Gifts For The Signs Of The Zodiac

Stumped? Still don't know what to get for that hard to buy for person on your Christmas shopping list? Worry no more. The zodiac can be a reliable guide to help you choose the perfect gift! You don’t even have to know the person very well. All you need to know is their birthday. Here are some gift ideas custom fit to match the predispositions, personality traits and behavior tendencies of each astrological sign. Although there is much more to each of us than our sun sign, (we are all unique!) most people feel a strong kinship with their sun sign and say that it describes them quite accurately.

Aries

March 21 – April 19

The Ram loves any kind of form of challenge, contest and competition. He is the sign of action and loves being first.  He knows he will get nowhere fast if he doesn’t move faster. Anything to help him save time (or gain more time, through his eyes) is sure to be a hit. A high tech stopwatch, timed coffee maker, no-iron shirts, and any time saving gadget will excite them. Aries needs direction for their restless energy as well as their frustrations. Consider gifts that can help channel their intellectual energies to find solutions such as computer games, board games and puzzles. And for the restless fighting spirit, consider boxing gloves, gym memberships, or a basketball goal. Tickets to a sporting event are sure to be a winner with the Aries male. If buying clothing, he will like sporty clothes, team wear and baseball caps. Use compliments, anything that says #1 on it will appeal to the Aries ego. They will also appreciate personalized gifts, necklace with initials on it or an id bracelet. Aries rules the head, for women hair accessories, earrings and sunglasses, brightly colored clothes and accessories will be popular. 

Taurus

April 20 – May 20

Taurus loves to shop, this makes them excellent candidates for gift certificates! They are drawn to luxury and they love things, especially expensive things, and they are avid collectors. Taurus LOVES collector’s items. Especially trademark and brand name collectables. If you know what they are interested in, you’re in luck. Just get a collectable of their favorite athlete, rock band, college or sports team and you’re in the good. Taurus people have an appreciation for names like Harley Davidson, Disney, Pottery Barn and Ralph Lauren. Material things have sentimental value to Taurus, too. Keepsakes, mementos and little reminders of your love and adoration of them will go far. Scrap books, hand-made items, and anything with the current year on it will keep it’s sentimental value to Taurus forever. Touch and feel is important so consider comfy pajamas, (Taurus women love anything silky or satiny) Egyptian cotton sheets, foot massager, bubbles and home spa products. Taurus rules the throat and neck, so necklaces and pendants, especially sapphire, Emerald, and Jade, will be appealing to them. They are lovers of food, especially the good life dining, gourmet foods, fine cheesecake and exquisite chocolates will appeal to their love of fine foods.

Gemini

May 21 – June 20

Gemini is always in need of something new to do. New experiences, hobbies,  activities and events are good choices for their restless energy. Avoid anything time consuming or gifts or that requires a long term commitment. A gym membership requires a long term commitment and a Gemini will lose interest in a gift that is not useable or redeemable right away. Don’t buy your Gemini friend a season pass for a water park in December. You can save that for their birthday.  Gemini rules the mind and these people are very analytical and intellectual. They have an appetite for knowledge and are driven to seek information. Interesting books, magazine subscriptions and informational videos on their topics of their interest will get their attention. Appeal to their playfulness with whimsical toys, fun electronics or anything that gives their inner child permission to run free. You can help Gemini focus with strategic games like Chess and Memory, brain teaser puzzles and mind exercising video games. Since Gemini is always on the go, travel kits & luggage, automobile provisions, gas cards, and Motor Club memberships, will be well used by most Gemini. Ruled by Mercury, the planet of communication, cell phones and computers are important to keep Gemini up to date on the latest gossip. Cell phone and internet accessories, notebooks and all wireless communication devices will be make you popular. Don’t forget to buy extra batteries, they’re going to need them.

