We are now in Advent, the holy days leading up to the birth of the Sun. Each night we light candles at our tables amidst our families, signifying light in the darkness. December 6 is the feast of St. Nicholas. December 12 is the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe and Santa Lucia, and the first day of Hanukkah. We light the menorah. More lights in the darkness. I invite all readers to light a candle each night until the Epiphany (January 6), when the Magi (Persian astrologer kings) bring gifts (of Initiation – Capricorn) to the Holy Child. Lighting our candles together creates unity and oneness among us. I will think of all my readers as I light the candles each evening.

We are under the beam of the focused fiery light of Sagittarius now. The sign, qualities and tasks of Sagittarius perfectly reflect the season of Advent. As Sag is always expectant, galloping along with hope, eyes always on the goal, the season of Advent too, with hope and expectancy, prepares for the coming new light within us, represented by the Holy Child’s birth.

Both Advent and Sagittarius dwell in silence and in waiting, in mystery and wonder of great things to come (Jupiter, Sag’s ruling planet, brings expansion, joy and love, Ray 2). Both are “on their Way” somewhere. Sag to the base of the Capricorn mountain and Advent “on the Way to Bethlehem.” Both are about light.

Advent, like the story of the Little Match Girl, lights candles to extinguish the season’s darkness and struggle. For both, stillness and waiting are cultivated, and an expectation of the unexpected. All of these we reflect upon as Sagittarius and the season of Advent unfold, promising us birth of the “new light” at Winter Solstice followed by Christmas, birth of the holy child. Peace on Earth, Goodwill to all. Let that be our gift to everyone this year.

ARIES (Mar. 21-Apr. 20) Gradually certain spiritual components and aspirations enter your consciousness. They’ll work into and align with your goals, many of which are appearing now in great numbers. It’s good to give thanks for your great mind and for the transformative affect you have on those you meet in the world. Be aware that you’re now and for a long time will be a force that influences others. You must link that force with love. And gratitude.

TAURUS (Apr. 21-May 20) Conserve your strength, rest whenever possible and economize all actions throughout the day. This is important for the well-being of all that you are to bring forth for the greater good. It’s also good to consider what assets you have, perhaps in storage, in boxes, in drawers, safes or simply lying about on tabletops. These resources await your gratitude and attention. Careful with impatience.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) You sense a certain level of dignity, self-confidence and self-assurance in relations with others. It’s as if the sun has begun to shine on all your interactions. You cooperate more and hide less, allow changes of environment to expand your interests and realize that even enemies and those you don’t like have a certain purpose in your life’s work. Tend to commitments, consider suggestions. Learn how to better be a friend.

CANCER (June 21-July 20) Daily routines take precedence in terms of diet and health, scheduling tasks and chores, and utilizing your energy more effectively. You’re grateful for this awareness. It allows you to nourish yourself while also ordering and organizing the environment. Perhaps your garden called you to attention and the miracle each plant presents has shifted your emphasis. Cultivating your garden, you’re in love again.

LEO (July 21-Aug. 20) Your abilities are in the spotlight, for everyone realizes without you the work would not be carefully tended to and accomplished. There’s praise for your ongoing accomplishments, praise for the connections you make and for the important people and events you cultivate. In return be sure to provide even greater praise for everyone around you. This brings forth pleasure, a caring and a love not often experienced. Soon you’ll be more serious.

VIRGO (Aug. 21-Sept. 20) Tend to family, parents and elders in all ways and the principle of caring will be returned a hundredfold. Perhaps you feel unrecognized during these present times. This won’t last. You’ll emerge out from under that umbrella into the light of day and there’ll be new projects to focus on. Now the groundwork is being created. Like seeds underground sprouting new shoots, your life settles into a new security.

LIBRA (Sept. 21-Oct. 20) A new self-reliance and practicality appears. Reserve your energy for important matters; tend to money with confidence, firmness and decisiveness. Don’t overlook your health, become overworked or let your physical body become cold. Tend to yourself and all parts of your life carefully. You’ll plan holiday parties, inviting people to your home. I see flowers all over your house.

SCORPIO (Oct. 21-Nov. 20) Whatever you ask for seems to come your way. Simply state your needs and whatever it is gallops toward you. Be careful, therefore, what you’re seeking. Tend to money and communicative matters carefully. With the first be sure to give to those in need. With the second use speech for the purpose of radiating Goodwill. These take discipline, which you possess more than most. Something secret or spiritual summons you.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 21-Dec. 20) There may be a new friendship you’re pursuing; this interaction becomes a learning and a lesson. Some Sags are thinking about or seeking their fathers, some become fathers and others seek teachers and teachings that bring harmony and balance into their lives. All Sags are in a state of disequilibrium, because new goals are being formed. They’re not visible yet. In time they’ll appear. Hush now; just be grateful.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 21-Jan. 20) Assessing what you have and being ever-thankful creates an expansion of inner happiness and joy. Then, life is almost overabundant. The cultivation of abundance prepares you for the transformations that are gradually occurring. This way of seeing and experiencing life as abundant aids others as they seek to understand life (filled with both happiness and suffering). You know both. Actively cultivate stewardship toward all of life. Teach that love underlies everything.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21-Feb. 20) For two and a half years or more you’ll attempt to read more, study and expand your mind, which brings new prospects, new goals and new people into your life. You find yourself making compromises. Although it’s unusual, you feel secure enough in your willingness to help others. Aquarius is about serving humanity and you’re learning this. Everyone becomes your friend.

PISCES (Feb. 21-Mar. 20) Concerned with the future and experiencing constant change, you focus intently on work in order to feel responsible and to create order and constancy in your life. However , the changes continue, the future is distant, things dissolve away and health becomes something to tend to. Maintain physical warmth (don’t get cold), create a daily exercise schedule, walk in the sun’s light each day and maintain a direct and constant contact with Divinity.

Risa is Founder & Director of the Esoteric & Astrological Studies & Research Institute, a contemporary Wisdom School in Santa Cruz, CA. Read more at www.nightlightnews.com. Contact Risa at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .