Xmas gifts for writers

Are you interested in astrology? Even if you’re not, the popular star sign trend is not going away.

Horoscopes are always the first thing people flick to in the spiritual mag I edit, Soul & Spirit. Don’t kid yourself that you’re not curious – I see you wondering how yours might be able to help you get that new editorial job, or meet a new writing buddy. Follow my guide right here and watch how well your purchase goes down with their recipient on Christmas Day.

Or why not treat yourself to something? 

Aries (March 21 – April 19)  

Arians are leaders, quick problem-solvers and sometimes selfish, or at least they may seem so sometimes. A true fire sign, they guide the rest of the pack in a challenge, so it would be a great sign for a protagonist. Support your Aries loved ones with their solo writing project or entreprenurial side hustle with this beautiful A5 Daily Planner Pad, £10, aimstudio.co

Taurus (April 20 – May 20)

A classic Earth sign, I depend on my Taurean friends to ground me and show me a new perspective. If you do too, gift them something of true beauty; they love money and the arts. For a taste of class, get them these beautifully vivid letter papers, or buy them for yourself and write them a heartfelt letter as a surprise in the post this Christmas. Link: Roger La Borde Writing Paper Set.

Gemini (May 21 – June 20)

Always the master of communications, Gems love any way their ideas can reach out to more people – with as little effort on their part as possible. Though gregarious, they are also elusive, so you might find them hiding away in a home studio and recording a podcast or vlog. Ruled by Mercury, if they’re in a mercurial mood, maybe leave them to their sesh and they’ll surface when they’re ready! Treat them to this TONOR USP Microphone Kit, £61.99, amazon.co.uk.

Cancer (June 21 – July 22) 

This water sign is ruled by the moon, so get a lunar lover something appropriate, such as this Moon First Diary, £15 from michaeltingle.com. Cancers love the family, friends and the home, so when they’ve stopped running around after everyone else, your present to them might be to get them a cuppa, entertain their kids and allow them a quiet afternoon of reading in peace. 

Leo (July 23 – August 22) 

Sometimes a show-off but wonderfully generous (when it’s not expected of them), the fiery nature of a Leo needs an outlet. No, I don’t mean you should get them a soapbox to stand on for Christmas. However, their egos might like to think their notes have already got published in this Martha Brook Personalised Novel Notebook, £13.95.

Virgo (August 23 – September 22) 

Also ruled by Mercury, Virgos are honest, hardworking individuals. These Earth signs would never miss a deadline, and if they did they’d have a good reason (see how much faith I have in my Virgo friends?) Ever the detail-focused perfectionists, help them keep track of their much needed specs with a hand-carved Wooden Cat Glasses Holder.

Libra (September 23 – October 22) 

Libra is the sign of the scales, signifying justice. Though they care deeply for society, they also love to hang out, look beautiful, chat and just chill, and it makes them very charming writers indeed. Deck out your loungey Libran friend with this Victoria And Albert Alice In Wonderland High Tea Gift Set.

Scorpio (October 23 – November 21) 

These water signs can be known as manipulative, but I believe them to be quiet geniuses. They’ll never share what they’re really thinking but they’re brilliant at coaxing out and keeping secrets. Some may even go as far as to say they’re a closed book! So open them up and illuminate their inner darkness with this lovely Gingko Walnut Book Light.

Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21) 

Nomads unite! Sags are famously hard to pin down but are fierce fun, such typical fire signs are they. Support them on their writer journeys, be that round the world or from home to the co-working space and back with this classic pack. £85, Fjällräven Kånken Classic Backpack in Spicy Orange.

Capricorn (December 22 – January 19) 

This Earth sign is the most sensible and practical you’ll meet. Caps, symbolised by the sea goat creature, are to the point and gets their heads down when they’ve got a deadline or a goal in mind. While their heads are down, they may as well be reading an ultra-practical Amazon Kindle Paperwhite.

Aquarius (January 20 – February 18) 

Ah Aquarians, such is their passion for humanity, they just want life to be better for us all. Strong-minded sometimes, but diplomatic when it counts, writers born with this air element would love a present to do with politics and encouraging change. Why not go for a Feminist Book Box, £60, laurenceking.com to keep their bookshelves joining in on the fight for equality.

Pisces (February 19 – March 20) 

Pisceans are everyone’s favourite mystics. They are the dreamer, the sensitive soul who keeps a lot hidden away. I should know – my Piscean brother started writing his first personal blogs as he recovered from a tough breakup. His creativity just began to boil over like an active volcano – well, Pisces is a water element, after all. Ruled by Neptune, their mysterious side would love these crystal Moonstone Agate Bookends.

If your characters are into astrology

Intrigued about you or your protagonist’s horscopes for the new year? Read astrologer-royal Russell Grant’s horoscopes for the whole of your 2023 in the January issue of Soul & Spirit, on sale from 8th Dec via soulandspiritmagazine.com. And, if you feel like learning a bit more astrology as research on your next writing project, embark upon a week-long summer school course in sunny Greece hosted by astrology author Joanna Watters. For more info, go to joannawatters.com. 

Follow @rosalindmoody on Instagram for more spirituality snippets and book-inspired content.