Once maligned by many, the subject of financial astrology is now experiencing a revival as traders and investors seek deeper insight into the forces that move the financial markets. The markets are a dynamic entity fueled by many factors, some of which we can easily comprehend, some of which are esoteric. For example, astrological phenomena can influence price action and create trend changes across both short and longer term time horizons. This book introduces the reader to an extensive range of astrological phenomena. From an introduction to the historical basics behind astrology through to an examination of lunar astrology and planetary aspects, the numerous illustrated examples in this book will show the reader how these unique phenomena impact both the equity and commodity futures markets. The Bull, the Bear and the Planets Trading the Financial Markets Using Astrology By M. G. Bucholtz iUniverse, Inc. Copyright © 2013 M. G. Bucholtz, B.Sc., MBA All rights reserved. ISBN: 978-1-4759-8002-8 Contents Introduction...............................................................xvChapter One: Astrology Basics for the Market Trader........................1Chapter Two: Trading Using Lunar Astrology.................................9Chapter Three: Planetary Trading...........................................25Chapter Four: Astrology and Commodity Futures..............................64Epilogue: Final Thoughts...................................................91Appendix A: Lunar Event Dates..............................................93Appendix B: Retrograde Event Dates.........................................96Appendix C: Sun-Planet Aspect Dates........................................97Appendix D: Mercury Aspect Dates...........................................104Appendix E: Venus and Mars Aspect Dates....................................114Appendix F: First Trade Dates..............................................116Glossary of Terms..........................................................121End Notes..................................................................125About The Author...........................................................127Index......................................................................129 CHAPTER 1 Astrology Basics forthe Market Trader Astrology is an ancient science that describes the influence of the planetson events of nature and behaviour of mankind. This ancient science isrooted in thousands of years of observation across many civilizations. • The ancient Sumerians, Akkadians and Babylonians between the4th and 2nd centuries BC believed the affairs of mankind could begauged by watching the motions of the stars and planets. Theyrecorded their predictions and future indications of prosperityand calamity on clay tablets. These early recordings form the veryfoundations of modern day astrology. • Ancient Egyptian artifacts show that high priests Petosiris andNecepso who lived during the reign of Ramses II were revered fortheir knowledge of astrology. The Egyptian culture is also thoughtto have developed a 12 month x 30 day recordation method fortime based on the repeated appearances of constellations. • Ancient Indian and Chinese artifacts reveal that astrology hasheld an esteemed place in those societies for many thousands ofyears. • Hipparchus, Pythagoras and Plato are revered names fromthe Greek era. Historians think Pythagoras may have assignedmathematical values to the relations between celestial bodies andPlato may have offered up predictions relating celestial bodiesto human fates. Hipparchus is thought to have compiled a starcatalogue and in so doing was the first to popularize astrology. • During Roman times, astrology and divination were used forpolitical gain with important military figures surroundingthemselves with seers and diviners. Ptolemy and Valens standout from the time of the Roman Empire as writers on astrology.In 126 AD, Ptolemy penned four books on the influence of thestars which collectively are called the Tetrabiblos . In 160 AD,Valens penned Anthologies in which he further summarized theprinciples of astrology. But, following the conversion of Emperor Constantine to Christianity, in312 AD, divination and magic became a crime according to the Churchand astrology began a slow retreat to the sidelines where for the mostpart it remains today. However, despite this sidelining by a Church seekingto protect its authority, astrology has been used in more modern historyby leading thinkers such as Galilei Galileo, Tycho Brahe, Nostradamus,Johannes Kepler, Sir Francis Bacon, Isaac Newton and Benjamin Franklin.Indeed we owe much of our current state of scientific advancement tothese brave souls who refused to let astrology fade away and become adistant memory. The Zodiac In our solar system, the Sun is at the center. The Earth, Moon, planetsand various other asteroid bodies all collectively comprise our planetarysystem. The var