tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52712997079456217902024-03-21T02:59:50.292-04:00Tao of TradingCommentary about trading, and lessons for life, based on ancient wisdom of the Tao Teh ChingUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5271299707945621790.post-38903416805949045642012-03-02T14:27:00.001-05:002012-03-02T14:29:07.638-05:00Black Dragon Year portends opportunities in both directions for investors and tradersHappy "Black Dragon" New Year 2012 in Chinese Astrology! <p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg5YISE38ZcJox-EgrRAioY_vJlgSltGyflp7vlDeVkvGNq79oVubh4CUUVSNL08ZBqvmhZIMq_j6SqvipSA6qhhFzguq9SQuAYQE_YaRRuPZ0-5-UsCUqrO59Y2HIMPB1YUxXgfF-oBM/s1600/image-790841.gif"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg5YISE38ZcJox-EgrRAioY_vJlgSltGyflp7vlDeVkvGNq79oVubh4CUUVSNL08ZBqvmhZIMq_j6SqvipSA6qhhFzguq9SQuAYQE_YaRRuPZ0-5-UsCUqrO59Y2HIMPB1YUxXgfF-oBM/s320/image-790841.gif" border="0" alt="" style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 214px; height: 130px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705296650722385586" /></a></p>Let's discuss the more bullish prospects revealed for this year due to a strong January, influences from astrology and the solar system, and prescient analysis. Theres a good chance that, after the next correction/consolidation (which could start anytime soon, actually), the next rally later this year might produce higher highs. While Raymond Merriman provides excellent work based on western astrology for financial forecasting and economic, political and social predictions, with the Chinese Black Dragon New Year we'll take a look today at some insights and predictions from Chinese astrology. And like Merriman's comments, there's definitely something you must know - the world does NOT end in December! To the extent there's any cycle closing, it's always a transition to a new cycle beginning. The end of a cycle in the winter solstice, December 2012, implies a turn and new hope for tomorrow. There's a good article "<i>2012 Doomsday Chinese Astrology, I-Ching Prediction and Mayan Calendar Prophecy</i>"at <a href="http://www.chinesefortunecalendar.com/MayanCalendarDoomsDay.htm" target="new">http://www.chinesefortunecalendar.com/MayanCalendarDoomsDay.htm</a>. Here is a quote about this:<br /><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglT9MiRmEv7aUo_yLHlaFHgAYmzrLVBlzB-jUOwFg2dcC9hfNhSv3kvrxmz5VDQ2_qUkrF-51OelbK5Nkb5IKZhFLfKexysOrorzHJBUrIFawULJXdVBC1gFG5SkxwbPkNP8Tn2v1b6rI/s1600/image-720923.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglT9MiRmEv7aUo_yLHlaFHgAYmzrLVBlzB-jUOwFg2dcC9hfNhSv3kvrxmz5VDQ2_qUkrF-51OelbK5Nkb5IKZhFLfKexysOrorzHJBUrIFawULJXdVBC1gFG5SkxwbPkNP8Tn2v1b6rI/s320/image-720923.jpeg" border="0" alt="" style="margin: 10px 10px 10px 10px; width: 150px; height: 150px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705298927690749074" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitTrA-QJK-LZoLndDEp3JG3gqXnJM8X5ppLA0SZCxbgNAI1RZ_esTKZWfIpc-ilSqNa7w_-c0Nk54kG0hSTYc87H6M_KfENn-ZHfQgR-dIxLlHRPkRTSXj8wVGQDbUUVNouGXX_UPusO0/s1600/image-737226.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitTrA-QJK-LZoLndDEp3JG3gqXnJM8X5ppLA0SZCxbgNAI1RZ_esTKZWfIpc-ilSqNa7w_-c0Nk54kG0hSTYc87H6M_KfENn-ZHfQgR-dIxLlHRPkRTSXj8wVGQDbUUVNouGXX_UPusO0/s320/image-737226.jpeg" border="0" alt="" style="margin: 10px 10px 10px 10px; width: 150px; height: 150px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705298566356459426" /></a></p><br /><blockquote>In China, there is no doomsday prediction for 2012 besides Hollywood movies. On the contrary, China has one prophecy regarding to 2012 from Ching <span lang="ZH"><span style="font-size:85%;">清</span></span> Dynasty. It said that a wise man will appear to make the world prosperous and peaceful in the year of Black Dragon. (Chinese language page <a target="_blank" href="http://www.5d8z.com/tw/Forecast2012.htm" style="text-decoration: underline; color: blue; ">Chinese Prophecy for 2012</a>).</blockquote><br />A quick lesson about marking the Chinese new year start - the traditional Chinese astrology uses a solar-based timing and identifies today, February 4, 2012, as the start of the new year - see <a href="http://www.fortuneangel.com/ChineseAstrology2012.htm" target="new">http://www.fortuneangel.com/ChineseAstrology2012.htm</a>.<br /><br />The lunar calculation, which is popularly used, placed the new year's start on January 23, 2012 - see <a href="http://www.fortuneangel.com/2012.htm" target="new">http://www.fortuneangel.com/2012.htm</a>.<br /><br /><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ01I3RQXcXI0nPdjPvv7DnOqqLID0_64F7h2f1cJ0MnXgHhKDms-CJMrIz0Emo7iqqdhh4dwySmZ-1AZCzrHq-b7uABOjcLJq67EG01a7tABZTkgD4U0UOv0PtXren9jsOMxQJl1MnoE/s1600/image-727788.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ01I3RQXcXI0nPdjPvv7DnOqqLID0_64F7h2f1cJ0MnXgHhKDms-CJMrIz0Emo7iqqdhh4dwySmZ-1AZCzrHq-b7uABOjcLJq67EG01a7tABZTkgD4U0UOv0PtXren9jsOMxQJl1MnoE/s320/image-727788.jpeg" border="0" alt="" style="margin: 10px 10px 10px 10px; width: 200px; height: 200px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705300677407279330" /></a></p>Chinese astrology provides much information which can be very revealing for those willing to spend a little time learning its concepts. Guidance actually covers all aspects of life for individuals, as well as societies and the world. The hints from Black Dragon being strong in water even suggest that "wood" type investments will be well-supported, while sectors like communications, shipping and technology may not do as well. More information on the Chinese Horoscope 2012 and Chinese Astrology 2012 - Year of Black Dragon can also be found at <a href="http://www.chinesefortunecalendar.com/2012ChineseHoroscope.htm" target="new">http://www.chinesefortunecalendar.com/2012ChineseHoroscope.htm</a>.<br /><br />As the solar start to Black Dragon Year has arrived, it's interesting that several events have occurred. The S&P 500 got into the 1340's and overbought - something I discussed in other recent posts. Warnings have sounded from the VIX falling wedge, and from the commitments of traders (COT) as described by Alex Roslin at his <a href="http://cotstimer.Blogspot.com/" target="new">COTs Timer blog</a>. Even the last "Occupy Wall Street" camp was closed, which could be a socionomic signal of a top, even if an interim one. And at the end of the past week, just before the solar Black Dragon Year started, with its strong water energy, we saw divergence across various markets (discussed in my prior recent posts here). It may not be a coincidence that crude oil - related to fire and, in a way, earth - already started weakening from the lunar start January 23.<br /><br /><div>Here's the introduction to a forecast the McClellans are featuring this weekend as their Free Weekly Technical Analysis Chart by McClellan Financial, 2/3/12 at <a href="http://www.mcoscillator.com/learning_center/weekly_chart/" target="new">http://www.mcoscillator.com/learning_center/weekly_chart/</a></div><div></div><blockquote><br /><div><a href="http://www.mcoscillator.com/learning_center/weekly_chart/eurodollar_cot_indication_calls_for_big_stock_market_top_now/"><img src="http://www.mcoscillator.com/images/sized/data/charts/weekly/ED-COT_2012-400x216.gif" width="400" height="216" alt="small chart" class="small_chart" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-style: none !important; border-right-style: solid !important; border-bottom-style: solid !important; border-left-style: solid !important; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; text-decoration: none; border-top-width: initial !important; border-top-color: initial !important; border-right-width: 2px !important; border-right-color: white !important; border-bottom-width: 2px !important; border-bottom-color: white !important; border-left-width: 2px !important; border-left-color: white !important; " /></a><b>February 03, 2012</b></div><b>Eurodollar COT Indication Calls For Big Stock Market Top Now</b><p style="margin-top: 5px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.8em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">Back in May 2011, I introduced Chart In Focus readers to the leading indication that I get from looking at Commitment of Traders (COT) data on eurodollar futures. Since then (and also before) readers of our twice monthly McClellan Market Report newsletter and Daily Edition have appreciated getting to see this relationship on a more frequent basis. For almost a year, we have known that a top was due to arrive in February 2012. And sure enough, stock prices have been rising nicely in recent weeks as fulfillment of that expectation. Now this leading indication says that things are going to…<b style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "> <a class="more" href="http://www.mcoscillator.com/learning_center/weekly_chart/eurodollar_cot_indication_calls_for_big_stock_market_top_now/" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 13px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(21, 32, 57); background-image: url(http://www.mcoscillator.com/images/icons/more_arrow_13ht_blue.gif); background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; " target="new">more</a></b></p></blockquote><br />Guess what - the McClellan COT-based forecast chart bears some resemblance to the combined solar-lunar/Bradley forecast for 2012 by and at <a href="http://www.amalgamator.co.uk/" target="new">Amalgamator</a> (included in the sites list at the right side of the full site page here). That 2012 forecast calls for a crest anytime in coming trading days, then working down into late spring or early summer. Then a rise about July, some pullback, then upward into late this year.<br /><br />It's also consistent with the "Three Peaks and a Domed House" scenario being tracked by Hirsch in their article at <a href="http://blog.stocktradersalmanac.com/post/New-Highs-But-3-Peaks-Top-Looms" target="new">http://blog.stocktradersalmanac.com/post/New-Highs-But-3-Peaks-Top-Looms</a>. The idea appears to be that we're hitting a crest or plateau from which we should expect correction or consolidation for awhile. Then another big move up to complete the final dome ... And <i>then</i>, down smartly. It's all enough to make one think that the bearish time will be in 2013. Maybe that's just fitting, 4 years after the March 2009 lows.