(28 December 2022) Out with the previous, in with the brand new.  As we
strategy the beginning of 2023, it’s good time to think about the
astrological promise of the 12 months forward.  Though it doesn’t have any
particular astronomical significance, expertise tells us the New Yr’s
chart solid for midnight, January 1 can precisely spotlight themes that
will probably be necessary for subsequent 12 months.  For instance, New Yr’s charts
that are largely free from affliction from malefic planets (Mars,
Saturn, Rahu/Ketu) can sign years the place the world as an entire appears
extra centered on optimistic development and ahead growth.  Nonetheless,
typically the planets in New Yr’s charts are marred by unhealthy features
from the likes of Mars and Saturn.  These troubled Jan 1 charts can
due to this fact turn into a warning of upcoming difficulties which are extra seemingly
to disrupt the worldwide order.

Given final 12 months’s Moon-Mars conjunction in sidereal Scorpio, for
instance, I steered that “navy battle” may turn into a serious
concern.   Certainly, the warfare in Ukraine turned an enormous drawback in 2022 each
when it comes to human struggling and when it comes to financial penalties from
surging inflation and widespread vitality shortages.  Whereas I used to be largely
off the market in my name for additional Covid-related issues, I used to be extra
appropriate is suggesting that the affliction of Mercury may translate
into financial hardship.  Particularly, I believed that Mercury’s
conjunction with Pluto and features with Rahu and Mars may point out
“larger inflation and better rates of interest” together with “slower development
and decrease inventory market returns in 2022”.  These predictions have largely
come to go as 2022 has introduced a serious inventory market decline in most
international locations as inflation has compelled central banks to hike charges to their
highest ranges in virtually 40 years.

Unhappy to say, nonetheless, that Mercury is once more concerned in a troublesome
Saturn alignment for 2023. Because the planet most intently related to
the financial system, Mercury (29 Sagittarius) is retrograde and aligned with
Saturn (28 Capricorn) and Neptune (28 Aquarius) on January 1.   As each
Saturn and Neptune are unwelcome influences right here for Mercury, it appears
seemingly that the worldwide financial system will fall into recession throughout 2023. 
Mercury-Saturn alignments are extra particularly recognized with
slowdowns, however the addition of Neptune right here makes the general image
considerably worse.  In fact, Neptune was entrance and heart within the 2020 New
Yr’s chart that steered some type of epidemic was potential throughout
that 12 months.  Its additional involvement in 2023 implies that the pandemic
may stay an ongoing concern within the New Yr, both when it comes to new
variants or just by advantage of its financial knock-on results comparable to
additional supply-chain disruptions.  And we must always be aware that Mercury is
additional troubled by the 135-degree alignment with Mars (14 Taurus). 
Whereas not a full-strength Vedic side, the 135-degree alignment
interprets as a conjunction within the Vedic D-8 ashthamsa chart.  One
potential interpretation could be financial setbacks (Mercury) on account of warfare
and battle (Mars).

We will additionally see an in depth side between Rahu (North Lunar Node — 17
Aries) and the Solar (16 Sagittarius).   Because the Solar symbolizes rulers
and authorities, the Rahu side can imply interruption or maybe a
deposing or substitute of a world chief.  The Rahu-Solar side is usually
unhealthy information for governments as properly and will increase the possibilities of a change
in leaders or at the least a serious change in coverage.

One notably fascinating function of the chart is the near-exact
conjunction of Venus (3 Capricorn 33) with Pluto (3 Capricorn 35). 
Venus is a benefic planet and symbolizes ladies, in fact, but in addition artwork
and something of worth, together with cash.  Pluto is a extra malefic vitality
and represents energy and coercion as properly and the final idea of
transformation.  One interpretation of the Venus-Pluto conjunction would
be ‘feminine energy’, as if there could possibly be an extra transfer in the direction of girl
holding positions of energy on the earth.  However an alternate perspective
could possibly be the ‘transformation of worth’ comparable to we see via
cryptocurrencies and the potential rise of digital currencies.  Given the
current turmoil within the crypto market, it could be extra seemingly that the
Venus-Pluto conjunction may signify the launch of the primary main
central financial institution digital forex, for higher or worse.

Total, the New Yr’s chart for midnight January 1, 2023 is purpose
to be lifelike concerning the subsequent 12 months for many of us.  It appears
seemingly there will probably be extra troubles that we have to endure earlier than we are able to
come out the opposite finish of the present troublesome interval.  Whereas 2024
may properly ship extra of the identical, there’s good purpose to hope for
higher days in 2025.

Weekly Market Forecast

As anticipated, shares have typically moved decrease on this post-Christmas
week.  The Santa Claus rally has but to seem as 1) Mercury aligns
with Mars and Venus and a couple of) Saturn approaches its alignment with
Neptune.  Each of those alignments are bearish influences which have so
far negated any bullish seasonality.

And with Mercury on account of flip retrograde early tomorrow morning (EST),
there appears to be little purpose for this down development to reverse larger
within the coming days.

For extra particulars, take a look at my weekly subscriber publication
which is printed each Sunday.   Along with reviewing the important thing
planetary and technical influences on US and Indian shares for the brief
and medium time period, I additionally present an astrological evaluation of potential
upcoming strikes in currencies, gold and oil.

These updates are normally posted midweek.  You could be notified of latest posts by following me on Twitter.