Fun Facts About Summer Solstice

The summer solstice or “Midsummer” happens today but how much do you really know about it? Is it more than a celestial alignment? Were monuments really constructed in honor of this annual event? How do we celebrate today? We try to answer these questions but would love your input as well!



Set Your Clocks

According to the Farmer’s Almanac, the start of summer in the northern hemisphere is 1:16 p.m. today. According to TimeandDate.com, the date of the "June solstice" varies from June 20 to June 22 depending on the year, in the Gregorian calendar (there will not be another June 22 solstice until 2203). Celebrate by taking your lunch outside today to welcome the season­–we recommend a nice picnic at Foote Memorial Park.




Longer Days

The Farmer’s Almanac states that "the word solstice comes from the Latin words for "sun" and "to stop," due to the fact that the sun appears to stop in the sky.” With the sun high overhead today, this will be the longest day of the year. How do you spend your longer days? More time outside or more hours working? We think we know the answer to this one…




Stonehenge

Though there’s no official word on the purpose of Stonehenge, this circle monument made from stone might have been specifically constructed for today's celestial occurrence. Perhaps this is the reason thousands of people head to Stonehenge, located just outside Wiltshire, England, every year to celebrate the summer solstice.
According to History.com, the monument is built on the solstice alignment and for more than a century, people gathered to celebrate the occasion. In 1985, according to the website, the celebrations were cancelled and then re-instated again in 2000. An average of 30,000 people, mostly neo-pagan groups, flock to Stonehenge for the celebration. See photos of last year’s celebration on June 21, 2010, on the Huffington Post or on the Washington Post websites. You can also visit the monument’s official website here.

Origins and Celebrations

It’s hard to find a lot of information about the origins of the Summer Solstice or “equinox.” According to Timeanddate.com, “In ancient times, the date of the June solstice was an important source to help people manage their calendars and organize when to plant and harvest crops.” The website adds that this is the traditional time of the year for weddings… still is today!

“In ancient China, the summer solstice,” they report, “was observed by a ceremony to celebrate the earth, femininity, and the “yin” forces. It complemented the winter solstice that celebrated the heavens, masculinity and “yang” forces.” Other cultures have different celebrations or exact meanings of the celebration but many refer to femininity and fertility.

Most commonly associated with Pagan traditions, the website states that the summer solstice or “Midsummer,” was marked by in ancient Germanic, Slav and Celtic tribes with bonfires. “After Christianity spread in Europe and other parts of the world, many pagan customs were incorporated into the Christian religion. In many parts of Scandinavia, the Midsummer celebration continued but was observed around the time of St John’s Day, on June 24, to honor St John the Baptist instead of the pagan gods.”

In North America, the website states that Native American tribes held rituals to honor the sun and that the Sioux were most well known for theirs.
In addition to dancing, the Suiox would paint their bodies in the symbolic colors of red (sunset), blue (sky), yellow (lightning), white (light), and black (night).

Fun Facts About Summer Solstice - Milford, CT Patch

Astrology on the Web: Mother's Day

Astrology on the Web: Mother's Day


Celebrate those who nurture, protect and love: Mothers

Mother's Day
Celebration of the Feminine

From the spring days of Ancient Rome to modern times, people have honoured Mama. Games, goddesses, saints and social workers have honoured the feminine and called on us to remember our mothers. In the United States, Mother's Day started nearly 150 years ago, when Anna Jarvis, an Appalachian homemaker, organized a day to raise health awareness in her community—a cause best advocated by mothers. She called it "Mother's Work Day". Nowadays, the second Sunday in May (May 8, 2011) is Mother's Day in many countries. Rob Tillett looks at the history and meaning of Mother's Day.
The second Sunday in May (May 8, 2011) is Mother's Day, a day we traditionally set aside for honouring Mother and, from a deeper perspective, the role of the feminine in our lives. What better day could we pick for sending our healing prayers and energy to Mother Earth, the Great Mother that nurtures us all? There are so many mothers on the planet who are suffering today, yet no more than the Earth itself. That is why we are asking all of you, tens of thousands of people around the world, to use May 8th to offer your energy to the healing of all mothers.
Earliest Known Tributes
The earliest known tributes to mothers date back to the annual spring festival the Ancient Greeks dedicated to the great goddess Rhea, wife of Cronus and mother of the Olympians. In fact, all the ancient peoples of Europe, from Ireland to Asia had a Mother Goddess (known widely as Danu, but also under many other names). These celebrations were mirrored in the offerings ancient Romans made to the Great Mother Goddess, Cybele. Ceremonies in her honour began some 250 years before the birth of Christ.

