FinancialCyclesWeekly.com #0505 -- January 30-February 5, 02005 with Tim Bost

COMMENT: From an astrologer's standpoint, it was a no-brainer. As we commented last week, Friday featured an "extremely dangerous Mars/Pluto conjunction . . . augmented by a Venus/Apollon square. . , with tension and apprehension around the elections in Iraq being the order of the day."

The astrology was right, of course. The past week saw extensive violence in Iraq, with an unprecedented number of American casualties. But Iraqis went to the polls nevertheless. The historic election will be seen by some as a triumph of progress and self-determination. Others will view it as evidence that the policies of the U.S. occupiers have paid off, creating a mandate for President Bush to expand and extend the American troop commitment in Iraq to guarantee the preservation of a fragile new government. Still others may somewhat cynically view the election as an ironic demonstration that freedom is rolling forward in the back of a humvee, that liberty is being successfully promoted through torture, and that democracy is being imposed at the barrel of a gun.

All parties will no doubt feel justified in defending their respective points of view, but we don't want to overlook one other astrological implication in the timing of the events in Iraq. The Mars/Pluto conjunction also signals a time with a high potential for powerful transformation, which is unfortunately often most evident when the full destructive energy of this astrological dynamic comes into play. Since we have not been spared the violence and destruction during the past week, we can only hope that this time will also been seen in retrospect as a key turning point, as a time of momentous transformation in the excruciating path toward ultimate peace, prosperity, and stability in Iraq.

TIME FOR A MARKET SHIFT
The Mars/Pluto conjunction is likely to mean transformation for the markets as well. With a Jupiter retrograde station hot on its heels this week, the planetary aspect is likely to signal big changes. We are looking for a significant shift in market direction, with some of the turbulence and uncertainty beginning to settle down in the equities markets. That should open the door for a rally in stock prices in the weeks ahead.

ECONOMIC PHOTO OPS
It's been quite amusing to see the reports coming out of Davos, Switzerland during the past week, where the world's glitterati have gathered at the World Economic Forum. Instead of dry discussions of economic technicalities, the news media have been treated to endless parties and numerous photo opportunities with movie stars, rock musicians, and the trendiest members of the international business and political jet set. There have been some worthwhile accomplishments amidst the sound bites and haute couture. Sharon Stone, for example, was able to raise $1 million for malaria relief in a matter of minutes with an impromptu plea to the assembled group to pony up and follow her lead in donating to the cause. The big message from the event, however, is that monetary policies and other economic decisions do not take place in a vacuum. They have human consequences in the real world, and we would be wise to remember that fact, even if Angelina Jolie, Bill Gates, or Bono aren't there to remind us.

SLOW GOING IN THE RECOVERY
Most analysts had anticipated that last Friday's announcement from the Commerce Department would show that the U.S. Gross Domestic Product had grown by an annualized rate of 3.5% during the final quarter of 2004. Instead, however, the report revealed more sluggish results than expected, with the GDP growing by just 3.1% in the fourth quarter. It was the slowest pace in the last seven quarters, providing evidence that the light at the end of the economic tunnel may be a bit farther off than we had hoped.

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THE WEEK AHEAD

It's another huge week for earnings reports, and once again we won't try to list them all here. Some of the bellwethers are likely to be Exxon Mobil (XON), Walt Disney Company (DIS), Boeing Company (BA), Anheuser-Busch (BUD), Comcast Corporation (CMCSA), and Time Warner Inc. (TWX).

It's a particularly busy week ahead for economic data as well. We'll be looking for word on Fourth Quarter Productivity; December Personal Income, New Home Sales, Consumption, Factory Orders, and Construction Spending; and January Nonfarm Payrolls and Unemployment. We'll also be expecting the Chicago Purchasing Managers Index for January, the January ISM Index, and the January report on Consumer Sentiment from the University of Michigan.

