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Astrology Trading: Build Your Own Planetary Analysis System in 2026

Learn how traders use planetary cycles for market analysis. Build your own astrology trading system with real-time transit data, Gann methods, and backtesting strategies

AR

Alex Rivera

Senior Developer & Technical Writer

November 29, 2025
15 min read
237 views
Planetary cycles overlaid on financial market charts showing trading correlations
Planetary cycles overlaid on financial market charts showing trading correlations

J.P. Morgan allegedly said "Millionaires don't use astrology, billionaires do."

Whether he actually said it is debatable. But here's what's NOT debatable: some traders are using planetary cycles as alternative data. And you can build your own tracking system.

DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational and research purposes only. Planetary correlations with markets are not proven causation. This is NOT financial advice. Past patterns do not guarantee future results. Always consult qualified financial advisors before trading.

TL;DR for Developers

  • Astrology trading = using planetary cycle data as alternative market indicators
  • Key events: lunar phases, Mercury retrograde, major planetary aspects
  • AstroAPI provides 6 dedicated financial endpoints for market timing
  • Bradley Siderograph, Gann analysis, crypto timing all available via API
  • Treat as ONE factor among many, not standalone strategy
  • Always include disclaimers, statistical rigor, and proper risk management
  • Peak seasonality: December-January (1.5-2x search interest)

What is Astrology Trading? No Mysticism, Just Data

Let's strip away the mystical language and look at this from a data science perspective.

What we're actually doing:
  1. Tracking measurable astronomical events (planetary positions, aspects, phases)
  2. Correlating with historical market data
  3. Testing for statistical significance
  4. Building indicators (not predictions)

This is alternative data analysis, not fortune-telling.

Planetary positions are predictable astronomical data. Market behavior is partly driven by human psychology. The hypothesis: collective human behavior may correlate with cosmic cycles. Similar to how seasonal patterns and lunar effects on sleep and mood are scientifically documented.

We're not predicting the future. We're testing whether predictable astronomical events correlate with measurable market patterns.

Historical Context

This isn't new. W.D. Gann documented his use of planetary cycles in the early 1900s. The Bradley Siderograph has been published since 1948 and is still tracked today. Modern hedge funds are exploring alternative signals including cosmic cycles. Academic research exists on lunar cycles and market returns.

AstroAPI provides dedicated endpoints for financial astrology:

  • Bradley Siderograph calculations
  • Gann cycle analysis
  • Personal trading windows
  • Crypto and forex-specific timing

Key Planetary Cycles Traders Track

Lunar Phases

The most researched cycle in financial astrology.

PhaseCycle LengthTrading Hypothesis
New Moon to Full Moon14.75 daysAccumulation phase, building positions
Full MoonPeakHigh volatility, potential distribution
Full Moon to New Moon14.75 daysDistribution phase, reducing positions

Several academic papers show statistically significant patterns around lunar phases. Dichev and Janes (2003) found stock returns are higher around new moons than full moons.

Mercury Retrograde

Occurs 3-4 times per year, lasting approximately 3 weeks each time.

Trading hypothesis: Increased volatility, communication breakdowns, technology failures.
Practical use: Risk management signal, not trading signal. Many traders reduce position sizes during these periods.
javascript
12026 Mercury Retrograde Periods:
2- March 14 to April 7
3- July 17 to August 10
4- November 9 to November 29

Saturn-Jupiter Cycle (Great Conjunction)

MetricValue
Cycle LengthApproximately 20 years
Last OccurrenceDecember 2020
Next OccurrenceApproximately 2040
Historical ObservationOften coincides with major market shifts

The 2020 conjunction at 0 degrees Aquarius coincided with the start of a major market cycle.

Planetary Ingress Events

When planets change zodiac signs, it creates natural "chapters" in longer cycles. These are trackable, predictable, and programmable events.

The Gann Method: Astrology for Traders Explained

W.D. Gann (1878-1955) was a legendary trader who documented 85%+ win rate claims. He heavily used time cycles and planetary angles. His methods remain controversial but influential.