<br /><br />Some Chinese-calendar astrologers recommend investing in Chinese and Russian stock markets for those who want to "ride the dragon". That's mentioned in the article cited below, as well as this quote:<blockquote>"The world economy will be unstable in the Year of the Dragon, because the economies in Europe and the U.S. are still suffering from the effects of the recession," Hong Kong Feng Shui master Anthony Cheng said.<p></p></blockquote>See the article "<i>Chinese New Year 2012: Meaning and Predictions for the Year of the Dragon - International Business Times</i>" at <a href="http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/285634/20120122/chinese-new-year-2012-predictions-dragon.htm" target="new">http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/285634/20120122/chinese-new-year-2012-predictions-dragon.htm</a>.<br /><br />Remember - the good news is that human civilization has at least 60 or 70 million years to go, according to the Chinese astrological system - it certainly doesn't end in 2012! But the rise we get in the second half of the year isn't guaranteed to be massive - let's focus more on time than price. There's potential cautionary notes coming from financial astrology, including in the Chinese method. There's a prediction article by Raymond Lo (source cited below) which deserves careful attention because it provides much information for all aspects, including health and politics as well as the economy. Raymond Lo is a Professional Feng Shui Researcher & Practitioner; and we might consider that there may be many Chinese investors who will be influenced in their approach by these concepts. Here's a quote about markets, but do read the whole article:<blockquote><i>Regarding the economy, fire element is often the driving force behind the stock market. The five elements are also affecting peoples mood. In general fire is joy, water is fear, Earth is meditation, metal is sadness, and wood is anger. As such, fire year often generates optimism and drive up the stock market, such as 2006 and 2007.<br /><br />But in 2008 the water arrived and obviously people began to have fear about worsening of the USA sub-prime problem and recession. In the year 2009 there [was] pure earth on earth. The earth element is stopping the water and it also symbolise meditation. So it means people will be conservative and play safe but gain more stability. In 2010. the Tiger carries the seed of fire element and so there had been substantial economic recovery with stronger optimism starting from the spring season. There is a short setback with the economic crisis in Greece and Portugal in late spring but with summer fire coming in May, the stock market recovered with strong momentum.<br /><br />In 2011, the Rabbit [was] pure wood, it is not so strong in generating fire like the Tiger. So the economy was not as fast moving as the Tiger but there is also strong summer fire supported by wood in 2011, so the stock market continued to be vibrant and active in first half of 2011 until August when autumn arrived and no more fire support, there is serious setback in second half of 2011. With strong water coming in 2012, one have to be cautioned against more setback lasting into 2012.<br /><br />2012 is year of water and earth, it is continual absence of fire element, so this could be a year that the economic activities and stock market will further slow down. The strong water this year is creating the mood of water, which is fear, people will be less optimistic. This will become more serious in the winter months of October, November. The economic crisis in certain European countries may be deepening and causing downturn in the global economy and stock market. Investors should enter a caution period especially in the second half of 2012.</i></blockquote><div>See the whole article at <a href="http://www.raymond-lo.com/article_details.php?id=45">http://www.raymond-lo.com/article_details.php?id=45</a>.</div><br />Therefore, in addition to sector rotation which may favor agricultural commodities, textiles and clothing, we should remain alert that not all highs are higher highs. Like 2011, this year may prove to be one when timing is important.<br /><br />Happy Black Dragon Year!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5271299707945621790.post-82522002695587205872011-05-07T18:48:00.004-04:002011-05-07T19:05:12.846-04:00Herbalife products available from buddy, Independent DistributorA great buddy of mine has become an independent distributor of Herbalife products - nutrition, energy, weight loss, snacks & beverages, skin care, and even perfume (nice!). His name is Barry, his products website (powered through "Great Shape Today") is <a href="http://www.jbrnutritiontoday.com/" target="new">http://www.jbrnutritiontoday.com/</a>, and he's authorized to use this Herbalife logo in connection with his independent distribution of these fine products:<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiokhhZFDOt_EwgHCTO_5sgHORTcommYitDdCtOHWpgwMZ0h67mswxW5FXOmWuTG4LAQLkJtRSidtz5yXUGho7jNMWzs5A7mfOApg73hqbuN_mEAvGstLqM99yZD0UZlsh1ZcPK6NC13H4/s1600/image-794207.png"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiokhhZFDOt_EwgHCTO_5sgHORTcommYitDdCtOHWpgwMZ0h67mswxW5FXOmWuTG4LAQLkJtRSidtz5yXUGho7jNMWzs5A7mfOApg73hqbuN_mEAvGstLqM99yZD0UZlsh1ZcPK6NC13H4/s320/image-794207.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604109811384867122" /></a></p><br />If you're interested in these products, by all means browse his site and try something. If you want to ask about becoming a distributor yourself, contact him through the site. The site prompts for a passcode which apparently one must enter name and email to receive. It's not a bad way to engage in a home-based business, especially one with such quality healthy products.<br /><br />They're quite similar to a set of five elements based products I used to consume some years ago. I also like the convenience of low-cal, high-protein healthy meals for good energy and nutrition.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5271299707945621790.post-67238897175082494852009-12-31T17:00:00.003-05:002009-12-31T17:02:07.016-05:00HAPPY NEW YEAR 2010!!!I realize this is early - but we'll just celebrate again for the Chinese New Year when the time is right!<br /><br /><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg39ahcdmJ0gGw-IEmaPh1yX8OjSaPkwsrxrX1s4mV159KyDCf4hZR_rPNmeB5FjIlOaZk0vQJOGTFllza5M44vUk5AxQ9tBZNjShqBzpilAswmSlAZkpFMiQRim5euyIvreyq9-bhRfZe5/s1600-h/image-742047.png"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg39ahcdmJ0gGw-IEmaPh1yX8OjSaPkwsrxrX1s4mV159KyDCf4hZR_rPNmeB5FjIlOaZk0vQJOGTFllza5M44vUk5AxQ9tBZNjShqBzpilAswmSlAZkpFMiQRim5euyIvreyq9-bhRfZe5/s320/image-742047.png" border="0" alt="" width="600" height="360" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421518074388542450" /></a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5271299707945621790.post-75679245764843233362009-05-16T11:58:00.001-04:002009-05-16T12:00:16.110-04:00More information on the Chinese Five-Element (Yin-Yang) calendar method when used for market cycles analysisManfred <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Zimmel</span> wrote a very interesting article at his <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">amanita</span> website about the Chinese calendar used for market cycles analysis. We already know this calendar incorporates the Five Elements which in turn are based upon yin-yang, as explicated in the book, <em>I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Ching</span>: The Book of Changes and the Unchanging Truth</em> (written by my beloved teacher's teacher, Master Ni, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Hua</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Ching</span>). Manfred <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Zimmel's</span> article written and posted in February, 2009 at his site, at <a class="post-url" href="http://www.amanita.at/Interessantes/Artikel/detail.php?id=1584" target="_blank">http://www.amanita.at/Interessantes/Artikel/detail.php?id=1584</a>, discusses this as well as western astrological views about market cycles. Below, I'll just quote the portions discussing specifically the Five-Element calendar:<br /><br /><blockquote><blockquote><p>Chinese zodiac cycle (length: 12 years): amplitude 22%<br /><br />The Chinese years [within the calendar system] are also distributed very unevenly (pictures from <a href="http://www.chinaseite.de/china-kultur/chinesische-astrologie/chinesisches-horoskop/chinesische-tierkreiszeichen.html">http://www.chinaseite.de/china-kultur/chinesische-astrologie/chinesisches-horoskop/chinesische-tierkreiszeichen.html</a>): <br /><br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu00YhZ-b608iBMXvwt95VHRdsLyLDJhK3IlKIOpOg05pFeychFdzJeE0qkL80e4V4b6nKVK5smR2DjryB2euZ5HPqCFZFj1hhBbCgRRpmuqPhtGyn7hxLHLtD5UZRQ72kp60QaE9sKMhX/s1600-h/Chineseyears-marketperformance-ManfredZimmel.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336429964130963538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 296px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu00YhZ-b608iBMXvwt95VHRdsLyLDJhK3IlKIOpOg05pFeychFdzJeE0qkL80e4V4b6nKVK5smR2DjryB2euZ5HPqCFZFj1hhBbCgRRpmuqPhtGyn7hxLHLtD5UZRQ72kp60QaE9sKMhX/s400/Chineseyears-marketperformance-ManfredZimmel.gif" border="0" /> </a>Is that in accordance with theory? Yes quite well: </blockquote><blockquote><p>#1 rabbit (element: wood): The rabbit is breeding fastest of all 12 animals, it is a universal fertility symbol. </p><p>#2 pig (element: water): The pig has a very positive meaning, too, in Europe a New Year gift that should bring good luck is a small pig (made of chocolate or plastic, for instance). Another symbol representing luck is the fly <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">agaric</span>, which is called „<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">amanita</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">muscaria</span>" In Latin and the origin of the name "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Amanita</span> Market Forecasting". </p><p>#3 dragon (element: wood): In China the dragon is a symbol for luck similar to the pig in the West. Dragon years are considered to be beneficial for marriages and births in China. </p><p>It's no coincidence that the 3 weakest signs are the 3 fire signs: sheep, horse, and snake. Fire is destructive in Chinese tradition. Good times are stabilizing a situation while bad times are catalysts of change, change & transformation are another meaning of the element fire. At the very bottom of the hierarchy is the snake: of the 12 animals, the snake is the least liked and most feared, as well as bear markets and bad times. On the other hand, 2 of the 3 best signs (rabbit and dragon) belong to the element wood which stands for dynamic rise and growth.