The Federal Reserve Board's Open Market Committee will be meeting on Tuesday and Wednesday, with a report ready for release on Wednesday afternoon, just a few hours before the President's State of the Union address. Perhaps that means that this Groundhog Day we will get to find out who casts a bigger shadow: George W. Bush or Alan Greenspan.

There's a lot of astrological action to pay attention to this week, including ingresses, stations, and eclipse activations. The strongest dynamics don't really get underway until Tuesday, with a Venus/Chiron conjunction, the Jupiter retrograde station, and an eclipse activation. On Wednesday there are two eclipse activations and Venus changes signs. Thursday offers us a Sun/Neptune conjunction, a Poseidon retrograde station, and a solar activation of a lunar eclipse point. Friday's action includes a direct station by Admetos and Mars changing signs heliocentrically, a precursor to the red planet's geocentric sign change over the weekend.
Have a great week!

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SPIRITUAL FOCUS FOR THE WEEK

The greatest traders have all understood that emotional balance is the key to successful trading. Through Practical Spiritual Astrology we have an opportunity to restore inner harmony, enhance emotional balance, and make wiser choices in the markets.

There are times when we have truly enormous opportunities for personal and spiritual growth, and this is one of them. Our task is to become clear in our vision, to reach for higher ideals, and to recognize the fact that while time and space may limit our circumstances, they can never limit our potential.

"A hundred times every day I remind myself that my inner and outer life are based on the labors of other men, living and dead, and that I must exert myself in order to give in the same measure as I have received and am still receiving." - Albert Einstein

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GLOBAL EQUITIES MARKETS LAST WEEK

The Pacific Rim was the place to be last week if you were on the long side of the market, with significant gains in Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Sydney. Except for Frankfurt, stocks in Europe posted modest gains for the week, and in the U.S. shares managed to squeak through the week to finish up on the plus side.

Dow Jones Industrial Average -- up 0.33%
Dow Jones Transportation Average -- up 2.15%
Dow Jones Utilities Average -- up 2.37%
S+P 500 -- up 0.30%
NASDAQ Composite Index -- up 0.08%
Russell 2000 -- up 0.31%
London FTSE-100 -- up 0.61%
Paris CAC-40 -- up 0.42%
Frankfurt DAX -- down 0.28%
Sydney All Ordinaries -- up 1.24%
Tokyo Nikkei -- up 0.73%
Hong Kong Hang Seng Index -- up 1.25%
Singapore Straits Times Index -- up 0.20%

*****


FINANCIAL CYCLES MODEL PORTFOLIO


POSITIONS CLOSED DURING THE PREVIOUS WEEK: BZH, DD, MHP, SAFM, EYE, LMT.

We closed six Model Portfolio positions during the past week, with two winners and four losers producing a net profit of $105.00.

On January 24 we sold 100 shares of Beazer Homes USA (BZH) at 141.50, taking a profit of $650.00 (a 4.81% gain in 12 trading days).

On January 24 we sold 200 shares of DuPont E. I. Nemours and Company (DD) at 46.50, taking a loss of $150.00 (a 1.59% loss in 4 trading days).

On January 24 we sold 100 shares of McGraw-Hill Companies Inc. (MHP) at 91.50, taking a profit of $100.00 (a 1.10% gain in 6 trading days).

On January 24 we sold 300 shares of Sanderson Farms Inc. (SAFM) at 42.00, taking a loss of $225.00 (a 1.75% loss in 4 trading days).

On January 24 we sold 400 shares of VISX Inc. (EYE) at 25.40, taking a loss of $240.00 (a 2.31% loss in 4 trading days).

On January 27 we bought to cover 200 shares of Lockheed Martin Inc. at 56.00, taking a loss of $30.00 (a 0.27% loss in 9 trading days).

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POSITIONS ADDED TO THE PORTFOLIO DURING THE PREVIOUS WEEK: CEG, STZ, TOL, WOS, WTW.

We added five long positions to the Model Portfolio during the previous week.