Cancer

June 21 – July 22

Every Cancer needs a cozy home. Contributing to the Crab’s shell is the way to go. Anything to make their home both decorative and comfortable, decorative rock fountains, luminary lamps, exotic artwork, or candles will be pleasers.  Cancer responds well to music, theatrics and movies that stir their emotions. They are much attached to family, so family heirlooms and personal mementos, hand made gifts, photo albums and scrapbooks, will have sentimental appeal to them. They are happiest when surrounded by their family and close relationships. A Cancer will be grateful for a fun family night, group tickets to a movie, play, concert or other entertainment event, anywhere they can create a new memory with their beloved family members and closest friends will mean the world to them. Cancer is a nurturing sign, most love to cook and especially enjoy cooking down home dinners for family and close friends in the home. Grilling or cooking utensils, cocktail shakers, specialty cookbooks and gift baskets with spices and sauces will be a treasure! The Cancer rules the domestic and will appreciate anything to help them improve, protect, and enjoy their home and family lief. Crabs are penny pinchers and like to save money, so anything that will help him cut expenses, increase his profits or protect his current assets will have value to him.

Leo

July 23 - August 22

This sign is ruled by the Sun and the element of fire. Just as the Sun is the center of our solar system, Leo loves being the center of attention. Leos naturally think of themselves as the King and Queen of their personal domains and are likely to have a pack of loyal friends who admire their regal charm. Lions love gifts that make them look and feel majestic.  Jewelry, cosmetics and grooming items are all good choices for this prideful sign. If buying jewelry, go with Amber, Ruby or Diamond. Leos also love to gamble, so lottery tickets or a casino getaway will feed their guilty pleasure. When shopping for clothing, go for red, gold and purple. Fine champagne, gourmet cheeses and chocolates would be appropriated. They love to be pampered, so certificates for a massage, new hairstyle (Lion’s love their manes groomed) a facial or manicure will also be well received. Leos love things that make them look and feel important. Brand names, designer logo bags (the bigger the better), flashy jewelry, anything in animal prints, a tiara or crown, of course, and all things extravagant will go over nicely with a Leo. Is a BMW too much to ask? Leo loves extravagance, but they still believe in true love. For a more romantic appeal, take her to a glitzy see-and-be-seen-restaurant, buy an expensive bottle of champagne and give her a flashy piece of jewelry in front of everyone to see! It doesn’t have to be expensive. With Leo, it’s not about the money. It’s about attention.

Virgo

Aug. 23 -  Sept. 22

Virgos, the most practical sign of the zodiac, are likely to appreciate gifts that they can use and that help to keep their life in order. They love practical gifts, so avoid dust-catching collectables and trinkets. A high performance food processor or power tool will do the trick. Virgos love to organize and will appreciate a good watch, a leather-bound date book or new briefcase. Space saving storage containers and nifty organizers will tickle their fancy. They love home improvement products, closet organizers, and anything to save energy and reduce cost. Meticulous at budgeting and balancing their finances, home office items such as a paper shredder, accounting software or desk accessories is sure to please Virgo’s analytical mind. They are also known to pride themselves on their immaculate appearance. Body cleanliness and personal hygiene are important to them. Scented soaps, lotions, body sprays and perfume might be just the ticket. Virgos are also usually health-conscious and enjoy gifts that keep them in tip-top shape. A gift basket filled with organic herbs and spices, nutritious goodies, or a healthy lifestyle cookbook will be well received. Because they are so sensible, gift certificates will be appealing because Virgo can buy what they need rather than what someone else thinks they want. Books are likely to be well received although you might be better off buying non-fiction as opposed to fiction, especially topics on self-help, organization or how-to books.

Libra

Sept. 23 - Oct. 22

Librans have a special kinship with music and often have some musical talents up their sleeve. They will appreciate a good CD to add to their ample collection. If you want to really go all out for a Libra, go for concert tickets. Ruled by Venus, the planet of love and beauty, you can't go wrong with gifts that appeal to Libra’s hopeless romantic side. If you're still stumped for ideas, a lavish bouquet of red roses accompanied by a loving handwritten note is all it takes to melt the Libra’s heart. The sign of the scales, they need plenty of balance in their lives, so a pair of candlesticks or bookends might appeal.  Strive to help them create peaceful surroundings to promote harmony and find balance. Elegant and tasteful art pieces and decor for the home would be appropriate, especially items in pairs. Two beautiful candle stick holders, matching crystal photo frames, a pair of wall sconces or twin book holders will delight Libra. If you’re going for jewelry, an elegant watch or gem piece with opal, emerald, or jade will charm them for sure. For a Libra, it is the thought that matters most. They will be pleased with a hand made card and home baked goodies, as long as they can share the goodies with you. Most Libras hate to be alone. They are the sign of harmony and partnership, and very socially active, so a surprise event or celebration with their entire social circle will be a come true. They'll love gifts that give them moments they can share with you or their other loved ones. 