Key Gann Astrological Concepts

Planetary Angles:
  • 90-degree (square) aspects as resistance and support levels
  • 120-degree (trine) as harmonious flow periods
  • 180-degree (opposition) as reversal points
Time Cycles:
  • Saturn cycle: 29.5 years
  • Jupiter cycle: 12 years
  • Mars cycle: 2 years
Price and Time Squared: Gann converted prices to degrees and found planetary correlations. For example, a stock at $45 corresponds to 45 degrees, which can form aspects with planetary positions.

Gann Analysis via API

javascript
1// Gann Analysis with AstroAPI
2const getGannCycles = async (priceLevel, date) => {
3 const response = await fetch(
4 'https://api.astrology-api.io/api/v3/insights/financial/gann-analysis',
5 {
6 method: 'POST',
7 headers: {
8 'Authorization': `Bearer ${API_KEY}`,
9 'Content-Type': 'application/json'
10 },
11 body: JSON.stringify({
12 date: date,
13 price_level: priceLevel,
14 cycles: ['saturn', 'jupiter', 'mars']
15 })
16 }
17 );
18
19 return await response.json();
20};

Bradley Siderograph: The Classic Market Timing Tool

Created in 1948 by Donald Bradley, the Siderograph combines multiple planetary aspects into a single line graph that supposedly indicates market turning points.

How It Works

Bradley assigned numerical values to different planetary aspects:

  • Positive values for "harmonious" aspects (trines, sextiles)
  • Negative values for "challenging" aspects (squares, oppositions)

The resulting line shows peaks and valleys that some traders interpret as potential market turning points.

Important: The Bradley Siderograph indicates potential volatility or change points, not direction. A Bradley turn can be either a top OR a bottom.

Using Bradley Turns via API

javascript
1// Get Bradley Siderograph turning points
2const getBradleyTurns = async (year) => {
3 const response = await fetch(
4 'https://api.astrology-api.io/api/v3/insights/financial/bradley-siderograph',
5 {
6 method: 'POST',
7 headers: {
8 'Authorization': `Bearer ${API_KEY}`,
9 'Content-Type': 'application/json'
10 },
11 body: JSON.stringify({
12 year: year,
13 include_graph_data: true,
14 turning_point_threshold: 'major'
15 })
16 }
17 );
18
19 const data = await response.json();
20
21 return {
22 turningPoints: data.turning_points,
23 graphData: data.daily_values,
24 majorDates: data.major_reversals
25 };
26};
27
28// Example usage
29const bradley2026 = await getBradleyTurns(2026);
30console.log('Major turning points:', bradley2026.majorDates);

Crypto-Specific Timing

Cryptocurrency markets have unique considerations for astrological analysis.

Why Crypto is Different

FactorTraditional MarketsCrypto Markets
Trading HoursSet sessions24/7
Participant PsychologyInstitutional heavyRetail heavy
Historical Data100+ yearsUnder 15 years
Birth ChartVarious inception datesBitcoin: Jan 3, 2009

Bitcoin's "birth chart" is January 3, 2009 at 18:15 UTC, when the genesis block was mined. Some traders track transits to this chart.

Crypto Timing Endpoint

javascript
1// Crypto-specific timing analysis
2const getCryptoTiming = async (coin) => {
3 const response = await fetch(
4 'https://api.astrology-api.io/api/v3/insights/financial/crypto-timing',
5 {
6 method: 'POST',
7 headers: {
8 'Authorization': `Bearer ${API_KEY}`,
9 'Content-Type': 'application/json'
10 },
11 body: JSON.stringify({
12 date: new Date().toISOString(),
13 coin: coin,
14 include_bitcoin_aspects: true,
15 include_lunar: true,
16 forecast_days: 7
17 })
18 }
19 );
20
21 const data = await response.json();
22
23 return {
24 currentPhase: data.market_phase,
25 volatilityForecast: data.volatility_score,
26 keyDates: data.significant_dates,
27 bitcoinAspects: data.bitcoin_natal_aspects
28 };
29};

Key Events Crypto Traders Track

  • Bitcoin's transits (planets aspecting its natal chart)
  • Mercury retrograde (exchange issues, wallet problems)
  • Uranus aspects (sudden moves, technology changes)
  • New Moons (accumulation periods)
  • Full Moons (potential tops, high volume)

Building Your Astrology Trading Tracker

Think of this like building a weather station, but for planetary events. You're not predicting the future - you're creating a system that tracks cosmic conditions and correlates them with market behavior over time.