We bought 300 shares of Constellation Energy Group (CEG) at 45.30 on 01/25/05, setting our initial stop at 43.75.

We bought 200 shares of Constellation Brands Inc. (SYS) at 48.50 on 01/25/05, setting our initial stop at 48.00.

We bought 100 shares of Toll Brothers Inc. (TOL) at 73.50 on 01/25/05, setting our initial stop at 70.75.

We bought 300 shares of Wolseley PLC (WOS) at 40.00 on 01/25/05, setting our initial stop at 39.00.

We bought 300 shares of Weight Watchers International Inc. (WTW) at 45.25 on 01/25/05, setting our initial stop at 44.25.

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YEAR-IN-REVIEW MODEL PORTFOLIO ACTIVITY

So far this year we have had a total of 19 completed trades, with 6 winners and 13 losers bringing us a total net profit of $2,600.00. The largest profit for a single trade has been $2,367.00, with our winners averaging $692.00; the largest single-trade loss has been $240.00, with our losers averaging $119.38. The overall average profit per trade has been $136.84, and the mean duration of our trades has been 11.8 trading days.

During 2004 we had a total of 213 completed trades, with 104 winners and 109 losers bringing us a total net profit of $48,913.50. The largest profit for a single trade was $5,645.00; the largest single-trade loss was $750.00; the average profit per trade was $229.64. The mean duration of our trades was 10.3 trading days.

During 2003 we had a total of 176 completed trades, with 99 winners and 77 losers bringing us a total net profit of $51,717.00. The largest profit for a single trade was $9,240.00; the largest single-trade loss was $1,170.00; the average profit per trade was $293.85. The mean duration of our trades was 10.1 trading days.

During 2002 we had a total of 195 completed trades, with 119 winners, 74 losers, and 2 break-even trades bringing us a total net profit of $50,956.00. The largest profit for a single trade was $5,100.00; the largest single-trade loss was $1,055.00; the average profit per trade was $261.31. The mean duration of our trades was 12.7 trading days.

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CURRENT POSITIONS IN THE MODEL PORTFOLIO

Companhia Siderugica Nacional ADS (SID) -- bought 500 shares at 18.75 on 01/19/05; currently 19.40. Raise stop to 19.00.

Constellation Brands Inc. (SYS) -- bought 200 shares at 48.50 on 01/25/05; currently 50.55. Raise stop to 48.25.

Constellation Energy Group (CEG) -- bought 300 shares at 45.30 on 01/25/05; currently 48.61. Raise stop to 45.35.

Olin Corporation (OLN) -- bought 500 shares at 20.30 on 01/13/05, currently 21.99. Raise stop to 21.25.

Station Casinos Inc. (STN) -- bought 200 shares at 55.50 on 01/18/05; currently 60.45. Raise stop to 58.00.

Stein Mart Inc. (SMRT) -- bought 500 shares at 19.00 on 01/13/05; currently 19.24. Raise stop to 18.89.

Toll Brothers Inc. (TOL) -- bought 100 shares at 73.50 on 01/25/05; currently 76.83. Raise stop to 73.85.

Weight Watchers International Inc. (WTW) -- bought 300 shares at 45.25 on 01/25/05; currently 46.60. Raise stop to 44.75.

Wolseley PLC (WOS) -- bought 300 shares at 40.00 on 01/25/05; currently 41.65. Raise stop to 40.70.

*****


STRONGEST MARKET SECTORS LAST WEEK

Personal Products; Long-Term Care Facilities; Research Services; Shipping; Farm Products.

*****

WEAKEST MARKET SECTORS LAST WEEK

Diversified and Industrial REITs; Silver; Security Software and Services; Residential REITs; Gold.