<br /><br />It's interesting that each of the 4 elements represents a season: water = winter, wood = spring, fire = summer, metal = fall. Of the 4 seasons, summer (= fire) is the worst performing in the stock markets. Summer ends around 9/23 and late September also marks the average (statistical) bottom of the Dow Jones. Because the symbolic meaning and the empirical findings align well, the thousands of years old Chinese system is supported.<br /><br />Sign ............. element ............. average profit (%) ........... next occurrence<br /><br />1, RABBIT ... wood ................ 21.7 .................................... 2011<br /><br />2, PIG ............. water .............. 13.5 .................................... 2019<br /><br />3, DRAGON ... water .............. 12.0 .................................. 2012<br /><br />4, ROOSTER .. metal .............. 10.5 ................................. 2017<br /><br />5, DOG ............ metal ............. 8.5 .................................... 2018<br /><br />6, RAT ............. water ............. 5.5 ................................... 2020<br /><br />7, OX ................ water ............. 5.0 ................................... 2009<br /><br />8, MONKEY .... metal ............. 3.9 ................................... 2016<br /><br />9, TIGER ......... wood .............. 2.3 ................................... 2010<br /><br />10, SHEEP ....... fire ................ 1.5 ................................... 2015<br /><br />11, HORSE ....... fire ................. 0.0 .................................. 2014<br /><br />12, SNAKE ....... fire ................. -0.4 ................................ 2013 </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZfcwv8RZFfNWzGD9HLTAHZbz1z6lOUljRkaqEhBRt9IyoNthQoidH0ASjPf_goSYNdxM4aU2-O33ICQcl8o_VrNc04iCeNg1k-aKtpwz7WjW2XTobKkKP7puHupwDZD5QFL4Q0QaY0eI/s1600-h/Chinesezodiac-returnstable-ManfredZimmel.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336435548020363634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 256px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZfcwv8RZFfNWzGD9HLTAHZbz1z6lOUljRkaqEhBRt9IyoNthQoidH0ASjPf_goSYNdxM4aU2-O33ICQcl8o_VrNc04iCeNg1k-aKtpwz7WjW2XTobKkKP7puHupwDZD5QFL4Q0QaY0eI/s400/Chinesezodiac-returnstable-ManfredZimmel.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><em>Deriving a simple model</em><br />With an amplitude (difference between the best and worst year) of 22-23% the 12-year Chinese cycle and the 7-year planetary cycle are somewhat weaker than the 10-year decade cycle (amplitude 35%) but much stronger than the 4-year election cycle (amplitude only 6%). ....</p></blockquote></blockquote>For more about this model that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Zimmel</span> derives, check out his full article, because this zodiac information is only one of a few inputs he uses. And I am not saying that I subscribe to or endorse all his analyses or conclusions. My main point here and now, is to help people to understand that the Five Elements system that is so ancient still remains a remarkable one for understanding ourselves and, to some extent, pointing the way for our futures.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5271299707945621790.post-46179939561301488192009-04-05T16:11:00.005-04:002009-04-05T18:41:45.708-04:00Cycles in Taoist theory: the 60-year Chinese calendar cycle<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJWlIkI2BWOhzbvse_pmt0jvNe6HQvPpCB6IwwYI7Uu_BuGhi32aecFy0lNyh4XFdKCrgPxbfD9Xn5GUxUYX9eyqn2hEHWnP0k89dlifumEuFhQoYUWMAs-2GmMOnjVOUetrEIt-9lWck/s1600-h/StemBranchSequenceOrder.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321315930133868146" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 340px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 63px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJWlIkI2BWOhzbvse_pmt0jvNe6HQvPpCB6IwwYI7Uu_BuGhi32aecFy0lNyh4XFdKCrgPxbfD9Xn5GUxUYX9eyqn2hEHWnP0k89dlifumEuFhQoYUWMAs-2GmMOnjVOUetrEIt-9lWck/s320/StemBranchSequenceOrder.JPG" border="0" /></a>Sixty years completes a full calendar cycle in the ancient Taoist or Chinese system. It is so ancient that it predates the invention of Chinese characters. This system considers 10 "Heavenly Stems" and 12 "Earthly Branches" which pair up or combined in a manner that yields a cycle of 60 counting systems. You may already know about the 12 animals that correspond to the 12 Earthly Branches, and even the little story that recites that the rat crossed the water first and hence starts each 12-year cycle. Well, the complete 60-year cycle with the "Wooden Rat" and ends with the "Water Pig." The references to wood and water, as well as to fire, earth and metal, refer to the Five Elements. Each of the Five Elements has a yin and yang aspect - thus providing the 10 Heavenly Stems. Pairing each of the 12 animals repeatedly with the Five Elements calculates as 5 times 12 = 60.<br /><br />I've considered that applying the Five Elements to the cycles could mean 5 times 60 = 300, and then allowing an in-between cycle (as a sort of return to center) could correlate to the 360 degrees of a full circle. Just a thought. Then again, there's apparently a system called the Purple White Flying Stars that is supposed to be related to the Five Elements and has a cycle of 180 years, which would of course be half a circle. I'm not personally familiar with this system so will just copy in below some information available about it, from the website I've referenced below:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1cx6qmeFVY_YXlEAh234K4N49weQlZy_bWPAee6mNAXsiDvt8nkyd5EihJqyJIhzxjjNe5jf-fvzXm-fiZV-AqE-alYpq3rGE81-7P1ScZ7TRScKrUytkWnK7IxNcKj4X4Mk62f_-Cuw/s1600-h/180yearcyclepurplewhiteflyingstarts.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321307758154827970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 441px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 146px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1cx6qmeFVY_YXlEAh234K4N49weQlZy_bWPAee6mNAXsiDvt8nkyd5EihJqyJIhzxjjNe5jf-fvzXm-fiZV-AqE-alYpq3rGE81-7P1ScZ7TRScKrUytkWnK7IxNcKj4X4Mk62f_-Cuw/s400/180yearcyclepurplewhiteflyingstarts.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />As described by one website that posts a fair amount of information on these things (with the interesting name, <a href="http://www.fortuneangel.com/">http://www.fortuneangel.com/</a>), the time span from the western Year 1924 to Year 1983 was a complete cycle. Also, Year 1999 was the Brown Rabbit which marks the 16th year in the 60-year Stem-Branch system. And the Year 2000 was the White (Golden) Dragon.<br /><br />So 1984 started a new 60-year cycle in this system, that will continue through 2043. Half-way through this cycle will be the year 2013. It will be quite interesting from a stock market trading perspective if we see that the huge rise from 1984 through 1999 might be completely corrected by or during the year 2013! But - I do not know if we can necessarily or always draw such glaring primary conclusions from these numbers.<br /><br />There is much more that can be understood about this cycle system, so this is just a beginning. At least, shouldn't we take some comfort from the notion that this system - unlike the Mayan calendar that also had cycles of about 50 or 60 years - continues to project past the year 2012?!<br /><br />For now, I will just copy in some more information from that FortuneAngel website - this is information that is well known among those who study Taoism, t'ai chi and the like, I just refer to that website because they have posted a lot of the information in a way that's rather easy to access. Just be aware that the simple way of explaining these relationships makes it easier to remember. But these relationships also have many dimensions and can be respected for their explanatory power in many aspects of life.<br /><br /><div><blockquote><br /><p>The ancient Chinese YIN-YANG scholars believed that there are two natural, complementary and contradictory forces in our universe. The scholars named them as YIN and YANG. YIN represents the female, negative, darkness, softness, moisture, night-time, even numbers and docile aspects of things. YANG represents the male, positive, brightness, hardness, dryness, day-time, odd numbers and dominant aspects. YIN and YANG are continually in the state of flux and always looking for the BALANCE point. One moves, the other responds. Therefore,ancient scholars treated this natural phenomenon as a natural universal law.<br /><br />These scholars also believed that our universe consisted of five basic elements, which are Metal, Water, Wood, Fire and Earth (Soil). Everything, including humans, in the universe (between Heaven and Earth) must have a relationship with these five elements. So they tried to apply the five elements not only to every physical thing in the world, but also to the Colors, Directions, Seasons and Sounds. They even applied to the Years, Months, Days, Hours, Minutes and Seconds of the Chinese Calendar. Now, people are able to know their five-element weights from their birth date and time. Based on the combination of these five-element weights plus the concept of the natural phenomenon, they can tell the rise and fall of human destiny (fate) cycle.<br /><br />FIVE ELEMENTS does not only mean metal, water, wood, fire and earth. The "element" in Chinese also means MOVEMENT, CHANGEABLE and DEVELOPMENT. These elements have their Ying and Yang sides too. They are moving, waning, waxing and changing all the time. Just like Ying and Yang, the movements of five elements are slow and stable when they are in kind of balance. If they are out of balance, then the movements are unstable and unpredictable. When a person is in a stable (five-element) environment, he should live peacefully. When a person is in an unpredictable environment, he is easily out of control. A person will feel lucky when everything is under control. A person will feel bad "luck" when everything is out of control. If you want to be a "lucky" person, you have to move to an environment to bring your five elements into balance. [Another way of thinking about this is to be in tune, or <em>wu wei</em> (the subject of a prior post here).]