Until Winter Solstice on December 21, humanity is under the beam of the direct, focused and fiery light called Sagittarius. Sag represents the struggle to free ourselves from the past and enter a more expansive, philosophical, adventurous and eventually spiritual journey. Having very high goals, feeling jubiliant, joyful and playful, loving music and food, reaching for higher and higher goals – all are characteristics of Sagittarius. They ask, “What is my purpose in life?” We, too, may do this during the weeks of Sag.

The sign, qualities and tasks of Sagittarius perfectly reflect the holy season of Advent, a word meaning “something’s coming.” 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 birth of the Sun at Winter Solstice and in religious festivals as the Holy Child’s birth. For both, stillness and waiting are cultivated, and an expectation of the unexpected.

As we shop and wrap gifts, string lights and decorate our trees, it’s good to remember the purpose of this season, why we’re giving gifts and the significance of the lights we see everywhere as Christmas approaches. In ancient times the lights (or candles) placed on the Christmas tree represented the birth of the light begun at Winter solstice when the Sun begins its passage northward. The lights also represent the “child of Light” birthed in the stable in the darkness of winter. He was to be the “Light of the world.” The star above the tree represented the Soul above our heads, bridging Spirit with form and matter and also the Star in the East, which the Three Wise Men, carrying gifts, followed. And so we sing with the angels, “Peace on Earth, Goodwill to All.” Happy holydays, everyone. Till the new year….Risa.

Now, what shall we give as gifts to each other? Below are the signs. Hidden within the ideas for gifts are the qualities within each sign. Happy giving, everyone!

ARIES (Mar. 21-Apr. 20) Give to Aries things daring and new, intelligent and quick, impatient and bright red, sporty and casual, big, bright and fleeting, energetic, with gears, goes Vrooom! and takes them away from anything involving long-term follow-up. Dictionaries and a thesaurus. All kinds of hats, old and new.

TAURUS (Apr. 21-May 20) Things easy and uncomplicated, sensual yet practical, simple and effortless, comfortable and calm, the very best designer quality, something planned, cozy, able to be stored for generations, something from or for a financial institution, things they can’t share. Things made of wood. Scarves, cashmere and gold.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) Anything to help them think and use their hands at the same time, able to be stacked, coming in the mail or online daily, monthly or weekly, quick, easy-to-wash and tend to, parts for their Ipod or Blackberry, a casual get-together, stars for their bedroom ceiling, butterfly-attracting plants, gloves.

CANCER (June 21-July 20) Things that are traditional and nurture, that are nostalgic; used copper cooking pots and barbecue tools, heirloom seeds, antiques, things cozy and homey, comfort foods, small family gatherings at home, scrapbooks, picture frames, photo albums, baskets, boxes, bins, vases, holders, cases, small tubs and even a vat. Handmade non-lye soaps and warm sweaters.

LEO (July 21-Aug. 20) Anything that lets them win, be first, ahead of everyone else and the leader, that provide them with attention and applause, things extravagant and large, jewelry, gold, games, mirrors, and whatever is heart-shaped. A gift in their name to the Heifer Project, that sends bees, ducks, geese, cows or goats to families in need in developing countries.

VIRGO (Aug. 21-Sept. 20) Assist their quest for perfection, knowledge, serving and tending to with pets, books, health foods, ears of corn, sheaves of wheat, pomegranates, things that organize, structure and bring forth detail, white countertops, gardens of flowers, natural cleaning products, anything biodynamic, and multiple and various ways they can serve. And words of gratitude.

LIBRA (Sept. 21-Oct. 20) Whatever offers them harmony, equality and balance, things artistic and most of all beautiful, sets of scales, weights and measures, jewelry, flowers, things well-designed, tickets to the orchestra, plays, ballet and the theatre, an outdoor fire pit, a planned party with all their friends, mirrors, paintings, money and a course in practical economics for world good.

SCORPIO (Oct. 21-Nov. 20) Designer sunglasses, big and black, things mysterious, private, under the surface, intense and powerful, black clothing with a gold something tucked inside, mystery novels, classes in astrology and Ancient Wisdom, luxurious bedding, screens, curtains, veils and drapes.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 21-Dec. 20) A journey over hill and dale that’s adventurous, risky, exciting and philosophical; things swift, moving or looking like a horse; a real horse or pony (for a Sag child) would be best, a new place to move to, a trip to an artistic desert town; music, musical instruments, publishing their writings; a photo of the Galactic Center.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 21-Jan. 20) The Capricorn icons: a ladder and sturdy mountain boots; anything and everything from a mountain store; hiking and camping equipment; stories of treks to the top of Mt. Everest; images of unicorns and the rising Sun, yoga classes, bone-strengthening vitamins, a course in bio-dynamics, requesting them to design, build and craft something beautiful.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21-Feb. 20) A “green” house in an intentional community with tilapia ponds in a bio-sphere on a farm with straw bale houses, in the countryside away from large towns, with friends and loved ones. Not possible? Then books about each of these, along with a jar of real tupelo honey.

PISCES (Feb. 21-Mar. 20) Cashmere socks, supple, plush and comforting shoes, slippers, a warm and private pool, several visits to a spa, a year’s membership in a health club, a monastery retreat, a gardener, wooden shelves and bureaus, incense, lavender oil, Persian rugs, children’s books, a rosary, a prayer book, being understood.

Risa D’Angeles is the founder and director of the Esoteric & Astrological Studies & Research Institute in Santa Cruz, California. Read more at www.nightlightnews.com. Questions, comments? Contact Risa at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .