U.S. STOCK MARKET
Mars in Cancer
As explained in our recent 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 zodiacal house order (which begins with Aries in the 1st house), as each individual or business chart begins with the 1st house placed 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.
The USSM rising sign in Cancer, (the 4th house in the zodiac), is fitting 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 generally favors Cancer “season” (June 21 to July 22), which has calming energies. Please review our previous blogs regarding Gemini season, dated 5-8-24, and Cancer season, dated 6-8-24, for further information.
In about one week, there will be an interesting aspect regarding the USSM, when the planet Mars enters its 1st house of Cancer, from September 4th through November 3rd, ending just prior to the U.S. Presidential election, then again from December 6 through mid-April of 2025 (due to Mars retrograde). As we have discussed in previous blogs (Planet Power – Mars, dated 5-21-24 and Trader Transits – Mars conjunct Uranus, dated 7-1-24), Mars, the God of War, is a planet of aggression, drive, and ambition. This planet does not favor the weak, the lazy, or unprepared, and often coincides with strong emotional moves in the financial market, whether positive or negative. Generally, Cancer (easy-going, calm traits) is not a favorable sign for Mars (considered its detriment), so passive/aggressive behavior would not be surprising, which relates to more push and pull activity in the equity markets. Cancer symbolizes emotion, as we know, and the upcoming U.S. election is sure to be emotionally charged. Mars will also be in a square aspect to the Nodes of the Moon (representing fate), with the North Node positioned in Aries (ruled by Mars), until January, adding to the forceful energies. Aggression and protecting the home has been on the rise recently, and is likely to continue around the globe, which carries over to the financial world. Be careful not to over-react when it comes to investing and trading.
Uranus retrograde will also begin on September 1, lasting until January 30, 2025. 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 may occur during that time frame, in addition to quick price fluctuation.
As noted, the combination of these transits can easily continue the wild swings in price action that have been recently experienced with the “seasonal weakness,” Mercury retrograde, and Jupiter square Saturn periods. The “market” is often very volatile, and is extremely sensitive and reactionary to macro news events, which incites human emotion, which we believe is the main driving force in the markets - especially in the short term.
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. Pluto has been moving back and forth between Capricorn and Aquarius (its home sign) since the 1st ingress on March 23, 2023, and the 2nd on January 20, 2024 (due to Pluto retrograde periods). The final retrograde back into Capricorn will occur on September 2, and it will return to Aquarius (its USSM home sign) for about 20 years, beginning on November 19, 2024. Please review our Planet Power – Pluto blog, dated 3-17-24 for more information.
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, utility, healthcare, consumer staples (necessities), and real estate sectors.
***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!