<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglLk6YEs_9kkH_vLsZ7YVF-a1DibGceHCpd2Cgnrmx9b5_AkFAIFViipfXqbew8-sbLEoelWyITq2DbORlGUIYHPjK7wkYhZ1xlhFSHnjGDeLrjV9xGhgZmDh_wXg6c9SMZYME1yGbCJg/s1600-h/5elementsaffinity.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321310654832951026" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 193px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 178px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglLk6YEs_9kkH_vLsZ7YVF-a1DibGceHCpd2Cgnrmx9b5_AkFAIFViipfXqbew8-sbLEoelWyITq2DbORlGUIYHPjK7wkYhZ1xlhFSHnjGDeLrjV9xGhgZmDh_wXg6c9SMZYME1yGbCJg/s320/5elementsaffinity.bmp" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuv8AQpRB6kVnXTTFl-yN3uuXioFslPLJzksE-HYTmvEF-AH4S5ui7xwXJT0F8vfyHikg3U9CXj5cLxhyuMx242CQMOWw8jTMoz-KQDK74ULMo1aXSGSNE6LjFm8JHVa51C4rkvX8782k/s1600-h/5elementsenmity.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321310648962671106" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 223px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 196px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuv8AQpRB6kVnXTTFl-yN3uuXioFslPLJzksE-HYTmvEF-AH4S5ui7xwXJT0F8vfyHikg3U9CXj5cLxhyuMx242CQMOWw8jTMoz-KQDK74ULMo1aXSGSNE6LjFm8JHVa51C4rkvX8782k/s320/5elementsenmity.bmp" border="0" /></a><br />FIVE ELEMENTS</p><br /><p>[We] use metal, water, wood, fire and earth as the five elements to explain everything. Metal stands for mineral, gold, jewelry, iron, rock or something hard. Water stands for liquid or something cold. Wood stands for tree or something to do with wood. Fire stands for Sun, fire, heat, light or something hot. Earth stands for soil, dust or ground. There are affinity and enmity relationships between five elements.<br /><br />The affinity relationship means supporting, helping, producing, constructive, generating etc.<br />*Water can help tree (Wood) grow.<br />*Wood can help Fire to burn.<br />*Fire can help to produce dust (Earth).<br />*Earth can help mineral (Metal) to form.<br />*Metal can hold Water.<br /><br />We can say that :-<br />*Water is the supporting element of Wood. Wood can release the power of Water.<br />*Wood is the supporting element of Fire. Fire can release the power of Wood.<br />*Fire is the supporting element of Earth. Earth can release the power of Fire.<br />*Earth is the supporting element of Metal. Metal can release the power of Earth.<br />*Metal is the supporting element of Water. Water can release the power of Metal.<br /><br />The enmity relationship means fighting, conflicting, rejecting, destructive etc.<br />*Water can extinguish Fire, but Fire might evaporate Water.<br />*Wood can break the ground (Earth), but Earth can buries Wood too.<br />*Fire can melt Metal, but Metal might not melt before Fire is extinguished.<br />*Earth can absorb Water, but Water can cover the land (Earth).<br />*Metal can cut Wood, but Metal might become dull before breaking Wood.<br /><br />We can say that :-<br />*Water and Fire are enemies. Water overwhelms the movement of Fire.<br />*Wood and Earth are enemies. Wood overwhelms the movement of Earth.<br />*Fire and Metal are enemies. Fire overwhelms the movement of Metal.<br />*Earth and Water are enemies. Earth overwhelms the movement of Water.<br />*Metal and Wood are enemies. Metal overwhelms the movement of Wood. </p></blockquote>A final word to close this post: many thanks to my teacher's teacher, Master Ni, Hua-Ching; who chose to include so much of this valuable information in his books and teachings, and included an incredibly complete presentation of this cycle system as part of the prefatory material in his book, <em>I Ching: The Book of Changes and the Unchanging Truth</em>. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5271299707945621790.post-59239309166326639622009-02-01T15:47:00.006-05:002009-02-01T16:14:54.310-05:00How now, brown cow? HAPPY NEW YEAR!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidg1wqP_WBBJuppVzaCYmgFvNKIpMQ_CO81Clp7cDwA6Z0MYn4TpMP24ucEvnXLbL6zG4q433dpm1Jj5UmUJhuItUixzXB0HABJnSwrhXsapelFvjtueSJEVYgavJx0R8qqQhUtjz5MJo/s1600-h/cow2-paperBrown.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297938010806852914" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 106px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 113px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidg1wqP_WBBJuppVzaCYmgFvNKIpMQ_CO81Clp7cDwA6Z0MYn4TpMP24ucEvnXLbL6zG4q433dpm1Jj5UmUJhuItUixzXB0HABJnSwrhXsapelFvjtueSJEVYgavJx0R8qqQhUtjz5MJo/s400/cow2-paperBrown.gif" border="0" /></a>Happy Chinese (and Five Element) New Year! In earlier posts, I mentioned that the essential yin-yang subdivides in a way that leads to the Five Elements (playing into the birthcharts I've mentioned before, and I'd like to visit the Five Elements topic more in future posts too). This 2009 New Year is sometimes called the year of the Ox, but it is actually a yin (female) sign so we say Cow. And this is an Earth year (in the five elements - water, wood, fire, earth, metal), so we use the colors brown or yellow to signify that. So this <em>really is</em> the year of the <strong><span style="color:#663300;">Brown Cow</span></strong>!<br /><br />If you missed the onset of this new year, don't worry. The Chinese Astrological New Year actually doesn't start until <strong>February 3</strong> in the U.S., and <strong>February 4 in China</strong>. So there's still a bit of time!<br /><br />I actually quite like the <span style="color:#663300;">www.fortuneangel.com</span> web site for providing all sorts of really good information for anyone interested in the Chinese and Taoist five elements and how they affect our lives. You can even use it to locate your own birthchart information, as well as information to help you with health, family, financial, relationship and other issues.<br /><br />So, here's a quote of some information from their webpages about this <strong><span style="color:#663300;">2009 Brown Cow New Year</span></strong> (I know the grammar shows a rough translation into English, but it's rather charming and I'd rather not disturb with any editorial changes):<br /><blockquote><blockquote><p>The Chinese New Year day is on January 26, 2009. This day is a new moon day, it is the first day of the first Chinese lunar month in the Chinese Lunar Calendar system.</p><p><span style="color:#3333ff;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>The First Day of Brown Cow Astrology Year</strong></span></span></p><p>In China's time zone, the first day of the Brow Cow Year is <span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong>February 4th</strong></span>, 2009, because February 4th, 2009 is the first day of <a href="http://www.fortuneangel.com/CLC/LunarCalendar.htm">Tiger month</a> and the Tiger month is the first month of the year in Chinese Fortune-Telling Calendar system. In the Chinese Fortune-Telling calendar, the first day of the first month, Tiger month, is called "<a href="http://www.fortuneangel.com/CLC/LunarCalendar.htm">Start of Spring</a>", which is when the sun enters the 315th degree on the tropical zodiac. In the China's time zone, the time of the Start of Spring is at Feb-04 00:49. So the first day of the Brown Cow year 2009 is on <span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong>04-Feb-09</strong></span>.</p><p><strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">The time of the Start of Spring is on Feb-03 at 11:49 for US EST zone and on Feb-03 at 08:49 for US PST zone. So the first day of Brown Cow Year in USA is on 03-Feb-09.</span></strong></p><p>People born in late January or early February may be confused about their birth year Chinese astrology animal signs. This is because it is a common misconception that the astrology animal signs begin on the Chinese New Year day. Actually, Astrology animal signs are based on the Start of Spring, the first day of astrology year. For example, if a baby was born after the Chinese New Year Day and before Feb-04 2009, then its animal sign is the Rat, not Cow because the birthday is before the Start of Spring. If you are still confused about your animal sign, we have an <a href="http://www.fortuneangel.com/AnimalSign.htm">Animal Sign page</a> for people to verify their Chinese birth year animal signs.</p><p><strong><span style="color:#660000;">2009 is the year of Female Brown Cow</span></strong>. Brown is equivalent to Earth in Five Element theory. The major element in Cow is Earth, too. That means Earth comes in 2009 very strong.<br /><br />If your lucky element is Earth, then you will have a very good 2009 year. If Earth represents your money, then your money luck will bring you a big fortune. If Earth is related to your job, then will have a good career luck in 2009. </p><p>On the contrary, if Earth are your unlucky element, then 2009 will be a tough year for you. If Earth is money to you, then you will have a financial trouble, If Earth represents career to you, then will feel lots of pressure from your job in 2009. </p><p>Earth is the mother (supporting) element of Metal. If your lucky element is Metal, then you will have a great year too. If Metal is your unlucky element, then 2009 won't be a peaceful year to you.<br /><br /><em>Special Earth Relationship</em><br />If the Earth or Metal are your lucky element or unlucky element, then you have to check any Special Earth Relationship between 2009 Female Earth Cow and your <a href="http://www.fortuneangel.com/LE.htm">Birth Chart</a> as well as your <a href="http://www.fortuneangel.com/FindGoodCycle.htm">Current Major Cycle</a>. Those relationships can make you even luckier or bring you poorer luck in 2009. </p><p>If Rat is found in your Birth Chart or Current Major Cycle, then Earth will become even stronger, because Rat and Cow together have the <a href="http://www.fortuneangel.com/BranchRelation.htm">Attraction Relationship</a> into Earth. If your lucky element is Earth, then you must have a great year 2009. If Water is your lucky element, then the trouble in 2009 is expecting. </p><p>If Sheep is found in your Birth Chart or Current Major Cycle, then Earth will become more powerful, because Sheep and Cow together have the <a style="COLOR: blue; TEXT-DECORATION: underline" href="http://www.fortuneangel.com/BranchRelation.htm">Fighting Relationship</a>. When they fight, both of them fill with Earth energy. This is a plus sign for Lucky Element Earth people.