An Introductory Overview of Sun Sign Characteristics for Taurus

The second sign of the zodiac, Taurus is ruled by Venus. The glyph represents the Bull, Taurus's apt and fitting symbol. The dynamic motivation of those born within this sign is concerned with the manifestation of the self, with basic individual needs ever the foremost interest. Being ruled by Venus, Taurus personalities tend to be driven by their affections. What a Taurean desires or admires they go after and so like a Bull they pursue their object of attention until gratified.

Taurus is the direct opposite of the Aries character. Taurean people tend to be unhurried, methodical, practical and reserved. The nature of astrological Bulls is stolid, tenacious, determined and deliberate. Possessing tremendous willpower and self-discipline, Taureans are inclined to stick to tried and traditional methods when pursuing objectives. Their greatest satisfaction derives from results produced directly by their personal efforts. Letting other people do for them is simply not the Taurus way.

The twelve signs of the zodiac are ordered by their constitutional natures and their elemental natures. The constitutional nature indicates the manner in which we engage the world or face circumstances in life. The constitutions are grouped in three squares. Taurus is one of the Fixed signs of the zodiac along with Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius. The Cardinal signs are Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn. The Mutable signs are Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces.

The constitution of a Taurus framed through a fixed nature demonstrates the qualities of a tenacious individual who exhibits a methodical patient approach to life. Fixed sign natives are concerned with stability and constructiveness seen through to completion which their natural stamina generally supports. Driven by strong personal desires those born within a fixed sign resist being ruled over by others unless doing so serves their own objectives. Yes, as you have already surmised, fixed signs tend to be stubborn, habitually guided and firmly set in their ways.

The zodiac is also divided into four "triplicities" which are: the fiery, the earthy, the airy and the watery. These are the elementary natures of the astrological signs. Taurus shares the element of Earth with Virgo and Capricorn. In relation to Taurus consider some Earth qualities such as solid, grounded, lasting and immovable.

Sun Sign Personality Traits for Taurus

Roots are important to the Taurean. A sense of permanence, a feeling of security is essential. Generally an easygoing person, slow to anger, but once roused is known for a ferocious temper. Very difficult to deal with when angry. Usually set off by jealousy due to a possessive nature. Loyalty is important to a Taurus, and a true friend of a Taurean will speak well of their great generosity.

Taureans are warm, loving, gentle and charming most of the time. Motivated by self preservation, the Taurean is not a risk taker and weighs every decision carefully, in a slow and methodical manner. To more impulsive people, Taurus may appear a bore. Opinionated and obstinate, once a Taurean makes a decision, it is written in stone. Don't expect radical thinking and innovative ideas here. Basically grounded, material people, Taureans prefer the known to the unknown, the tried to the new. They love the earth, comforting things, sense of ownership, and generally treat those they love as possessions.

Persistence, thoroughness and single-mindedness that can take on dogmatic qualities are the hallmarks of the Taurean personality. No detail will ever be overlooked by the eyes of a Taurus. Motivated by a desire to obtain and accumulate physical possessions, they can be compulsive in their intensity to secure an ample supply of everything they consider important.

Where is the Planet Mercury in Your Birth Horoscope?

Mercury's proximity to the Sun insures that its placement will always be near to or on par with the subject's Solar sign.

Of all the planets within our solar system, Mercury is nearest to the Sun. There is a direct correspondence to this fact in the mapping of an individual's birth chart. With the exception of the Moon, Mercury has the fastest revolution through the zodiac.

We are often able to determine where Mercury was at the time of our birth without consulting an astrologer. By reading the three potential profiles, it is often uncanny how clearly one of them will fit us. I thought you would enjoy trying this out—determining where Mercury is in your chart by recognizing reflections of yourself.

Overviews of the three possible positions of Mercury when the Sun is in Taurus are listed below.

Vocational Interests Suited to Taurus Tendencies

Prosperous at developing and maintaining wealth, Taureans do well in banking and finance. One iconic example of such a financier is the American John Pierpont Morgan who dominated investment banking during the “Guilded Age”, born an Aries/Taurus Cusp. In business Taureans tend to lead in fields concerned with the earth and money. Architect, builder, gardener or accountant, banker, auctioneer, real estate broker, are all professions which attract a Taurus.