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ASTROLOGICAL EVENTS DURING THE COMING WEEK

January 30
Venus square True Lunar Node 00:11 EST
Mercury enters Aquarius 00:36 EST
Moon in 24th harmonic to Jupiter 00:36 EST
Moon quintile Saturn 01:59 EST
Heliocentric Venus quintile Heliocentric Apollon 02:02 EST
Moon quintile Vulcanus 02:32 EST
Heliocentric Mercury in 24th harmonic to Heliocentric Pluto 02:41 EST
Moon quincunx Uranus 03:23 EST
Heliocentric Mercury sesquiquadrate Heliocentric Admetos 05:30 EST
Mars quincunx Saturn in right ascension 05:35 EST
Moon sesquiquadrate Admetos 06:31 EST
Moon semisextile Poseidon 06:49 EST
Moon conjunct Zeus 11:06 EST
Moon in 24th harmonic to Apollon 11:21 EST
Heliocentric Mercury square Heliocentric Zeus 12:39 EST
Venus semisquare Cupido 12:45 EST
Heliocentric Venus sextile Heliocentric Poseidon 12:51 EST
Heliocentric Venus sextile Heliocentric Uranus 14:00 EST
Moon trine Sun 14:17 EST
Moon biquintile Uranus 14:53 EST
Moon sextile Cupido 14:56 EST
Mars quincunx Vulcanus in right ascension 15:09 EST
Mercury quincunx Kronos 15:23 EST
Moon quintile Pluto 15:36 EST
Moon crossing Universal Clock 24 Line 16:10 EST
Moon parallel Zeus 16:25 EST
Moon quintile Mars 18:29 EST
Heliocentric Mercury square Heliocentric Jupiter 18:36 EST
Mercury contraparallel Saturn 21:10 EST
Mercury contraparallel Saturn in right ascension 21:13 EST
Moon trine Neptune 21:44 EST
Venus conjunct Chiron in right ascension 21:57 EST
Sun sextile Cupido 22:31 EST
Moon biquintile Admetos 23:36 EST

January 31
Moon parallel Jupiter 02:02 EST
Heliocentric Mercury semisextile Heliocentric Cupido 02:22 EST
Heliocentric Venus in 24th harmonic to Heliocentric Pluto 03:06 EST
Mercury contraparallel Vulcanus 03:42 EST
Mercury contraparallel Vulcanus in right ascension 04:41 EST
Moon conjunct Jupiter 05:08 EST
Heliocentric Earth quintile Heliocentric Apollon 06:38 EST
Venus parallel Cupido 06:56 EST
Mercury square Poseidon in right ascension 07:03 EST
Moon sesquiquadrate Uranus 07:57 EST
Heliocentric Venus sesquiquadrate Heliocentric Admetos 08:05 EST
Venus parallel Cupido in right ascension 08:24 EST
Mars trine True Lunar Node 09:35 EST
Moon quincunx Admetos 10:51 EST
Moon in 24th harmonic to Poseidon 11:09 EST
Moon square Saturn 11:51 EST
Moon square Vulcanus 12:34 EST
Moon trine Hades 12:40 EST
Sun crossing Universal Clock 24 Line 13:45 EST
Moon sextile Pluto 14:13 EST
Moon in 24th harmonic to Zeus 15:21 EST
Moon conjunct Apollon 15:36 EST
Moon parallel Apollon 16:03 EST
Moon opposition True Lunar Node 17:49 EST
Moon contraparallel True Lunar Node 17:49 EST
True Lunar Node direct station 17:50 EST
Moon sextile Mars 18:17 EST
Moon parallel Uranus 19:05 EST
Moon semisquare Cupido 19:08 EST
Heliocentric Earth quincunx Heliocentric Mercury 19:45 EST
Heliocentric Mercury in 24th harmonic to Heliocentric Chiron 19:47 EST
Heliocentric Venus square Heliocentric Zeus 20:58 EST
Moon square Venus 22:20 EST
Void-of-Course Moon begins 22:21 EST
Moon square Chiron 22:41 EST

