UNITED STATES STOCK MARKET

Pluto Return

      As explained in our publication, When to Buy and When to Sell: Combining Easy Indicators, Charts, and Financial Astrology (available on Amazon), and in previous blogs, the U.S. Stock Market (USSM) possesses its own birth chart, also known as a natal chart (pictured in blog image), based on its first trade date of May 17, 1792, at 7:52 a.m. The USSM has a Cancer Rising sign (1st house), a Gemini Sun sign (in the 12th house), and an Aries Moon sign (in the 10th house).

      Please do not confuse the difference between the USSM chart and the common zodiacal house order (which begins with Aries in the 1st house), as each individual or business chart begins with the 1st house placed at its own Ascendant/Rising sign. Therefore, there is often a mix between mundane/collective astrology and a natal birth chart when assessing planetary aspects and transits. As also detailed in our publication, there are specific traits and attributes of the planets, signs, and houses, including the financial sectors they influence. They all tend to have some blended associations with the equity markets, though the most prolific financial houses are the 2nd, 5th, 8th, and 11th.  

      It is fitting that the USSM rising sign is Cancer, (the 4th house in the zodiac), as both represent the home, protection, and security. Traits possessed by Cancer also include sensitivity and emotion (as it is ruled by the Moon, which also signifies the home, the mother, and emotions). Seasonal market action is generally positive during the current Scorpio “season” (October 23 to November 21), which forms a favorable trine aspect to Cancer.

      In a few weeks, there will be a major transit in the sky when the planet Pluto moves into (ingresses) the sign of Aquarius, which is positioned in the 7th house of its chart. Pluto, as discussed in previous blogs, is considered the most powerful planet in the solar system, and has immense transformational implications. It has recently been moving back and forth between Capricorn and Aquarius (its home sign in the USSM natal chart) since its 1st ingress on March 23, 2023, and the 2nd on January 20, 2024, due to Pluto retrograde periods. The 3rd and final retrograde back into Capricorn began on September 2 (ending recently) and it will return to Aquarius for about 20 years, beginning on November 19, 2024. As we have also mentioned in the past, when a planet moves into its birth/natal “home” sign, it is referred to as its “return.” Generally, the energies that planet exudes are very powerful in its “home” sign, especially when it reaches its natal degree. Pluto’s natal degree in Aquarius is 23 in the USSM chart, which will not be reached for about 15 years, however, the energies will start to build up upon the ingress into the sign next month. Pluto’s return promises many transformations in the coming years.

      The major theme surrounding this Pluto activity is a move from government and institutional controls to more power and awareness of the “people” or general population. With the planet Mars moving into the sign of Leo (USSM 2nd house), just two weeks earlier (which creates an opposition aspect to Pluto), then retrograding on December 6, at the time of the U.S. Presidential election, and ultimately back to its 1st house of Cancer, there promises to be continued conflict within, and around the globe. The Uranus retrograde will also continue (September 2, 2024 - January 30, 2025) through the first month of the new year. Uranus (representing technology and sudden, unexpected events), known as the great “disruptor,” is considered the upper level of Mercury, but moves slower and lasts longer. Reversals in trends, especially in technology stocks, have occurred (and are likely to continue), during that time frame, in addition to quick price fluctuations.

      In the financial world, Mars in Cancer has resulted in gains in cybersecurity and military based stocks, which pertains to “defending and protecting the home,” a major Cancer trait. With Mars in Leo, both signifying “fire,” there may be a high level of intensity in the coming weeks. Mercury will also go retrograde again towards the end of November, signifying further volatility in the financial markets.

      Pluto will also be positioned in the sign of Aquarius when the North Node reaches the same sign in July of 2026. The significance of the North Node (associated with the Moon) in the financial world is that it coincides with the low point in the global business cycle (see our Trader Transits – Mars conjunct the North Node blog, dated 5-5-24 for more details). The transformation has already begun in some areas of the world, and is accelerating.

      Pluto’s sign change is the first of several significant “outer planet” sign changes between November 20 and July 7, 2025, including; Neptune’s ingress into the fire sign of Aries at the end of March (lasting for 14 years), Saturn moving into the same sign on May 26 (lasting for almost 3 years, save for a few months back into Pisces due to retrograde, Jupiter entering the water sign of Cancer on June 10, and Uranus ingressing the air sign of Gemini on July 7, rounding out these important sign changes. Outer planet energies are normally strong and long lasting, and experience many transits and aspects throughout. Stay tuned for future blogs pertaining to all these stated events, and how they may affect the financial markets.       

      Financial sectors to focus on in the future continues to include AI, electric vehicles, robotics, and space/technology. Shorter term seems to favor the defensive, technology, consumer staples (necessities), and real estate sectors (witht he possible expeception of homebuilders).

      ***Additional planetary positioning can also affect and vary the potential outcome of any transit, in addition to macro events, and Federal Reserve decisions.

      In future blogs we will continue to discuss important planetary transits and aspects, and how it may relate to market movement.

      For your own FREE personal or business chart, please visit the website www.Astrophilaastrology.com, and consider a reading from experienced astrologer Ophilia Luna - you will be amazed!