Reconnect with your inner Goddess- Goddesses, Mantras, Affirmations, chakra-balancing essential oils, inspirational articles © Anita Revel.

There is the Squirrel type, who buys her bits here and there and methodically accumulates her gifts throughout the year ready for the rainy day.

Then there's the Tasmanian Devil type, who races in to the stores the day before the big event and shops up a storm. She's also the type who, when shopping online, chooses her gifts based on whether they can be shipped in time.

And finally, there's the Re-gifter. She's the one who wraps up last year's gifts and gifts them to someone else. We won't go into all the reasons why this is so wrong right now, but you there are hundreds of tragic (and hilarious) stories about this sub-culture at regiftable.com .

Whatever your shopper type, don't worry - the real concern is to start thinking about your recipient and what your friend's "recipient type" is!

The recipient's reaction to your gift depends on her goddess birth sign* - the archetypal goddess energy that prevailed at the time of her birth. Similar to astrology, goddess birth signs define who you are, what your life purpose may be and what kind of gifts you like to receive.

If you know your friend's Goddess Birth Sign, you can follow this guide to gift-giving to find the perfect solution that will connect at a heart-felt level with her character. (By the way, if you don't know it already, you can find your goddess birth sign here)

Your ruling goddess	How you are influenced…	Your best gift choices…
ATHENA Mar 21 - Apr 20	The Athena gal is resourceful and independent. She is an active achiever, creative and passionate, but sometimes to the detriment of her energy levels.	Red is an energising colour that helps ignite the creative spark. Try flowering Poinsettias for her office, or for something more personal try red underwear or diamond jewellery.
JUNO Apr 21 - May 21	Juno gals are salt-of-the-earth types who love good things in life - food, friendships and a fulfilling relationship. They love company and beautiful surroundings.	Gourmet baskets are lovely, but the basket alone won't cut the mustard. Share the basket's contents instead, especially at an outdoor concert or while watching a sunset together.
PERSEPHONE May 22 - Jun 21	The Persephone gal's life is an exciting blend of high drama and sunny skies. Although she can be a little fickle, she is the ultimate in managing moods and situations.	Rather than give her a book (which might take weeks for her to read), consider the busy girl's alternative - a movie or magazine subscription. Choose something thought-provoking.
DIANA Jun 22 - Jul 23	Whether it be children, friends or pets, Diana-women have a lot of love to give. They love roaming their neighbourhood and are very proud of their home turf.	Anything that makes your Diana-inspired friend even more house-proud is great. Try photo frames, over-sized pots for the garden, or an original piece of artwork.
PELE Jul 24 - Aug 23	Look out! When the Pele gal gets fired up about something, anything can happen (and usually does). Often seen as the life of the party, she can be prone to burn-out.	Something to soothe frazzled nerves - a pamper session at a 5-star day spa, for example. Items made from rich fabrics or exotic ingredients also appeal to her quality of leadership.
HESTIA Aug 24 - Sep 23	Practical and reliable, the archetypal Hestia is the keystone to many relationships. With her no-fuss approach to organising her life, she is also very good at business.	A bungy jump might help her push those comfort zones, but choosing a safer activity will appeal - think vouchers for hot-air ballooning or a nutritious, hearty meal.
VENUS Sep 24 - Oct 23	Venus women are busy, busy, busy. There is just too many fabulous places to shop, eat and enjoy! They enjoy the finer things in life such as art, beauty and glamour events.	Fortunately the Venus girl knows how to relax - providing it is with a full-treatment pedicure or facial, that is. Exotic brands of perfume will let her swan around town smelling divine.
BAST Oct 24 - Nov 22	The Bast gal is passionate, to say the least. Her manner of communication tends to be quite intense - a reflection of her deep thinking style.	Save her from over-thinking decisions with an 'answer book' or 'magic 8 ball'. A lesson in how to read Tarot won't go astray either. Alternatively, give her a session with a creditable psychic.
RHIANNON Nov 23 - Dec 21	With the magical Welsh goddess of wisdom as their influence, Rhiannon girls have big horizons. They are always on the move seeking adventure, skills and experiences.	A joy flight, tandem sky-dive or horse-riding will sate Rhiannon's love of new experiences and scenery. Add a touch of purple in the theme to help her connect to her spiritual side.
DEMETER Dec 22 - Jan 20	If you ever need a helping hand, Demeter gals are the first to come to your aid. They are trustworthy and loyal, but frequently at the expense of their own projects.	Your Demeter gal may protest, but hire a housecleaner or landscape gardener anyway. While your hired help is re-energising her home, re-energise her with a picnic in the park.
HATHOR Jan 21 - Feb 19	The quick-thinking Hathor gal knows no boundaries. Inventive and adaptable in her view of life, she is the leopard who changes her spots in order to change the world.	Find an activity to help her connect with her authentic self. Remove her from daily distractions with esoteric books, or dance, cooking or art classes.
OSHUN Feb 20 - Mar 20	Spiritual and emotional energy flows constantly in the Oshun gal. The water energies of this African goddess can cause her patrons' attention span to wax and wane.	Oshun gals connect with water-related gifts such as bath salts and scrubs, pool toys, pond plants, aquariums, fishing gear, sailing vouchers or (and!) a decadent lunch in a waterside café.

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