Taurus (♉) is the second astrological sign in the Zodiac, which spans the zodiac between the 30th and 59th degree of celestial longitude. Generally, the Sun transits this area of the zodiac between April 21 to May 20 each year (sometimes the dates vary slightly). Individuals born during these dates, whilst the Sun is within this sign are called Taureans.[1]
[edit] Key characteristics and definitions
Taurus has been seasonally associated with the flourish of spring, when the Earth is green and fresh. Because the season has settled, astrologers call it a fixed sign,[2]:88, indicating stability, resistance to change, and the ability to 'enjoy the people'. According to astrologers the sign is governed by Venus, the planet of art, procreation and indulgence, which adds the traits of creativity, sensuality, and appreciation of life's material luxuries. The moon is also associated with this sign, which it governs by exaltation. The lunar-association is considered to denote emotional depth and highlights further the fertility significations of Venus and this, the 'earth-sign' of spring. Due to its earthness, some astrologers place Saturn a "fall" planet or peregrine to Taurus in this manner, and is widely shared with Aries and Virgo.[citation needed]
Astrologers classify Taurus as a negative or passive (introvert) sign.[3] This gives the characteristics of being reflective, receptive to the ideas of others: typically, a 'thinker' rather than a 'doer'. But being of the earth-triplicity, Taurus is considered by astrologers to be a highly practical sign which is happiest when involved in some kind of creative process. Although generally considered easy-going and placid, as a fixed sign Taurus is renowned for being stubborn. Taureans are likened to the bull in being slow to show anger, but capable of raging if pushed too far. And they take time to eventually act on their anger and basically when they (Taureans) do, be rattled, because there's no telling what they'll unleash upon you.[4]:17 It is also said Taureans enjoy basic 'creative comforts' and don't allow others to disturb them easily, but they don't forgive and forget easily. Joanna Watters (2003) defined a keyphrase for this sign as "I possess", and summarises its strengths and weaknesses: "The positive side to this fixity is a ferocious willpower and absolute loyalty to loved ones, although they need to guard against possesiveness.[4]:17 Martin Seymour-Smith (1981) suggested "Practicality may be felt in non-materialistic and satisfying ways". As a suggestion for keywords he offers:[5]
- Taurus keywords: Gregariousness, stubborness, kindliness, acquisitiveness, graspingness, affectionateness, creativity, materialism, stability, cautiousness, enduringness.
Definitions and Associations
| Glyph meaning: (♉) |
The round face and horned head of the bull.[4]:13 |
| Quality |
Negative: inwardly reflective, introvert.[6] |
| Element (triplicity)[7] |
Earth: sensuality, practicality, fertility.[4]:14 |
| Mode (quadruplicity)[7] |
Fixed: the element in its most intense form - associated with stability and strength.[4]:15 |
| Body part |
Throat area.[2]:94 |
| Direction |
South by east [2]:365 |
| Traditional definitions |
Bestial - the signs symbolised by four-footed animals (also called quadrupedian 'four-footed'). These can lack in social graces and sometimes indicate coarseness and a poor appreciation for 'niceties' and polite manners. They can also be a little inarticulate, caring more about making their point, than the elegance of the style in which it is made.[8] |
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The Bull presents the Taurus in many ways.
[edit] Mythology
In Greek mythology, Taurus was identified with the bull whose form Zeus took to rape Europa, a legendary Phoenician princess. In illustrations, only the front portion of this constellation are depicted; in Greek mythology this was sometimes explained as Taurus being partly submerged as he carried Europa out to sea. Greek mythographer Acusilaus marks the bull Taurus as the same that formed the myth of the Cretan Bull, one of The Twelve Labors of Hercules. Liz Greene associates the Taurus myth with that of King Theseus and the Minotaur, saying "within each Taurean is this basic conflict between the human, heroic side, and the bestial side with its rampant appetites".[9]
[edit] Compatibilities
Generally the qualities of Taurus are considered to be compatible with those of the other earth signs: Virgo and Capricorn, and to a lesser extent with the water signs: Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces. However, compatibility based on sun-sign alone is considered to be only a very general guideline. The branch of astrology dealing with interpersonal relationships is called Synastry. In this, astrologers analyse the horoscopes of both parties being considered with particular reference to the positions of the Sun and Moon, and Venus and Mars.[10]
General astrological compatibility of Taurus with other signs
| Sign |
Highest compatibility |
High compatibility |
Low compatibility |
| Taurus |
Virgo, Capricorn |
Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces |
Aries, Gemini, Sagittarius, Libra, Leo, Aquarius |
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[edit] Sidereal zodiac
The dates that the Sun traverses the sign of Taurus according to the Sidereal system are (generally) between 15 May and 14 June each year.
[edit] References
- ^ Oxford English Dictionary. Retrieved17 August 2011.
- ^ a b c William Lilly, (1647) Christian Astrology. Republished as facsimilie, London: Regulus, 1985. ISBN 0948472014.
- ^ Jeff Mayo, Teach Yourself Astrology, pp 38 - 41, Hodder and Stoughton, London, 1979.
- ^ a b c d e Joanna watters, Astrology for today. London: Carroll & Brown, 2003. ISBN 1903258693.
- ^ Martin Seymour-Smith, The New Astrologer; p.79. London: Sidgewick and Jackson, 1981.
- ^ Sasha Fenton, Astrology for Living, p.12. Readers Digest, 1999. ISBN 9780762102303.
- ^ a b There are three signs for each element which are related to each other across the zodiac by the shape of the triangle; therefore these are traditionally known as 'triplicities'. Marcus Manilius, (c.10 AD.) Astronomica 2.270-295. Translated by G.P. Goold. Harvard University Press, 1977. ISBN 0674995163.
- ^ Deborah Houlding, ‘Taurus the Bull'. The Mountain Astrologer, issue #142, December 2008. ISSN 1079-1345.
- ^ Liz Greene, Astrology for Lovers, p.160. Weiser Books, 2009. ISBN 9781578634262.
- ^ Linda Goodman, Linda Goodman's Love Signs: A New Approach to the Human Heart. Harper Paperbacks; 1st edition (1991) ISBN 0060968966 p.8 "Even between two individuals whose Sun and Moon Signs harmonize, there are always some planets in their mutual nativities which clash causing periodic friction and tension."
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