February 1
Mercury parallel Cupido 01:22 EST
Moon enters Scorpio 01:50 EST
Void-of-Course Moon ends 01:50 EST
Venus conjunct Chiron 02:19 EST
Mercury parallel Cupido in right ascension 02:19 EST
Moon trine Kronos 03:38 EST
Heliocentric Mercury semisquare Heliocentric Mars 05:24 EST
Moon square Mercury 08:46 EST
Moon in 24th harmonic to Jupiter 08:55 EST
Heliocentric Venus square Heliocentric Jupiter 09:33 EST
Mars in 24th harmonic to Cupido 10:18 EST
Moon parallel Poseidon 10:44 EST
Venus conjunct 11/23/03 Solar Eclipse Antiscion 11:04 EST
Moon trine Uranus 11:45 EST
Venus quincunx Kronos in right ascension 11:51 EST
Moon parallel Chiron 11:54 EST
Moon crossing Universal Clock 24 Line 12:48 EST
Venus biquintile Hades 13:15 EST
Moon conjunct Poseidon 14:46 EST
Moon sesquiquadrate Hades 16:13 EST
Moon parallel Pluto 16:36 EST
Moon semisquare Pluto 17:49 EST
Moon semisextile Zeus 18:50 EST
Heliocentric Mercury semisextile Heliocentric Neptune 18:57 EST
Moon in 24th harmonic to Apollon 19:05 EST
Mercury sesquiquadrate Hades in right ascension 19:05 EST
Jupiter retrograde station 21:27 EST
Heliocentric Venus semisextile Heliocentric Cupido 21:53 EST
Moon parallel Neptune 22:03 EST
Mercury semisextile Uranus in right ascension 22:15 EST
Sun in 24th harmonic to Chiron 22:27 EST
Moon semisextile Cupido 22:32 EST
Moon semisquare Mars 23:12 EST
Moon parallel Sun 23:44 EST

February 2
True Lunar Node retrograde station 01:37 EST
Moon square Sun 02:25 EST
Sun sesquiquadrate Kronos in right ascension 03:24 EST
Sun quintile True Lunar Node 04:58 EST
Moon square Neptune 05:04 EST
Moon contraparallel Admetos 06:34 EST
Moon sesquiquadrate Kronos 06:44 EST
Venus square 04/19/04 Solar Eclipse Point 07:11 EST
Moon quintile Chiron 07:32 EST
Sun opposition 11/08/03 Lunar Eclipse Antiscion 07:55 EST
Moon biquintile Hades 08:21 EST
Mercury parallel Venus 09:24 EST
Mercury parallel Venus in right ascension 09:27 EST
Mercury semisextile Uranus 09:30 EST
Moon quintile Venus 10:18 EST
Venus enters Aquarius 10:42 EST
Venus in 24th harmonic to Neptune 11:18 EST
Moon semisextile Jupiter 11:52 EST
Mercury trine Zeus in right ascension 12:39 EST
Mercury semisquare Pluto in right ascension 13:23 EST
Moon opposition Admetos 17:17 EST
Moon in 24th harmonic to Poseidon 17:34 EST
Moon trine Saturn 17:56 EST
Void-of-Course Moon begins 17:56 EST
Moon parallel Mercury 18:26 EST
Moon parallel Venus 18:42 EST
Moon trine Vulcanus 18:51 EST
Moon quincunx Hades 18:56 EST
Moon semisextile Pluto 20:32 EST
Moon quintile Mercury 21:25 EST
Moon semisquare Zeus 21:27 EST
Moon semisextile Apollon 21:42 EST
Moon parallel Cupido 21:47 EST
Heliocentric Mercury quintile Heliocentric Poseidon 22:08 EST
Moon biquintile Kronos 22:34 EST
Moon contraparallel Vulcanus 23:23 EST
Moon quincunx True Lunar Node 23:47 EST

