 
Holiday Harmony, Sun Sign  
Guide to Getting Along With Anyone

Angela Kaufman
Copyright © 2015 by Angela Kaufman

Please respect the work of the author. This E-Book is copyright protected and is not intended for resale or redistribution in any form. Thank you!
Gathering for a holiday celebration can bring up conflicting feelings. Bring light, love & warmth to your relationships. Understanding the core passion in yourself and those around you to help you build, not burn, your bridges!

Use this reference guide to accompany the Audio program Holiday Harmony, Sun Sign Guide to Getting Along With Anyone and the Bonus Audio Understanding Core Motivations of the 12 Sun Signs **.**

Astrology & the Sun Signs: Strengths and Limitations

Astrology involves a complex system of relationships between planets, signs, and placement in the birth chart. Your Sun sign describes the sign in which the Sun is placed at the time of your birth, however it is only a part of your total energy. This is why you may relate to the characteristics of more than one sign.

A natal chart in astrology is like the energetic and Karmic "blueprint" for your life. Like a blueprint for a house, it is complex and represents a baseline. Within that baseline however, you may grow and evolve throughout your life.

Even without having an understanding of your chart in depth, knowing the placement of your sun, or your "Sun Sign" is a helpful key, since the Sun represents your expression of your identity, and therefore will give many clues to what motivates you and how you carry yourself in the world. It is advised that the reader explore the descriptions of each sign, to identify the various motivations and perspectives of others they will interact with.
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Press Ctrl while Clicking the Sign of the Zodiac below to go right to that chapter.

Aries- March 21-April 19

Taurus- April 20-May 20

Gemini- May 20-June 21

Cancer- June 22-July 21

Leo- July 22- Aug 21

Virgo Aug 22-Sept 21

Libra- Sept 22-Oct 21

Scorpio- Oct 22- Nov 21

Sagittarius- Nov 22- Dec 21

Capricorn- Dec 22-Jan 21

Aquarius- Jan 22- Feb 21

Pisces- Feb 22- March 20

Next Steps

About the Author

# Aries  
March 21-April 19

• _Strength: Willpower, Leadership_

• _Core Motivation: Expression of self as individual._

• _Key to Compromise: Recognize leadership ambition and passion as extension of inner will to express self. Give Aries tasks to be in charge of and allow their energy to inspire and motivate you and others._

Aries, your gift to others is your courageous willingness to leap into action to be of service to others. Keep in mind that your image of success may differ slightly from the image others have. Be open to lending your strength and courage, but let others maintain their right to free will.

Aries is the first sign of the zodiac, and as this suggests, their energy can be like that of a first born child. Eager, curious, brave, outgoing. Those born with Sun in Aries are forever young, like the "Peter Pan" character.

In relationships, this can mean that Aries see from a first person perspective and evaluate situations based on their own interests. They don't always stop to put themselves in others' shoes. This can lead to conflict when misunderstandings occur. Aries likes to take initiative and may be speeding into action before ideas are fully developed, leaving loved ones feeling frustrated.

Aries Holiday Temptations

Aries is the director and go-getter. Impulsivity can be a trap during the holidays as Aries will go out on a limb to pursue what is believed to bring the greatest joy to those around him or her, at times overlooking what others are actually communicating. Aries can also struggle in social situations in which they are not the leader.

Aries naturally take charge, so if you are a visitor at someone else's holiday celebration, power struggles can emerge. Explore ways to bring your power house of dynamic energy to ignite the fires of passion, warmth and celebration, rather than focusing on differences, conflict and power struggles. Agreeing to disagree is not your best skill but is a skill which you can cultivate by channeling your energy into that which you can change and making peace with that which you can't.

If you are an Aries

Be a leader when you can, but also make room for others to take the lead. Use your courage, determination, and strength to inspire and motivate others. Avoid access to situations in which your impulses may get the better of you. Plan to have safe transportation if you are drinking, or avoid alcohol altogether. Leave credit cards at home in favor of cash, etc.

Aries Healthy Diet

Aries is typically active and known for physical strength so being active and motivated to exercise helps control holiday weight gain. Indulging is a tougher obstacle especially because Aries tends to act first and stop to consider all sides later. You do not need to eat a lot of food and may feel sluggish or slowed down by indulging in large meals. Aries has a good tolerance for most foods and will usually be able to work off holiday pounds because they are always on the move. Aries can be prone to a fiery temper and if family or other relationships are tense, alcohol may add fuel to the fire, and it is suggested that Aries keep grounded and level, and veer away from mind altering substances which can help fuel their already fiery personality.

Nourish the body with "grounding" food like root vegetables. Aries may have a high tolerance for spicy foods but these may irritate the system in large amounts.

Aries Sticking to a Budget

Aries is focused and task oriented. Once you are given a mission you stick to it, and this can work for or against you.

Either you: Have sticking to a budget as your mission and will not compromise even if it means you don't meet the expectations of others...

Or you: Have making others happy as your first priority and overlook opportunities to save yourself money in order to satisfy someone's requests or expectations.

All or nothing by nature, you know how to take charge, so be clear what you are charging after!

Your main budgeting nemesis is impulsivity, so credit cards are not your friend during the holidays. If you make a list in advance and allow some flexibility with that list (for example, having a set number of people to shop for and an idea of what you would like to buy, but allowing that if a different brand or similar item is on sale it will be just fine as a substitute) then your chances or keeping your budget intact are greater.

Your other challenge when it comes to shopping (for gifts or meals) is that your child like energy is strongly triggered by holiday glitter and cheer. You will likely project your own desires onto those you are shopping for (I need a new phone, so my son would probably love this type of new phone too, I love ham dinner, so my family will be thrilled with this ham dinner too...etc). You have a big heart for the cheer and festivities because it brings out the child in you, and it may be difficult to minimize spending by keeping in mind what others need, and what you would like them to have that they don't need. You want everyone to feel like a happy child during the holidays and it is hard for you to keep your impulses in check for this reason.

Big spending also sets in for Aries when it comes to aligning purchases, meals, events, decorations etc. with status. As a natural leader, your ego will push you to try to compete with others when it comes to gift giving, light displays etc. Connect to your higher purpose for celebrating, or even for gift giving and this will help you pull away from competitive thinking (for you, Aries, life itself is a competitive sport!)

Aries Holiday Hero Archetype

The character Clark Griswold, from the National Lampoon Christmas Vacation Movie very much embodies the energy of an Aries. Like this modern iconic family man, Aries has big visions of what a perfect family gathering should be like, and will stop at nothing to provide a memorable experience. The season brings out the child in Aries and whether it means covering the house in blinding lights, or bringing home a tree big enough to knock out the family room window, Aries will pull out all the stops to try to make the most special experience possible.

However also like the fictional character of Clark Griswold, Aries may not notice when his or her intentions are out of alignment with what the family truly desires.

Aries Serenity Guide

You are good at taking the lead, so pick a serenity based objective for the holidays and make this your prominent theme or message.

For example, you could be the leader in your family or friends of setting a health example of boundaries, budgeting, or promoting peace rather than stirring up conflict. With this concept as your focus, all of your actions and plans will fall into step around the serenity fostering goal.

Exercise! Your excess energy can be managed well by hitting the trail, the gym or the weight room. Don't forget serenity producing exercise like Yoga, Tai Chi or Nia as part of the routine. You need to burn off steam to keep your energy regulated and keep from becoming overwhelmed or stressed out.

If Someone You Love is An Aries:

Thank Aries for giving you their energy, and for their determination, motivation and courage. They have boldly gone out on a limb numerous times to blaze the trail, test the waters, or march into the unknown so others may follow.

Don't misinterpret their abrupt and direct manner. What appears at times to be a bossy tone is really this person's way of helping to direct the flow of energy. Aries loves to be the one who opens doors for others, figuratively and literally. Aries loves to be the leader and sees their role as initiator, instigator and catalyst for the good of those they love. When Aries takes a firm tone, raises their voice, gets exuberant or appears to make demands, they are using their decisive energy to usher in opportunities for others.

Give Aries a job to do. If an Aries is a guest in your home, expect them to follow the rules they are used to even if your rules are different. They are not being rude. They are assuming that others know their mind and follow their rules. Give them some aspect of the holiday meal or festivities to be in charge of, let them be the leader in some capacity.

Compromise can be challenging for Aries but they genuinely have others' well being in mind, so you may have to be more of the flexible party.

# Taurus  
April 20-May 20

• _Strength: Patience, Sturdiness._

• _Core Motivation: Create comfort and please the senses through physical form._

• _Key to Compromise: Recognize "stubbornness" as patience for the benefit of others. Allow Taurus time to move at their own pace._

Taurus, your key to compromise lies in caring for your physical comfort and keeping yourself grounded. This will help you keep stressors in perspective and avoid holiday power struggles.

Taurus knows that slow and steady wins the race. Taurus has a keen sense of value and strives to make others feel comfortable. Taurus is especially eager to make sure that the holidays are a time when others feel physically comfortable. Taurus has an eye for beauty and value and strives to bring the beauty into daily life.

Taurus Holiday Temptations

Taurus wants to go all out decorating, though unlike Aries it is not for the sake of competing. Taurus believes that creating beauty and harmony on the outside (house, rooms, etc.) will create beauty and harmony on the inside, in other words, a beautiful home will be a stable home.

Taurus has a soft spot for seeking pleasure and while Taurus is spared Aries' impulsive streak (Taurus on the other hand is a bit slower to motivate due to their cautious nature), they are prone to overindulging in sensory pleasures, especially food, drink and spending.

Taurus appreciates the value of money and things and will often try to say "I love you" through giving gifts, especially gifts of a high value (and price tag). Losing sight of the fact that gifts are nice, but it is the love, bond and emotional connection which people really desire.

If You Are a Taurus

You want a peaceful, comfortable holiday. You love sharing your home with others, although a creature of habit, you are partial to your favorite chair, your comforts and feeling cozy in your space in general.

You have an Earthy energy and this gives you gifts of patience and practicality. Taurus is the anchor that helps others remain stable and your reliability and enduring, loving nature is often (accidentally) taken for granted by others. The squeaky wheel gets the grease, however you would prefer to just do what must be done rather than making a squeaky racket. Therefore others don't always realize the toll your efforts are taking on your physical and emotional energy. Taurus is happy to share generosity and spread love and beauty to others, however. Be mindful of your own limitations. The subtle occasional pangs of resentment that brew beneath the surface will be your early warning signs that you are not speaking up for yourself and setting reasonable limits.

Heed this warning signal, and many conflicts can be avoided. Ignore this warning sign, and your slow boil will inevitably simmer over and possibly even explode.

You are not typically an angry person, you prefer peace, and it is for this reason that you sometimes smother your feelings to avoid conflict. Remember that you can assert yourself without instigating conflict, and some conflict is a good thing in any relationship.

Taurus Healthy Diet

Taurus would do well to have a plan which allows some indulgence. Restrictive diets are a recipe for disappointment. Taurus knows this is a time of celebration and is not likely to trick herself into feeling indulged with a substitute for holiday favorites, so the key is moderation. Allowing one favorite treat during a particular holiday meal will help Taurus avoid the trap of going all out every gathering from November until February.

Taurus associates gourmet food with comfort and quality and may be drawn toward specialty foods. This interest can be channeled into an indulgence in treating yourself to gourmet and unique health foods instead of rich desserts or fine wines.

Strategize a system of incentives to keep active during the winter, perhaps indulge in a sauna or hot tub after working out as a reward for getting out of the comforts of home in order to work out, or plan a workout you can do at home. This is not a time when you want to slouch on your activity or you will put yourself at risk of increased weight during the holidays.

Physical comfort plays a role in your food choices, so when you are feeling tired, sick or physically uncomfortable, food triggers can set in. Dress for the season as well as style and be aware of the signals your body conveys about physical comfort. Don't let signals of physical discomfort be confused for hunger signals.

Taurus Sticking to a Budget

Taurus is a savvy shopper and while she loves to indulge others and share a feeling of luxury, she also tends to know a bargain when she sees one.

Some intention may help to remind Taurus that the quality of a gift, decoration, or food item is not measured only by the price, and that value and price sometimes overlap, and sometimes do not.

Keep your focus on the language of "Value" not the language of money.

Furthermore, remember that the greatest value is in things which money can't buy.