<br /><br />If Female Water is found in your Birth Chart or Current Major Cycle, then Metal will become stronger, because Chicken and Cow together have the <a href="http://www.fortuneangel.com/BranchRelation.htm">Attraction Relationship</a> into Metal. The Lucky Element Metal people will get benefit in 2009. </p><p>If Female Water is found in your Birth Chart or Current Major Cycle, then Lucky Element Fire people will gain some good luck in 2009. This is because Female Water and Male Earth together have the <a href="http://www.fortuneangel.com/StemRelation.htm">Attraction Relationship</a> into Fire. The following link contains the detail predictions for 2009 including monthly cycles.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.chinesefortunecalendar.com/LanternFestival2009.htm" target="_blank">2009 Chinese Lantern Festival on February 9</a><a href="http://www.fortuneangel.com/2009/2009Zodiac.htm">2009 Chinese Horoscopes using 12 Chinese Zodiac Signs by birth Year</a></p></blockquote></blockquote>I'll close by coming back to some of the essential teachings of the Tao, for this Tao of Trading blogspot. Remember in some of the earliest posts, I referred to the image of Lao Tzu riding a bull (or water buffalo, or ox)? It's the image of the spirit (yang) guiding and riding upon the physical (yin) aspects of one's being. It also fits in very well with the <em>wu wei</em> principle discussed in my post earlier today (below). So here's a nice image evoking this point:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCvd1v1jl8IwwG9tVX8AFYHK_jOKLHzebqdQPqnCwNdb9epHK2h7qUV1ZFtaCWJ_QQvq4_euRfeZrdbJn6wBhU2YdJpBhZRBxlBehPR_4534qpM9epC7Iur2fSNf-EwpXmSP10G1HdVTU/s1600-h/springcow.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297938886875536658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 188px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCvd1v1jl8IwwG9tVX8AFYHK_jOKLHzebqdQPqnCwNdb9epHK2h7qUV1ZFtaCWJ_QQvq4_euRfeZrdbJn6wBhU2YdJpBhZRBxlBehPR_4534qpM9epC7Iur2fSNf-EwpXmSP10G1HdVTU/s400/springcow.gif" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5271299707945621790.post-42290765909245239662009-02-01T15:07:00.005-05:002009-02-01T15:45:46.669-05:00WU WEI<em></em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmDfExMFdmBSFwXeJIO2DHnK9xE02ra4Tq-BeQKb_idbvzLW7MNBg4yOns1W94QllbEn9G8NtLV3KyNez9igG_UcW3Xev6p6VD-xjY98UBi5wVsY-u-D1yFcoboYh0vf6BXmPuC2eZXrs/s1600-h/ZenCircle-Original_face_enso.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297923391574890242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 149px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmDfExMFdmBSFwXeJIO2DHnK9xE02ra4Tq-BeQKb_idbvzLW7MNBg4yOns1W94QllbEn9G8NtLV3KyNez9igG_UcW3Xev6p6VD-xjY98UBi5wVsY-u-D1yFcoboYh0vf6BXmPuC2eZXrs/s400/ZenCircle-Original_face_enso.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><em>Wu Wei</em> - a concept I've been pondering to write about here for some days. And now that the time seems right, I realize the main thing about it is - I need to re-learn this in my own life! In my trading life, and in my personal life. Well ... that figures!<br /><br />In my trading, I've been pushing it a little too hard. This became clear to me in two examples recently. One, in which I expected an upward movemenet out of a triangle that I posted about at my main trading site (UnbiasedTrading blogspot). I traded it mostly fine, but at one point I overtraded within the triangle, even though at that time I fully realized it was a triangle. Got whipsawed and didn't do as well as I should have. Still was able to take advantage of the Wednesday peak fortunately. My fault for overthinking the trade, as well as not respecting my current trading limitations (it's an avocation, and my day job needs to and does take precedence.)<br /><br />Another when I have been viewing gold as being in a definite uptrend (also shown at my main site). I was happy when I saw a small head and shoulders pattern, and it dropped neatly to my lower channel trendline. At that point, I should have reverted to my big theory absent a break of that line. Instead, I got distracted with what others were saying about gold, and didn't have the confidence to go long again. Sure enough, gold bolted upward. I'm fortunate enough that I've been watching key levels that clued me in to pay attention to the rise, as well as cycles work by Mike Korell ("Merlin") and Tim Wood that have helped focus my thoughts more clearly back to the bigger scenario I think is working in gold.<br /><br />As for the rest of my life ... well ... I do tend to overestimate my ability to devote enough time to all the myriad of activities I want to do and the other ones I need to do. Sounds like it IS time for me to revisit the <em>wu wei</em> principle. I'll trust that proceeding with a post about it, will help be a part of that.<br /><br />Thanks to Wikipedia in its interesting <em>wu wei</em> entry (helping me get to completion on this today) for also including this related translation from the <em>Tao Te Ching</em>translation by Priya Hemenway:<br /><br /><blockquote><blockquote><p><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">3</span></p><p><em><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">The Sage is occupied with the unspoken<br />and acts without effort.<br />Teaching without verbosity,<br />producing without possessing,<br />creating without regard to result,<br />claiming nothing,<br />the Sage has nothing to lose.</span> </em></p></blockquote></blockquote><em>Wu</em> may be translated as not have or without. <em>Wei</em> may be translated as do, act, serve as, govern or effort. When I used to be a <em>t'ai chi</em> student, we were taught that it means "doing nothing" or "doing nothing extra." A sort of "doing it in a way that you're not <em>doing</em> it", or "doing it without extra effort." Allowing it to happen, guiding it to happen.<br /><br />The literal meaning of <em>wu wei</em> is "without action". According to the Wikipedia entry, it's often included in the paradox <em>wei wu wei</em>: "action without action" or "effortless doing". It adds, "The practice of <em>wu wei</em> and the efficacy of <em>wei wu</em> wei are fundamental tenets in Chinese thought and have been mostly emphasized by the Taoist school. The aim of <em>wu wei</em> is to achieve a state of perfect equilibrium, or alignment with the Tao, and, as a result, obtain an irresistible form of "soft and invisible" power."<br /><br />Apparently there are those who consider that <em>wu wei</em> means "natural action" - for example, as planets revolve around the sun, they "do" this revolving, but without "doing" it; or as trees grow, they "do", but without "doing". So, knowing when (and how) to act is not knowledge, as in the sense that one would think "now is the right time to do this", but rather just doing it, naturally.<br /><br />I tend to think of it differently, more along the lines of the "action without effort" which does involve a certain awareness or conscious guidance. This doesn't mean having a knowledge or conscious thought that "oh, such and such must be done," but having an awareness of something to be done and allowing oneself to be involved without extra, awkward, or unnecessary effort in the doing of it. I'm guessing that it equates to the concept that many in sports and trading have, of "being in the flow".<br /><br />The less commonly referenced sense of <em>wu wei</em>, according to the Wikipedia entry, sounds like what I learned in <em>t'ai chi</em>: "action that does not involve struggle or excessive effort". The article explains: "In this instance, <em>Wu</em> means "without" and <em>Wei</em> means "effort". The concept of "effortless action" is a part of Taoist Internal martial arts such as Tai chi, Baguazhang and Xing Yi."<br /><br />Along these lines, here's more info neatly organized in the Wikipedia article that I'll go ahead and quote. Because it correlates the <em>wu wei</em> principle to the approach of water, which is so fundamental to the Taoist way:<br /><blockquote><blockquote>In the original Taoist texts, <em>wu wei</em> is often associated with water and its yielding nature. Although water is soft and weak, it has the capacity to erode even solid stone (e.g., Grand Canyon) and move mountains (e.g., landslides). Water is without will (i.e., the will for a shape), though it may be understood to be opposing wood, stone, or any solid aggregated material that can be broken into pieces. Due to its nature and propensity, water may potentially fill any container, assume any shape; given the water cycle water may potentially go "anywhere", even into the minutest holes, both metaphorical and actual.</blockquote></blockquote>For myself, I think that trading as an activity will always involve some level of effort, but the take-away I'll have is to focus on what is the right effort. I've been fortunate enough to learn what signals, tools and indicators "work" for my trading style, for the most part. And so I've been able to some extent, to weed out other systems, etc., that don't work as well for me. I like the idea of cutting out the distractions and those things that don't work, allowing what does work to reveal itself. Then all I've got to do is allow those to guide my trading without overdoing it.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5271299707945621790.post-37185519909464793082008-11-30T01:48:00.006-05:002008-11-30T20:24:39.211-05:00Birthcharts available<strong>New for the holidays</strong> - <em>five-element cycle-based birth charts available</em>! I'll provide personalized five-element birthchart information for you and/or others for whom you wish to provide birthcharts. This is not the simplistic popular, animal-of-your-birth year info. Your real chart incorporates both stem and branch detail for your birth year, month, day, and hour. This is the ancient system used to unravel your health and feng shui issues, money and financial luck, relationship guidance, lucky and unlucky elements, beneficial times and cycles. The insights may surprise you and are amazingly accurate to the individual aspects of the person being "charted".<br /><br />This is not a commercial offering, but a service offered to those who appreciate the helpful guidance and tips from this rich base of knowledge. (This does also make a great gift to your family and friends!) I'm only offering it here, and to those who donate to the surviving family of my late, best trading mentor (see donate button at the bottom of this page). All proceeds go solely as a gift to that family.