Christmas Preparations

What’s your style when it comes to preparing for Christmas?  Are you looking for ideas for astrologically based presents?  Look no further…

Aries

Aries is an impulse buyer, but may not plan too far ahead.  So something might strike them in their path as being a perfect purchase, but otherwise they may do everything last minute.  A typical Aries Christmas Archetype would be the male who leaves all his Christmas shopping to do on Christmas Eve.  For an Aries child, a Meccano set or toy soldiers may be welcome, and for an adult male something for the car.

Taurus

Taurus looks forward to the sensuality of Christmas, roast chestnuts toasting on an open fire for instance.  A cosy jumper would make a welcome gift for a Taurean, or some fancy chocolates. A blue scarf for the throat chakra would support their well-being, and a Christmas plant such as an amaryllis, poinsettia or cyclamen would keep their green-fingered hearts alive in the winter months.

Gemini

Geminis are quite analytical about choosing gifts, and can put a lot of thought into the process.  Some are into gadgetry, and like to give and receive gadgets.  Give Geminis presents in pairs, or opposites, e.g. a black and white version of one type of gift.  They might like one better than the other, but this style of gifting will appeal to their low boredom threshold.  A magazine subscription would also be a suitable gift for a Gemini, or a book of Sudoku puzzles.  Alternatively, some gloves for their precious jazz hands.

Cancer

For the Cancerian, it’s all about home and family.  For the mother hen, to have all her family under one roof on the day is heaven.  Something for the home is a winning gift, and a Christmas spiced perfumed candle is always welcome to provide ambience.  Alternatively, a photo album of treasured family memories from the year.  Cancerians also like antiques, if you can stretch to that, or if you find a bargain on a hunt.  For a Cancerian child, a doll’s house is ideal.

Leo

Leos would like to be the centre of attention on Christmas Day, though they realize it belongs to everyone!  A personalized item, such as a named mug is self-validating, and may help the Leo to feel special.  Otherwise, a luxury item, such as leopard print slippers, may appeal to their sense of luxury.  If they are off on a winter holiday, choose something which will enhance their trip, something they would be delighted to pack in the suitcase.  Leos like to engage everyone in a board game, so that would make a contribution to family competition.

Virgo

Virgos go for quality rather than quantity, and can often nail the gift giving as a consequence: one simple direct statement trumping the excessive efforts of others, such as a small perfectly chosen perfume bottle.  They like to give ecological presents, too, and would equally love to receive something from an ecological catalogue.  Purity is the watchword, whether in giving or receiving, especially when considering beauty products.  Virgos like to give home made presents, and to receive crafts.  Another Virgo preoccupation is timekeeping, so a beautiful or functional watch would be suitable.

Libra

Librans would be inspired in the Christmas decoration of the home.  Elegance, artistry and beauty are the watchwords for Libran presents.  Jewellery would make an ideal present, but beauty products would also be welcome. Music is another important element in the life of the Libran, so a set of earphones or headphones will support that experience. Librans will smile graciously at the present-giving stage of Christmas, saving you any embarrassment!

Scorpio

Scorpios are more discerning givers and recipients when it comes to presents.  What they give and receive has to be meaningful, e.g. a self-help book or a book on popular psychology would not go amiss. A game of Cluedo might bring the family together.  For children, a Secret Spy or Detective set will feed their talent for solving mysteries.  They won’t hide their true feelings about your offering, and their opinions may be black or white.

Sagittarius

Sagittarians like to promote the Good Will to all men and women angle of Christmas.  Book tokens are always a hit with Sagittarians, or sports wear or equipment for the sportier Sagittarians.  Young Sagittarians may like something horse-related such as My Little Pony, or Barbie’s horse.  When choosing gifts, Sagittarians go for quantity over quality, e.g. they would rather buy a hundred people Poundshop presents rather than one person a £100 present!  They enjoy religious symbolism, such as a crystal Angel or Buddha.  For boozy Sagittarians, a bottle of fine wine.

Capricorn

Christmas is a serious business for a Capricorn – so serious for some that there are a lot of Bah Humbug Archetypes born under this sign.  If they are enthusiastic about Christmas, they will plan well ahead.  Go for practical presents, or something which supports them in their chosen career.  A Diary wouldn’t go amiss.  For many Capricornians, the care and feeding of their skin is of importance, so a high end skincare product could be well received.  Whatever you do, Capricorns don’t like waste so if the present is not well chosen, it will be an irksome millstone for them.

Aquarius

Aquarians would like a surprise, please!  Nothing humdrum, but anything quirky.  If it is futuristic, even better.  Artistically, it needs to have clean lines.  The latest technology is always a winner with Aquarians, and for a book choice go for futuristic science fiction.  Crystals are an option for New Age minded Aquarians.  Aquarians are already thinking about the year ahead, so for them Christmas is just a hop stop to the future, unless you can engage them with a novelty.

Pisces

Sentimental Pisceans enjoy the Christmas movies, and will remind everyone of those family members and friends loved and lost at this time.  Anything with a water-theme would be suitable for their delectation, such as swimwear.  For textures, anything soft and squishy!  Lavender or natural sleep enhancing products will enhance their night experience. And for a child, a magic set. They may appreciate a charity donation, such as sponsoring a donkey.  They themselves may be a bit woolly or hit and miss in their present-giving, such as accidentally leaving Auntie Margaret off their radar.  But their own offerings may melt your own heart.

You may quarrel with some of these suggestions and observations, but hope you will regard them with the Christmas spirit or fun in which they are intended!

Aspects

Having been choc-full of aspects last week, balance leads us to have less than a handful this week, which may make it easier to focus and concentrate…

But first, it’s interesting to hear of the taking of Damascus this morning, and the possible toppling of the Assad regime.  Yesterday’s multiple aspects may have contributed to the push.  I remember blogging about the Arab Spring in 2011.  A Syrian exile on BBC Breakfast TV this morning was telling that she could now theoretically go back to her homeland, but that the “liberators”, led by an ex-Al Qaeda member, would not necessarily be the right choice to replace the cruel Assad regime. Transits don’t look good for Assad: Jupiter squaring his natal Uranus and Pluto; plus his Second Saturn Return.  However, the transits for Syria are brighter: Mars sextile its natal Mars and Uranus (describing a coup), Uranus trine its Mercury (mentally forward-looking), and Neptune trine its Venus (a step towards spiritual healing).

Tuesday (10th) begins with Venus sextile the North Node.  A softer side is brought into our karma, if we need to luxuriate a little or justify a little indulgence.  Expressing more love too, is easier under this aspect.  It’s good for re-establishing warmth in a relationship.

Also on Tuesday, the Sun trines Chiron, so on subtle levels it is a bright and harmonious day altogether.  This aspect favours both physical and psychological healing, and a trip or leisure activity may be just the tonic you need.  You may put the world to rights, theoretically at least, over a coffee.

Thursday (12th) sees an opposition between Venus and Mars), which may add zest and verve to life.  However, Venus opposite Mars may bring tension between the sexes or a tussle between your own inner male and female.

And finally, on Friday 13th (I hope you’re not superstitious), we welcome a sextile between Mercury and Venus), a combination that aims to please.  This favours socializing and conversing, and creative forms which combine art and writing.  There is potential for negotiation in diplomatic efforts (hopefully helping peace efforts, though it is not a major aspect, so baby steps), and harmony and agreement between kindred spirits.  Ideal for cafe culture.

All  in all it seems a very sociable and convivial week – enjoy!

The week in bullet points:

  • Tuesday – gentle karma; healing ways
  • Thursday – battle of the sexes
  • Friday – negotiation and good conversation