Timing Solutions for Swing Traders: Successful Trading Using Technical Analysis and Financial Astrology

By Robert T.H. Lee and Peter A. Tryde

Quick Summary

A unique approach to swing trading that combines conventional technical analysis (patterns, volume, momentum, moving averages) with financial astrology as a supplementary timing tool. The authors present a systematic framework for identifying swing trading opportunities through traditional methods, then introduce planetary cycles and astrological indicators as additional timing filters for entry and exit decisions.

Executive Summary

"Timing Solutions for Swing Traders" is divided into two distinct halves. The first covers standard swing trading techniques: candlestick patterns, divergence patterns, diagonal patterns, volume analysis, price momentum, and moving average systems. The authors demonstrate how to combine these four dimensions (pattern, volume, momentum, and price-vs-moving-average) into a coherent swing trading approach. The second half introduces financial astrology -- the study of correlations between planetary positions/cycles and market movements -- as an additional timing layer. The authors are transparent that this is unconventional and present it as a supplementary tool rather than a replacement for technical analysis. The astrological component examines historical correlations between specific planetary configurations and market turning points.

Key Components

Technical Analysis Section

1. Candlestick Patterns -- Standard reversal and continuation patterns
2. Divergence Patterns -- Price-oscillator divergences as turning point signals
3. Volume Analysis -- Volume confirmation and divergence
4. Momentum -- Rate of change and momentum indicators
5. Moving Average Systems -- Trend identification and signal generation

Financial Astrology Section

6. Planetary Cycles -- Correlations between planetary positions and market cycles
7. Timing Overlays -- Using astrological timing as an additional filter

Critical Assessment

Strengths

• The technical analysis sections are solid and well-presented
• Transparent about the unconventional nature of the astrological component
• Systematic approach to combining multiple analytical dimensions
• Practical trading framework in the technical sections

Limitations

• Financial astrology lacks scientific validation
• The correlation between planetary positions and markets may be spurious
• Many readers will dismiss the astrological component entirely
• The combination of mainstream and fringe analysis may undermine credibility

Conclusion

The technical analysis portions of this book provide a competent swing trading framework. The financial astrology sections will be controversial and should be evaluated with appropriate skepticism. Traders may find value in the first half while treating the second half as a curiosity.