This Roman religious celebration, known as Hilaria Matris Deum, lasted for three days – from March 22 to 25. Its celebration was held on the first day after the vernal equinox, the first day of the year which was longer than the night. The winter with its gloom had passed away, and the first day of a better season was spent in rejoicings. Games and processions were held in her honour. In the British Isles and Celtic Europe, the goddess Brigid, and later her successor St. Brigid, were honoured with a spring Mother's Day, connected with the first milk of the ewes (see Celtic Fire Festivals: Oimelc).
Mothering Sunday
In later times, Christians celebrated this festival on the fourth Sunday in Lent, in honour of Mary, mother of Jesus. During the 1600's England began to celebrate a day called Mothering Sunday on the fourth Sunday in Lent. Originally, it was a time for visiting one's "mother church" – the church in the town where one hailed from, and people would travel back home to attend – but gradually it came to be a day for honouring one's mother and giving her gifts.

Anna Jarvis, Founder of Mother's Day
On Mothering Sunday, young apprentices and servants returned home, bringing their mothers flowers, small gifts and keepsakes or a "mothering cake". Mothering Sunday was also known as Refreshment Sunday, because the fasting rules for Lent were relaxed that day. Although this is often called "Mother's Day" in the UK, it actually has no direct relation to the US festival of that name.
Modern Mother's Day
In the United States, Mother's Day started nearly 150 years ago, when Anna Jarvis, an Appalachian homemaker, organized a day to raise awareness of poor health conditions in her community, a cause she believed would be best advocated by mothers. She called it "Mother's Work Day".
Fifteen years later, Julia Ward Howe, a Boston poet, pacifist, suffragist, and author of the lyrics to the Battle Hymn of the Republic, organized a day encouraging mothers to rally for peace, since she believed they bore the loss of human life more harshly than anyone else.
In 1905 when Anna Jarvis died, her daughter, also named Anna, began a campaign to memorialize the life work of her mother. Legend has it that young Anna remembered a Sunday school lesson that her mother gave in which she said, "I hope and pray that someone, sometime, will found a memorial mother's day. There are many days for men, but none for mothers."
Anna began to lobby prominent businessmen like John Wannamaker, and politicians including Presidents Taft and Roosevelt to support her campaign to create a special day to honor mothers. At one of the first services organized to celebrate Anna's mother in 1908, at her church in West Virginia, Anna handed out her mother's favourite flower, the white carnation (which remains popular for modern Mother's Day flowers and bouquets). Five years later, the House of Representatives adopted a resolution calling for officials of the federal government to wear white carnations on Mother's Day. In 1914 Anna's hard work paid off when Woodrow Wilson signed a bill recognizing Mother's Day as a national holiday.
The Law of Unintended Consequences?
At first, people observed Mother's Day by attending church, writing letters to their mothers, and eventually, by sending cards, presents, and flowers. With the increasing gift-giving activity associated with Mother's Day, Anna Jarvis became enraged. She believed that the day's sentiment was being sacrificed on the altar of greed and profit.
In 1923 she filed a lawsuit to stop a Mother's Day festival, and was even arrested for disturbing the peace at a convention selling carnations for a war mothers' group. Before her death in 1948, Jarvis is said to have confessed that she regretted ever starting the Mother's Day tradition.
Despite Jarvis's misgivings, Mother's Day has flourished in the United States. In fact, the second Sunday of May has become the most popular day of the year to dine out, and telephone lines record their highest traffic, as sons and daughters everywhere take advantage of this day to honour and to express appreciation of their mothers.
Many other countries also celebrate Mother's Day at this time, including Australia, Denmark, Finland, Italy, Turkey and Belgium, while other nations celebrate their own Mother's Day at different times throughout the year.
This is the end of the article.
References:
W. Smith: A Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities, John Murray, London, 1875
C. Panati: Extraordinary Origins of Everyday Things, HarperCollins, September 1989
B. G. Walker: The Woman's Encyclopedia of Myths and Secrets, Harper & Row, NY 1983

10 Last-Minute DIY Holiday Gifts You Can Make Today | Care2 Healthy & Green Living

More great ideas for Green Giving

10 Last-Minute DIY Holiday Gifts You Can Make Today Care2 Healthy & Green Living

Happy Holidays!

Giving Green

Today, we are encouraged to "go green," whether that means using less of the Earth's non-renewable resources or leaving a smaller carbon footprint. One simple way to do your part in living lightly on our earth is to give eco-friendly gifts.

Birthdays, religious holidays and events, anniversaries--it seems we use any excuse we can to give or exchange gifts. Add "just thinking of you" gifts to the mix and you could easily be constantly on the prowl for a gift that shows you care. But for your environmentally conscious friends, finding that perfect gift isn't always so easy. Eco gifts are a smart way to not only to do your part to help the environment, but also to make sure you are giving your friends what they really want.

One of the biggest trends in going green is to BYOB: Bring Your Own Bag. I made the mistake of not bringing a bag to a local farmers' market once, only to suffer shocked stares from the vendors and to be forced to carry my apples home in my coat pockets. Save your friends from similar embarrassment by presenting them with their own reusable shopping bags. Double your eco-friendly efforts by buying bags made of organic cotton, linen, or hemp fibers. These materials are durable, renewable, and biodegradable, which is something you can't say about traditional plastic grocery sacks. Whether used weekly for groceries or for everyday outings, these bags are a great gift that contributes to the global effort of helping the environment, which your environmentally conscious friends will appreciate.

If you are looking for great environmentally sound gift ideas but are on a tight budget, gifts from the heart will always be in style and eco friendly. Excellent heartfelt and eco gift ideas include gifts of time, service, or expertise; handwritten letters; a box of mementos and photos; or a donation to your recipient's favorite charity.

Whatever the occasion, add meaning to your gifts by making sure your giving is green.

Credit goes to:
 Scene Int'l dba Boondocks of Piermont (http://runninggiraffe.com) is an environmental boutique that has a wide variety of eco gifts. From books to sand art, not only can you do your part, but you can still go easy on your wallet. Rachel Spohn is a freelance writer.Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rachel_Spohn

My Favorite Green Gifts
 
Soy Candles and Aromatherapy Oils by Mystic Scents
 
Treehugger.com 2010 Green Gift Guide
 
TheDailyGreen.com Green Gifts
 
Yahoo.com Green Shopping
 
Treehousegreengifts.com

Showtime for Lunar Eclipse 2010

Watch the lunar eclipse from the internet!

More on Tonight's Lunar Eclipse:

Don't miss 2010's Solstice Lunar Eclipse tonight!

Find out when the eclipse will be viewable in your time zone:
Total Lunar Eclipse on December 20 or 21 depending on time zone

The Perfect Holiday Gift for Every Sign of the Zodiac

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

Aries

March 21 – April 19
The Ram loves any kind of form of challenge, contest and competition. He is the sign of action and loves being first. He knows he will get nowhere fast if he doesn't move faster. Anything to help him save time (or gain more time, through his eyes) is sure to be a hit. A high tech stopwatch, timed coffee maker, no-iron shirts, and any time saving gadget will excite them. Aries needs direction for their restless energy as well as their frustrations. Consider gifts that can help channel their intellectual energies to find solutions such as computer games, board games and puzzles. And for the restless fighting spirit, consider boxing gloves, gym memberships, or a basketball goal. Tickets to a sporting event are sure to be a winner with the Aries male. If buying clothing, he will like sporty clothes, team wear and baseball caps. Use compliments, anything that says #1 on it will appeal to the Aries ego. They will also appreciate personalized gifts, necklace with initials on it or an id bracelet. Aries rules the head, for women hair accessories, earrings and sunglasses, brightly colored clothes and accessories will be popular.

Taurus
April 20 – May 20
Taurus loves to shop, this makes them excellent candidates for gift certificates! They are drawn to luxury and they love things, especially expensive things, and they are avid collectors. Taurus LOVES collector's items. Especially trademark and brand name collectables. If you know what they are interested in, you're in luck. Just get a collectable of their favorite athlete, rock band, college or sports team and you're in the good. Taurus people have an appreciation for names like Harley Davidson, Disney, Pottery Barn and Ralph Lauren. Material things have sentimental value to Taurus, too. Keepsakes, mementos and little reminders of your love and adoration of them will go far. Scrap books, hand-made items, and anything with the current year on it will keep it's sentimental value to Taurus forever. Touch and feel is important so consider comfy pajamas, (Taurus women love anything silky or satiny) Egyptian cotton sheets, foot massager, bubbles and home spa products. Taurus rules the throat and neck, so necklaces and pendants, especially sapphire, Emerald, and Jade, will be appealing to them. They are lovers of food, especially the good life dining, gourmet foods, fine cheesecake and exquisite chocolates will appeal to their love of fine foods.