<br /><br />A basic birth chart will be provided for donations of $25, along with pointers to resources where you can learn more about how to apply your unique birth chart data. Those who donate $50 or more will receive a detailed birth chart with specific interpretations and guidance. The ancient five-element system draws upon, and interrelates with, the same yin-yang correlations and cycles of the <em>Tao Teh Ching</em> and <em>I Ching</em>, and personalizes them for the individual's birth-based aspects including health, finances, career, family, and <em>feng shui</em>.<br /><br />The required data are specific birth time including time of day/night, month, day, and year; location (relative to GMT is also sufficient); whether or not daylight saving time was in effect (since it adjusts the natural time); and gender. (Name is not required.) Proof of donation, such as a .PDF or screenshot of donation receipt, will be requested (please do not include any credit card, etc., data). Send all inquiries in confidence to <a href="mailto:birthcharts@ubtnb3.com">birthcharts@ubtnb3.com</a>.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWQBQNpkupmPcRRuKq2OCMdtx4YU1f69toGv5PDwUlGngJKRwHSEU_5Xpcqcyy9XX3M_jTEzNyIPl1-IQ1a3NHZukqoWReQ8ARsVxsb1pEAHmepUg7gAxnT_sIYKIbe5lfbre4RrUaYZM/s1600-h/ObamaBC-31chinese5elementbc.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274623831373301970" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 73px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWQBQNpkupmPcRRuKq2OCMdtx4YU1f69toGv5PDwUlGngJKRwHSEU_5Xpcqcyy9XX3M_jTEzNyIPl1-IQ1a3NHZukqoWReQ8ARsVxsb1pEAHmepUg7gAxnT_sIYKIbe5lfbre4RrUaYZM/s400/ObamaBC-31chinese5elementbc.gif" border="0" /></a> Here's an example of how the cycle data computed for your individual birth chart are much more detailed than the simplistic "year-of-birth" signs most people know. This one happens to be publicly available because it's the birth chart core data for Barack Obama based on his birth certificate that's been made publicly available. This computed core data is then used to determine your lucky and unlucky elements, which then help to provide guidance for favorable and unfavorable times and locations, including for health, career, relationships, <em>feng shui</em> and more.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5271299707945621790.post-65752240052189978112008-11-26T16:45:00.002-05:002008-11-26T23:40:39.337-05:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizunbFuxaF8TnwajymAJ0NBCaa04bZxuQxd5Ie6y7YtDynyR6EJCo-3DB3QOcwN-_yZCVskT6R_n5TXd_n_A_wwZzOTswBDtC-NEtx_zkvbShia2a8tq3u1ZmCys3ZzR-WdwS8oZWSs1A/s1600-h/HappyThanksgivingbanner.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273085854556515938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 161px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizunbFuxaF8TnwajymAJ0NBCaa04bZxuQxd5Ie6y7YtDynyR6EJCo-3DB3QOcwN-_yZCVskT6R_n5TXd_n_A_wwZzOTswBDtC-NEtx_zkvbShia2a8tq3u1ZmCys3ZzR-WdwS8oZWSs1A/s400/HappyThanksgivingbanner.bmp" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br />Thanksgiving is a good time to consider emptiness and fullness! :) TTC Chapter 3 recommends we weaken our ambition and strengthen our essence. It reminds me of the Taoist appreciation for the "empty vessel." The vessel that's empty is like strengthened essence: it represents potential, the capability to act, the time before options are selected, before being occupied with a commitment.<br /><br />In trading activity, it's related to preservation of capital, the maintenance of a balanced, objective point of view ... and the readiness to TMAR. The readiness to take the money and run, or if not a profitable trade, to stop out of it and await the next opportunity.<br /><br />An interesting twist that may help actually implementing these points more effectively, is to remain aware that the empty vessel represents a yang function. An example is that the body's "empty" organs (like lungs) are yang, while the solid ones (like kidneys) are yin. The empty ones are the ones capable of being filled and doing something productive accordingly. The yin ones are also important of course, but operate more passively, such as by filtering.<br /><br />Kung Fu, chi gung, and t'ai chi teachers also counsel to find the motion in stillness, as well as the stillness in motion. These perceptions may help us better value the ways and times we should not be trading. When we should be recharging our batteries, checking for an objective, balanced re-assessment of the markets and what's affecting the markets. And emptying ourselves of opinions and biases about where the markets should go. As with the "push hands" exercise (played in t'ai chi), moving with and responding to the market's movements from our empty, central core.<br /><br />Another nice analogy is a musical instrument like a flute - by being empty, one can vibrate with the market's movements (not possible if the flute is filled with opinions and prior commitments) - making great music.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5271299707945621790.post-86471715656053544082008-11-24T07:54:00.002-05:002008-11-24T08:00:33.422-05:00Waves and scienceThis morning I'd like to share some comments made by "Merlin" regarding his BP charts that he posts at his Chartsedge site (on the page at www.chartsedge.com/wp/) and which he also permits for sharing (I post them at my www.unbiasedtrading.blogspot.com and www.ubtnb3.blogspot.com sites). When you read these comments you will understand why I find them significant for the Tao of Trading ... not only does an understanding of the cyclic nature of things help us as persons in this endeavor (and other aspects of life) - it also informs our understandings of how and "why" the markets operate.<br /><br /><em>Here's some information Merlin has provided this morning about his work on the BP sensor charts:</em><br /><br />This weekend was eventful for me as I was working on adjustments to the BP2 chart data.<br /><br />It is necessary to make certain suppositions about the nature of how a thing works in order to be able to reliably anticipate the results. This is very true about the BP data. More by accident than design did I happen across an answer without first theorizing the result. Moving down that path has brought me to what appears to be a truth as to why it is possible to anticipate market action and why the data operates in multiple time frames. By that I mean that the BP2 sensor forecasts further into the future than the BP1.<br /><br />The Chinese call this type of divination <em>feng shui</em>.<br /><br />This truth of which I speak lends credence to some very specific aspects of astrology as well as <em>feng shui</em> and others and was so neatly and clearly before me that I failed to see the nature of the relationship for over five years as I collected BP and market data.<br /><br />The beauty of the theory behind the BP sensors as market precursors is that the suppositions are few and very modest in their scope. Occam would smile.<br /><br />========================<br /><br /><em>Here's the general background information he provides about the BP charts on the Chartsedge site (you can see the link in the "other sites of interest" listed along the right-hand side of this site):</em><br /><br />WHAT IS A BP CHART?<br />BP is short for 'beta particle'. These charts are created by measuring the effect of Very Low Frequency (VLF) radio waves on sub-atomic particles. It seems that these waves affect the attitudes of investors in such a way that changes in the direction of the markets can be anticipated several hours in advance. Two charts are posted here each day. One in the morning which usually covers the market until noon and then a complete chart which predicts till the close. The charts predict the bias direction and not the strength of the move.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5271299707945621790.post-72796894007971613462008-11-19T08:47:00.005-05:002008-11-19T17:02:29.545-05:00Motion and balance<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr9BD4pWg7U2f57hID7fRtaUXwxJ3uY2pIBWv2ZafT1JSYFLeqhWMyi4TiBL7T0fu9EbO88XvpU3qOV56m6K3IFCFdUUbv2tUTUhE2Ci1OUuajf3iQ5q7HZajq9rK8H6F9q0bMJXXlAOg/s1600-h/UBTNB3symbol11110801.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270365873265701410" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 190px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr9BD4pWg7U2f57hID7fRtaUXwxJ3uY2pIBWv2ZafT1JSYFLeqhWMyi4TiBL7T0fu9EbO88XvpU3qOV56m6K3IFCFdUUbv2tUTUhE2Ci1OUuajf3iQ5q7HZajq9rK8H6F9q0bMJXXlAOg/s200/UBTNB3symbol11110801.JPG" border="0" /></a> So, why did I adopt (in modified form) this symbol for my other spots relating to trading? The underlying t'ai chi tu symbol is one many will recognize, and it depicts both motion and balance. Of course this resonates throughout the Tao Teh Ching. The concept is introduced right from the beginning, in TTC chapter 1, when the original undivided unity subdivides into beingness and non-beingness, and then beingness subdivides into the myriad things.<br /><br /><p>The radiating lines, reminiscent of Gann angle lines, relate to the points where yin and yang begin, progress, wax and wane. They can be related to the energetic calendar and, of course, cycles. Those lines also relate to the strength (angle) of ascent and descent.<br /></p><p>All these concepts relate to trading and may serve as a reminder that we don't control the cycles and waves, the motion and balance. Rather, we may attune ourselves to these so that we might move in flow at the right times, and balance ourselves in meditative stillness at the right times.</p><p>To relate this to trading, one might think for example of time frames. Many are engaged in daytrading, and will therefore be looking at the intraday cycles and waves traced out in minute increments. Tempting as it is for myself as a swing trader to follow those, and confusing as it looks for beginners especially when looking only at where markets begin or end the day, for swing trader the focus needs to pull back a bit and observe across hours and days.</p><p>This may lead to some thought about trading psychology and the importance of exercising patience to be flat with no position at the right times, in order to be prepared and take action for a trading position when the moment is right. There's probably a good analogy here also to sports and martial arts - there are times to observe and gather energy, and there are times to act when opportunity presents.</p><p>So ... may we find ourselves in balance and movement during these trading days.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM3twtAkJTR607kKJmJSX-ghB-iZElvPWC5DqvczjeD6yZiUoPlpBz3igGneYoNbWAB5Ww6oeWtFoPxFaKfVxEufEdgDI_pneFyhe6RCfp7pu2TCj8vsZwff1ybLH5TwU6BhhXHqWv2-4/s1600-h/AstronomyPicofDay-111908-unusualauroras-at-SaturnsNorthPole-saturnhexaurora_cassini.