligned with the Moon and Venus later in the week. It is possible we could feel echoes of that influence again this week, although with Venus moving out of range, the overall negativity may be less.
The other reason for the market weakness could also have been the continued weakening of the Jupiter-Chiron alignment. Even though this is a relatively minor 60-degree angle, it has provided a source of optimism and faith in the future over the past month or two. As it separates further in the coming weeks, however, we could see optimism gradually replaced by a more sober realism and even some fearful pessimism. This could act as a near-term drag on market performance.
A third possible influence on the sell-off might also have been Friday’s direct station of Saturn at 18 Aquarius. Although Saturn did not form any close alignments with other planets at the time of the station, the absence of any velocity in this bearish planet should not be overlooked. It is also possible that the shift in direction from backwards to forwards could bring a change in the prevailing trend in market prices. If prices have been mostly rising into the Nov 15 station, we should be attuned to the possibility of a decline going forward.
While Saturn is not due to form any major alignments in the near future, it will exactly conjoin Ketu (mean node) in the navamsa/9th harmonic chart in early December and is within range now. This is usually a negative pairing that is bad for stocks, although D-9 navamsa alignments are weaker than D-1 rasi alignments. Saturn-Ketu conjunctions often mark times where routines and traditions (Saturn) are upended by disruptive and unconventional solutions (Ketu). Sounds a lot like Trump’s cabinet appointments which have generated their fair share of controversy, which include iconoclasts such as RFK Jr, Matt Gaetz, and Tulsi Gabbard. I will discuss these cabinet picks in greater detail in the coming days.
The early week could be constructive as Mercury aligns with Jupiter and Chiron. Tuesday looks particularly auspicious as the Moon moves into alignment with the aforementioned three planets. Tuesday morning (EST) would therefore be a good time for meetings, appointments, and starting new ventures. Given Mercury’s association with rationality and analysis, this pattern has a productive, work-related overtone, although it should be conducive to positive outcomes for both personal and business interactions. This favorable influence could also coincide with a rebound in the stock market as collective sentiment is more likely to recover.
Wednesday’s Moon-Mars conjunction could bring a return of last week’s frustration as it highlights the Mars-Rahu alignment once again. Financial markets could see a rise in volatility since the double affliction to the Moon may create an atmosphere of anxiety in which investors are more likely to sell their holdings.
Friday’s T-square of the Moon, the Sun and Uranus suggests unexpected outcomes. This would be a good day for brainstorming problems that have been resistant to conventional approaches, even if solutions may prove to be only temporary. While a bit bearish in terms of sentiment, it is uncertain what effect, if any, it may have on markets.
The weekend looks a bit tense as the Moon-Saturn opposition could inject an air of seriousness into the proceedings on Saturday and Sunday.
That may well act as prelude to next Monday’s (Nov 25) Mercury retrograde station. Mercury retrograde stations have a generally bearish influence on stocks.