Bulls are not solely interested in vocations of commerce. Many Taureans lead in the fields of the Arts. The body area which corresponds to Taurus is the throat. Not surprising then that more than a few born under this sign possess a fine singing voice; enough of a number that music has been considered a Taurean art. Many well known singers and musicians are born under Taurus, such as Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, Barbara Streisand, Stevie Wonder, Cher, Bono and Adele.

One characteristic of Taurus performers no matter which field they pursue is a powerful or distinctive presence, in any room attention will naturally gravitate towards them. Just try to imagine Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson moving through just about anywhere unnoticed. Taureans are often recognized by their “green thumbs” for many Bulls find a gratifying pleasure in gardening. Gifted with a natural artistic nature coupled with a yearning to express and build, Taureans may also excel in nearly any craft field they choose.

Essentials to a Healthy Taurean Relationship

Honesty, integrity and dependability are notable Taurean characteristics. The calm, pleasant, and well intentioned Taurus exterior belies the volcanic temper that can erupt when sufficiently aroused. The bright side of the stubborn bull's nature is, they are incredibly and uncompromisingly loyal to their friends. Established slowly, a Taurus friendship can, and often does last a lifetime.

Discover How Compatible You are with Others

Choose a Sun Sign from the index to read about combatibilty aspects with Taurus.

Aries Taurus Gemini Cancer Leo Virgo Libra Scorpio Sagittarius Capricorn Aquarius Pisces

Taurus with Aries

 

Action, Reaction

Two entirely different ways of dealing with life. Taurus is steady, practical, calm and committed, slow to make decisions, but once made unalterable. Aries is a rapid fire thinker and acts on impulse, makes immediate decisions and lives with the results—never looks back.

This could work as Taurus could prove to be a steadying influence on hyper Aries. Aries could loosen up the staid Taurus. Strong sensual attraction here. May not be enough to sustain the relationship. Aries is good at making money, and Taurus at keeping it. Good business relationship.

Taurus with Taurus

 

Very Comfortable

Like signs, have like traits. You will need to watch the possessiveness and stubbornness. Stubbornness, a trait alive and well in Taurus could knock this relationship for a loop. Which one will give in first. Neither! So, how to handle differences will need a workable plan of action.

Loyalty and stability are other traits you share, so this could be a long-standing relationship and very compatible. No adventure or high living here, settle in with gardening, creative projects, TV, cozy stuff. Nice!

Taurus with Gemini

 

To Harness the Wind

Taurus is steady and staid, a lover of comforts and quiet and the practical. Gemini is like the wind, always in motion, a lover of the new and exciting, here today, gone tomorrow. Not a match made in Heaven. Gemini operates in the realm of ideas, Taurus has both feet planted solidly in the material.

The quagmire of freedom and possessiveness is not easy to deal with. Taurus is the status quo, Gemini thrives on the new and untried. Initial attraction is there, but nothing to sustain it for the long haul.

Taurus with Cancer

 

Home Fires are Burning Warmly

Taurus and Cancer have a lot in common; both are gentle folk, both avoid confrontation and conflict if possible, both are homebodies, both enjoy gardening and have artistic tendencies, both are comfortable with the status quo and resist change, both are seekers after the secure.

We are dealing here with water and earth, so you can have mud, or livegiving water to the parched earth. Taurus is in need of the sensitive, emotional element in Cancer, and Cancer benefits from the practical, steadying influence of Taurus. This is also a good business combination, because Cancer likes to get things started, and Taurus has the sense to keep them going and make a profit. This combination works nicely!

Taurus with Leo

 

Never, Never, Never give in!

Oh, the willfulness, oh, the stubbornness; will it ever cease? Problem here is even if the relationship is not working, both of you will tend to stick it out, through thick and thin. It's your nature. Both of you commit, both of you are in for the long pull, both of you will never admit you have made a mistake. Both of you are proud and unyielding. Taurus is more possessive than Leo, and this is another problem area. Leos are possessive, but love their own freedom. Leo will never put up with restraints of any kind. Taurus likes to use a leash. Leo thrives on praise, Taurus is inclined to be lavish in this area, but expects the same in return.

