TAURUS (April 21-May 20)

Origin/Representation

Unlike Aries, which has had several symbols over time, Taurus has always been represented by the
bull. To the casual observer, it might seem odd that a bull, which is often thought of as an
aggressive, primal creature, should symbolize a sign of peace and love. The reason? Timing. In
ancient cultures, most springtime celebrations occurred around May Day, when the last traces of
winter were finally over, the land could be plowed again, and fertility was in the air. So the
bull constellation's appearance in the night sky coincided with these festivities.

Also, the progression of the zodiacal signs occurs from the head down, so while Aries is
represented by the head, Taurus has a strong connection to the neck, larynx, and ears.

Taurus' planetary ruler is Venus, the goddess of peace, love, and harmony. If you are a Taurus,
Venus' likely influence on you includes your romantic, caring nature, your preference for the
color blue (although there is some debate about this), and your favorite day—Friday (in French,
vendredi, named after Venus).

Positive Qualities

You are a builder, restorer, and caretaker of those things you find important—primarily the earth,
animals, and people. You are self-reliant, painstakingly patient, and stubborn—bullish, in other
words. You take a great deal of pride and pleasure in fixing up and maintaining a home, or
discovering a starving animal and nursing it back to health, or planting trees where there were
none before.

Because of this open-armed kindness, people find you wonderfully comfortable to be with. You make
a great friend—you're stable, loyal, and loving. Touch is essential to you—you love to hug and be
hugged.
You appreciate beauty in all its forms, due to your close affinity with nature. You prefer to
surround yourself with people who have highly attractive qualities—be they external or internal.
You cannot tolerate ugliness, especially of the earth—this makes you a firm opponent of pollution
in all its forms.

Since truth and beauty are so closely related, you also have a preoccupation with honesty, and a
low tolerance for corruption. You are forthright in your conversation, and so look people straight
in the eyes when you speak to them. In fact, you tend to distrust those who cannot meet your gaze.
Although some Taureans have been successful political leaders (primarily as peacemakers, such as
Harry Truman), most are quite content to be led (this fits with the chronology of the zodiac:
Aries, the first sign, is a natural leader; Taurus tends to follow him). That is not to say you
are subservient; your self-reliance allows you to be successful and to be entrusted with great
responsibility. But it is usually within a larger context: in other words, you make a great
executive within the framework of a corporation, but you are not a maverick. You don't need to be
president. In fact, you tend to shun the spotlight. Large crowds can be intimidating to you, so
you are much more effective in small groups. Many Taureans are teachers, an occupation that
displays great patience, nurturing, and self-reliance within the larger framework of the
educational system.

Trouble Areas

Your desire for security and stability are so strong you tend to be overly stubborn and
possessive. No matter what misfortune, obstacles, or heartache befall you, you simply will not
budge. Although this is admirable, too often it limits you and frustrates others in their dealings
with you. If you refuse to see someone else's side of an argument, there is little chance of
resolving the conflict, so your obstinance will hurt you in the end. You are prone to brooding and
dark moods, but these are not faults, as long as you don't get mired in prolonged states of
depression. Step back and look at the big picture if this occurs, and chances are the "builder" in
you will begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Physical Qualities and Activities

Like your symbol, you have a tendency to be big-boned, strong, perhaps even overweight. You're not
very fast on your feet, but you can tangle with the best of them. You are an earth sign, so you
enjoy being in contact with the ground; this fact, combined with your acute sense of touch and
great patience, makes you an ideal gardener.

Because of your affinity with the ear and throat, music is prominent in your life. Your voice is
one of your most distinguishing features, and you know how to use it to your advantage—many
Taureans are excellent orators, singers and singing instructors.

But this also makes you prone to physical ailments in the throat and neck area. Treat any
infections immediately, because they could lead to more serious problems elsewhere. Also, you gain
weight easily, so be careful not to overindulge on the food you love so much, and exercise
regularly.

Preferences

Because of your great sense of touch, you love to feel your clothes. Although it's important that
they look good, because you are known for your taste, it's far more important that they feel good.
Soft fabrics, especially silk, appeal to you.

For the most part, you tend to look better in clothes that are more classic, loose-fitting, and
conservative. Don't choose modern, urban styles—their vertical lines will make you look awkward.
Softer curves and softer fabrics are your choice.

You have broad taste in music—you appreciate rock, jazz, blues, folk, classical, and international
styles all equally well. Your taste in art leans toward landscape painting and photography—
they're more earth-based, and "truer" representations of the world as you see it.