Taurus Holiday Hero Archetype

Taurus energy is personified in Charles Dickens' character Fezziwig. In A Christmas Carol, Fezziwig is the perfect foil to Ebenezer Scrooge. Scrooge apprenticed under the mentorship of this business man who was known for his generosity and lively holiday parties. While Scrooge turned his back on connection to others in pursuit of money, Fezziwig personifies the drive to attract abundance for the purpose of sharing it with others and promoting comfort, happiness and luxury. Thus the energy of Taurus connects to value and material things not as objects to be worshipped but as a means to provide positive sensory experiences for people to enjoy.

Taurus Serenity Guide

Taurus has difficulty with situations which challenge your feeling of security and comfort, like having a house full of guests for the holidays. Your serenity may depend on the ability to remember that inconveniences and uncomfortable social or family situations are temporary. Fortunately you are also peace loving and really do strive to create comfort and harmony for others. Make harmony within yourself and comfort in your own body and spirit a priority and this issue will just about take care of itself! To help alleviate the stress from close quarters with family and friends, keep a time out space handy in your home for you to retreat to. Be prepared to feel the presence of the energies of others, and know that discomfort you are feeling is likely the byproduct of others energy and pace which may not be identical to your own.

Compromise is tough for you because you fear not having your way. This is because you associate security with tradition and feel uncomfortable when others suggest elements of novelty or surprise. Focus on the beauty you can bring to the holiday celebration and invite the energy of change.

If Someone You Love is a Taurus

Acknowledge the many ways they work to bring comfort and beauty to your life, because they are often underappreciated. Respect their cautious nature as their way of sticking with what works best for them. Introduce new ideas slowly so they can adjust to changes. Even with the best intentions, throwing a surprise at a Taurus will not likely get the cooperation you desire. Give them time and space to adjust to or consider new plans or ideas when you can.

Your Taurus loved one has likely spent a lot of time calculating and planning for your comfort, so keep their comfort in mind too. Ask if they need help, since they are not likely to ask for help themselves. Treat them to lotions, warm gloves or hats, or healthy satisfying foods. Let them express their creativity by tending to décor or cooking.

They have a good sense of spending in most circumstances so enlist their help in making sure you stick within a budget that emphasizes value not cost.

# Gemini  
May 20-June 21

• _Strength: Intellect, Communication_

• _Core Motivation: To make connections and diversify._

• _Key to Compromise: Allow Gemini to flourish through multitasking and diversity. Ask Gemini about their interests (there are many) engage their diverse knowledge and ability to inspire. Let them help you solve your communication problems. Gemini love keeping busy so let them help you with errands that get you out of the house on cold winter days!_

Gemini, you may be easily bored by repeating the same traditions year after year, but luckily you have the mental flexibility to compromise and indulge in the traditions which are important to those close to you.

Gemini Holiday Temptations

Overcommitting to various holiday parties, losing track of your own priorities and personal needs, and struggling to prioritize your social calls are common struggles for Gemini. You love to be social. The holidays can become hectic because there are so many opportunities to attend events.

If You are a Gemini

Let's face it Gemini, there is more allure in traveling, socializing and shopping than there is in being bogged down with the same old family traditions every year...except that repetitive routine may be something those who love you look forward to all year long. Preserving traditions, family or otherwise, are less enticing to you than feeding your curiosity with new surroundings and activities and your social calendar is likely full even when others are cutting back on socializing to spend time with family and friends.

You are a social butterfly and it will be in your best interest to set family priorities on your calendar first, before networking, parties and other gatherings take over your schedule. You also prefer to be on the move, so if you live in a region where holidays are accompanied by treacherous weather it can put a damper on your plans.

The temptation to speed from one engagement to another is often a byproduct of your need for multitasking. During the time of year when traffic is often cramped with holiday shoppers and the roads are icy, your usual routine of zipping from one place to another becomes challenged.

You would rather visit friends and family at a party or dinner than spend time combing through stores to find gifts to send. The face to face contact is more exciting to you.

You also may experience seasonal depression as the dark and cold cramp your desire to mingle and travel.

Gemini Healthy Diet

You are easily drawn in to the social aspects of holiday dining and snacking and if you are trying to stick to a particular diet, it will be in your best interest to have a buddy with a similar dietary plan or health goals. You easily adapt and this is a good thing, but when it comes to diet and eating you may end up "adapting" to the bad habits of others, rather than sticking to your motivation in the presence of culturally sanctioned or socially acceptable indulgence in food.

If at a buffet, choose a small plate, take a walk around the buffet table and select only the foods that really stand out as unique in that moment, what you really desire. You like to try a little of everything, so limiting the size of your dish and focusing on 2 flavors or textures which you are really craving will help you. You want to sample a little of everything, so let your plates set a natural boundary. Smaller dishes or little bowls for sampling rather than heaping onto one plate etc.

If you are at a dinner, enjoy the company and conversation but be mindful of the tendency to eat without tasting because you are caught up in conversation. Simply setting an intention to be aware of this can go a long way to helping you stay present and focused.

Gemini Sticking to a Budget

As with diet, your spending and shopping habits are influenced by your peers. Gemini has a gift for mental flexibility and is easily able to put themselves in others' shoes. When it comes to shopping and spending however, Gemini, you will easily accept the habits of others as the standard which gives you permission to be frugal, or extravagant, regardless of your original intention.

Gemini knows money isn't real, that it is a means to an end, so it is hard to get Gemini to be vigilant about money when there are good experiences and valuable items to be purchased. Your natural curiosity may prompt you to shop for yourself while shopping for others, purchasing some items in double so that you can also experience what a gift will provide for someone else.

Gemini sticking to a budget will do well to avoid credit cards. The whole concept only adds to the "unreality" of money, and leads Gemini to lose track of the physical consequences of spending.

You would also do well to shop either online or with a friend who can help keep you focused, as all the mental stimulation of shopping malls and stores can derail your budget plans and even cause you to slip into socializing mode and forget what you went into the store looking for.

On the bright side, however, making a shopping trip a social trip with a friend who has a grounded practical nature (Earth Signs to the rescue once again!) can help focus your energy and satisfy your social needs.

One of your greatest gifts is that of creative use of words, Gemini, so while you may feel the social pressure to spend on gifts, don't overlook the real value of written cards to loved ones. Write stories or poems, or create your own greeting cards for those you love.

Gemini Holiday Hero Archetype

As the messenger of the Zodiac, Gemini corresponds well with the character Clarence the Angel from the movie It's a Wonderful Life. Both because Clarence is a messenger, and because it is in the process of his studies and development that he is sent to intervene on behalf of George Bailey, helping him to see his life through a different lens (flexibility, adaptability and communication, all Gemini strengths).

Not to mention the desire to travel and explore, which take place as Clarence "journeys" from the afterlife to mundane world to be in the correct place at the right time to help fulfill his mission.

Gemini Serenity Guide

Since you are flexible and social and since you tend to enjoy the opportunities to gather with others, much of what stresses others about the holidays will not bring you down.

It will be more likely that the inability to actually clone yourself and go to every event in every place will feel frustrating for you, as well the pressure to keep up productivity at work and career when you really want to enjoy the social aspects of the holidays which may also cut in to your desire to spend equal time with family and friends, or different parts of family.

Make a list of the people you most want to spend your time with. Prioritize not by who is most important (after all that can be hard to measure) but also by considering who you have the most/least opportunity to spend time with. Set dates for family engagements in advance and write your non-negotiable events in your calendar in red to reinforce that these engagements take precedence over others. You have most likely cultivated a large social network, let them help you stick to your diet and budget by aligning with those who are able to focus their energy and keep grounded in spite of the mental stimulation and chaos.

Meditation will be extremely helpful for you to keep yourself present and to give your mind a rest. The winter's dark and cold can be depressing for you, so look at this as a time to indulge in a new hobby or book (or 10) or to take a course, learn a new language, or learn something new in general.

If Someone You Love is a Gemini

If your Gemini loved one looks at you vacantly when you mention your anticipation of yet another gathering at Grandma's for roast chicken, rest assured your loved one has nothing against you, or Grandma. They simply thrive on change and do not like routine. Consider ways to compromise on how time is spent, balancing between tradition and exploring new and interesting elements which can be brought in to the celebration. Accentuate Gemini's gift for language, communication and creativity by letting them help send out greeting cards, or find creative ways to "deck the halls". Help your Gemini loved ones prioritize their scheduled activities to align with what is most meaningful to them, and don't take it personally if they are not as excited and curious about what is most important to you. If they feel like they are watching a re-run of holidays past it is in their nature to become bored. Let them help you explore ways to change it up a little.

# Cancer  
June 22-July 21

• _Strength: Nurturing, Intuition_

• _Core Motivation: To secure and foster growth._

• _Key to Compromise: Recognize Cancer's expression of mood as necessary catharsis, allow their knack for nurturing to set a comfortable atmosphere. Establish security and enjoy the potential for close family like connection. Validate the importance of emotions, even if you can't understand why Cancer is feeling the way they are. It will pass in no time. Let them share their home or cooking with you, talk to them about the 3 F's, food, family and feelings._

Cancer, you can have an enjoyable holiday by creating the atmosphere of nurturing, home and family no matter where you go or who you are connecting with. Nurture your own emotions first and it will be significantly easier to cope with challenging holiday issues.

Cancer Holiday Temptations

Cancer is very sensitive to the feelings of others and all the nurturing-caretaking-maternal buttons are pushed by various aspects of the holidays. Cancer is likely to struggle with food during the holidays both because of stress and because it is permissive, socially, to go against the biological basis of eating and indulge for social, emotional and celebratory reasons. Cancer is also likely to go to great lengths to create an idyllic, family friendly, atmosphere during the holidays and will likely have high expectations of how the perfect holiday should be.

IF YOU ARE a CANCER

You take great joy in nurturing others and will either want to have celebration at your home or in the home you were raised in, if possible. Sentimental by nature, you may relive the past during the holidays. Whether this is reason for joy or sorrow depends largely on the meaning you give to your past. Whether you have children of your own (and yes, the pets count!) or not, you derive great joy from being a caretaker. Your tendency toward sensitivity makes you keenly aware of the emotional needs of others and like a resourceful parent you know how to pool your resources to give others the best of what you have to share.

Cancer Healthy Diet

Emotional eating, and social eating, are struggles for Cancer all year long. Being emotion driven and sensitive, Cancer needs to be mindful of the motivations for eating, and feeding others, because food is a medium for relationship connection for Cancer. What makes it more complicated is that everyone indulges during the holidays the way Cancer is tempted to indulge all year long.

If entertaining at home (and many Cancers will host the holiday gatherings at home...) you have more control over the healthy meal planning. Give yourself permission to cook for health, not for what everyone else might want. Make healthy ingredient substitutions and no one is likely to even notice the difference!

If you are eating in the home of another, enjoy the connections you make and stay present to the relationships. Nurture others in ways that don't center around food and it will help you keep food in the background rather than in the spotlight.

Be mindful of the powerful draw to dairy and other types of rich creamy food. As the "Mother" of the Zodiac you are particularly fond of creamy, milky foods. Your emotional sensitivity is not helped by indulging in sweet or rich foods, which add to energetic highs and lows and contribute to feeling out of balance in your body.

Substitute lighter versions of your favorite foods and keep your motivation focused on the reasons you want to be healthy (even if the motivation is related to those you love, for example).

Cancer Sticking to a Budget

You have a shrewd sense of finance and even in the midst of your desire to nurture and indulge others, you tend to be extremely resourceful in your financial dealings.

For the most part you know how to find a good deal and your sensitivity to others' needs helps you to plan a happy holiday without focusing all of your efforts of the material aspect of the holidays.

Still you may find yourself triggered by guilt, or other emotions (most likely your own) which you may be projecting on to other people. For example you may feel compelled to overspend because of feelings you have about being a "good enough" parent. This may drive you to breaking the budget to soothe your own feelings of guilt, which were not the feelings your child was having in the first place.

This cycle is exacerbated by numerous media marketing messages. You may find it helpful to practice some "TV Detox" during the holidays to keep your energy clear from messages that imply you aren't good enough as a mother/father/spouse etc. if you haven't provided a certain standard of life for those you love.

Cancer Holiday Hero Archetype

The Virgin Mary represents the archetypal mother and nurturer of the Soul as she is archetypal Divine Mother. By giving birth to Jesus, she is held by many in regard and in Divine or semi-Divine status. Around the world, people seeking nurturing and healing turn to the energy of the Virgin Mary as an extension of maternal energy.