Scorpio

Oct. 23 - Nov. 21

Scorpions are shadowy by nature and enjoy gifts that obscure their presence in some way. A pair of designer sunglasses, a knitted scarf or a droopy hat are all great picks. Scorpios are born detectives but keep much of their own life private. These curious mystery-lovers enjoy dark, moody stories and crime dramas. A collection of true crime DVD’s and a popcorn tin are sure to appeal to the recluse Scorpion. They like to know the reasons behind everything, so books and informational videos and documentaries dealing with solving mysteries, police and detective work, the criminal mind, physics, psychology or spirituality will be attractive to Scorpio. Ruled by Pluto, the planet of death and reproductive forces, this sign is most well-known for their sexual appetite. Seductive lingerie would get plenty of use - if Scorpio girl is in a close intimate relationship, and as long as the lingerie is classy and in good taste. Don’t insult her with perversion. They excel at writing, journals and diaries are good for helping them express and articulate their deepest inner emotions.  Diaries with a lock are preferable to the secretive Scorpio. Better yet, a lockbox or a tamper-proof safe would be ideal. Since Scorpions are so private, a gift certificate may be fitting, for they may not want you to know what it is they really want. They can be fanatical workers and exert themselves until they drop, so tools to help them work more efficiently will make great useful gifts.  Scorpios are loyal friends of the Zodiac and they are grateful for acts of kindness. Gifts of generosity are much appreciated by Scorpios, who will never ask someone to do what they would not do themselves. The greatest gift to a Scorpio is the gift of service, a helping hand with errands, repairs and odd jobs, anything to help them be more productive, to take some of the burden off and free their hands…so they can go find something else they need to work on. 

Sagittarius

Nov. 22 to Dec. 21

Ruled by Jupiter, Sagittarians are usually very carefree, optimistic, and adventurous. They love travel and new experiences and hate to be tied down. Travel accessories, luggage, books and videos on travel to different exotic places will appeal to this sign. Gifts from other parts of the world will have special value to them. They are known to be quite sporty and active. Exercise equipment, sporting gear and YMCA memberships will be well used. To appeal to this adventure enthusiast, an outdoor adventure such as a fishing expedition or canoe trip will have them keyed up. Camping equipment, hunting gear or a new fishing pole and tackle box are good picks. Because of their indulgent nature and carefree disposition, Sag’s are prone to accidents, so a traveling medical emergency kit would be a good idea. This sign is feisty and independent and willing to fight for what they believe in. Show your support by giving to a cause they are passionate about or making a donation in their name. Sag woman will appreciate gifts that will help her to be self-sufficient. They also tend to be quite superstitious, so luck charms and pieces of good fortune will be held with high regard.  Sagittarius is sociable and thrives on good company.  I have never met a Sagittarius who didn’t love theme parks and roller coasters. One thing you don’t have to worry about with Sagittarius, if he or she doesn’t like your present, Sag will tell you outright.

Capricorn

Dec. 22 - Jan. 19

Prestigious Capricorn enjoys gifts that will boost their image, advance in job rank or raise their personal status. Their reputations and achievements are significant to them. Gifts to acknowledge and highlight their lifetime achievements will have monumental meaning. Recognition gifts such as an engraved name plate for the office (with the title by the name) or a leather monogrammed laptop carrier or briefcase would be fitting. Capricorn likes anything that makes him more professional. Contrary to popular belief, though, Capricorn is not all work and no play. This sign is blessed with a wry sense of humor, so try the 'The Office' series on DVD or a sarcastic comedy like Napolean Dynamite. Anything with Will Ferrell or Ben Stiller will do. Capricorn has an appreciation for tradition and family history. Antiques and family heirlooms will be a welcome present for a Capricorn. Photo albums or scrap books filled with photos of the entire family, a genealogy starter kit and anything really, really old will captivate them.  If you go for jewelry, make it an old family heirloom, a fine antique piece or an ageless diamond she can pass down to her own children someday. They also have an admiration for fine theatrical and musical art, so tickets to Phantom of the Opera, The Nutcracker, or a Broadway musical are all sure to get a squeal of delight out of even the most prudent, composed Capricorn.

