Taurus (astrology)

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Zodiac symbol	{{{symbol}}}
Duration (tropical, western)	March 20 – April 19 (2024, UT1)
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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.

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, it is known as a 'fixed sign', which indicates stability, resistance to change, and the ability to 'enjoy the people'. 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 strongly associated with this sign, which it governs by exaltation. The lunar-association adds emotional depth and highlights further the fertility significations of Venus and this, the 'earth-sign' of spring.

Taurus is considered a 'feminine' or passive (introvert) sign. 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 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. It is also said Taureans enjoy basic 'creative comforts' and don't allow others to disturb them easily, but they are slow to forgive when this happens. 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. Martin Seymour-Smith (1981) suggested "Practicality may be felt in non-materialistic and satisfying ways". As a suggestion for keywords he offers:

• Creativity, gregariousness, egoism, kindliness, acquisitiveness, graspingness, affectionateness, enduringness.

Definitions and Associations Glyph meaning: (♉) The round face and horned head of the bull. Quality Feminine: inwardly reflective, introvert. Element (triplicity) Earth: sensuality, practicality, fertility. Mode (quadruplicity) Fixed: the element in its least changeable form - associated with stability or stubbornness. Body part Throat area. Direction South by east 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.

Mythology

In Greek mythology, Taurus was identified with the bull whose form Zeus took to seduce 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".

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.

Notable People from History born when the Sun was in Taurus

Notable persons from history born when the Sun was in Taurus include: Charlotte Brontë, Catherine the Great, Oliver Cromwell, Henry Fonda, Sigmund Freud, Adolf Hitler, Saddam Hussein, Lenin, Elizabeth II, Daphne du Maurier, Karl Marx, Florence Nightingale, Eva Peron, Bertrand Russell, William Shakespeare, Peter Tchaikovsky, Harry S. Truman, Leonardo da Vinci, Orson Welles, Audrey Hepburn, Sachin Tendulkar

Template:Zodsign1The dates that the Sun traverses the sign of Taurus according to the Sidereal system are therefore (generally) between 15 May and 14 June each year.