Here's the architecture:

javascript
1AstroAPI (Data)Your Backend (Analysis)Dashboard (Visualization)

The key insight: planetary positions are 100% predictable. We know exactly where Saturn will be in 2030. The question is whether these predictable events correlate with less-predictable market behavior.

Step 1: Set Up Planetary Data Feed

Why this matters: Without reliable, real-time planetary data, you're flying blind. Manual calculations are error-prone and time-consuming. An API gives you programmatic access to precise astronomical positions.
How it works: AstroAPI calculates planetary positions using Swiss Ephemeris (the same data NASA uses). You send a date, it returns exact positions of all planets, current aspects, lunar phase, and retrograde status.
EndpointWhat You Get
/insights/financial/market-timingCurrent planetary conditions affecting markets
/insights/financial/gann-analysisPrice-to-degree correlations for Gann traders
/insights/financial/bradley-siderographCalculated turning point dates
/insights/financial/crypto-timingBitcoin natal chart aspects
javascript
1const timing = await fetch('https://api.astrology-api.io/api/v3/insights/financial/market-timing', {
2 method: 'POST',
3 headers: { 'Authorization': `Bearer ${API_KEY}` },
4 body: JSON.stringify({ date: new Date().toISOString(), market: 'stocks' })
5});

Step 2: Create Event Detection System

Why this matters: You need to know WHEN significant events occur - not just that they exist. Mercury retrograde 3 times per year. Full Moons happen monthly. Major conjunctions are rare. Your system needs to track all of these automatically.
How it works: Query the API for upcoming events within your timeframe. Store them in a database. Run daily checks to see what's approaching. This becomes your "cosmic calendar" that runs alongside your trading calendar.
AstroAPI endpoint: POST /api/v3/insights/financial/market-timing — returns current lunar phase, active aspects, retrograde status, and upcoming events in one call.
Key events to track:
  • Mercury retrograde start/end dates (3-4x per year)
  • New and Full Moons (monthly)
  • Major planetary aspects (varies)
  • Planetary sign changes (ingresses)
  • Void-of-course Moon periods (multiple times weekly)

The goal is automation. You shouldn't manually check ephemeris tables - your system should alert you when significant events approach.

Step 3: Build a Correlation Engine

Why this matters: This is where astrology trading either proves itself or fails. You're testing whether planetary events actually correlate with market behavior. Without rigorous correlation analysis, you're just guessing.
How it works:
  1. Collect historical planetary event data (past 10-20 years)
  2. Collect corresponding market price data
  3. Measure what happened around each event type
  4. Calculate statistical significance
AstroAPI endpoint: POST /api/v3/insights/financial/bradley-siderograph — includes historical graph data for backtesting Bradley turn accuracy. For other events, query market-timing with historical dates.

For example: "What was the average S&P 500 return in the 5 days following each New Moon since 2010?" If you find +0.15% average with p-value < 0.05, you might have something. If p-value > 0.10, it's likely noise.

Critical metrics to calculate:
  • Average return around event (is there a pattern?)
  • Standard deviation (how consistent is it?)
  • Sample size (enough data to matter?)
  • P-value (statistically significant or random?)

This is the scientific backbone of your system. Skip this step, and you're just practicing astrology, not building a trading edge.

Step 4: Personal Trading Windows (Optional)

Why this matters: Some traders believe individual birth charts affect personal trading performance. The hypothesis: transits to your natal chart create periods where you're more or less effective at decision-making.
How it works: The API compares current planetary positions to your birth chart. It identifies when challenging transits (like Saturn square your natal Mercury) might impair judgment, or when favorable transits might enhance clarity.
AstroAPI endpoint: POST /api/v3/insights/financial/personal-trading — send birth data, get favorable/challenging periods and active transits affecting your trading decisions.

This is the most speculative step. If you're skeptical, skip it. If you're curious, track your trading performance during different transit periods and see if patterns emerge over 6-12 months.

