TAURUS ~ THE BULL 20th. April ~ 20th. May

Steadfast, strong minded, purposeful, cautious and patient aptly describe Taurus the Bull, the most solid and deliberate of all the zodiac signs. Its glyph is reminiscent of the Bull’s head, replete with horns. In life, the bull stands placidly in his field, chewing the cud and sure of where his dinner is coming from, he’s standing in it. His movements are slow and measured and there is little expenditure of energy without necessity. Nonetheless his very solidity commands respect and his potential once roused is legendary. It is a brave and experienced person who would attempt to guide such a character and a foolhardy one who would incur his wrath. Thus the typical Taurean. Their quality is fixed and their element is earth, so you can’t get much more stable and rooted. Quite literally down to earth, their approach is steady, methodical, persistent, constructive and consistent. Not a flash in the pan or an overnight success, Taureans think long-term and work slowly, patiently and doggedly towards their objectives. They are dependable, reliable and have great tenacity and stamina to call upon. They can work extremely hard, but are primarily fond of life’s little luxuries - good food, creature comforts, pleasure and relaxation. Hence Taureans can tend to be lazy and self-indulgent, and there may need to be a motivating factor. Luckily, this is often the urge to establish their security, which usually finds expression in the financial and material sphere. By surrounding themselves with quality possessions and having sufficient money in the bank, Taureans protect themselves against possible adversity and the changes they find so hard to bear. Their outlook is practical and pragmatic, instinctively they feel that by accruing tangible belongings, they assure their safety in times of difficulty. Consequently they are prepared to commit to establishing this scenario and will work industriously towards specific ends. Disruption of their routine is something Taureans find most unsettling. Such may be greeted with stubbornness, obstinacy and resistance - or otherwise the bulldozer approach. Despite this sign’s generally placid nature, their fearful temper can be roused. Once this happens Taurus sees red and the effect should not be underestimated. Possessiveness can easily extend to jealousy, greed, avarice and an overly materialistic outlook. While Taurus may accumulate a great deal in the material sphere, due to their inherent caution and conservatism they are typically more likely to do so through steady, slow, methodical and conventional means rather than through sudden spectacular gains. Also, they would prefer to make less money on a dependable basis rather than lose their safety net. Tried and tested methods will hold more appeal than the wild, risky and unconventional. Their natural possessiveness may also extend to people - their partner, friends and family. Their dislike of changes in the customary can lead them to be very controlling and authoritarian. Their opinions may be held very strongly and are often not open to discussion or negotiation. After all, some of history's greatest dictators were Taureans! But to compensate their ruling planet Venus also ensures a far more likeable and pleasant side to their natures. Their affections run deep, and are slow to find expression, but they are loyal and faithful once committed - though they will always like to flirt. They are generous to loved ones, expressing love in palpable ways and are warm, affectionate, tactile, romantic and sentimental. There is often creative talent too - perhaps especially in the realms of painting, art, fashion, design or music - or perhaps expressed in their dress and in their home and garden. © Paul Wade 1999

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