Cancer is the personification of maternal nurturing energy and as such often people born under this sign are sought for healing, compassion and mothering.

Cancer Serenity Guide

Caring and nurturing, it is difficult for you to prioritize your own needs when others are not happy. Keep it in mind as you read this guide that there are many ways people find happiness, and people have different motivations for the way they act. Therefore it is not reasonable that you should be expected to make everyone happy all of the time, and even if people are happy, they may not show it the way you do!

You are sensitive to others' feelings, and will do well to remind yourself that other people have a right to their feelings, even if those feelings are not happy.

You may find peace and serenity by using the holidays as a time to celebrate home and family, both concepts which have many variations and do not need to be held to the standard set by one particular example. Enjoy your family, whatever that may be. Enjoy your home, whatever it may look like. Create a feeling of sanctuary for yourself first, and others will be positively affected by your positive energy.

If Someone You Love is a Cancer

Your cancer loved one is sensitive to the emotions and needs of others and may become moody or suddenly withdrawn during times of stress or overstimulation. Family will be your Cancer loved one's top priority, and helping family feel secure will be a close second. Allow your Cancer loved one to bring nurturing and love to the holidays, and be mindful of your friend's sensitivity to criticism or rejection, real or imagined.

If you are unable to spend time with your Cancer loved one because of multiple commitments, make plans to visit when you can. If you follow a specific diet and turn down a meal prepared by your Cancer loved one, do so graciously as it may be perceived as an insult.

# Leo  
July 22- Aug 21

• _Strength: Generosity, Confidence_

• _Core Motivation: To express and share vitality with others._

• _Key to Compromise: Let Leo shine as a leader. Give Leo a chance to take center stage. When Leo takes the throne, those around them also bask in the generosity and benevolence of this warm and encouraging character. Let them lend you courage and optimism in the dark days of winter. Before bringing up the topics of religion, politics, or your favorite sports team, be prepared to either defend your position in a fight to the finish, or compromise and drop the subject if you and your Leo friend don't see eye to eye. Their views are an extension of their personal identity and will not be set aside easily._

Leo, it will serve you well to be a catalyst for hope during the winter months. With this in mind, you do not have to hold yourself responsible for indulging others out of pity or guilt. Also avoid the trap of personalizing the behaviors of others. Share your generosity because you desire to do so, with no expectations. Be patient with others who are not as outgoing, exuberant and naturally in tune with their inner fire during the colder months.

Leo Holiday Temptations

You know the saying "all that glitters is gold?" a Leo probably said it first! You are drawn toward power, leadership and regal energy and can easily become entrenched in the holiday sparkle even when it takes you on a detour from your true mission and integrity. On the one hand, Leo will feel at home in the atmosphere of lights, shiny objects and luxury that permeates much of the commercialized side of the season. It is not because Leo is "materialistic", but rather because Leo is ruled by the energy of the Sun and anything that bears resemblance to the vital, shimmering, fiery energy (burning Yule logs, Holiday Lights, Shiny decorations, candle- lit family dinners) is a scene perfectly set for Leo.

Leo is also outgoing and thrives on entertaining others. Naturally at ease in the spotlight, the draw to host or be a part of as many holiday gatherings as possible is strong for Leo.

So in the midst of all this good cheer Leo can easily get carried away with the festivities and lose track of practical matters. Indulgence in food, alcohol, and overspending as well as overcommitting socially are potential pitfalls.

Ruled by the Sun (representation of individual Self or Ego) Leo is also likely to measure their personal validation by the reactions and gestures of others. Leo is not as emotionally sensitive as the water signs, say, Cancer, Scorpio, or Pisces, but Leo has a sense of pride that may be hurt if they perceive they have been snubbed. Generous to the extreme, Leo, you need help from a Taurus, Capricorn, or Virgo friend to help you stick to your budget, as long as they do so nicely without taking control of your plans! You thrive in situations in which you get to be in charge so being a guest at subdued gatherings or in situations where you feel your personal expression is repressed will be uncomfortable for you.

Also since the Sun is your ruling planet, Leo, the diminished sunlight has a significant effect on your motivation and typically robust energy. Although the daylight hours are diminishing the Solstice/Midwinter season has special significance to you as it is the season of rebirth of the Sun.

If You Are a Leo

A flair for the dramatic and a loyal, generous nature are just some of your strong points. Whatever interests you pursue, you strive toward mastery. You are naturally optimistic and wish to enlighten and inspire those around you by motivating others to rise to their potential. Courageous and outgoing, you are not afraid to lead by example and are drawn to humanitarian or rescue work associated with heroic acts such as being part of the service, fire-fighting, or emergency medical work. You thrive in situations with a fast pace and a degree of pressure, but you are not all work and no play. You have a big heart and love to play as hard as you work.

Leo Healthy Diet

Leo has a sturdy disposition and can typically withstand an array of flavors, spices, etc. in the diet. If anything Leo should be mindful to avoid excess rich foods as both the desire to indulge in gourmet and luxurious foods will be natural and more acceptable during the holidays. Also Leo energy rules the functioning of the heart, so even Leos who are active (as most will be) run the risk of predisposition to cardiovascular issues either by nature or lifestyle. Indulge in treats with awareness of the impact on energy level and health, and this will help prepare you to treat yourself in moderation. Opt for replacement ingredients for desserts or rich sauces. Be mindful of how much rich food you allow yourself in each gathering. Perhaps choosing one treat a few occasions throughout the season.

Leo has a tendency to associate gourmet or lavish diet with power, wealth and status but if remaining healthy is your goal you will do well to realign the association with indulging the tastebuds and instead indulge another aspect of your senses during the holidays.

Leo Sticking to a Budget

Leo has a huge heart and loves to share generously with others, showing love and expressing affection through lavishly spoiling loved ones. Leo carries the energy of royalty and desires to both treat others and be treated like a King or Queen. Leo will spare no expense to provide the perfect gifts, party or celebration. In the absence of an endless supply of money, Leo, you may find yourself working overtime to make up for the expense either during the holidays or after. Easily swept up in the festivities, Leo, you would do well to remember the warning of the old infomercials "Buy now, pay later". For whether it is in diet or in budget, you have a tendency to buy now and pay the price later on when the dust settles.

First and foremost, create a mantra separating the power of love, joy and happiness from the material things and experiences which are "supposed to" represent this energy. Those you love would rather share in your dynamic presence than worry as much about "presents" as you no doubt do. When on a quest to purchase the right items or create the "perfect" holiday celebration, give yourself a break! The real joy is in the reality of your experiences, not in the artificial glitter of shiny objects which are only representations of status, success and love, not a substitute for the real feelings.

Notice how often you find yourself placing pressure and high expectations on yourself and others, and challenge yourself to bring your royal, special, generous energy and power of love to holiday encounters, rather than spending time, energy and money focusing on the commercial aspects of the season.

Set limits with yourself, or have a Virgo or Capricorn set limits for you! Remember, holding back financially is NOT the same as holding back emotionally. No one can stop you from holding back love and affection!

Leo Holiday Hero Archetype

Is there anything that would make you more satisfied than a table overflowing with a feast, goblets filled to the brim with drink, and a house full of jolly friends, family and even strangers, sharing the holiday warmth? Probably not Leo, and this energy connects you to Charles Dickens' Ghost of Christmas Present from A Christmas Carol. Not simply because of the open, generous nature this Spirit shares with Scrooge, or because of the abundance of luxuries over which he rules. The Ghost of Christmas Present embodies the spirit of the moment. Leo lives in and for the moment, sometimes without heed for the future! In a positive sense however, Leo, you remind us all how to let the child within enjoy the season and revel in the spirit of the present.

Leo Serenity Guide

Naturally optimistic and cheerful, it takes a lot to dim your inner glow. Your dynamic energy and passion is likely to be a beacon for others. If there is any potential threat to your serenity during the holidays it is the competitive nature that emerges in some individuals when it comes to the midwinter athletics of holiday gift giving and decorating. It is a fine line for Leo to enjoy the Spirit of the season without taking it to extremes, some of which can have a competitive nature. Reign in the temptation to use annual family newsletters of holiday parties as an opportunity to "show up" others. Your success and status are valid with or without the recognition of others.

If Someone You Love is a Leo

Show them lots of appreciation, chances are they more than deserve it! Your Leo loved one easily shows their courageous and bold side, so it can be easy to overlook the sensitivity and desire to be recognized and praised for their generosity and heart.

Give Leo the chance to be a leader and they become a shining star. Let them entertain whether as a host or guest. They have a lot to offer and will engage others easily with their humorous stories and adventures. Leo will not likely ask for help, but recognize they may need assistance avoiding financial or dietary pitfalls during the holidays. Help to reinforce their own goals and motivations but avoid nagging or intervening in a way that limits their power or infringes on their confidence.

# Virgo  
Aug 22-Sept 21

• **Strength: Practicality**

• **Core Motivation: To be of service.**

• **Key to Compromise: The process often misunderstood as criticism is really Virgo's way of being helpful so let them help. Their attention to detail and organizational skills could benefit us all! Don't bring up a problem unless you want Virgo to give you frank feedback about how to solve it.**

Virgo, your intention is to help others avoid problems and pain, however in your quest to do so don't overlook the importance of the "bedside manner." Give yourself permission to relax from your perceived "service duty" and let others experience their successes and pitfalls.

Virgo Holiday Temptations

No one wants to have a "perfect" holiday more than a Virgo because Virgo wants everything to be perfect! Virgo's core desire is to be of service to others and they take their mission to heart. Virgo knows the value of details and weighs decisions analytically.

During the holidays, Virgo will have less trouble sticking to a diet and budget than others. Virgo's struggle to enjoy the season because it is difficult to be present and serene. Rather than viewing the holiday season as a time of relaxation and connection because it always seems there is something to do, some way to be of service to others, and some to-do list which needs attention. However also unlike many of the signs, Virgo is more likely to enjoy the process of decking the halls, prepping the meals, sending out greeting cards and doing any other activity that follows the holiday routines, no matter how tedious or stressful others may find it. In fact, tedious and stressful aren't really part of the Virgo vocabulary because Virgo thrives on keeping busy and being of service.

So the biggest trap for Virgo is having high expectations of others and primarily, of themselves. Unfortunately, Virgo, you may not realize these are "traps" because they simply feel like everyday reality. You place a high standard on yourself and others and prevent yourself from relaxing and enjoying the moment.

Holiday gatherings provide opportunities to be of service to others and your gifts are in offering your skills to family and friends. Whether those skills involve cooking, cleaning, shoveling snow, decorating or volunteering with a charity, you have a chance to bring out your inner healer. However be mindful of the tendency to attempt to serve others through statements which may be intended as support but are heard by others as criticism.

Virgo tends to feel personally responsible for others and this can lead to power struggles. Let go of situations beyond your control and practice the Serenity Prayer (God Grant me the Serenity to Accept the things I cannot Change, the Courage to Change the things I can, and the Wisdom to Know the Difference).

If You Are a Virgo

You have the opportunity to lend your strengths in organization and analytical thinking to those who are not as grounded as you. Just be sure they are open to your assistance and input and let Spirit take care of the rest.

You are happy when you are busy so when you are feeling stressed, plan on having a puzzle, a book to read, a crocheting project or a house to clean because this helps you work out your stress. Virgo also tends to emphasize health and wellness and you can keep your body healthy and invigorated through dietary choices and by making healthy substitutions for traditional holiday meals.

Since you are a planner you will likely avoid a number of the holiday stressors others succumb to, however you tend to give in to stressors which are projections of your anxieties and fears. Especially in family gatherings, parties and social situations it can be difficult for you to find peace and joy when something is amiss, whether that is a difference in opinion with others, or a picture hanging crooked on the wall.

As an Earth Sign, you can find your base and stability through physical contact with crystals, stones, plants, and other facets of the Earth. Grounding is important to you as it helps level out your energy so that you are not living only in your analytical mind.

Virgo Healthy Diet

You tend to be one of the more health conscious of the Zodiac Signs as your energy is aligned with healing and attention to the physical body. The holidays may challenge you to remain in alignment with your healthy goals in the presence of culinary temptations.

Bring your own healthy snacks and treats to family gatherings to share, with no expectations on others, but as a healthy alternative. Remember in the cold winter medicine that food is also medicine and that you have the opportunity to avoid illness by nourishing your body with healthy foods and vitamins.