Step 5: Alert System

Why this matters: You can't watch planetary positions 24/7. An alert system notifies you when events you care about are approaching, so you can adjust your trading accordingly.
How it works: Define which events matter to your strategy. Set thresholds (e.g., "alert me 7 days before Mercury retrograde"). Run a daily check. Send notifications via Telegram, Discord, email, or SMS.
AstroAPI endpoint: Poll POST /api/v3/insights/financial/market-timing daily — check upcoming events and trigger alerts based on your thresholds. For crypto, use /crypto-timing; for forex, use /forex-timing.
Practical alert examples:
  • "Mercury retrograde starts in 3 days - consider closing volatile positions"
  • "Full Moon tomorrow - expect higher volume"
  • "Mars-Uranus square exact today - heightened volatility possible"

The key is not to over-alert. Pick 3-5 event types that your backtesting shows actually matter, and ignore the rest.

Backtesting Planetary Patterns

Before using any astrological signal, you need to backtest it rigorously.

python
1# Backtesting lunar phase impact
2import astroapi
3import yfinance as yf
4from datetime import timedelta
5
6def backtest_lunar_phases(ticker, start_year, end_year):
7 """
8 Test hypothesis: Market behavior differs
9 around New Moon vs Full Moon
10 """
11 results = {
12 'new_moon': [],
13 'full_moon': []
14 }
15
16 # Get historical price data
17 prices = yf.download(ticker,
18 start=f'{start_year}-01-01',
19 end=f'{end_year}-12-31')
20
21 # Get all lunar phases in date range
22 for year in range(start_year, end_year + 1):
23 phases = astroapi.get_lunar_phases(year)
24
25 for phase in phases:
26 date = phase['date']
27 phase_type = phase['type']
28
29 try:
30 start_price = prices.loc[date, 'Close']
31 end_date = date + timedelta(days=5)
32 end_price = prices.loc[end_date, 'Close']
33
34 return_pct = (end_price - start_price) / start_price
35 results[f'{phase_type}_moon'].append(return_pct)
36 except:
37 continue
38
39 # Statistical analysis
40 new_moon_avg = np.mean(results['new_moon'])
41 full_moon_avg = np.mean(results['full_moon'])
42
43 t_stat, p_value = stats.ttest_ind(
44 results['new_moon'],
45 results['full_moon']
46 )
47
48 return {
49 'new_moon_avg_return': new_moon_avg,
50 'full_moon_avg_return': full_moon_avg,
51 'difference': new_moon_avg - full_moon_avg,
52 'p_value': p_value,
53 'statistically_significant': p_value < 0.05
54 }

Sample Backtest Results Format

Event TypeAvg 5-Day ReturnSample SizeP-ValueSignificant
New Moon+0.18%2480.032Yes
Full Moon-0.05%2480.089No
Mercury Rx Start-0.42%620.045Yes
Jupiter-Saturn Conj+2.1%4N/AInsufficient data

Forex and Intraday Applications

Intraday Considerations

For day trading with astrology, traders look at:

  • Lunar hour calculations
  • Planetary hour systems
  • Void-of-course Moon periods
  • Real-time aspect formation
Note: Shorter timeframes show weaker correlations. Extensive backtesting is required.

Forex-Specific Implementation

javascript
1// Forex timing with dedicated AstroAPI endpoint
2const getForexTiming = async (currencyPair) => {
3 const response = await fetch(
4 'https://api.astrology-api.io/api/v3/insights/financial/forex-timing',
5 {
6 method: 'POST',
7 headers: {
8 'Authorization': `Bearer ${API_KEY}`,
9 'Content-Type': 'application/json'
10 },
11 body: JSON.stringify({
12 date: new Date().toISOString(),
13 pair: currencyPair,
14 include_lunar: true,
15 include_planetary_hours: true,
16 include_void_moon: true
17 })
18 }
19 );
20
21 const data = await response.json();
22
23 return {
24 moonSign: data.moon_sign,
25 isVoidMoon: data.void_of_course,
26 currentPlanetaryHour: data.planetary_hour,
27 activeAspects: data.active_aspects,
28 volatilityScore: data.volatility_score,
29 tradingWindows: data.optimal_windows
30 };
31};

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Mistake 1: Treating Correlations as Causation

Wrong: "Mercury retrograde CAUSES market drops"
Right: "Historical data shows increased volatility during Mercury retrograde periods"

Correlation does not imply causation. Always use precise language.