February 3
Moon contraparallel Saturn 00:03 EST
Moon in 24th harmonic to Cupido 01:06 EST
Poseidon retrograde station 01:55 EST
Moon semisextile Mars 03:08 EST
Moon contraparallel Hades 03:15 EST
Moon sextile Chiron 04:44 EST
Venus quincunx Kronos 05:00 EST
Sun square 05/04/04 Lunar Eclipse Point 05:37 EST
Heliocentric Venus in 24th harmonic to Heliocentric Chiron 06:16 EST
Sun parallel Neptune 06:42 EST
Sun parallel Neptune in right ascension 06:42 EST
Heliocentric Earth contraparallel Heliocentric Neptune 06:48 EST
Mercury biquintile Kronos 07:03 EST
Moon crossing Universal Clock 24 Line 07:20 EST
Moon enters Sagittarius 07:20 EST
Void-of-Course Moon ends 07:20 EST
Mercury sextile Cupido in right ascension 08:51 EST
Mercury square Poseidon 08:56 EST
Moon quincunx Kronos 08:58 EST
Moon sextile Venus 09:22 EST
Moon biquintile True Lunar Node 10:09 EST
Moon contraparallel Kronos 10:42 EST
Moon parallel Mars 12:05 EST
Moon quintile Sun 12:28 EST
Moon quintile Neptune 12:36 EST
Moon semisquare Jupiter 13:57 EST
Sun conjunct Neptune 14:28 EST
Heliocentric Earth opposition Heliocentric Neptune 14:37 EST
Mars biquintile Admetos 14:53 EST
Sun conjunct Neptune in right ascension 15:13 EST
Moon square Uranus 16:51 EST
Moon semisextile Poseidon 19:28 EST
Moon sesquiquadrate Saturn 19:41 EST
Mercury sesquiquadrate Hades 20:08 EST
Moon sesquiquadrate Vulcanus 20:41 EST
Moon sextile Mercury 20:51 EST
Moon in 24th harmonic to Pluto 22:23 EST
Heliocentric Mercury semisquare Heliocentric Uranus 23:06 EST
Moon sextile Zeus 23:13 EST
Moon semisquare Apollon 23:28 EST

February 4
Sun trine Jupiter in right ascension 00:10 EST
Moon sesquiquadrate True Lunar Node 01:25 EST
Moon conjunct Cupido 02:47 EST
Uranus sesquiquadrate Apollon in right ascension 04:47 EST
Heliocentric Mercury semisextile Heliocentric Pluto 05:47 EST
Moon in 24th harmonic to Mars 06:05 EST
Moon semisquare Chiron 06:26 EST
Heliocentric Mars enters Sagittarius 06:28 EST
Venus square Poseidon in right ascension 06:56 EST
Heliocentric Mercury trine Heliocentric Admetos 08:15 EST
Moon sextile Neptune 08:58 EST
Mercury semisquare Pluto 10:08 EST
Moon sextile Sun 10:19 EST
Moon biquintile Saturn 10:45 EST
Admetos direct station 10:56 EST
Sun sesquiquadrate Kronos 11:02 EST
Heliocentric Mercury opposition Heliocentric Vulcanus 11:23 EST
Moon biquintile Vulcanus 11:47 EST
Moon semisquare Venus 13:11 EST
Mars semisextile Chiron 14:19 EST
Moon sextile Jupiter 15:12 EST
Heliocentric Mercury square Heliocentric Apollon 16:17 EST
Heliocentric Mercury quincunx Heliocentric Hades 16:33 EST
Mercury trine Zeus 16:56 EST
Pluto trine True Lunar Node in right ascension 17:25 EST
Sun square 11/08/03 Lunar Eclipse Point 17:30 EST
Moon quintile Zeus 19:16 EST
Moon quincunx Admetos 20:17 EST
Moon semisquare Poseidon 20:33 EST
Moon quincunx Saturn 20:39 EST
Moon quincunx Vulcanus 21:43 EST
Moon opposition Hades 21:49 EST
Moon quintile Uranus 23:04 EST
Moon conjunct Pluto 23:27 EST
Moon crossing Universal Clock 24 Line 23:42 EST

February 5
Heliocentric Mercury opposition Heliocentric Saturn 00:03 EST
Moon sextile Apollon 00:27 EST
Heliocentric Venus semisextile Heliocentric Neptune 00:31 EST
Moon semisquare Mercury 01:08 EST
Heliocentric Earth semisquare Heliocentric Kronos 01:32 EST
Moon trine True Lunar Node 02:12 EST
Moon in 24th harmonic to Cupido 03:42 EST
Heliocentric Mercury semisquare Heliocentric Cupido 03:49 EST
Moon biquintile Admetos 06:09 EST
Moon semisextile Chiron 07:21 EST
Heliocentric Venus semisquare Heliocentric Mars 07:22 EST
Moon conjunct Mars 08:06 EST
Void-of-Course Moon 08:06 -- 09:31 EST
Moon enters Capricorn 09:31 EST
Moon semisquare Neptune 09:45 EST
Moon quintile Jupiter 10:53 EST
Moon opposition Kronos 11:02 EST
Moon semisquare Sun 12:48 EST
Sun square Admetos in right ascension 13:22 EST
Moon semisextile Venus 16:04 EST
Moon sextile Uranus 18:41 EST
Moon quintile Apollon 19:57 EST
Heliocentric Mercury conjunct Heliocentric Chiron 20:39 EST
Moon sesquiquadrate Admetos 20:43 EST
Moon sextile Poseidon 20:58 EST
Mars semisextile Chiron in right ascension 21:40 EST
Mercury sextile Cupido 23:33 EST
Moon in 24th harmonic to Pluto 23:50 EST

February 6
Moon square Zeus 00:31 EST
Mercury semisquare Mars in right ascension 00:47 EST
Moon semisextile Cupido 03:59 EST
Moon semisextile Mercury 04:32 EST
Venus sesquiquadrate Hades in right ascension 05:17 EST
Moon in 24th harmonic to Chiron 07:40 EST
Mercury crossing Universal Clock 24 Line 07:25 EST
Moon in 24th harmonic to Mars 09:27 EST
Moon semisextile Neptune 09:56 EST
Chiron conjunct 11/23/03 Solar Eclipse Antiscion 09:56 EST
Mars enters Capricorn 13:31 EST
Moon crossing Universal Clock 24 Line 14:25 EST
Moon semisextile Sun 14:37 EST
Venus semisextile Uranus in right ascension 14:47 EST
Heliocentric Mercury biquintile Heliocentric Hades 14:57 EST
Moon square Jupiter 15:44 EST
Moon quintile Poseidon 16:09 EST
Heliocentric Mercury enters Aquarius 16:53 EST
Heliocentric Mercury in 24th harmonic to Heliocentric Neptune 17:38 EST
Moon in 24th harmonic to Venus 18:15 EST
Moon semisquare Uranus 18:44 EST
Mars semisquare Neptune 20:14 EST
Mercury sesquiquadrate Kronos in right ascension 20:33 EST
Moon trine Admetos 20:39 EST
Moon opposition Saturn 20:47 EST
Void-of-Course Moon begins 20:47 EST
Moon opposition Vulcanus 22:00 EST
Moon quincunx Hades 22:05 EST
Moon semisextile Pluto 23:46 EST

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STOCKS TO WATCH: ACR, ATPG, ELK, RRC.

American Retirement Corporation (ACR)
NYSE
First Trade Date: 05/30/1997; 09:30 a.m.
Trading Strategy: ACR gapped upward in recent trading, and is currently trying to work its way past the high it set in late December. With transiting Jupiter going retrograde to conjoin the ACR First-Trade IC and with transiting Venus heading for a conjunction with First-Trade Neptune, we think new highs are likely. If we get a daily close at or above 12.25, we will add a long position to the Model Portfolio, setting our initial stop at 11.00.