Virgo is always trying to help others and therefore you feel inclined to help convert others to your healthy lifestyle when they aren't open to these kinds of lifestyle choices. You prefer to be in control of your mind and body so overindulging is not likely a temptation for you, but be mindful of excessive sugar or alcohol intake or indulgence in other foods which have mind altering properties.

Nuts, seeds, whole grains, fruits and veggies are good staples to support your body and mind. While you may choose to eat meat and dairy be aware your body is sensitive to "heavy" foods that are too grounding. As an Earth Sign you are already quite grounded. You may also find that you are full on smaller meals.

Virgo Sticking to a Budget

This section could have easily been eliminated for you, Virgo, because you have a good sense of organizing, panning, making lists and checking them twice, but then Libra would be upset because someone was left out!

So Virgo, you are super practical and sticking to a budget is something you are typically well accustomed to even outside of the Holiday Season. If anything you may at times put so much emphasis on following your plans to the letter that it becomes stressful to think of being flexible with your plans.

You are less likely to overspend or break your budget. Be mindful of not turning your plans into so much of a task that your holiday routines become more of a chore or a second job, rather than something you look forward to because you want to share from the heart.

Virgo Holiday Hero Archetype

Virgo is the hard worker behind the scenes. As such, Virgo energy aligns with the character of Santa's Elves, and specifically, Hermey, the special Elf who aspires to be a Dentist. Let's face it Virgo, not only are you the detail oriented service person who humbly works away behind the scenes to create all the toys only for Santa to get all the credit, but it is also totally Virgo to be unsatisfied with the status quo and aspire to something greater, and in the healthcare field no less!

So Hermey the Dental Elf has the heart of a Virgo. Like Hermey, Virgo, you will give your all to cover the details, asking for no glory or praise, and all the while will push yourself to find a way to do, give and be more.

Whether you are an Elf, a Dentist, or something totally different, Virgo, you bring a special gift of service in every act, you are enough!

Virgo Serenity Guide

Virgo, you are so driven by your mission to be of service to humanity as a healer that you often forget that you need not carry others on their path. As a healer archetype, you may feel compelled to protect others form the natural consequences of their actions and decisions and you are likely to try to overcompensate for the lack that others perceive or experience.

By keeping yourself grounded and remembering that you are a servant of Spirit but are not charged with the responsibility to BE the manager of the Universe, you can release the feeling of need to control others and situations.

When you take time to consciously let go of tasks that are beyond your capacity to control, when you honor yourself for the work you have done and are doing, and when you take time to breathe and relax to be in the moment, you will have a much more serene experience during and beyond the holidays.

If Someone You Love is a Virgo

If you have a Virgo loved one, rest assured that much has been done on your behalf and to be of service to you. You may not have noticed all of the ways in which your Virgo loved one has contributed to your wellbeing, even when you may not have appreciated their intervention or critique.

The Virgo in your life will appear to be stressed frequently and may express anxiety over your choices, but recognize that for a Virgo, anxiety is a form of expressing love. Virgo fears for your wellbeing because they want you to experience the refined, purest experience. Be open to your Virgo's words of guidance and advice, even if you disagree with their position. Be open to what they are trying to share with or offer to you.

What may sound like criticism is really guidance when it comes from a Virgo. When they make suggestions, they are trying to offer you the gift of efficiency or purity.

# Libra  
Sept 22-Oct 21

• _Strength: Balance, Justice_

• _Core Motivation: To bring beauty and balance to the world around them._

• _Keys to Compromise: Give Libra plenty of time to make decisions or establish a plan that involves them without requiring them to have to make quick choices. Involve Libra as a mediator and trust their perspective when you need someone to challenge you to think beyond your fixed biases. Count on Libra to speak up for those who are often overlooked._

Libra, you practically invented compromise. Harmony and fairness are core aspects of your nature. You always want to level the playing field and will go out of your way to bring others up and ensure fairness and justice whenever possible.

Libra Holiday Traps

Did you ever have to make up your mind? Enlist the help of a Virgo or Aries friend, because for Libra, making decisions can be an arduous task. So what to make for the family dinner or holiday party, what to get as a gift for who and which parties to attend and which to skip can be agonizing choices for you, Libra.

Libra wants to include everyone and wants everything to be harmonious, beautiful and balanced. Therefore it can be very difficult for Libra to limit themselves when time, energy and money are concerned.

Libra is all about beauty and will enjoy decorating and even making art, crafts, or music to help express the sentiment of the season, however Libra, you may end up procrastinating on some of the concrete holiday plans because all that organizing and planning that Virgo loves is like torture to you.

It is also difficult for you to be reminded of the injustices faced by communities during the holidays, particularly those who do not have enough food, warmth, housing or other basic necessities. This can make the holidays a particularly trying time.

You are always comparing, Libra and in an effort to maintain balance and harmony you may find yourself evaluating whether gifts distributed among loved ones are "equal" in value and whether anyone has been or seems to have been excluded.

You have a tendency to measure your self image or self worth by the reactions or attitudes of others and may place emphasis on the needs of others, especially when you feel that your good deeds to others will neutralize or compensate for an injustice suffered by others.

If You Are a Libra

Libra is ruled by Venus (as is Taurus) however unlike Taurus, Libra, an Air Sign, is concerned with philosophical harmony, and the ideal. Libra is also the sign of partnerships and it is difficult for Libra to find peace if there is injustice or disharmony among loved ones, or in the world at large.

By nature you value and promote beauty, peace, and harmony. You will seldom make waves unless it is on behalf of those who seem oppressed or excluded. Your desire for fairness extends beyond relationships with people and also becomes apparent in your thought process. You give each possible angle of a decision equal weight and consideration before making any choices. This can lead to reluctance to make concrete decisions.

You have a knack for creating beauty and if you are not an artist or musician yourself, you appreciate quality culture and the arts.

Libra Healthy Diet

Beauty and image are important to Libra and as an Air Sign you will find that you are easily weighed down by excessive foods. You are sensitive to the experience of pleasure and may find that you crave the sensory experience of fine foods and drink because you crave the tastes, textures and appearance of food. You are attuned to the art within the world and food is another form of art that serves as much of a physiological purpose as it does a sensory purpose for you.

Libra would do well to enjoy the sensory experience of eating since you will want to enjoy the flavors of the season anyway. Make it a full sensory experience. Slowing down to smell, taste and touch your food will help you feel fully satisfied without overindulging.

Sweets are a particular temptation because sugar is a mind altering substance and carries many sensory triggers and cues. You may choose to use substitutes for your favorite treats, or you may choose to limit your intake, but you will not be one to simply eliminate all treats and stick only to what is perceived of as a "bland" diet. (Save that for Virgo and Capricorn!) Libra, you will want to have your food look, smell, taste and feel, like a work of art and you will want to be able to enjoy the full sensory experience.

You are also prone to overindulging due to social cues in your environment because you are very in tune with the behavior and action of your partner or the other people in a small gathering. When others are disciplined with food, you are likely to fall into step with them. However when others are overindulging, you will adjust your "normal" to their level, rather than holding your own routine.

Of course, you do not have to fall into this pattern when you are aware of it. You may instead be mindful of whether this is done by tuning in to the decorations, the ambience, the beauty in the friends around you etc. Dancing and music in the atmosphere can also help distract you from strictly culinary indulgence.

A final note to keep in mind. Just as Libra wants no person to feel left out or left behind, you also project a sense of "justice" and "fairness" to the meal table. You don't want to offend anyone by refusing a dish, nor do you want to pass up a part of the meal because you want all to be included. Call on your alignment with justice and balance. Food that is indulged in which is not required for physical reasons is a waste, bottom line. It brings energy out of balance to eat when not hungry, or to indulge in foods you don't require or which will interfere with your body's ability to function. It creates disharmony within the body, and even within the community, for people to indulge in any resource (including food) to the extent that it is no longer needed or serves a purpose.

Libra Sticking to a Budget

Libra will want to buy the best of the best to share with friends, family, and even strangers. You will want to spread the love as far and wide as you can. It may be in your better interest to think big in terms of purchasing gifts that benefit groups (a gift to be enjoyed by a whole family, or a gift that benefits a charitable agency etc.) so that you are tackling several areas of need at once, rather than indulging high cost items for various individuals.

Struggling to come to a decision because you want to be fair with various people in your life can present spending traps. In the quest to find just the right item to express love to another person you may end up splurging on multiple gifts because it is difficult to narrow down to just one item per person. Yours is a sign of partnership and duality so therefore you may feel inclined to give gifts in quantity to try to cover all bases of what a person may like or need.

It is your mission to provide beauty and harmony to groups and justice to community. Therefore opportunities to give gifts that are locally produced, or gifts that give back to the community in some way will help you carry out your mission without overextending your budget.

You are likely to feel compelled to support the myriad charities who are visible in their fundraising efforts. It is in your nature to contribute when you can, but on a tight budget consider the value you can offer by donating time as a volunteer, or services/talent to help an organization. Your creativity will help you figure out ways to promote community organizations without toppling your personal budget. Sharing the message via social media can be very helpful to an agency with limited time/budget for promoting itself and its mission.

As an artistic and creative person you may also have a plethora of gifts to give which are of your own creation. Music, art, crafts, or even baking for others is of great value and will carry a deeper sense of love because they come from the heart.

When you are open and accepting of the many ways that you bring beauty, harmony, love and peace to others, spending becomes less of a trap because you will not feel compelled to correct injustices through providing material things.

Libra Holiday Hero Archetype

As a sign of the Couple and the relationship between Self and Others, Libra embodies the archetype of the Lovers and therefore O. Henry's story The Gift of the Magi. Published in 1906, it is the story of a young couple with little money to spend but a desire to give each other surprise gifts for Christmas. Della has beautiful long hair of which she is proud. Jim's prize possession is a pocket watch, a family heirloom. (Spoiler alert)

So on in order to afford gifts for each other, Jim pawns his pocket watch to buy decorative combs for his wife's hair, not knowing that she has just cut and sold her hair to afford a fob for his pocket watch.

Like this couple, Libra is inclined to care more about how they are able to contribute rather than focusing on their own material desires. The title of the story, it is later explained, stems from the similar sacrifice of the Magi bearing gifts for the birth of Christ. The author declares that those who are willing to mutually sacrifice for the benefit of each other have the wisdom of the Magi.

This is no secret to you, Libra. You fully understand that for any partnership or relationship to thrive and grow a mutual compromise is required and that what we sacrifice in the material is exchanged for an outcome which you dream will be beneficial to the recipient.

Libra Serenity Guide

Since yours is the energy of partnership and connection between Self and Other, you naturally strive for serenity for others as well as yourself. However in alignment with your dual nature, there are 2 sides to this coin. If others are in distress it is difficult for you to find your serenity, or you may fear exposure to the natural moods and fluctuating ups and downs others face out of fear of being overtaken by their emotional states.

Learning that others may be permitted to have their fluctuating moods and that in spite of this you can still preserve your own inner harmony is the challenge of your evolution Libra.

There is a fine line between empathy and codependency and you sometimes fall to one side or the other of this line. Your best intentions are to help others find peace and beauty, justice and balance, and yet it is of highest priority that you set the example by embodying the balance in your own life. As Ghandi said "Be the change you want to see in the world."

If Someone You Love is a Libra

Ok, so making concrete decisions may have to be your job in the relationship, but all of the beauty and love your Libra friend brings to your life should more than compensate for you having to take the lead a little. Be sensitive to Libra's awareness of inclusion, Libra dreads the idea of anyone being overlooked, left out or underserved. If you aren't into socializing and don't like big crowds, fair warning, expect your Libra friend to travel with his or her community. In matters of romance you are less likely to sit at a table for two especially if your Libra friend has the chance to invite the whole gang. If you are open to holiday meals and celebrations where you can meet people from different cultures, backgrounds and walks of life, where you can gather with old friends, new friends, and even strangers your Libra loved one met at the supermarket 10 minutes ago and invited to dinner, then you're golden. However if you get territorial about holiday traditions and family dinners (thinking it has to be Ham like every year, or that gatherings are for people related by marriage and shared DNA only) then you may be overwhelmed by Libra's openness, trusting acceptance and inclusion of anyone who needs a friend and good company.

Libra is the master of compromise so they are not likely to throw hard lines and ultimatums at you, however for all the joy they bring to the world, it may be worth preserving your friendship to share some of the tolerance and acceptance that they have shown to you.

Libra will have a lot to teach you about love for humanity and about accepting both others who are alike, and different, from you.

