Can astrology really predict the movement of the markets? Skeptics would answer that the only thing astrology can predict is a person's gullibility. While many believers of astrology do tend towards the naive "New Age" stereotype, an impartial review of the historical correlation between stock prices and planetary motion clearly suggests that prediction is possible, if only under certain conditions. One of the difficulties in assessing the relationship between prices and the planets is the large number of variables involved. Most astrologers work with at least 9 planets, 7 aspects (i.e. the angular separation between two planets), 12 houses and 12 constellations, to say nothing of asteroids, fixed stars, nakshatras or whatever other supplementary parameters one chooses to mention. Taken together, this produces a huge number of possible permutations that can be correlated with market trends. In the absence of strong transit contacts to the particular first trade chart of a stock exchange or company, it is very hard indeed to discern where the market will go. In those conditions, astrology may fare no better than chance. But where close angular contacts are made between current planetary positions and those in the first trade chart, prices will follow set patterns as described by the established symbolism of the planet and angle involved. We will examine how this works in more detail below.

There are several basic strategies for using astrology with stock market investing. The first, and most important is obtain the first trade data of a stock, ETF, currency, etc. and cast a horoscope for that time and place. Over time, this chart can then be analyzed with respect to transits, progressions, and dashas in order to ascertain the likely price movements of the stock. Essentially, the basic rule of financial astrology is: Favourable planetary alignments through transit contacts with benefics during the dasha periods of well-placed planets will tend to yield price increases, while bad aspects from bad planets -- a square (90 degree) aspect from Saturn for example -- will usually push the share price down. As already noted, situations where unambiguously good or bad planetary patterns predominate occur most of the time. This is the main reason why many astrologers run into trouble. They extrapolate too far on the basis of thin or ambiguous data. A more prudent strategy is to refrain from making predictions at times of conflicting data and only take firm positions when the variables are more clearly defined.

For example, a situation may arise in which there are apparently offsetting influences of planetary transits from benefic Jupiter and malefic Saturn to key natal planets. In those instances, an astrological analysis is perhaps better off deferring judgement until other planetary influences come in to tip the balance. In this way, the best approach is for a selective application of astrological insights at critical turning points in the market. So while it may not be clear just how a stock will move over a period of days, weeks or even months, the astrologer will be able to identify critical time windows that have a much greater likelihood of ups or downs. Knowing these times of probable market outcomes can come in very handy to the trader, even if they only occur sporadically.

The basic astrological elements for forecasting the stock market are no different from standard astrology. The constant motion of the planets through the houses and zodiac signs supply the framework for an astrological model. The table below lists the relevant "variables" for our consideration.

Key Astrological Factors

Planet	Sign	House	Price Bias
Sun	Leo	1st/10th	Neutral
Moon	Cancer	4th	Neutral
Mercury	Gemini/Virgo	3rd	Neutral/Positive
Venus	Taurus/Libra	2nd/7th	Positive
Mars	Aries/Scorpio	6th	Negative
Jupiter	Sagittarius/Pisces	9th/11th	Positive
Saturn	Capricorn/Aquarius	8th/12th	Negative
Uranus	(Aquarius)	n/a	Neutral
Neptune	(Pisces)	n/a	Neutral
Pluto	(Scorpio)	n/a	Neutral
Rahu(N.Node)	n/a	n/a	Neutral/Negative
Ketu(S.Node)	n/a	n/a	Neutral/Negative

As we can see, the majority of planets here are listed as "neutral". That doesn't mean, however, that they have no effect on the markets. It just means that all things being equal, they do not have an intrinsic bias in regard to sentiment and prices. All planets, even the more clearly positive or negative ones, can exhibit a variety of price effects depending on the other planets and chart factors they are interacting with at any given time. Although all planets and houses possess certain natural inclinations, how they will eventually effect the market is more dependent on their temporary condition. For example, a positive planet like Venus if transiting over a malefic planet like Ketu in a malefic house like the 8th is more likely to coincide with a drop in the market. That's because the natural 'bullishness' of Venus has been corrupted, so to speak, by its temporary negative situation. Conversely, although Saturn is the planet most closely associated with pessimism and bear markets, if it forms a favourable alignment with positive aspects (e.g. 120 degrees) involving benefic planets, it often marks an upswing in prices. This is why it is crucial to take into account the whole chart rather than the motion of a single planet.