ATP Oil and Gas (ATPG)
NYSE
First Trade Date: 02/06/2001; 09:30 a.m.
Trading Strategy: Transiting Saturn has gotten pretty close to the ATPG First-Trade Moon, but is now backing off as it moves retrograde away from that conjunction. That strengthens the positive outlook for this stock, and with Jupiter retrograding into a fresh conjunction with the ATPG First-Trade Descendant as the stock's solar return approaches, we like the looks of this situation even more. ATPG's trading has been bounded somewhat by first-harmonic Pluto (G,360,N,-2), and we're going to wait for a penetration of this Pluto line before we take action, however. A daily close at or above 20.65 will be our signal to add a long position; if we enter the trade we will set our initial stop at 18.50.


Elkcorp (ELK)
NYSE
First Trade Date: 03/21/1979; 10:00 a.m.
Trading Strategy: Transiting Jupiter is tightening up its conjunction with the ELK First-Trade Pluto, with transiting Pluto still hovering near the First-Trade Descendant. That's some powerful astrological energy, so it's not too surprising to see that this stock has spiked upward dramatically in recent trading. Our plan is to enter an immediate long position; setting our initial stop at 35.00.


Range Resources Corporation (RRC)
NYSE
First Trade Date: 10/11/1996; 09:30 a.m.
Trading Strategy: RRC has a Sun/Apollon conjunction in its First-Trade horoscope, which is a very positive configuration. Right now, however, Jupiter is stationary right on top of that conjunction, sweetening the deal even more. With recent trading pushing to new highs, we see no reason not to enter a long position this week, with an initial stop set at 20.75.

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FINANCIAL CYCLES WEEKLY (ISSN 1055-8527) is published by Taylor-Bost Consulting and edited by Tim Bost at 2132 Beneva Road, Sarasota, FL 34232 USA. Phone: 941-921-2588. Fax: 941-927-5798. Web: http://www.TimBost.com. Entire contents copyright 2004 Timothy L. Bost. No portion of Financial Cycles Weekly may be reproduced without the publisher's written permission. Subscriptions to FINANCIAL CYCLES WEEKLY are $39.00 per month for weekly issues sent by email, payable by monthly billing to a major credit card. Advance payment options (by credit card, check, or money order) are $228 for 6 months, $432 for 1 year or $815 for two years. All subscriptions are payable in US funds only-- Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club, and Discover/Novus accepted; please make checks or money orders payable to Taylor-Bost. PayPal is also accepted for online orders; to subscribe go to http://www.TimBost.com/newsletter/subscribe.html.

By providing a source of independent market analysis, the purpose of FINANCIAL CYCLES WEEKLY is to foster the growth of person-centered business and investment astrology; to enhance the development and dissemination of financial literacy and prosperity consciousness; and to explore the use of technical analysis and financial astrology in promoting an esoteric spiritual understanding of economic trends, geocosmic cycles, geopolitical events, and market movements. FINANCIAL CYCLES WEEKLY is a general interest publication which is prepared from astrological information, news reports, cycle projections, and market observations which are believed to be accurate and reliable, but which cannot be guaranteed. Portfolio and trading reports in this publication do not include taxes and transaction fees, which should be taken into consideration by prospective traders and investors. Even with accurate information, past performance is no guarantee of future results. Speculation in securities and commodities involves considerable financial risk, and readers who plan to invest or speculate in securities or commodities mentioned in FINANCIAL CYCLES WEEKLY have the complete responsibility for making themselves fully aware of all the risks involved before they invest. The editor may or may not have positions in the securities and commodities discussed in this newsletter, and the information in FINANCIAL CYCLES WEEKLY should in no way be understood or construed as a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any products or securities, nor should the material published in this newsletter be considered buy/sell advice.

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posted by Tim Bost @ 1/30/2005 02:01:00 AM