Help nurture your Libra loved one on his or her mission to benefit the community by getting involved in a cause or charity with them. Libra is very outgoing and social but always thrives when they have a partner at their side. Whether platonic or romantic, Libra plays off the energy of others and is more likely to enhance their own personal power in the presence of supportive friends.

# Scorpio  
Oct 22- Nov 21

• _Strength: Depth, Focus_

• _Motivation: To cut through barriers and excavate the truth._

• _Key to Compromise: Let Scorpio use their talents of focus and determination help you reach your goals. Allow Scorpio their privacy, and enlist their help in research. A good judge of character and magnetic influence in social settings, enjoy the charm and intelligence Scorpio brings to your celebration. Avoid confrontational attitudes and don't even try to deceive or mislead a Scorpio- they have a radar for lies which is always on alert._

Scorpio, you don't do anything half way and so compromise as a concept may leave a bad taste in your mouth, you tend to associate it with weakness, losing the game or giving up. This is not the case however, and by keeping in mind that an occasional (like once a year maybe?) compromise can help you to avoid power struggles so that your energy is free to be invested in other pursuits (and that concept should hold some appeal, because you pursue everything full force).

Scorpio Holiday Traps

During the holidays power is demonstrated in neighbors competing for the best decorated home, family members secretly competing to outdo each other by trying to get mom the best gift, etc. You have a strong mystical side, Scorpio, but like Aries, who shares your ruling planet Mars, you also have a tendency to become singularly focused and at times mistake the needs of your Ego self with the view of your Higher Self. Your tenacity and focus serve you well in many areas of life, but can hinder your ability to see the big picture, remain connected to the real Spirit of the season (and your own spirituality) and extend your energy to several tasks at once.

You tend to be the life of the party, with a magnetic presence that draws people in, but you are also very sensitive to slights (real or imagined) and can hold a grudge for a very long time. Family gatherings and social events where you may come into contact with someone who fell out of your good graces for whatever reason (and to you they are always on your blacklist for good reasons) may trigger an emotional reaction that sours the event. At best, Scorpio, you will be inclined to ruminate about the perceived (ok, we know, it was real) slight or wrong doing. At worst, however, such encounters can lead to confrontations, and dramatic scenes, or your withdrawal from the event altogether.

If You Are a Scorpio

Scorpio is the Sign of mystery, power and attraction. You could avoid holiday pitfalls with lessons from your Libra friends about letting go, compromising and pursuing peace, but you are more naturally drawn to that which embodies power. You excel when given one particular job or mission, but being in charge of entertaining, and gift giving, and sending greeting cards, and cooking may send your circuits into overload. Your co-ruling planet, Pluto, is a "go big or go home planet" and like the element Plutonium has the energy to usher in transformation in a big, deep, profound way. This can be a catalyst for good, or for destruction depending on how Scorpio channels their immense and powerful energy. You thrive when you have one mission to focus on and when you can give it 100 per cent of your attention, because like Pluto (ruler of the Underworld) you want to dig deep beneath the surface and reveal what is hidden, and this can't be done while multitasking or engaging superficially.

You are not condemned to this pattern however. If you are able to recognize that your high degree of sensitivity is an asset, however it must be fine tuned in order to be reliable. Your intuition and emotional sensitivity make you alert to subtle cues from others, but sometimes these cues are not about you at all. If you are able to separate the random from the personal it will alleviate much stress in your relationships, whether it is holiday time or any time of the year.

Your commitment and focus are a great asset in your relationships with others, but occasionally if others do not respond the way you imagine they should, you are inclined to take it as an insult. Again the key is to not personalize the attitudes, actions and words of others. It takes a lot of energy to hold a grudge, imagine all the power you would be harnessing if you released some of your personal energy from the grip of old conflicts.

Scorpio Healthy Diet

You want the deepest, fullest, most intense experience possible so it is less effective for you to plan to refrain from certain foods and more likely that you will allow yourself to sample a little of everything. Chances are good you have your favorite treat and will be inclined to indulge exclusively in this treat (whether candy canes, sweet potatoes, or eggnog). Since you like to live dangerously, the temptation of alcoholic beverages or even desserts made with alcohol will be a strong draw for you, although they may not be in your best interest to indulge.

For one, of all the signs yours is the embodiment of the addictive personality. Moderation is not easy for you. Also, mind altering substances of any kind can further fuel the flames of intense emotion which are easily aroused by memories of the past or relationships in the present in which you feel slighted or unappreciated, and the last thing you would want is to lose composure by giving in to a dramatic or violent reaction because your inhibitions are lowered.

Harnessing your single focus toward positive ends, you would excel at following a specific diet which displays your self discipline and power of will. You would also be one to follow a strength training program and other type of exercise program to improve your personal power. Any routine which serves your body's health and which you can mentally align and associate with power, control, status or discipline is a program you will follow.

So on the one hand if you give yourself permission to indulge, you will indulge like the world is ending tomorrow. On the other hand, if you have made up your mind that your motivation for healthy eating is important enough to align with your will power and follow your plan, you have the focus and determination to follow it through no matter what culinary distractions are around.

Your biggest non-hunger food trigger is anger. Processing encounters which trigger your anger so that you can get to the root of the issue (by discovering what underlying beliefs or assumptions caused you to take the incident personally for example) can help you avoid the trap of emotional eating to numb feelings of resentment. Communicating openly and (this is of vital importance) being willing to hear the other person's side will help you to come to an understanding and sort out issues so that you are not holding on to feelings which may be the result of miscommunications in the first place.

Scorpio Sticking to a Budget

You don't waste money in general, because you are typically well disciplined. The budget traps most likely to catch you are the tendency to overspend on gifts or items that appear to embody the image of power or status when a less costly alternative is easily available. Deep inside you may equate name brands or certain shops with power and status, subconsciously proving your accomplishments and self worth by your ability to buy certain things. Scorpio, although you will occasionally fall into this trap (especially "early" Scorpios, those born the last week of October who carry an energy of intensity that borders on impulsivity). For the most part though, you can channel your power of focus and your desire to play detective and actually enjoy the hunt for the best bargain possible.

A unique challenge for you, Scorpio, is that while you are likely to get started on your to-do's for the holiday season, including shopping, well in advance, you are also likely to still find yourself scrambling last minute to complete your shopping and errands. Some of your tasks may even be left undone in spite of your early efforts. This has nothing to do with money management and it is usually not about avoidance or procrastination either. Rather this is a byproduct of being so focused on one quest or one area that causes you to lose sight of the bigger picture. Investing most of your energy on one task or shopping for one person is likely to cause you to hustle at the last minute to finish your list.

Scorpio Holiday Hero Archetype

Scorpio, because your parent's likely discouraged you from an obsession that was too dangerous or too adult for you, and because you no doubt only grew to crave the object of your desire even more, your energy corresponds with the adorable young Ralphie from A Christmas Story.

Ralphie is captivated by the fantasy of power and daring that goes with owning his own Red Rider BB Gun. He fantasizes about saving his family and defeating rogue bad guys with the power he wields with his weapon. When his parents, teachers, and even Santa discourage him with the line "You'll shoot your eye out!" his determination is unwavering. A text book Scorpio, Ralphie wants to live on the edge and will let nothing stop him from pursuing his beloved BB Gun. Scorpio undertones are also evident in Ralphie's penchant for the mysterious (his Little Orphan Annie Decoder is used to crack top secret messages about the value of Ovaltine for example) and a draw to the erotic (the infamous Leg Lamp, scandalous!) Ralphie can't heed the warnings of his elders because his desire is too strong, and he is compelled to discover life lessons (good, bad, and painful) on his own. He can't be faulted for needing to experience life for himself rather than taking the word of others, as the natural investigator and detective, it is in his nature to unlock life's mysteries for himself.

Scorpio Serenity Guide

You like to get deep into issues and get behind the scenes to understand the inner workings of things, and sometimes this can lead you to over think or over analyze. Use your intense focus to go deep into the triggers that are stressing you, don't take your emotional reaction at face value, not assuming you are feeling up or down because of another person, rather taking responsibility for your own emotional reactions. Use your strengths to focus and go deep into the underlying currents of your own mind, explore what assumptions and beliefs are attracting stress or obstacles, and use your intuitive "X-Ray" vision to cut to the core of the situation. When you do this it is likely that you will discover that much of what you have been stressing about is either not accurate, not your issue, or not within your control. The small remaining amount of issues which are within your control and are your issues can then be managed much more easily.

Water is calming and soothing to you as you are one of the Water Signs. Using the bath or decorative water fountains to help visualize cleansing and releasing energy can be helpful.

Scorpio is also easily able to harness the power of creativity to manage intense emotions. Music, art, dance and physical exercise are all great ways to bring your energy into balance and harmony. Scorpio also easily finds serenity in the mystical aspects of life so by turning your attention to the Spiritual side of the season and creating connection with the deeper meaning of the holidays, you will be able to let go of struggles with the superficial seasonal distractions.

Meditation, communion with Divine and seeking solace in connection to the other realms of reality are all ways that your ability to peer beyond the physical confines of reality can serve you. Ritual is important to you so regardless of religious affiliation don't overlook the value of channeling transformative energy through ceremony, either collective or of your own individual creation.

If Someone You Love is a Scorpio

Intensity and obsession are part of Scorpio's nature. You may find them difficult to distract once they are on a mission, but this strength is of great value to your friendship as well, just think of all the times your Scorpio loved one hunted down resources, answers, solutions to help you overcome a problem. Encourage your Scorpio loved one to explore the spiritual and mystical side of the holiday season and be open to what they discover on their journey.

Your Scorpio loved one may not always seem present, and when this happens it is usually an indicator that their mind and energy are still off solving a puzzle they can not put down. Reminding Scorpio to be present in the moment (where solutions to puzzles are found more easily than searching the past or stressing about the future).

Scorpio struggles to let bygones be bygones, so if you are expecting a happy family reunion or social gathering be mindful that Scorpio has a tendency to react to people with whom they have had past disagreements as if the conflict was very much alive and well in the present. It is better to let your Scorpio friend set their own boundaries and decide for themselves if they are feeling drawn toward one gathering or another rather than taking it personally if they turn down an invitation.

Enjoy the creative, magnetic, powerful presence of your Scorpio loved one and let them have center stage to tell their dynamic stories, witty jokes or share their wisdom. Scorpio can have a flair for the dangerous and edgy so enjoy their clever humor and intense energy.

Scorpio will likely help you enjoy the holidays on a deeper level and can help you stay focused if your goals are to avoid holiday self sabotage and traps. Don't ask Scorpio for help unless you want them to be there 100 per cent as your mentor, coach and friend. Be straightforward when you communicate with Scorpio and don't make excuses, they can sniff out nonsense and seldom appreciate it.

# Sagittarius  
Nov 22- Dec 21

• _Strength: Philosophical, Spiritual, Independent._

• _Motivation: To bring healing on a spiritual level._

• _Key to Compromise: Allow Sagittarius plenty of room to roam free and let them share stories of their many adventures. Sagittarius will always try to bring optimism and healing on an emotional and spiritual level, be open to their perspective and wisdom. They dream and think big so relish the enthusiasm of their plans, and let the inspirations of their dreams coming true raise your Spirit._

Sagittarius, you do everything on a grand scale. Not everyone can keep up with your big ambitions and plans, so be patient and flexible with those who are focused on the immediate future. You may sometimes feel like others are cramping your need for independence, but that may not be their intention. Not everyone has the adventurous spirit that you have and others may take it personally when you seek travel rather than a holiday at home with family etc. Find ways to honor your connections to others both at home and abroad.

Sagittarius Holiday Traps

Sagittarius is ruled by larger than life Jupiter and this "jovial" energy (no pun intended) gives Sagittarius the itch to travel, expand awareness, heal humanity and be a philanthropist.

So what could possibly go wrong?

People who think everything is bigger in Texas fail to consider that to a Sagittarius everything is bigger. Everywhere.

Sagittarius risks getting lost in the atmosphere of giving, spending, shopping, eating, partying, decorating and well, everything.

You have the big image of the ideal and struggle to organize the small steps that lead to the grand finale, and may even become bored, frustrated or just lose sight of the practical aspects of manifesting your ideal vision. You could always seek support and help from a Virgo friend who is able to get down to basics, but let's be honest, you are likely to avoid Virgo's down to Earth guidance because it feels too much like a buzz kill. You are more likely to feel understood and appreciated by an Aries who can help give you the drive and endurance to stick with your plans, or even an Aquarius who can help you find creative solutions to realizing your goals.