Both signs are attracted to each other's sense of loyalty and integrity, both love their creature comforts. Leo, a fire sign is fill of optimism and enthusiasm, which is good for Taurus who is reticent and factual. Personal style is very different, Leo is outgoing and exuberant, loves people and company; Taurus likes the familiar and lacks the exuberant nature and believes the good things in life are very close to home. There is a lot of attraction, understanding and respect here, but when things go wrong as they often will, the double dose of stubbornness does not look good for a long term relationship. This is one that could linger on with each living in their own world. As much going for it as against it.

Taurus with Virgo

 

To Have and Have Not

You share much in common, but Taurus is a touchy-feely kind and Virgo is more passive and aloof. Taurus is staid and generally satisfied in familiar surroundings while Virgo is exacting and more than a bit of a perfectionist. Taurus is content, and Virgo is always rocking the boat, trying to refine everything and everyone. Pic, pic, pic will eventually get even tempered Taurus raging like a bull.

This works if each respects the other's temperament and overlooks a lot. On the plus side, there are many commonalties here, patience and effort will cultivate them. Virgo is the more flexible, so it will need to be Taurus who bends.

Taurus with Libra

 

Mutual Admiration Society

Both signs ruled by Venus, what could be bad? Both love peace and harmony, both are friendly and cordial with an easy going likable nature. Below the surface however are the differences. Taurus practical and earthy, not afraid of a day's work. Libra concerned with the image they are making, will never do a job they can get someone else to do.

The way this relationship will work is where Libra is left to initiate, plan and negotiate while Taurus does the manual labor. Also, Taurus possessiveness will not sit well with Libra's penchant for socializing. Although their style is different, they do see eye to eye. Libra likes the steadiness of Taurus, Taurus likes the ethereal qualities of Libra.

Taurus with Scorpio

 

Strong Attraction, Sizzles

Powerful sexual attraction with many things in common. Both signs are intensely passionate, and both are equally jealous and possessive types. Jealousy in duplicate can undermine this relationship. Scorpio has powerful feelings and when they make a commitment, it is a one life, one love relationship. Zero tolerance for anything less than complete loyalty. Taurus must be willing to keep the faith with their scorpion mate, or all hell will break loose.

Taurus, don't be the one to cross the scorpion! It will be up to you to make this forever because you are the more practical and less intense of the two. Although opposites, you are compatible earth and water signs. This relationship is passionate and can be enduring if the possessiveness and jealousy are contained.

Taurus with Sagittarius

 

Oil and Water

Taurus the possessive, the home body, the methodical, with Sagittarius the easy living, out going, freedom lover—not likely! No one can possess Sagittarius. No one can make them stay home. No one can make them deliberate. No one. Taurus will have to give to make this relationship work. Containing Sagittarius is like trying to contain a fire; dangerous and difficult.

These are two very different personality types, but demonstrate many similarities. These similarities work to bring them together in the beginning but with no staying power. This relationship only works if Taurus allows Sagittarius their freedom and shares their ideals.

Taurus with Capricorn

 

Room for Two at the Top

Two people-one mind combination here. This is a success oriented relationship. Both like the finer things in life, Capricorn is a go getter, very entrepreneurial and Taurus is the accountant knowing exactly how to handle money. What Capricorn starts, Taurus follows through on. This is an excellent business combination. You can take it all the way to the top.

This is a very compatible, matter of fact, down-to-earth combination. Taurus warmth serves to moderate the cool Capricorn nature. This is a physical relationship in every way. Creative comforts are top priority. Need to avoid being too serious. It will be in the Taurus court to lighten up the relationship.