Mistake 2: Cherry-Picking Data

  • Always use complete datasets
  • Include failures, not just successes
  • Report statistical significance with p-values
  • Use out-of-sample testing

Mistake 3: Over-Optimization

  • Don't curve-fit to historical data
  • Use walk-forward analysis
  • Simple models often outperform complex ones
  • Beware of data mining bias

Mistake 4: Ignoring Transaction Costs

  • Factor in slippage, fees, and spreads
  • Many "profitable" patterns disappear after costs
  • Test with realistic execution assumptions

Mistake 5: Confirmation Bias

  • Track ALL trades, not just winners
  • Use blind testing where possible
  • Get peer review on methodology
  • Document before, not after

The biggest mistake in astrology trading is seeing patterns that aren't there. Statistical rigor is non-negotiable.

Integration with Trading Platforms

TradingView Custom Indicator

pinescript
1// TradingView Pine Script - Lunar Phase Indicator
2//@version=5
3indicator("Lunar Phase Overlay", overlay=true)
4
5// These values would come from your backend
6// that fetches from AstroAPI
7newMoonDates = input.string("2026-01-18,2026-02-17,...")
8fullMoonDates = input.string("2026-01-03,2026-02-01,...")
9
10// Plot markers on chart
11// Implementation would parse dates and show markers

Python Trading Bot Integration

python
1# Adding astro signals to a trading bot
2class AstroEnhancedBot:
3 def __init__(self, exchange, astro_client):
4 self.exchange = exchange
5 self.astro = astro_client
6
7 async def should_trade(self, signal):
8 """
9 Add astro overlay to existing trading signals
10 NOT replacing your strategy, just adding context
11 """
12 conditions = await self.astro.getCurrentConditions()
13
14 # Reduce position size during Mercury Rx
15 if conditions['mercury_retrograde']:
16 signal['position_size'] *= 0.5
17 signal['notes'] = 'Mercury Rx: Reduced size'
18
19 # Avoid new positions during Void Moon
20 if conditions['moon_void']:
21 if signal['type'] == 'entry':
22 return None
23
24 return signal

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

What is astrology trading and how does it work?

Astrology trading uses planetary cycle data as an alternative market indicator. It tracks predictable astronomical events (lunar phases, planetary positions, aspects) and correlates them with historical market behavior. It's pattern recognition using cosmic cycles as one data input among many, not prediction or fortune-telling.

Is trading with astrology actually profitable?

There's no guaranteed profitability. Some academic studies show statistically significant correlations, particularly with lunar phases. However, results vary widely. Treat astrological signals as one factor among many, never as a standalone strategy. Risk management remains essential regardless of methodology.

Do professional traders really use astrology?

Some do. W.D. Gann documented his use of planetary cycles. Bloomberg terminals include horoscopes. Several hedge funds explore alternative data including cosmic cycles. It's more common than publicly discussed, though most prefer to keep their edge private.

What's the difference between financial astrology and regular astrology?

Financial astrology focuses on mundane (world) events rather than personal charts. It tracks planetary cycles affecting collective behavior, market psychology, and global trends. The emphasis is on quantifiable correlations rather than personal readings.

Technical Questions

What is the Bradley Siderograph?

Created in 1948 by Donald Bradley, it's a formula combining planetary aspects into a single line that indicates potential market turning points. Still published today, though accuracy is debated. Available through AstroAPI's bradley-siderograph endpoint.

How do I calculate planetary aspects for trading?

Use astronomical ephemeris data available via APIs like AstroAPI. Planetary positions are measured in degrees of zodiacal longitude. Aspects are specific angular relationships: conjunction (0 degrees), sextile (60), square (90), trine (120), opposition (180).

What planetary events should I track for the stock market?