You are a natural optimist and will not let much deter you from your goal, the real question is how much will you lose your grip on finances or health in order to get there?

Since you are by nature a cheerful "can do" type of person, you tend to mistake practical limitations for discouragement (hence the reluctance to call your Virgo friends for advice).

You don't want to be told that you can't or should not do something because that brings confinement of your energy which needs to roam free.

Your holiday pitfalls come in the forms of being prone to grand gestures of generosity or indulgence in holiday fun that you really can't afford (either financially or in the context of health). It is likely that you have come to firmly associate big and more with best and will take it to heart as a matter of deprivation or neglect to have try to limit yourself.

The truth is you would actually find quite a bit of satisfaction with less or with simplifying, but you must convince yourself of this without defaulting to the preconceived beliefs that more and bigger are better.

If You Are a Sagittarius

Sagittarius is an adventurer and you will typically not let the winter weather stop you from traveling (in fact, it may make the perfect excuse to head to warmer climates for a few weeks). You follow your bliss and if others in your family or circle of friends can't understand why you want to spend the holidays in Hawaii rather than at Grandma's house like always, you typically don't let their criticism frustrate you.

However you may overload yourself at times trying to make it to every event, every family gathering and every party because you genuinely want to mingle with everyone, not because you feel obligated and afraid to say "no".

You are the healer and explorer, and you find great joy in encountering new friends and being a source of inspiration and uplifting energy to others. If others are acting like the Grinch because it is snowy, cold or for whatever reason, you will likely do your best to help raise their spirits, but then you will recognize it is time to venture on. You are tolerant in most respects but have little patience for complaining and moodiness.

An adventurer by nature, if you can't travel to distant lands for the holidays, you can no doubt bring the flair of different cultures to your own home. Embracing the traditions, cuisine and music of various exotic cultures is a source of enjoyment for you, and ties to your own ethnic culture or religious background do not stop you from venturing into visiting or sampling elements of other traditions.

Sagittarius Healthy Diet

Your mindset when it comes to food is very important since your tolerance for a variety of flavors, cuisines and tastes are great. If food represents an opportunity to connect with different cultures it will be a big temptation because you love the feeling of visiting the exotic, foreign and unfamiliar. If food is a means to share abundance, you will also be inclined to indulge since you love any manifestation of abundance and generosity. However if you attune yourself with the healer archetype, which Sagittarius represents, then food is also fuel and potentially, medicine. It is from this mindset that you will most easily combat culinary temptations.

Consider also that you can "feed" your hunger for social interaction by sticking with a small plate and small portions, allowing you to chat and mingle more at holiday gatherings.

Save your appetite for the foods that rouse your curiosity. You can enjoy basic foods any time of the year but if a particular food is a cultural staple (for example, your friend's Russian grandmother makes Bobal'ki for a holiday party, or you have a chance to try Curry Lamb at another event) then indulge in the unusual, because that is what you are likely to crave anyway, but if that is the case, skip the bread, potatoes, and foods you could have anytime, anywhere.

You are also likely to be drawn to planning huge feasts if hosting gatherings. Partially because this helps you to express generosity and abundance and partially because you really don't know how much will be too much. Plan to save and freeze some leftovers, and package others to send to neighbors and friends.

If you are consciously trying to avoid certain foods or excess of sweets, pastries etc, align with your generous nature send guests home with leftovers, or set the intention that treats will be shared with others, but that you will not indulge so that there will be more for others to enjoy.

Most importantly though, you must remind yourself that you are not deprived of anything or missing out on anything simply because you are not over eating.

Sagittarius Sticking to a Budget

Similar to your attitude toward food, Sagittarius, you will express your generosity by giving big both in quantity and size. You don't like the idea of being frugal because on some level you associate it with shorting yourself or others.

If you looked at frugality as conservation so that more would be available (more time, energy, money, and even resources required to produce things) then frugality can help you attain your desired goal of sharing the wealth and joy with others.

Motivate yourself to make and stick with a budget by creating a dream vacation or special adventure you could embark on with friends or family using the money saved by not going crazy at the mall with credit cards.

If you are able to avoid using plastic when shopping it would make a huge difference. Credit is too much like Monopoly money for you Sagittarius, it seems too readily available and not really "real". If you were to carry cash or even use a specific Holiday Savings Account that would help place natural parameters on your spending without feeling overly stifled.

Similar to Libra you will also heed the call to action to support community charities. Do what you can to donate and promote causes that matter to you but remember time and volunteering are as valuable as financial contributions and be creative about how you give.

Sagittarius Holiday Hero Archetype

Sagittarius is ruled by the benevolent planet Jupiter, and carries the energy of Santa, the benevolent, abundant, father figure of the Zodiac. For you, Sagittarius, every day is filled with the magic and hope that some only feel during the holidays. There are countless reasons you can find to be giving, generous and sharing, and the holidays are simply a time when it seems everyone else is becoming synchronized with your Santa energy.

The Santa archetype gives to children all around the world and is unencumbered by time constraints (how fast does that sled go anyway?) or geographic location. He does not discriminate based on any criteria (even naughty children get coal, which in winter is a valuable commodity to heat a home). The symbolism of entering the home through the chimney (descending from above) corresponds to the spirit of joy and benevolence entering the body through the Crown Chakra and leaving its imprint in the Heart and Solar Plexus Chakras (the family room and fire place, sources of love, connection and heat/power).

Sagittarius, in addition to being the adventurous abundant philosopher of the Zodiac is also concerned with connecting to the Higher Mind and Higher Self. The Santa Claus archetype represents the aspirations of humanity to be able to create wealth and resources and share the gifts of one generation's work with the youth of the coming generations.

Sagittarius Serenity Guide

Fortunately you carry a jolly mindset most of the time, if there is one aspect of the holidays that could interfere with your serenity it would be the tendency to become overwhelmed as a result of taking on more than you can comfortably manage.

Usually carefree and hopeful, you are able to shift focus when you need to and if some obligations can't be fulfilled you are not likely to lose sleep over it.

To help manage your energy most efficiently and effectively however, it would be helpful for you to meditate regularly, especially to ground your energy. This practice will help give you more clarity and focus so that you do not end up backtracking later on.

You have many big plans and ideas and will be more apt to follow through successfully when you are able to manage time and energy effectively and this requires practices that involve mindfulness as opposed to just relying on the creative force of your imagination.

Finally, you are generous and outgoing and the amount that you do for and give to others comes as a blessing to those who know you. Don't be afraid to delegate and ask for help to plan holiday festivities and help you manifest your big vision during the holidays.

If Someone You Love is a Sagittarius

Your Sagittarius loved one loves the opportunity to share the fruits of their labor with you and typically will make it feel like Christmas all year round. When Sagittarius discusses ideas or plans with you, keep your mind open and encourage them to let their dreams take shape. Some of their dreams will come to fruition, and others are just a matter of Sagittarius "brainstorming" so don't hold them to every notion as if it were a promise. To you there may not be a difference but to Sagittarius there is. Sagittarius sees the world as full of potential opportunities and knows that some opportunities will be realized and some will be goals for another day. If you are the type to take everything literally (Taurus, Capricorn and Virgo) or take everything personally (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) then you may mistake your Sagittarius friend's musings for commitments. Let them have the space to brainstorm without placing practical dampers in their way. As you have probably seen before, Sagittarius has a lucky streak which is really no more than an open mind and belief that there is a way around most obstacles. Therefore you don't need to get into power struggles over concepts like caution and realism because to do so would only set Sagittarius back in their creative process.

Trust that your Sagittarius loved one is making every effort to be there for you and that his or her travels and multiple commitments are not an attempt to leave you out of the fun. If anything, Sagittarius may assume that if you wanted to accompany them on their adventures, you would!

Sagittarius is trying to experience the best of everything, so expecting them to exclusively commit to one event or one tradition is likely to be disappointing. Give them space to move and explore.

Enjoy Sagittarius' adventurous nature by breaking with tradition and welcoming cuisine, rituals, or traditions from other cultures. Let Sagittarius open your eyes to different ways of experiencing the holidays.

# Capricorn  
Dec 22-Jan 21

• _Strength: Hard Working, Reliable_

• _Motivation: To provide solid form, preserve history and promote stability._

• _Key to Compromise: Invite Capricorn to share their values and stories of days gone by. Honor their wisdom and remember the more things change the more they stay the same. Let Capricorn give sensible advice about finances, hard work and family._

Capricorn, you may have to admit that the times are in fact changing. Luckily you are also wise enough to know that everything old is new again. Don't take new innovations as a rejection of values and traditions, but rather honor variations on tradition as a way for society to keep concepts fresh and relevant. After all the whole winter season is the time of hibernation when nature sleeps in order to be renewed in the spring. Show interest in the innovative ways that others have for working and playing. You may pick up on some efficient new tricks and tips. You have a keen sense of timing and may become frustrated with others who do not respond to their commitments as punctually and loyally as you do (read about Sagittarius for example). Don't personalize the behaviors of others as disrespect for the value of your time, work or money. Be open to the different rhythms that various people move to.

Capricorn Holiday Traps

Capricorn is ruled by Saturn and is by nature the traditionalist and disciplinarian of the Zodiac. Capricorn does not have to worry about excess in anything for the holidays. If anything Capricorn may tend to be too reserved and self restricting.

You embrace boundaries, Capricorn, because limitations help you clearly define what is your territory and what is not. So you don't see limitations through the lens of deprivation, but through the lens of security.

You are also closely connected to the past and traditions and value repeating the same process for the sake of preservation.

While you don't struggle with the holiday traps others experience you are baffled by the way that holidays can interfere with your work. You would may not fully understand why an institution or celebration needs to pull you away from your mission and career obligations and don't see the harm in stopping by the office on your day off or bringing some of your work home with you.

You feel your best if people can just put you to work, even if it is managing the holiday festivities. You don't do well with idle time and feel uncomfortable being social unless there is some purpose to the interaction. In spite of this you cherish tradition and will enjoy the holidays on a deeper level when traditions, history and roots are being honored.

Capricorn, we know you are not cold and detached. Your sense of business and work ethic help give order and structure to your life and are as natural as eating or sleeping. You may not be into the warm fuzzies of holiday sentimentality but you provide an important foundation of stability, discipline, order and structure so that others can enjoy reveling in the holiday cheer.

You do have a warm heart and good sense of humor, its just that you feel more at ease when there is some kind of work to be done.

That being said, you don't have to isolate yourself from the festivities in order to feel connected with your sense of purpose. Your "job" may be playing Santa, cleaning the house, organizing a food drive, shoveling sidewalks, or organizing the holiday greeting card list. Find ways to bring the value of structure and security into the festivities rather than secluding yourself from the celebrations to only focus on work.

Capricorn Healthy Diet

You have a good sense of self discipline and will not likely overindulge once you have made up your mind not to. You could easily stick to the same meals all the time and not get bored, for you are truly a creature of habit. Therefore if you are in the midst of making dietary changes to support your health or weight loss, it can be challenging to adapt to food substitutions (what do you mean no meat, potatoes and butter?!)

When it comes to diet you are turned off by trends. You want to see the proof in the pudding, so to speak, about why a certain meal plan or diet is recommended. You approach life like the CEO of a business. If results can be proven by the test of time, you will invest your money, energy and time in creating the same results in your own life.

However you are not fooled by hype over the latest health food and you know that green wrapping is not synonymous with healthy.

Yours is the energy of Karma and timing, Capricorn. You want to see the before and after picture and you need to know that you will get results, although you are patient and don't expect instant gratification from a diet.

You can withstand peer pressure in the realm of food and most other things but you are a traditionalist and it is difficult for you to break habits and change your routines. Try gradual shifts rather than radical changes.

If you are raised on 3 meals a day, at certain times, these practices will be closely tied to your sense of order, control and correct action.

It is possible for you to alter these routines to allow healthier behaviors and relationship with food however you will feel most comfortable if there is some sense of order or routine to your lifestyle changes.

Capricorn Sticking to a Budget

Like Virgo, budgeting is not a problem for you for the most part. You operate your personal finances with a good sense of business and seldom become sentimentally attached to material items or to the process of spending.

You do feel drawn to power and tradition and will sometimes splurge on a brand with an excellent reputation even if it stretches the comfort zone of your spending. You value quality and will usually make sure there is significant return on your investments.