Aquarius

Jan. 20 - Feb. 18

Anything unusual, unique, and one of a kind will satisfy the Aquarian in your life. Aquarians are known for being eccentric and are usually surrounded by friends. Because they are individualistic, they can come across as a little impersonal at times as they often feel more content in a group of friends than in a one on one personal conversation. To play it on the safe side, you might avoid the sappy, weepy, over-romantic gifts. Aquarius are movie buffs but they tend to favor comedy, old westerns and classic action-adventure films over romance and heart wrenching tearjerkers. They are original thinkers are likely to believe in new age philosophy, so you may try your luck with a gift certificate for aromatherapy massage, reiki healing or acupuncture. Ruled by Uranus, the planet of change and the unexpected, invention and modern science and natural history, you never know what this random sign will be doing from one moment to the next. Most Aquarians possess an excellent sense of aesthetics. This is often expressed by interests in drama, music, art, and science. Astronomy is usually a very popular fascination with Aquarians so telescopes are popular gifts. They love to move around and travel so you can win extra points with a gadget they can use on the go such as a GPS system, portable DVD player, iPod, or a USB adapter for internet on the go. Cameras and video cameras to document their travels will also be a hit with them.  Aquarians can be quite aloof. They are engaging, yet unreachable. An electronic communication device to help you track down and keep in touch with your Aquarian on the go might come in handy. 

Pisces

Feb. 19 - March 20

These Sensitive and artistic people have vivid imaginations and an interest in fantasy. Pisces are usually the softer, dreamy types and anything romantic or sentimental will appeal to them immensely.  They love gifts of all kinds, but especially ones that help them escape the realities of life.  A bottle of champagne, the latest romance novel or fantasy video game will appeal to your Pisces friend. Pisces is a water sign, so they'll appreciate bath salts, foaming cleansers and shower gels. A fish aquarium or waterfall will captivate them. Pisces rules the feet so remember to treat your Pisces feet! Soft slippers, fuzzy socks, a pedicure of foot massage are all good choices. If you'd like to give something really special, pamper Pisces with a relaxing retreat to replenish energy with a day at the spa, a pedicure or massage or a relaxing day on the golf course. A digital camera will make a hit with this natural-born photographer. Pisces often have some musical talent as well so CD’s and music instruments are likely to be a good choice. You can also cater to their dreamy side with a set of oil paints, a gilt-edged volume of love poetry or a Shakespearean play.

Yule, Christmas, or Politics?

Yule, Christmas, or Politics?

Now that Christmas is fast approaching and the year has once more come full circle, the days will continue to grow shorter and the nights longer until Winter Solstice on December 21. Most of us are busy adorning the house with brightly colored decorations, shopping and wrapping gifts, making sugar cookies, and all the other activities that goes along with creating a festive atmosphere.

I hear so many Christians complaining that the season is no longer centered on the celebration of the birth of Jesus. They complain that the holiday is commercialized and the “true” meaning has been forgotten. (The true meaning, in their interpretation, being rejoicing in remembrance of the birth of the Savior Jesus Christ) I hear endless arguments over the political correctness of the holiday, the “right” and “wrong” ways of celebrating Christmas and people complaining that the holiday is being celebrated for “wrong” reasons. They say it is a “man-made” holiday, and shouldn’t be celebrated at all! (Are there any holidays that aren’t man-made?) There is continuous controversy over the true origins of this traditional holiday. There are many variations of traditions and applications of this holiday, but very few realize that many of our traditions and customs stem from the same tree, and though we are constantly arguing over which tradition or belief is “right” and “wrong”, the basis for the celebration and the symbolism in the holiday customs are very much the same!