Gemini
May 21 – June 20
Gemini is always in need of something new to do. New experiences, hobbies, activities and events are good choices for their restless energy. Avoid anything time consuming or gifts or that requires a long term commitment. A gym membership requires a long term commitment and a Gemini will lose interest in a gift that is not useable or redeemable right away. Don't buy your Gemini friend a season pass for a water park in December. You can save that for their birthday. Gemini rules the mind and these people are very analytical and intellectual. They have an appetite for knowledge and are driven to seek information. Interesting books, magazine subscriptions and informational videos on their topics of their interest will get their attention. Appeal to their playfulness with whimsical toys, fun electronics or anything that gives their inner child permission to run free. You can help Gemini focus with strategic games like Chess and Memory, brain teaser puzzles and mind exercising video games. Since Gemini is always on the go, travel kits & luggage, automobile provisions, gas cards, and Motor Club memberships, will be well used by most Gemini. Ruled by Mercury, the planet of communication, cell phones and computers are important to keep Gemini up to date on the latest gossip. Cell phone and internet accessories, notebooks and all wireless communication devices will be make you popular. Don't forget to buy extra batteries, they're going to need them.

Cancer
June 21 – July 22
Every Cancer needs a cozy home. Contributing to the Crab's shell is the way to go. Anything to make their home both decorative and comfortable, decorative rock fountains, luminary lamps, exotic artwork, or candles will be pleasers. Cancer responds well to music, theatrics and movies that stir their emotions. They are much attached to family, so family heirlooms and personal mementos, hand made gifts, photo albums and scrapbooks, will have sentimental appeal to them. They are happiest when surrounded by their family and close relationships. A Cancer will be grateful for a fun family night, group tickets to a movie, play, concert or other entertainment event, anywhere they can create a new memory with their beloved family members and closest friends will mean the world to them. Cancer is a nurturing sign, most love to cook and especially enjoy cooking down home dinners for family and close friends in the home. Grilling or cooking utensils, cocktail shakers, specialty cookbooks and gift baskets with spices and sauces will be a treasure! The Cancer rules the domestic and will appreciate anything to help them improve, protect, and enjoy their home and family lief. Crabs are penny pinchers and like to save money, so anything that will help him cut expenses, increase his profits or protect his current assets will have value to him.

Leo
July 23 - August 22
This sign is ruled by the Sun and the element of fire. Just as the Sun is the center of our solar system, Leo loves being the center of attention. Leos naturally think of themselves as the King and Queen of their personal domains and are likely to have a pack of loyal friends who admire their regal charm. Lions love gifts that make them look and feel majestic. Jewelry, cosmetics and grooming items are all good choices for this prideful sign. If buying jewelry, go with Amber, Ruby or Diamond. Leos also love to gamble, so lottery tickets or a casino getaway will feed their guilty pleasure. When shopping for clothing, go for red, gold and purple. Fine champagne, gourmet cheeses and chocolates would be appropriated. They love to be pampered, so certificates for a massage, new hairstyle (Lion's love their manes groomed) a facial or manicure will also be well received. Leos love things that make them look and feel important. Brand names, designer logo bags (the bigger the better), flashy jewelry, anything in animal prints, a tiara or crown, of course, and all things extravagant will go over nicely with a Leo. Is a BMW too much to ask? Leo loves extravagance, but they still believe in true love. For a more romantic appeal, take her to a glitzy see-and-be-seen-restaurant, buy an expensive bottle of champagne and give her a flashy piece of jewelry in front of everyone to see! It doesn't have to be expensive. With Leo, it's not about the money. It's about attention.

