February 6 to 12

Bill Meridian looks at what the stars have in store for you this week.

Powered by automated translation

Sunday's new Moon is very close to the planet Neptune. Movements of this planet have been associated with changes in the prices of gold and oil in the past. Thus, there is likely to be a trend change when trading opens on the 15th. If prices rise on Friday, which is likely, then a decline will follow as the next week begins. The horoscopes of several world leaders are affected by the new Moon. In Britain, Queen Elizabeth is likely to receive disappointing news relating to finances and the economy, but conflicting philosophies exist on the situation. In Oman, Sultan Qaboos will likely have to mediate between those who wish to modernise the country and those who want to maintain tradition. New ideas will be seen as a threat to security and the power of the government in Muscat. This week, we offer advice on how to choose gifts by reading the sun signs of your friends.

ARIES (March 20-April 18) This person is ruled by fiery red Mars, so get him or her a new daring gift. Aries likes to be the first to adopt a new fashion or gadget. The colour of choice is red. For children, a red metal toy car is ideal. TAURUS (April 19-May 19) This sign looks for quality, so be certain your gift is the finest. Jewellery and high-end clothes are ideal because Taurus wants to look the best. Strong fragrances are also welcome, as is fine food.

GEMINI (May 20-June 19) This is the sign of the twins, so Gemini likes gifts that come in pairs such as gloves, shoes, bookends and so on. For little Geminis, games, puzzles, skateboards, scooters and toy boats are ideal. CANCER (June 20-July 21)This is the sign of the home and family, so any gift for the household is welcome. Kitchen or dining accessories are especially appreciated. Gifts of food are good for the man of the house.

LEO (July 22-Aug 21)Leo the lion is ruled by the Sun, so a gift that lights up their life is welcome. Ladies will appreciate bright colours, while men will love torches or lights for the car. The kids will enjoy games of chance. VIRGO (Aug 22-Sept 21)Do not be concerned about personal taste. This is the sign of service and work, so any useful item will be well-received. The gift must be tangible and efficient. Any item that saves time is ideal.

LIBRA (Sept 22-Oct 22)There are five key words to keep in mind when shopping for Libra: balance, form, symmetry, order and colour. Libra has refined senses and likes art, and decorative items are also a good choice. SCORPIO (Oct 23-Nov 20)This is a tough task because it is not easy to know a Scorpio: they tend to be secretive. Cash is a good gift because this is a money sign. If not, a gift certificate is a good middle ground.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 21-Dec 22)Think size and distance when selecting a gift for this sign. Sagittarians think big; they love travel so any gift that sends them to foreign shores or comes from overseas is welcome. CAPRICORN (Dec 23-Jan 19)Be practical with your Capricorn friends. The men will appreciate business and office accessories while the women will like gifts for the home. With fashions, they both prefer reserved colours.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20-Feb 18)This is an easy task. Simply look for something unusual. Aquarians love electrical items and gadgets. They like to be the first one to receive a new and innovative product. PISCES (Feb 19-March 19)This sign is ruled by mysterious Neptune, so it may be tough to know what to buy. A gift certificate might work. Pisceans are usually very creative, so art and craft accessories may be appropriate. Books and DVDs might also be of interest.