Start with: New and Full Moons, Mercury retrograde periods, major outer planet aspects (Jupiter-Saturn, Saturn-Uranus), and planetary ingresses (sign changes). Begin simple, add complexity as you understand patterns.

Can astrology be used for intraday trading?

Some traders use intraday techniques like planetary hours and void-of-course Moon periods. However, shorter timeframes show weaker correlations in backtesting. Day trading with astrology requires extensive validation and realistic expectations.

How do I backtest astrological trading strategies?

Combine historical ephemeris data with price data. Test specific hypotheses with clear criteria. Calculate statistical significance using t-tests or similar methods. Use out-of-sample testing. Always account for transaction costs.

Gann-Specific Questions

What is astrology for Gann traders?

Gann integrated planetary angles and cycles into his trading methodology. He converted prices to degrees, found aspects to planetary positions, and used time cycles based on planetary orbits. His exact methods remain partly mysterious, documented across his various courses and books.

How did W.D. Gann use planetary cycles?

Gann tracked Saturn's 29.5-year cycle, Jupiter's 12-year cycle, and Mars's 2-year cycle for timing. He looked for planetary aspects at major price levels. His "Square of 9" calculator incorporates degrees that can correspond to planetary positions.

Practical Questions

How do I add astrology data to my trading system?

Use an API like AstroAPI to fetch planetary positions, aspects, and events programmatically. Integrate with your existing system via REST endpoints. Start with simple indicators (lunar phase, Mercury retrograde) before adding complexity.

Is there an astrology trading API I can use?

Yes. AstroAPI provides comprehensive planetary data including six dedicated financial endpoints: market-timing, personal-trading, gann-analysis, bradley-siderograph, crypto-timing, and forex-timing. All return structured JSON data suitable for trading system integration.

What are the risks of using astrology in trading?

Main risks include: over-reliance on one signal, confirmation bias, curve-fitting to historical data, and ignoring fundamental analysis. Always use proper risk management. Treat astrological signals as supplementary context, never as primary decision criteria.

How accurate are astrological market predictions?

"Accuracy" is the wrong frame. Astrology trading is about probability and edge, not prediction. Some patterns show statistical significance in backtesting. However, no method guarantees future results. Focus on risk-adjusted returns and proper position sizing rather than seeking predictions.

Should I use astrology as my primary trading strategy?

No. Astrological analysis should supplement, not replace, traditional analysis. Use it as one factor in a multi-factor approach. Combine with technical analysis, fundamental analysis, and proper risk management. Never bet your portfolio on any single methodology.

Resources and Further Reading

Academic Research

  • Dichev, I. and Janes, T. (2003) - "Lunar Cycle Effects in Stock Returns" - Journal of Private Equity
  • Yuan, K., Zheng, L. and Zhu, Q. (2006) - "Are Investors Moonstruck?" - Review of Financial Studies
  • Various correlation studies examining lunar effects on financial markets

Historical Works

  • W.D. Gann's original courses and writings on time cycles
  • Donald Bradley's Siderograph methodology documentation
  • "The Astrology of the Macrocosm" - financial astrology anthology

Modern Tools

  • AstroAPI financial endpoints for programmatic access
  • TradingView for chart integration
  • Python and JavaScript libraries for backtesting

Conclusion: A Balanced Approach

Astrology trading is not about predicting the future. It's about:

  1. Tracking measurable astronomical data as one alternative signal
  2. Testing correlations with statistical rigor
  3. Adding context to existing trading strategies
  4. Maintaining skepticism while remaining open to patterns

The planets don't control markets. But collective human behavior might correlate with cosmic cycles in ways worth investigating.

Build your system. Test your hypotheses. Document your results. And always remember: no methodology guarantees profits.

FINAL DISCLAIMER: This article is educational content only. Planetary correlations with markets are not proven causation. Nothing here constitutes financial advice. Past patterns do not guarantee future results. Trade at your own risk and consult qualified financial advisors.

Ready to build your own planetary analysis system? AstroAPI provides all six financial endpoints discussed in this article, with real-time data and historical backtesting capabilities.

Alex Rivera

Senior Developer & Technical Writer

Full-stack developer and technical writer specializing in APIs

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