Taurus with Aquarius

 

Up Close and Distant

Oh!...the many difficulties of this relationship. Taurus is an up close and personal type, warm, touchy-feely, lover of creature comforts and very stubborn. Your not-so-average Aquarian very friendly and very independent and mostly aloof. Never mistake friendliness for closeness with the Aquarian. By the way, also very stubborn. Aquarius is a handful for the Staid Taurus, and has the ability to make the normally even tempered Taurus rage like a bull.

The conservative ways of Taurus wear on the dynamic anti-establishment Aquarius and tempers will fly. On the reflective side we do have both of you loving ease and comfort but the way you go about attaining these essentials is quite different. So much for compatibility! This relationship is a ten rounder.

Taurus with Pisces

 

A Heaven Made Match

Gentle and warm are the keywords for this relationship. Pisces sensitive and adaptable nature finds an uplifting positive mold in the tender and caring Taurus. A good combination for true understanding and happiness. Both are sentimental, but Taurus is also down-to-earth practical, which is exactly what Pisces lacks. They will find great comfort in one another.

The Taurus practical nature can benefit from the dreamy and visionary nature of Pisces. Both enjoy their creature comforts and Pisces will blend into the Taurus nature and infuse the relationship with magic.

The Lore of Taurus in Mythology

Mythology is closely interwoven with Astrology. Despite all that we do not know about the origins of either lore it is certain that starwatching began with passion on humanity's first night beneath the open sky. Somewhere in time, shapes were perceived, figures imagined, names given and stories were told about the densely populated tapestry of the heavens. All elder cultures throughout the world developed tales of the constellations which over time were imbued with meaning to explain various phenomena of our existence within the cosmos.

Astrology and Mythology serve a similar function in this regard. We benefit from Astrology not so much as a tool of fortune-telling but as a directional guide to understanding who we are individually and what our unique role ought to be in this life. As Carl Jung stated, “Astrology claims only that we each possess the qualities of the year and of the season in which we were born.” To discern just what those qualities are is as fascinating to each of us as the night sky.

To the Greeks, Taurus is associated with Zeus and his transformation into a snowy white Bull. This he did as a means to abduct Europa, whom he lusted for. Thus, the Minotaur of Crete, result of this union of God and mortal, is also recognized as being associated with the second sign of the zodiac. Through many cultures across the world the constellation of Taurus is perceived as a bull or similar animal. The Egyptians gave great significance to the sky cluster in both religion and astrology; the great starry bull of the Nile. Halfway around the globe, small tribes living along the Amazon river in South America, called this section of the night sky: Tapüra Rayoaba, the Jaw of the Ox. It is certainly a hard constellation to miss; as one of the densest groupings. There are, by varying accounts, between 120 and 190 stars within it, visible to the naked eye.

In the Mediterranean region, the Sun's entry into Taurus was celebrated as the Feast of Maya. We know it as May Day. The Sun was often represented by a white bull with a golden disc between his horns. This image was followed by a procession of virgins, exemplifying the fecundity of nature. This association of Taurus with the beginning of Spring, can be traced as far back as ancient Babylon. In Egypt, Taurus held an even greater importance, as it was believed that humanity was created while the sun was passing through its borders.

“Taurus the Bull, le Taureau of France, il Toro of Italy, and der Stier of Germany, everywhere was one of the earliest and most noted constellations, perhaps the first established, because it marked the vernal equinox from about 4000 to 1700 b. c, in the golden age of archaic astronomy; in all ancient zodiacs preserved to us it began the year. It is to this that Vergil alluded in the much quoted lines from the 1st Georgic which May rendered :

When with his golden hornes bright Taurus opes,

The yeare; and downward the crosse Dog-starre stoopes;

“and the poet's description well agrees with mythology's idea of Europa's bull, for he always was thus described, and snowy white in color. This descended to Chaucer's Whyte Bole, in Troilus and Criseyde, from the candidus Taurus of the original.

“Manilius characterized Taurus as dives puellis “rich in maidens,” referring to its seven Hyades and seven Pleiades, all daughters of Atlas, and the chief attraction in a constellation not otherwise specially noticeable. An early Grecian gem shows three nude figures, hand in hand, standing on the head of the Bull, one pointing to seven stars in line over the back, which Landseer referred to the Hyades. These were originally the Vedic Harits, associated with the sun, stars, and seasons; and this astronomical character adhered to the Charites, for their symbols in their ancient temple in Boeotia were stones reputed to have fallen from the sky."