You may even regard budgeting as one of your favorite forms of recreation or at least a fun hobby. You feel accomplished and rewarded when you navigate financial obligations without overstepping the boundaries instituted in your budget.

When facing situations in which your needs (or perceived obligations) outweigh your financial resources, it can be quite stressful for you Capricorn. Put another way, you may have more difficulty motivating yourself to spend during special occasions like the holidays.

You do know the difference between quality and fluff however so you are not one to try to be cheap. Still, when finances are tight, the seasonal expenses (even unavoidable expenses like having the furnace on during the winter) can weigh on your mind.

You don't have to adopt careless financial habits to ease up just a little. You know full well what you can and can't afford and you are not likely to get into debt over the material trappings of holiday cheer.

When it comes to gift giving, you may think of those on your gift list as employees in a business who can be served by being gifted with items that are practical (benefits and pay as opposed to luxuries). You can stretch your budget even further by finding ways to give gifts that accomplish practical and comfort purposes (specialty foods, since people have to eat anyway, etc.)

Also like the head of a business, when you need to make reign in your spending you are able to prioritize, cutting out the trivial elements of your holiday spending before you would consider shorting things that are central to your celebration or to the comfort of others.

More likely than not however you have your holiday budget planned and set aside in a separate account.

Now make sure you cut back on the overtime enough to actually enjoy the festivities!

Capricorn Holiday Hero Archetype

Capricorn is ruled by Saturn, who embodies the "Father Time" energy of the zodiac. He is a perfect foil to Jupiter, the Benevolent Father. Its not that Saturn is not benevolent too, he is, however he is the ruler of Karma and discipline. Now before any Libra readers become offended by this next statement, remember that A Christmas Carol is one of the great stories of personal transformation and redemption. Ebenezer Scrooge is not a villain, he is a very human character who allows grief and loss to withdraw into his work. This is a very real pattern faced by Capricorn. Like the character, Scrooge, Capricorn is not doomed to fulfill a fate of loneliness and work obsession. Remember that when Scrooge realizes how he has withdrawn from humanity, he is able to harness his energy as a force for support. He invests in his community, his employees, and their families. He represents two aspects of the same psyche. Both detached and material, focusing only on work, money and bare bones necessities, this aspect of Scrooge aligns with Capricorn's practical nature. This aspect of Scrooge also represents the importance and necessity (in moderation) to face limitations and survive even in the absence of abundance (like winter, when the harvest is meager). Scrooge's other persona is seen both in his past and in the future he creates. Young Scrooge is full of life, intelligent, and hard working. He grows up quickly as he is sent off to school and then loses his parents at a young age and becomes responsible for the welfare of his sister. In his transformed state, Scrooge becomes a wealthy hard working business man who resolves to be a philanthropist, intent on sharing his wealth so the masses may benefit.

The nature of the story of Scrooge's transformation is in itself a Karmic slideshow.

Scrooge is shown what was, what is and what could be and then is left to make his choices. This aligns quite well with the energy of both Saturn and Capricorn, which provide the structure and framework, but which will not interfere with the free will of an individual.

Capricorn Serenity Guide

Get out the family album, and enjoy your connections with history and your past. Holidays bring you joy, Capricorn because they are markers of time.

Capricorn has difficulty doing nothing, so just vegetating in front of the TV will likely make you restless. Pouring over old scrapbooks, family albums or home made videos however is a different story.

You enjoy taking a stroll down memory lane and while you may scoff at many sentimental practices, you are likely to enjoy the concepts of "Old Time Holidays" or "Victorian Strolls" and other practices which showcase the past.

You may also enjoy a hobby or two that serve as a side business. In particular, woodworking, or crafting, refurbishing old furniture or restoring antiques. These types of activities keep you busy, fill your need for purpose and joy, and connect you to the past.

Finally Capricorn, for peace of mind you may have to resolve some degree of acceptance of the ways society is changing. One of your pet peeves is the rapid rate of progression and the apparent irrelevance of the foundations of society you grew up with or have become used to. It can be difficult for you to adjust to changing technology and the changing mindset that is more abstract. You prefer repetition, predictability and tradition, and coming to grips with changes beyond your control will help restore peace in your mind and heart.

If Someone You Love is a Capricorn

Your Capricorn friend is hard working, devoted and responsible. So if they expect to have the same exact food, watch the same exact holiday classics or listen to the same old Carpenter's Christmas album (on vinyl no less) let them! Indulge their need for tradition and resist the urge to treat them as stubborn or old fashioned. They have much wisdom to share with you if you are open to it.

Understand that your Capricorn friend is going to want to burn the midnight oil even when most people are counting down the days to holiday time off. Don't take their desire to work personally. They aren't doing it to avoid you. In fact they are more likely working to provide for you!

Let them tell you about their favorite traditions and even though you have heard the story fifty thousand times, let them tell you the stories from their past. In doing this, you are helping your Capricorn friend keep their history alive and this is the greatest gift you can give them.

Also, try really hard to avoid being late....(not naming names...Sagittarius, ok Scorpio and Gemini too).

# Aquarius  
Jan 22- Feb 21

• _Strength: Innovative, Humanitarian_

• _Motivation: To break new ground and achieve progress by collaborating with others, to benefit society._

• _Key to Compromise: Stir Aquarius's enthusiasm for big issues. Start up a conversation about a new cause, movement or trend. Ask Aquarius for advice on an issue that impacts community or society. Allow Aquarius to help you see the big picture or help problem solve in a way that combines creative genius with practical concern for the well being of others. Aquarius often has an eye for patterns, trends and unusual solutions so take that problem that has been puzzling you and invite Aquarius to lend their unique perspective. Although aloof and independent, Aquarius is always looking out for groups of people so don't take perceived detachment personally._

Aquarius you are a change agent and feel compelled to be a catalyst. For you it is more of a priority to stir the pot then it is to keep the peace. Still you may want to ask yourself before instigating a good debate...is it worth it in this moment?

Aquarius Holiday Temptations

Aquarius is both humanitarian, trailblazer and trendsetter. You may not realize that others are looking to you for guidance because you naturally emulate leadership and power. It can be tempting for you to become impatient and frustrated with others who do not share your ideals and who are concerned with superficial affairs (like finding the best deal on stocking stuffers) when your to-do list consists of things like promoting world peace, ending animal cruelty, curing cancer, and stopping child trafficking.

The temptations that steal your joy during the holidays have more to do with harmonizing your mission with the different views and concerns of those around you.

Compromise is possible. After all, the holiday season brings the average person into connection with their own inner humanitarian so others are becoming more conscious of the haves-vs. –have-nots during this season, and many do what they can to help.

Still, some race past the Salvation Army Bell Ringers, callously knocking them out of the way with their arms full of stuffed shopping bags....but you don't have to concern yourself with that portion of society if you choose instead to focus on being a part of the solution when you can.

This can also be a special time for you to pay tribute to cultures who are not commonly represented in the mainstream (something you feel strongly about). By learning about, honoring and celebrating traditions you weave an eclectic tapestry of spiritual and cultural practices, and in your own way (albeit very different from Capricorn) you too are preserving history.

Honor the diversity of beliefs and practices and experience the best of what humanity has to offer and you will thrive during the holidays. Get too focused on the injustices done by one group to another century after century, reclaiming, distorting and misrepresenting religious customs and traditions, and the holidays can easily become a time of anger and misanthropy, but that is not really an expression of your Higher Self.

Focus on bringing positive change to the world in the present, rather than only focusing on the unfairness of past injustices. This can play out on a large scale, in the case of cultures and large communities or religious groups which become a part of your focus as the oppressed group, but it can also manifest in a microcosm. Your own family for example, no doubt has a scapegoat or has experienced injustice of some kind. Rekindling old struggles will not serve you as well as striving to create solutions.

If You Are an Aquarius

You prefer large groups and communities to being the focus of attention in a small intimate gathering. Most importantly, you want to savor all of the best of humanity by surrounding yourself with a diverse crowd so you can experience variety and learn from the experiences of others. You are also a revolutionary and change agent so you want to be where you can make the greatest impact. For this reason, the family dinner table may not be the most thrilling place to be (especially if they still refuse to see the light and buy local, organic, vegan meals for the holiday feast). The holidays give you many opportunities to be a positive force for change in the community, and in the process try to also make time for gatherings with loved ones and family, even if it is not for the purpose of overthrowing any oppressive regime.

You have the opportunity, Aquarius, to rouse others to get involved while the holiday spirit is calling them to share their abundance. Enlist the help of friends and family in your own efforts to do volunteer work or public education on an issue of importance to you. You may also channel your philanthropic focus by asking family to make contributions to charity in lieu of gifts.

Aquarius Healthy Diet

Like Virgo, you will want to know what went into the food on your plate. Unlike Virgo, you are less concerned with physical health and more concerned with the presence of GMOs, whether farmers who helped create your meal were treated fairly, and if you eat animals or dairy (ok, ok IF) you want to know that the animals were treated humanely. You also prefer to know that your food was local and provided by a friendly neighborhood grocery store. If you host your own holiday events these factors are within your control, if not you may take a gamble and it could actually impact your appetite.

Your appetite is governed by your mission more than by your body. If your mission is to put an end to body shaming, it will be a hard sell to get you to count calories, even to benefit your health more than your waistline. If your mission is to end animal suffering, you will have no problem steering clear of the eggnog and ham, but may need to bring your own veggies to some gatherings among the less enlightened.

If your mission is to end hunger, you may be compelled to over eat out of guilt knowing that like many resources, food is not distributed equally. Like Libra, however, you would do well to remind yourself that your overindulging is not helping to feed anyone else.

Typically not drowning in emotional highs and lows, Aquarius, you may instead be given to frenetic bursts and lulls in your energy and your relationship with food falls out of balance as a result of trying to feed your energy swings. This does not always correspond to emotional highs and lows. Aquarius is the innovator, and in some ways being consumed with ideas which are ahead of your time can lead to frustrating experiences in relation to others who can't see the world the way you see it. As a result, you may feel compelled to soothe yourself with food when feeling ostracized or misunderstood, or angry at others. Likewise when you are expending energy on a creative streak you may be inclined to feed your feelings of exhaustion.

Your energy comes in erratic bursts so for reasons other than the obvious health warnings all should heed, you would do well to minimize intake of sweets and refined sugars. Caffeine and other stimulants can create excess anxiety (and because you are a visionary you can be prone to anxiety when foreseeing worst case scenarios). Keep your energy grounded by limiting stimulating foods, and keep cravings for stimulating foods at bay by keeping yourself grounded.

Aquarius Sticking to a Budget

Beware the impulse purchases! It is more your style to be ahead of your time than to be thrifty. You may end up paying more for the latest items because you recognize the value of the cutting edge and are likely to buy items which are on the brink of becoming trendy or which are new and innovative. So you end up paying top dollar for the novelty and premiere edition of things. However because you are very outgoing and civic minded, you have the potential to harness the power of your community and network to find great bargains and to even barter or find alternatives to breaking your budget.

Aquarius is community oriented and giving generously is a priority for you. As with Libra and Sagittarius, your time and energy will be valuable contributions if money is tight. Others would value your problem solving capabilities as well.

A saving grace when it comes to keeping the budget intact is that you are incredibly resourceful. You value innovation more than paying for the status associated with a name brand. You can find many solutions to the same problem and this is useful when it comes to funding the feast, giving gifts, or decking the halls. Let your ingenuity lead you to solutions that don't sacrifice your financial stability.

Be careful with credit. You have an impulsive streak and are prone to going out for a few stocking stuffers and coming home with a new dishwasher, subscription Box membership and rescue dog.

Aquarius Holiday Hero Archetype

Speaking of animals, your Holiday Hero Archetype is a special member of the animal kingdom with an eccentric appearance and a bit of a wild streak. Aquarius energy corresponds to Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer for a number of reasons.

Aquarius is ruled by Uranus, and is associated with the shocking power of revolution, epiphanies and breakthroughs.

Rudolph has a red nose. Not saying its electric, but it is red, and you could even say it glows. Rudolph tries to suppress his eccentric appearance, a process Aquarians may recognize, back when shrinking to fit the social mold seemed a better alternative to feeling like an outcast for having a different way of seeing things, but like Rudolph, Aquarians just can't keep their light hidden.

Also like Rudolph, Aquarians are often called to solve problems that benefit communities and groups in a big way. Rudolph doesn't want to be a leader, he just wants to fit in, but when his special trait is the perfect solution for Santa's navigational challenges, Rudolph is able to step up and take the lead. Finally, like Rudolph, Aquarius folks harness the power of insight to illuminate the path for others. Whether that illumination comes from their nose or their words or deeds.