While Christians celebrate this season in remembrance of the birth of Christ, The middle of winter has long been a time of celebration around the world, even centuries before the arrival of the man called Jesus. Many cultures have celebrated and rejoiced during the Winter Solstice, the end of December. The Winter Solstice has long been a season to rejoice, to symbolize eternal life, regeneration and rebirth.

Though there is nothing inherently wrong with celebrating the coming of the Messiah to earth (if we really even knew when that was) there is more to this season of festivities than the birth of Jesus. This mid-winter holiday we now celebrate as Christmas has roots that go back centuries before the birth of Jesus, and not much has changed about the way we celebrate it.

Early Europeans celebrated light and birth in the darkest days of winter. People rejoiced during the winter solstice, when the worst of the winter was behind them and they could look forward to longer days and extended hours of sunlight.

In Scandinavia, the Norse celebrated the winter solstice in recognition of the return of the sun. Fathers and sons would bring home large logs, which they would set on fire. The people would feast until the log burned out, which could take as many as 12 days. (Thus the familiar song, “The Twelve Days of Christmas”) Their celebrations were held in order to ensure fertility and abundance during the coming year, and these included much feasting, burning of lamps, lighting of great fires (the Yule fires) and exchanges of gifts.

The Romans, too, held their great winter solstice celebrations--Saturnalia—or the festival of Saturn from December 17th to 25th and it was the latter date which they honored as the rebirth of the Unconquered Sun. The use of evergreens to decorate the streets and houses was also very much in evidence at this great winter festival.

So many of these elements are very much alive in our customs today. The use of evergreens, holly and mistletoe as decorations at this time of year have been used in the winter festivities from very ancient times. Like most evergreens, the holly and mistletoe have long been held to symbolize eternal life, regeneration and rebirth. Holly, with its bright red berries and dark spiky foliage, has been revered from ancient times as a symbol of life everlasting. It was associated with strength and masculinity and was considered useful in the treatment of various ailments.

Mistletoe associated with Christmas is very much a carry-over from ancient practices. It is often included in modern Christmas decorations simply for the fun of kissing beneath it, but this links back to the mistletoe’s association with fertility.

What about the old favorite Christmas tree? Evergreens have been a symbol of rebirth from ancient times. In ancient times the fir tree was a symbol of everlasting life. It was decorated during the winter solstice celebration to honor the returning sun. Bringing greenery into one's home at the time of the winter solstice symbolized life in the midst of death in many cultures. The Romans decked their homes with evergreens and other greenery during the winter solstice and living trees were also brought into homes during the old German feast of Yule. The Yule tree was planted in a tub and brought into the home.

And what about Santa Claus? The belief that Santa enters the house through the chimney developed from an old Norse legend. The Norse believed that the goddess Hertha appeared in the fireplace and brought gifts and good luck to the home. Though the mythical figure has changed, the meaning behind it has remained the same. It is a symbol of having faith, of believing in something that you can not see.

In view of what has been said, one could speculate that even if Christianity had never emerged and Christmas was never established as a holiday for celebrating Jesus’ birthday, it is more than likely that we would still be getting ready for the late-December festivities, putting up decorations, including holly and mistletoe, in order to celebrate the rebirth of the Sun, to rejoice in the beauty of life everlasting.

While the mid-winter holiday season is a wonderful time to celebrate Jesus’ birth, it shouldn’t be just about celebrating Jesus’ birthday, even more so it shouldn’t be about complaining about the way others are celebrating it or criticizing others for the way they choose to celebrate it or arguing about whether Jesus' birth was or wasn't the real first Christmas. It is so much MORE than that, and if we just open our minds and hearts to seeing the bigger picture, and stop arguing over whether Christmas is being celebrate the right or wrong way, and start realizing that the symbols and the meaning for the season are universal, and the overall meaning is the same for us all, the gifts that we will receive will be even greater than we can imagine. 

Aura Part 1 - What It Is And Why It Is Important 

The Aura is important and if you understand what it is and gain your own then you can derive more from life and gain a greater understanding of other people. We often say people have aura about them but what does this actually mean?