Virgo
Aug. 23 - Sept. 22
Virgos, the most practical sign of the zodiac, are likely to appreciate gifts that they can use and that help to keep their life in order. They love practical gifts, so avoid dust-catching collectables and trinkets. A high performance food processor or power tool will do the trick. Virgos love to organize and will appreciate a good watch, a leather-bound date book or new briefcase. Space saving storage containers and nifty organizers will tickle their fancy. They love home improvement products, closet organizers, and anything to save energy and reduce cost. Meticulous at budgeting and balancing their finances, home office items such as a paper shredder, accounting software or desk accessories is sure to please Virgo's analytical mind. They are also known to pride themselves on their immaculate appearance. Body cleanliness and personal hygiene are important to them. Scented soaps, lotions, body sprays and perfume might be just the ticket. Virgos are also usually health-conscious and enjoy gifts that keep them in tip-top shape. A gift basket filled with organic herbs and spices, nutritious goodies, or a healthy lifestyle cookbook will be well received. Because they are so sensible, gift certificates will be appealing because Virgo can buy what they need rather than what someone else thinks they want. Books are likely to be well received although you might be better off buying non-fiction as opposed to fiction, especially topics on self-help, organization or how-to books.

Libra
Sept. 23 - Oct. 22
Librans have a special kinship with music and often have some musical talents up their sleeve. They will appreciate a good CD to add to their ample collection. If you want to really go all out for a Libra, go for concert tickets. Ruled by Venus, the planet of love and beauty, you can't go wrong with gifts that appeal to Libra's hopeless romantic side. If you're still stumped for ideas, a lavish bouquet of red roses accompanied by a loving handwritten note is all it takes to melt the Libra's heart. The sign of the scales, they need plenty of balance in their lives, so a pair of candlesticks or bookends might appeal. Strive to help them create peaceful surroundings to promote harmony and find balance. Elegant and tasteful art pieces and decor for the home would be appropriate, especially items in pairs. Two beautiful candle stick holders, matching crystal photo frames, a pair of wall sconces or twin book holders will delight Libra. If you're going for jewelry, an elegant watch or gem piece with opal, emerald, or jade will charm them for sure. For a Libra, it is the thought that matters most. They will be pleased with a hand made card and home baked goodies, as long as they can share the goodies with you. Most Libras hate to be alone. They are the sign of harmony and partnership, and very socially active, so a surprise event or celebration with their entire social circle will be a dream come true. They'll love gifts that give them moments they can share with you or their other loved ones.

Scorpio
Oct. 23 - Nov. 21
Scorpions are shadowy by nature and enjoy gifts that obscure their presence in some way. A pair of designer sunglasses, a knitted scarf or a droopy hat are all great picks. Scorpios are born detectives but keep much of their own life private. These curious mystery-lovers enjoy dark, moody stories and crime dramas. A collection of true crime DVD's and a popcorn tin are sure to appeal to the recluse Scorpion. They like to know the reasons behind everything, so books and informational videos and documentaries dealing with solving mysteries, police and detective work, the criminal mind, physics, psychology or spirituality will be attractive to Scorpio. Ruled by Pluto, the planet of death and reproductive forces, this sign is most well-known for their sexual appetite. Seductive lingerie would get plenty of use - if Scorpio girl is in a close intimate relationship, and as long as the lingerie is classy and in good taste. Don't insult her with perversion. They excel at writing, journals and diaries are good for helping them express and articulate their deepest inner emotions. Diaries with a lock are preferable to the secretive Scorpio. Better yet, a lockbox or a tamper-proof safe would be ideal. Since Scorpions are so private, a gift certificate may be fitting, for they may not want you to know what it is they really want. They can be fanatical workers and exert themselves until they drop, so tools to help them work more efficiently will make great useful gifts. Scorpios are loyal friends of the Zodiac and they are grateful for acts of kindness. Gifts of generosity are much appreciated by Scorpios, who will never ask someone to do what they would not do themselves. The greatest gift to a Scorpio is the gift of service, a helping hand with errands, repairs and odd jobs, anything to help them be more productive, to take some of the burden off and free their hands…so they can go find something else they need to work on.