—Richard Hinckley Allen; Star-Names and Their Meanings, 1899

“There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all of time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and it will be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is nor how valuable nor how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open. You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to keep yourself open and aware to the urges that motivate you. Keep the channel open. No artist is pleased. There is no satisfaction whatever at any time. There is only a queer divine dissatisfaction, a blessed unrest that keeps us marching and makes us more alive than the others.”

—Martha Graham, born May 11, 1894

• Niccolò Machiavelli (May 3, 1469)

Florentine Poet, Political Philosopher, Diplomat; Il Principe - The Prince

• William Shakespeare (Trad: April 23, 1564)

English Poet, Playwright; Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, As You Like It, Macbeth

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Influential English Astrologer, Author; Christian Astrology

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Scottish Historian, Philosopher; Treatise of Human Nature, Natural History of Religion

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French Romantic Painter; Inspiration to both Impressionist & Symbolist Movements

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Innovative French Novelist & Playwright; La Comédie humaine

• Robert Browning

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• Søren Kierkegaard

Danish Philosopher; The Concept of Dread, Stages on Life's Way

• Charlotte Brontë

English Novelist; Jane Eyre, Villette

• Karl Marx

German Historian, Philosopher, Political Economist; The Communist Manifesto

• Ulysses S. Grant

Commander of Union Army During the U.S. Civil War & Eighteenth President

• Dante Gabriel Rossetti

English Pre-Raphaelites Painter, Poet; The House of Life

• Johannes Brahms

German Romantic Composer; A German Requiem, Hungarian Dances

• Sigmund Freud

Austrian Physician, Founder of Psychoanalysis; Psychopathology of Everyday Life

• Guglielmo Marconi (April 25, 1874)

Italian Inventor of the Radiotelegraph System

• Irving Berlin (May 11, 1888)

Russian/American Composer, Lyricist; God Bless America, White Christmas

• Martha Graham

American Modern Dancer & Choreographer; Harlequinade, Persephone

• Rudolph Valentino (May 6, 1895)

Italian/American Actor, Sex Symbol of Early Cinema; The Sheik, Blood and Sand

• Frank Capra (May 18, 1897)

Italian/American Film Director; Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, It's a Wonderful Life

• Golda Meir (May 3, 1898)

Fourth Prime Minister of the State of Israel

• Salvador Dalí (May 11. 1904)

Spanish/Catalan Surrealist Painter

• Henry Fonda (May 15, 1905)

American Actor; The Grapes of Wrath, Mister Roberts, 12 Angry Men

• Katherine Hepburn May 12, 1907

American Actress; Little Women, Adam's Rib, Guess Who's Coming to Dinner

• Tyrone Power (May 5, 1914)

American Actor; Lloyd's of London, Blood and Sand, The Razor's Edge

• Joe Louis (May 13, 1914)

American Heavyweight Boxing Champion; “The Brown Bomber”

• Orson Welles (May 6, 1915)

American Writer, Actor, Director, Producer for Stage, Radio & Film; Citizen Kane

• Ella Fitzgerald (April 25, 1917)

American Jazz Vocalist, “First Lady of Song”; For Sentimental Reasons

• Eva Perón (May 7, 1919)

Argentine First Lady (1946-52)

• Satyajit Ray (May 2, 1921)

Bengali/Indian Writer, Film Director; The Unvanquished, The Music Room

• Malcom X (May 19, 1925)

African American Muslim Minister, Civil Rights Proponent

• Elizabeth II (April 21, 1926)

Queen of England

• Ernesto “Che” Guevara (May 14, 1928)

Argentine Physician, Guerrilla Revolutionary Commander

• Audrey Hepburn (May 4, 1929)

English/Belgian Actress; Sabrina, Breakfast at Tiffany's, My Fair Lady, Charade

• Willie Mays (May 6, 1931)

American Baseball Legend, “The Say Hey Kid”