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270491599495416418" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM3twtAkJTR607kKJmJSX-ghB-iZElvPWC5DqvczjeD6yZiUoPlpBz3igGneYoNbWAB5Ww6oeWtFoPxFaKfVxEufEdgDI_pneFyhe6RCfp7pu2TCj8vsZwff1ybLH5TwU6BhhXHqWv2-4/s200/AstronomyPicofDay-111908-unusualauroras-at-SaturnsNorthPole-saturnhexaurora_cassini.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p>PS - The "Astronomy Picture of the Day" from the NASA gadget along the right-hand side of this site, coincidentally is this great shot of "unusual auroras at Saturn's north pole." Pretty neat that this picture shows as a nice corollary to the t'ai chi tu based picture I'm using as a logo for my other trading-related sites.</p></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5271299707945621790.post-86154070961077821682008-11-14T09:18:00.000-05:002008-11-14T09:22:13.868-05:00TTC 4Let's take a look at Chapter 4 of the Tao Teh Ching ... as before, credits to Master Ni, Hua-Ching, for his interpretation and publication of this classic work of Lao Tzu.<br />(Lao Tzu = "The Old Man")<br />-------------------------<br /><br /><em>The subtle Way of the universe appears to lack strength</em><br /><em>yet its power is inexhaustible.</em><br /><em>Fathomless, it could be the origin of all things.</em><br /><em>It has no sharpness,</em><br /><em>yet it rounds off all sharp edges.</em><br /><em>It has no form,</em><br /><em>yet it unties all tangles.</em><br /><em>It has no glare,</em><br /><em>yet it merges all lights.</em><br /><em>It harmonizes all things and</em><br /><em>unites them as one integral whole.</em><br /><em>It seems so obscure,</em><br /><em>yet it is the Ultimate Clarity.</em><br /><em>Whose offspring it is</em><br /><em>can never be known.</em><br /><em>It is that which existed</em><br /><em>before any divinity.</em><br /><br />-------------------------<br /><br />The remark about it seeming so obscure, reminds me of one of my favorite stories from my t'ai chi days. A young fellow in the town wanted so much to gain knowledge of the truth, and eventually was referred to an old hermit sage who lived far, far away. This young man walked out of the town, and hiked through the woods where he was almost mauled by a tiger. Then he came to a fast flowing rocky creek, which he managed to cross only after losing his footing many times, almost drowning in the cold water and getting bruised against the slippery rocks. After he dragged himself onto shore, he fell asleep for a short time, but a bear woke him up, so he dashed off quickly, forgetting to refill his bottle with any fresh water.<br />As he continued, the landscape became bare, the sun glared, and he was crossing a blinding desert. After a couple of days, sunburnt and parched with thirst, he finally crawled to a small patch of trees where he found a trickle of water, drank and passed out.<br />Upon awaking, he resumed his hike, noticing that his skin was now covered in itching, painful bites from bugs that had swarmed in that area. After almost stepping on a poisonous snake, he jumped ahead and found himself approaching the base of a cliff. Realizing he was almost there, he summoned the last of his energy and climbed up the cliff. Inching over the edge, he then rolled some yards until he found himself near the old man, who was sitting with his eyes closed, cross-legged by a small fire.<br />"Old man!" he exclaimed, "I have come from afar to benefit from your wisdom and learn the truth!" Undisturbed, with his eyes still closed, the old man simply responded, "Oh so."<br />"Please do tell me, what is the truth? I have endured so much, to learn this," urged the young man. "Hmmm. Well all right then," answered the old sage, "life is like a river."<br />After some moments passed, and the youth realized that was the only answer he would receive, he grew angry. "What, that's it?!? 'Life is like a river,' what is that, that's nothing! Just to get here to learn the truth, I was almost killed by a tiger; drowned and dashed on the rocks; mauled by a bear; almost died in the desert, pestered by foul insects and bitten by a snake, and finally risked my life climbing this steep cliff. How can you sit there and that's all you have to tell me - 'Life is like a river'?!!"<br />Then, the sage opened one eye, looked at him, and replied: "You mean ... it isn't?!"<br /><br />This story's message can reverberate and be expressed in a number of ways. Maybe some people will be interested in commenting on some of the meanings that can be found in it ... or, in commenting on messages from TTC Chapter 4 for the art of trading.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5271299707945621790.post-46357669792303903192008-11-12T13:46:00.001-05:002008-11-12T13:53:40.437-05:00More thoughts on TTC 3Thinking about those words, "Weaken your ambitions. Strengthen your essence." led me tonight to a new way of thinking about trading. Rather than focusing on how much $$ I reap in during a given time period, I could instead focus on strengthening my trading capabilities. Like the idea of becoming a better fisherman, instead of counting how many fish each day, and then naturally I'll catch more fish. Or instead of counting how many points I might score if I were a basketball player, I can instead focus on becoming a better player, and then naturally the points will come in ...<br /><br />Someone recommended to me a book, David Payne's 'Confessions of a Taoist Monk on Wall Street'. Perhaps this winter I'll have a chance to get and read that. You know, energetically, winter is a time of pulling in one's resources; it is a good time for education, strengthening one's inner essence.<br /><br />Another friend wrote these comments to me:<br />"You mentioned Brett Steenbarger, the author of two books on trading (the psychology of trading and enhancing trader performance). He writes about using meditative programs on his computer (was it hemisync or something like that). I think we all know that we trade better when we're calmer and more present. Buddhists or Taoists would suggest that is throuygh the quietening of the mind we become more aware of both our bodies and the senses they give us and become more in touch with our higher selves which in their turn are far more aware and linked in than us unenlightened ones can manage.<br /><br />"Through this I would assume that we are more in tune with the universe and hence the market as well as banishing that egoic need to be doing something when waiting is better. Has anyone tried any of these meditation machines at all? I'm curious as to views. [<em>note, I'm curious too</em>]<br /><br />"I sometimes think that trading with the battering that the ego takes in the early days can be a part of the path to enlightenment as you learn to remove ego from the outcome of your trades or quit trading presumably. I rarely pat myself on the back now for lucky/ successful trades for example as I'm too aware how that can lead to too large risk taking and painful losses. I still struggle with my reaction to losses, but find now that I write a line under each day and then each week and move on the effect of bad days is lessened (and is probably useful in starting the the next yang phase of account expansion with luck).<br /><br />"One book I've read in part, not a trading book but I found interesting was called "The Zone" written by a golf coach forwarded by James Redfield of Celestine Prophecy fame, where he examines 10 steps to setting yourself up for those zone like experiences where the ball plays itself, or in our case the trade trades itself. His proposition is that whilst we cannot force these by calming our mind, eating and sleeping well, etc (there's a lot more of course) we encourage the situation where these occur."Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5271299707945621790.post-80180345254108683442008-11-11T16:06:00.000-05:002008-11-11T16:10:54.792-05:00TTC - 3I find these teachings valuable, and hope others might also be moved to share from time to time. These teachings have helped me greatly in the past, and I hope to continue growing in these ways.<br /><br />For now these initial posts will include the full chapter being referred to, from the Tao Teh Ching. After a while, out of respect for Master Ni's work, I will simply make a reference to the chapter with a few pertinent excerpts in the discussion.<br /><br />I'd like to offer Chapter Three of the Tao Teh Ching, again using Master Ni, Hua-Ching's translation and publication of Lao Tzu's classic:<br /><br />-----------------------------<br /><br /><em>When the superior are not exalted, <br /> envy will not be aroused. <br />Then there will be no rivalry or contention among people. <br />When wealth is not treasured, <br /> desire for possessions will not be stirred up. <br />Then people will not be tempted to rob one another. <br />By shutting that which is desirable out of sight, <br /> the heart will remain undisturbed. <br />Then there will be no confusion in the hearts of people. <br /><br />The guidance of the Universal One of natural wholeness is therefore: <br />Empty your mind. <br />Enjoy good health. <br />Weaken your ambitions. <br />Strengthen your essence. <br /><br />When people are free from cunning, desire, and artifice, <br /> everything will be well-ordered of its own accord. </em><br /><br />-----------------------------<br /><br />One comment I'd like to offer, based on related teachings I learned as a student of t'ai chi and zen-like ancient taoism, is that the process of shutting out, or of weakening ambition, should not be harshly imposed. It is more like the image of Lao Tzu riding the water buffalo, riding the bull, or a lady riding a tiger. When balance is introduced into one's life, so that the mind respects the body, the body respects the mind, and both respect the spirit, then one might be able to gain the support of the mind and body in following natural ways and avoiding artificial luxuries without artifically harsh strictures and punishments. Have you ever ridden an animal, maybe a horse? By gaining the animal's respect and trust, you gain its support and it better responds to your guidance. This approach teaches us how to work with the "animal spirits" of our own selves too. <br /><br />A silly small example for me, it's a little persistent thing, but relates to trading - it's too easy for me to get glued to the computer and watch every little thing. Took me a while to figure out that having a day job that forces me away from it is actually a good thing, because it forces me away from the very artificial exercise of focusing on little things to an extreme. By letting go and being literally as well as figuratively more detached from the screens, I now tend to make better trading decisions. Each little squiggle isn't as overly (artificially) dramatic as they used to be. Can't say I've become a master trader yet by any means but I've become a happier one. <br /><br />Anyone else care to share their comments on this or the other chapters yet? I will continue to post, and there are 81 chapters, so we can enjoy many insights along the way. <br /><br />Best to all.