Aquarius Serenity Guide

The Serenity Prayer bears repeating for you, Aquarius. If you skipped it (it's understandable, your energy can make you impatient sometimes) review the Libra section. You want to have a big impact and change the world, you struggle to tolerate any notion of injustice, and you don't like to ask for help. However in order to be the catalyst for change you were born to be, you must be in good shape to carry your mission forward.

Conserve your lightning bolt energy when your efforts at changing others are not successful. Let Creator do what you can't so that you can focus your energy on the tasks Creator places before you.

You are very sensitive to light, sound and vibration and music and color can help you create a peaceful atmosphere. When you feel frustrated focus on solutions rather than the disparity of the problem. During the holidays acknowledge the ways in which you are making a difference. Your personal ripple effect from every positive interaction and charitable deed will extend farther than you will ever know.

If Someone You Love is an Aquarius

You are in for lots of surprises and excitement with an Aquarius in your life. One minute you may be jovially discussing a movie, the next minute you may be defending your decision to order veal for dinner. Either way your Aquarian friend is a trail blazer and has no doubt opened numerous doors for your advancement in personal life or career. As a free thinking your Aquarius friend may be in touch with ideas and practices that seem foreign or strange to you, unless you are a Sagittarius in which case it will seem interesting and exciting.

Your Aquarius friend must be free to speak their mind, and even if you try to infringe on their expression, it will be pointless, so don't waste your time and energy. Expect the unexpected. If your great grandmother has sensitive manners, make sure your Aquarius loved one or family member sits at the opposite end of the holiday dinner table. It's much easier to play musical chairs than to explain to Great Grandma what CAFOs, GMOs and Gluten are and why they are the bane of modern society.

Your Aquarius friend will fill your holiday with insight, excitement and epiphanies and will help challenge you to step outside of your comfort zone.

# Pisces  
Feb 22- March 20

• _Strengths: Imagination, Sensitivity, Agreeable_

• _Motivation: To merge with environment, unity, loss of ego._

• _Key to Compromise: Allow Pisces to bring good cheer through their unique sense of imagination. Honor their dreams and keep in mind many every day tools and technologies were once the fantastic dream of someone with the ingenuity and courage to give their dreams form. Let Pisces bring their playful energy to your gathering and welcome their inventive side. Reserve harsh criticisms that could have a lasting impact on this person's self esteem. Invite Pisces to bring out their inner world and share the respite from the boring confines of physical reality. Although Pisces may be quiet at times, don't let their retreat into their own world fool you- there is much work taking place- invite Pisces to share their brilliant creativity. You may have to initiate conversation or take leadership in social situations, but don't forget Pisces has a valuable viewpoint, so prompt them to participate!_

Pisces, you seldom draw a hard line and refuse to play nice. In fact you could teach many other people the fine art of compromise and collaboration. If anything you go with the flow so frequently that you may at times feel like the victim or the scapegoat in relationships.

Your voice and views bring healing to others and taking the passive is not as helpful to others as you expect.

Pisces Holiday Temptations

Pisces energy is that of submersion with Spirit and becoming united with the one-ness in all life. As such Pisces will often set aside their individual identity to become totally immersed with the Divine, with their family, tribe or culture. During the holidays, Pisces, you are tempted to be so swept up in the atmosphere that it is difficult for you to remain grounded. Either completely awash in holiday hype or completely overwhelmed by it, your sensitivity makes you prone to losing your stable footing when in the midst of intense emotional experiences.

Emotional eating or looking for fantasy escapes are temptations for you, Pisces. You are prone to retreating into the ideal and the fantastical as a protective defense. In doing so you may be drawn to the temptations of alcohol and other mind altering substances or processes such as shopping, gift giving, partying etc. Ironically the serenity and connection you seek will be held out of reach when mind altering and emotion numbing processes come into play, so indulging does not bring you closer to communion with Divine or with the energy of the atmosphere, rather it brings you farther from it.

If You Are a Pisces

Pisces is a Water Sign and the sign of the Healer. Your creativity and sensitivity are boundless, which can also make you feel easily overwhelmed by the emotions of others.

You do not see a separation between yourself and others. Self help books and modern therapists will lecture you to set boundaries and declare your separate identity as an individual, however, what you understand and modern society does not is that we are all one and the separation is an illusion.

You understand that what happens to one does have a ripple effect to the whole. Pisces wants to experience the connection with all life including Spirit and this is another sign with a dual nature. Like Libra and Gemini, your energy is a reflection of your polarity. Yours is a selfless energy, but it is also an energy of personalization which is in itself a self focused process (assuming that we are reflections of each other, for example). You easily access your intuition and creativity and will draw on your fantasy world to help you solve problems.

Pisces Healthy Diet

Pisces energy is very sensitive to the emotional and physical states of others. You are susceptible to eating to numb emotions or to institute boundaries because it is difficult to instill other types of boundaries. When you feel like others are intruding, oppressing or infringing on your life, food seems like an easy and acceptable escape. You are also likely to seek food in times of fear or when you crave other types of emotional nurturing.

For you it isn't about what you eat as much as why you eat, or even who is around you during the holiday meals. Family gatherings which trigger anxiety, fear or feelings of insufficiency will trigger the compulsion to hide behind the plate.

Use your creativity to channel your deep emotions. Also as you have a dual nature you may also feel emotionally pulled in two directions at the same time. Be mindful of stress related eating or eating to cope with uncertainty when you are unsure about which way to go.

Boundaries baffle you because on a deep and spiritual level you realize all forms of separation are illusions, yet in the physical realm these distinctions are necessary and healthy. Still you find them limiting and struggle to enforce boundaries clearly. As a result, you may tend to eat to soothe feelings, both your own and the feelings of others, and you may find that you take on the feelings and habits of others without even realizing it. Your eating habits may tend to fall into alignment with those of the company you keep, so setting your own plan and goals and following through can be difficult. However this becomes a strength when you consider channeling the power of the group energy to support positive goals and behaviors.

Pisces Sticking to a Budget

Like diet, budget is another of those annoying limiting tools which confine and define your relationship with money and resources. You are likely to recognize a defined plan when it comes to money, but then allow yourself to slip and slide within that plan. Like a beautiful watercolor painting that bleeds outside the outlines of a painting, you use your budget as a guesstimation of a plan, but will often feel more comfortable when a buffer is built in to allow creativity and intuition.

Not to mention because coloring in the lines is oppressive to you.

Creating flexible plans or natural boundaries can be helpful to you. Think of water, which takes its shape from the form of its container. Having no plan whatsoever may be seem simple and intuitive to you, however it can be like spilling water on the floor. What you want instead is a nice winding river bank that keeps the flow of your energy (financial or otherwise) in some alignment while allowing it to bend and flow. A natural boundary when it comes to spending could come in the form of a specific pre-paid card only for holidays. Also a holiday savings club is another great way to set aside a set amount with ease. Then within that amount you can further delineate what aspects of the holiday require what amount of money, although you will be inclined to make this a spending range rather than a set level.

When in a committed relationship, be mindful of the temptation to become reliant on your partner to deal with the stodgy financial stuff. Think of money as an expression of energy, including creative energy. When you pull away from associating money with oppression, left brain calculations, and a physical object with negative connotations, and instead view it as a marker of the flow of energy, you become empowered to become aware of how money flows into and out of your life.

If your budget is tight, you are not at a loss. Naturally creative and resourceful your ideas for home made gifts and expressions of love can easily keep your need to shop to a minimum, if you chose instead to go the home made gift route.

Trust your intuition when it comes to financial plans. Doing so can make you immune to most marketing gimmicks. Living in your mind invites fantasy, illusion and impulse buys. Connecting instead with your personal power in the Solar Plexus, and establishing contact with your Heart Chakra (compassion) plus staying grounded (Root Chakra) will help you avoid being carried away by holiday hype.

Pisces Holiday Hero Archetype

Pisces seeks union with all that is and you tend to vacillate between submerging with the energy of others, and then seeking separation and then submerging again. Imagine a pool of water which is alternately able to take a defined shape and then resumes its liquid form. If this is too abstract (and Pisces is good at doing abstract...) think of Frosty the Snow Man. With the help of others, his essence is given form and his individual identity is animated and joyful. Like Pisces, Frosty ignites the imagination of children and laughs, plays and dances around, blissfully submerged in the wonder of his surroundings.

Then the seasons change and his solid form gives way to liquid, but the essence of the Spirit embodied in the charming snow man still exists. This also connects to Pisces association with sacrifice and healing through personal transformation. In some, this emerges as a Martyr energy (also appropriate in comparison to the story of Jesus Christ, or even Tiny Tim from A Christmas Carol). In one respect this sacrifice is simply a changing of form and nature. For some however the martyr energy can take on an emotional or psychological significance. Thus Pisces must be mindful of the distinction between healing through transformation as opposed to being confined to a victim role. Frosty does not see himself as a victim of the warmer weather, but as an essence which lives on and will return in his cycle. This theme is echoed in the religious stories of martyrs like Christ. Even Tiny Tim does not dwell in his misfortune but becomes a symbol of youthful optimism, seeing the best in the world and in others regardless of his health or his family's poverty.

Pisces Serenity Guide

Honor your intuition and ability to feel deeply. Grounding meditation is crucial to your ability to maintain stability amidst the changing emotional and seasonal tides. You may feel prone to shifts in mood aligned with the changing season or even with the nearing end of the year as the transition between old and new resonates deeply with you.

As New Year approaches you can find solace and healing in reflecting and making resolutions, not for the purpose of sticking to a concrete plan, but rather for the purpose of channeling your creativity and aligning with your overall purpose and goals.

You tend to see the world in a mystical, child like way and can reach the heights of optimism and the depths of confusion and melancholy with little external provocation. While your emotions are fluid and free flowing, you may not always feel comfortable acknowledging or expressing them. Various forms of creativity allow you to give shape to your energy. Art, music, writing, or other creative gifts are essential tools for you to stay centered. You also tend to define yourself by what you are doing or what is going on around you, so consciously choosing to engage in regular activities which align with grounding and serenity will help you to maintain serenity.

If Someone You Love is a Pisces

Your Pisces loved one has shared their optimism, joy and creativity and has no doubt astounded you with their intuitive wisdom. Your Pisces friend may not actively challenge you when they disagree with your views, but don't confuse silence for agreement. They are efficient with expressing energy and come to realize when their point is not being taken, resulting in a shutdown rather than a shouting match more often than not. Of course there is room for grey area between those two extremes, but your Pisces friend is very sensitive and you may have to set the pace for assertive conversation. Be mindful of careless criticisms or statements which Pisces may perceive as deeply hurtful or offensive. They may retreat into their creative fantasy world rather than point out that their feelings have been hurt.

Your Pisces friend takes life at their own unique pace and can't be rushed. Be flexible with "start" times for events and understand that your sense of promptness and time barriers may not exist for your Pisces friend.

# Next Steps

Now that you have the opportunity to understand the variety of motivations, viewpoints and gifts that each sign brings to the Holiday table, you have the tools and understanding you need to welcome the season.

Understanding is one of the keys to harmonizing your energy and finding peace with anyone this holiday season, may you find the warmth, inspiration, comfort and love you deserve!

For further guidance on finding harmony, empowerment and solutions beyond the holidays, contact me for an Intuitive Reading to explore your fullest potential.

Angela Kaufman  
21st Century Relationship Psychic  
Intuitiveangela.com  
intuitiveangela@gmail.com  
513 622 9178

# About the Author

**Photo taken by Paola Rotondi**

Angela Kaufman is passionate about helping people in the "Real World" access and work with Spiritual tools. Her work is primarily focused on awakening women to their core sources of power and wisdom by helping them discover their Inner Queen. Angela's career began in Clinical Social work, but when Spirit provided her the path and opportunity to serve people by bringing practical soulful solutions to real world problems beyond the clinical realm, Angela heeded the call. She now combines her background as a therapist with her Intuitive Abilities and will not stop spreading messages of empowerment, hope and spirituality until everyone in the world has harnessed the power of their Soul's Purpose. 8 Billion people and counting, we are in for a long haul....

Angela also derives great joy from her connection to her loved ones, partner, friends and family and learns new lessons in life every day from her cats and guinea pigs, and from reading way too much Stephen King.