This is an article in two parts. Part 1 will acquaint you with the aura; what it is and what it means. In Part 2 we show you to actually see your and other’s auras, and how such knowledge can be used to understand your own basic nature and physio-spiritual condition.

The word aura, itself is derived from the Greek (avra) meaning dawn, breath, or golden glow. An aura can be described as a particular atmosphere or quality that seems to surround a person or thing. An aura can also be described as the halo, which is used in Christian art and writings meaning a visible aura. In Eastern religions, the aura and halo are the same.

In today’s popular belief, the aura refers to an energy field (or some field) emanating from the surface of a person or object. This emanation can be visualized as an outline of cascading color and may be held to represent soul vibrations, chakric (the chakra being spiritual energy center’s within and without one’s body) emergence, or even a reflection of surrounding energy fields. Auras may be viewed by the naked eye, though it usually requires training. This training is a sort of focused concentration, and can enable or improve one's ability to see auras.


Auras often have layers, and these layers are separate and distinct yet connected to all the remaining layers. The imagines of Christian saints as well as Eastern holy images, all have golden auras, meant to reflect divine light. In metaphysics today, the aura is identified with electromagnetic fields.


Whatever the nature of the auric field (be it electromagnetic or otherwise). the existence of electromagnetic fields around every object in the known world is a scientifically proven fact.


The question is not whether auras exist or not, but if humans can see these electromagnetic fields as colors with the naked eye. However, these energy fields have been documented by a rare form of photography called Kirlian photography. In such photos, clearly observable fields of light emanate from any living creature and even inanimate objects.


Does an aura signify anything? Does it have a meaning? There is a popular belief that auras change colors and shapes with the changing moods and situations of each person. While some hold this to be true, some claim that there is no way to change one's aura, and that it is considered to be a universal spiritual signature. 


It appears that only through conscious control, and perfected practice can the aura be used to identify a malfunction of the body, heal oneself and according to certain people, and change how one is perceived by the surrounding.


The emanating colors of the aura are often tied to special or hidden meanings. Some claim that the seven colors comprising the aura that emanate from the surface of the object are mystically tied to many other things, like the planets, days of the week, and the musical notes. The aura is also sometimes told to have more than seven colors, as explained below.


Blue: Balanced existence, sustaining life, eased nerve system, transmitting forces and energy. People with blue strong point in their Aura are relaxed, balanced are born survivors. Electric blue can overpower any other color in the Aura, when a person is receiving and/or transmitting information in a telepathic communication, they glow electric blue.


Turquoise: indicates dynamic quality of being, highly energized personality, capable of projection, influencing other people. People with turquoise strong point in their Aura can do many things simultaneously and are good organizers. Turquoise thought is a thought about organizing and influencing others.


Green: restful, modifying energy, natural healing ability. All natural healers should have it. People with a green strong point in their Auras are natural healers. The stronger the green Aura, he better the healer. Green thought indicates a restful state and healing.


Yellow: joy, freedom, non-attachment, freeing or releasing vital forces. People who glow yellow are full of inner joy, very generous and not attached to anything. Yellow halo around the head: high spiritual development. A signature of a spiritual teacher. Buddha and Christ had yellow halos extending to their arms. Yellow thought indicates a moment of joy and contentment.


Orange: uplifting and absorbing. Inspiring. A sign of power. Ability and/or desire to control people. When orange becomes a strong point, it usually contributes to a yellow halo, which then becomes gold, indicating not only a spiritual teacher. Orange thought is a thought about exercising power or a desire to control people.


Red: materialistic thoughts, thoughts about the physical body. Predominantly red Aura indicates materialistically oriented person.


Pink (=purple+red): love (in a spiritual sense). To obtain a clean pink, you need to mix the purple (the highest frequency we perceive) with red (the lowest frequency). Pink Aura indicates that the person achieved a perfect balance between spiritual awareness and the material existence. The pink color in the Aura is quite rare and appears only as a temporary thought, never as a strong point in the Aura.


Aura exists and we often say someone has it without realizing what it actually is this is a basic introduction what aura is and following articles will show you how to get an aura that will help you derive more from life.


To learn how to read the aura in yourself and others, read part 2.