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5271299707945621790.post-20333527251038384062008-11-11T16:03:00.000-05:002008-11-11T16:10:44.116-05:00TTC - 2Okay, let's take a look at Chapter Two of the Tao Teh Ching. For my text, I am using the translation by Master Ni, Hua-Ching, in the book he published entitled <em>The Complete Works of Lao Tzu: Tao Teh Ching and Hua Hu Ching</em>.<br /><br />------------------------<br /><em>As soon as the world regards something as beautiful, <br /> ugliness simultaneously becomes apparent. <br />As soon as the world regards something as good, <br /> evil simultaneously becomes apparent. <br /><br />In exactly the same manner, <br /> existence and nonexistence give birth to each other. <br />Difficult and easy define each other. <br />Long and short form each other. <br />High and low make each other distinguishable. <br />Silence and sound make each other conscpicuous. <br />Front and back connect each other. <br /><br />Realizing this, one does not separate one's being <br /> from the subtle essence of the universe. <br />One holds no preconceptions, and does things <br /> without insisting on personal conditions. <br />One guides people by living in accord with the essence of life. <br />One brings good things about, <br /> but has no intention of possessing them. <br />One performs work, <br /> but has no intention to acquire personal power. <br /><br />When one's work is accomplished, <br /> one lets go of it and seeks no reward or recognition. <br />Because one does not claim credit for oneself, <br /> one does not do any damage to oneself. </em><br />------------------------<br />There are some nice lessons here and I'll make some comments, and invite others to do likewise. First thing that jumped out at me was the idea of holding no preconceptions. Talk about being unbiased, that's great! <br /><br />In tune with that, understanding the duality of things, such as the market, it can be up, then in its own time down, then in its own time up again. The idea of being up creates the idea of being down (although timing can be an issue of course), and vice versa. We trade in accord with these waves and moves of the market. Trying to oppose the market or dictate to it, insisting on our own personal conditions, is a waste of energy and principal. <br /><br />Another is to not credit yourself for those great trades, i.e. not let your ego get involved, and not be greedy like thinking that you didn't make enough on your trade, or that you want the same exact trade again at the same number. The market may reverse and do something completely different at that number. Once you've traded your setup and got your profit, just TMAR and return to center, either call it a day, or wait for the next trade to appear, without preconception as to what it will be. Yes, we all enjoy trying to predict the future. But the real trick in life, as well as in trading, is to be well positioned for whatever that future may bring. Even if it arrives in the next five days, five hours, or five minutes! <br /><br />Identifying personally with the trade, what may be called letting your ego get involved with it, can lead to damaging consequences. Like letting emotion get in the way of taking a loss, and then it spirals out of control. Or thinking that a trade really should go your way, and when it doesn't, you start thinking the market is wrong but should get smart and get right with you anytime soon. Or thinking that because you got a nice profit by going long or short something, that you can make twice as much by going long or short that thing again; but the market has other ideas. So the idea is to let go, don't get associated or identified with the trade. Move in accord with it, and when the task is accomplished, TMAR and let go of it. <br /><br />Just some ideas for now. Enjoy all!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5271299707945621790.post-64320980093385596012008-11-09T10:48:00.000-05:002008-11-09T11:06:44.276-05:00From TTC 1<span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">By TTC I am referring to the Tao Teh Ching. For the text, I use the translation by Master Ni, Hua-Ching, in the book he published entitled The Complete Works of Lao Tzu: Tao Teh Ching and Hua Hu Ching. In Master Ni's foreword (he was the teacher of my two primary tai chi teachers, so I use that term of respect in speaking of him), he states that after Lao Tzu had achieved great wisdom and experience, among other things including in the I Ching, he became aware that a time of spiritual disintegration was about to befall the empire, so he rode westward on the back of a water buffalo. At the Han Gu pass at China's border, he was asked by the pass official to write down the essence of his wisdom; the result was the Tao Teh Ching. The image of Lao Tzu riding the water buffalo is classic and also is a spiritual reference to the idea that each person is riding his own water buffalo (or tiger perhaps), i.e., each person has the animal component and the spiritual component. The idea is to ride one's bull, or tiger, and not let it ride you.<br />Master Ni also refers to the I Ching and the system of numbers, and the fact of odd and even numbers. A personal note, about a year ago I realized that the I Ching mathematical system is actually very, very similar to Fibonacci numbers. I won't go into that now, but if you know the system, you can figure it out. Pretty interesting stuff. Anyway ... let's go to Chapter One of the TTC - Tao Teh Ching:<br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;">---------------------------------------- </span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:100%;"><em>Tao, the subtle reality of the universe, cannot be described. </em></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:100%;"><em>That which can be described in words is merely a conception of the mind.</em></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:100%;"><em>Although names and descriptions have been applied to it, the subtle reality is beyond the description. </em></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:100%;"><em>One may use the word "Nothingness" to describe the Origin of the universe, and "Beingness" to describe the Mother of the myriad things, </em></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:100%;"><em>but Nothingness and Beingness are merely conceptions. </em></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:100%;"><em>From the perspective of Nothingness, one may perceive the expansion of the universe. </em></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:100%;"><em>From the perspective of Beingness, one may distinguish individual things. </em></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:100%;"><em>Both are for the conceptual convenience of the mind. </em></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:100%;"><em>Although different concepts can be applied, Nothingness and Beingness and other conceptual activity of the mind all come from the same indescribable subtle Originalness. </em></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:100%;"><em>The Way is the unfoldment of such subtle reality. </em></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:100%;"><em>Having reached the subtlety of the universe, one may see the ultimate subtlety, the Gate of All Wonders.</em></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:100%;">---------------------------------------- </span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Whew, what can we say about this for the Tao of Trading?! well, for one thing, it can be understood as a reference to the idea of a Big Bang and/or the initial division from original Oneness into yin and yang, negative polarity and positive polarity, emptiness and fullness, and the origin of all "things" such as planets, the spaces inbetween, and all the stuff that physicists are studying and telling us about. And the "myriad things" are all the things that flow out from that original mathematics. </span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">It is possible to derive the I Ching numeration and Fibonacci relationships from this, but I don't think I want to go into that math right now. Just understand for now, you start with original "Oneness," then it subsidives into yin and yang which is 2 things (that plus the original underlying oneness gets you three "things"). Those 2 things that expressed in this universe, each subdivide and you get 4 (which plus the original underlying oneness, gets you 5 "things"). And so on, sort of similar to Fibonacci and his rabbits. You also get the idea of unfolding, which does occur in waves, with progression and pullbacks, which is remarkably similar to the Elliott Wave theory and the golden spiral, which manifests often in nature. It is also a lesson in being unbiased. Such as, there is a time for everything ... a time of moving forward, and a time of pulling back .... a time of growth, and maturing, and death, and giving way to new growth, in spurts and pullbacks. </span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">As it's all expressed in words, those are mere concepts anyway. And what we can understand with our limited minds, can never by definition be the ultimate truth which cannot be actually grasped on the conceptual level. So we can play the game, just don't forget that it IS a game. One thing I learned in Master Ni's I Ching book, a statement that blew me away, was that initially, we all want to seek the truth. And that is okay. </span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Ultimately, however, when you gain true wisdom ... you learn that it isn't actually about just the truth ... it's really all about <strong>integrity</strong>. </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0