Sagittarius
Nov. 22 to Dec. 21
Ruled by Jupiter, Sagittarians are usually very carefree, optimistic, and adventurous. They love travel and new experiences and hate to be tied down. Travel accessories, luggage, books and videos on travel to different exotic places will appeal to this sign. Gifts from other parts of the world will have special value to them. They are known to be quite sporty and active. Exercise equipment, sporting gear and YMCA memberships will be well used. To appeal to this adventure enthusiast, an outdoor adventure such as a fishing expedition or canoe trip will have them keyed up. Camping equipment, hunting gear or a new fishing pole and tackle box are good picks. Because of their indulgent nature and carefree disposition, Sag's are prone to accidents, so a traveling medical emergency kit would be a good idea. This sign is feisty and independent and willing to fight for what they believe in. Show your support by giving to a cause they are passionate about or making a donation in their name. Sag woman will appreciate gifts that will help her to be self-sufficient. They also tend to be quite superstitious, so luck charms and pieces of good fortune will be held with high regard. Sagittarius is sociable and thrives on good company. I have never met a Sagittarius who didn't love theme parks and roller coasters. One thing you don't have to worry about with Sagittarius, if he or she doesn't like your present, Sag will tell you outright.

Capricorn
Dec. 22 - Jan. 19
Prestigious Capricorn enjoys gifts that will boost their image, advance in job rank or raise their personal status. Their reputations and achievements are significant to them. Gifts to acknowledge and highlight their lifetime achievements will have monumental meaning. Recognition gifts such as an engraved name plate for the office (with the title by the name) or a leather monogrammed laptop carrier or briefcase would be fitting. Capricorn likes anything that makes him more professional. Contrary to popular belief, though, Capricorn is not all work and no play. This sign is blessed with a wry sense of humor, so try the 'The Office' series on DVD or a sarcastic comedy like Napolean Dynamite. Anything with Will Ferrell or Ben Stiller will do. Capricorn has an appreciation for tradition and family history. Antiques and family heirlooms will be a welcome present for a Capricorn. Photo albums or scrap books filled with photos of the entire family, a genealogy starter kit and anything really, really old will captivate them. If you go for jewelry, make it an old family heirloom, a fine antique piece or an ageless diamond she can pass down to her own children someday. They also have an admiration for fine theatrical and musical art, so tickets to Phantom of the Opera, The Nutcracker, or a Broadway musical are all sure to get a squeal of delight out of even the most prudent, composed Capricorn.

Aquarius
Jan. 20 - Feb. 18
Anything unusual, unique, and one of a kind will satisfy the Aquarian in your life. Aquarians are known for being eccentric and are usually surrounded by friends. Because they are individualistic, they can come across as a little impersonal at times as they often feel more content in a group of friends than in a one on one personal conversation. To play it on the safe side, you might avoid the sappy, weepy, over-romantic gifts. Aquarius are movie buffs but they tend to favor comedy, old westerns and classic action-adventure films over romance and heart wrenching tearjerkers. They are original thinkers are likely to believe in new age philosophy, so you may try your luck with a gift certificate for aromatherapy massage, reiki healing or acupuncture. Ruled by Uranus, the planet of change and the unexpected, invention and modern science and natural history, you never know what this random sign will be doing from one moment to the next. Most Aquarians possess an excellent sense of aesthetics. This is often expressed by interests in drama, music, art, and science. Astronomy is usually a very popular fascination with Aquarians so telescopes are popular gifts. They love to move around and travel so you can win extra points with a gadget they can use on the go such as a GPS system, portable DVD player, iPod, or a USB adapter for internet on the go. Cameras and video cameras to document their travels will also be a hit with them. Aquarians can be quite aloof. They are engaging, yet unreachable. An electronic communication device to help you track down and keep in touch with your Aquarian on the go might come in handy.

Pisces
Feb. 19 - March 20
These Sensitive and artistic people have vivid imaginations and an interest in fantasy. Pisces are usually the softer, dreamy types and anything romantic or sentimental will appeal to them immensely. They love gifts of all kinds, but especially ones that help them escape the realities of life. A bottle of champagne, the latest romance novel or fantasy video game will appeal to your Pisces friend. Pisces is a water sign, so they'll appreciate bath salts, foaming cleansers and shower gels. A fish aquarium or waterfall will captivate them. Pisces rules the feet so remember to treat your Pisces feet! Soft slippers, fuzzy socks, a pedicure of foot massage are all good choices. If you'd like to give something really special, pamper Pisces with a relaxing retreat to replenish energy with a day at the spa, a pedicure or massage or a relaxing day on the golf course. A digital camera will make a hit with this natural-born photographer. Pisces often have some musical talent as well so CD's and music instruments are likely to be a good choice. You can also cater to their dreamy side with a set of oil paints, a gilt-edged volume of love poetry or a Shakespearean play.