Modern science sees no evidence that the stars can influence life on Earth. Except that they can–and have. Cosmic rays and particles from supernovae may have shaped the evolutionary courses of life on Earth, and they can just as easily wipe it out. But astrology posits that the stars and planets impact us in different ways, with immeasurable energies that influence, blend, and conflict with each other. Constellations and their zodiac signs point to our core self, and those born under Taurus may share some interesting traits, behaviors, and approaches to living their lives.
A Bullish Sun Sign
We depend on the Sun, our solar system’s stellar body, for heat, light, the seasons, and everything else that fuels life. In astrology, the Sun also determines the core of our personalities. Every 30 days or so, the Sun appears to transit through specific constellations: When this happens, it’s said to be “in” a specific zodiac sign.
Centuries ago, humans saw and traced intricate patterns in the glittering stars above their heads. In the case of Taurus, most Mesopotamian cultures called it “The Great Bull of Heaven.” The ancient Babylonians noticed one unusually bright cluster in that region of space and called it “The Stars.” Today, it’s known as the Pleiades or Messier 45, one of the brightest clusters to observers on Earth. It forms the shoulder of Taurus, right near a V-shaped star cluster that traces out the Bull’s face.
In tropical astrology, the Sun transits through Taurus from April 21 until May 20. Sidereal astrology accounts for the procession of the equinoxes, which causes the starting point of Aries to move westward about one degree every 72 years, so it places Taurus’s solar transit between May 15 and June 14.
An Earthy Sign, Ruled by Venus
The 12 zodiac signs are divided into four element groups: fire, earth, air, and water. Taurus falls into the earth sign group alongside its companions Virgo and Capricorn. AstroStyle explains that earth signs tend to be more “grounded,” as you might expect; they are stable, loyal, dependable, and practical. Taurus is ruled by Venus, which is described by astrologer Emma Wilson as a planet of love, attraction, and sweetness.
Venus speaks to what a person may like and dislike, and it goes far beyond romance: creative works, cuisine, aesthetics, philosophies, education, politics, and even distinct personality types. When Venusian energy and earth energies meet in Taurus, the result may be a practical and materially focused individual with a bit of a taste for luxury. AstroStyle also notes that Taurus is a fixed sign, meaning that those born under it focus on stability and order, so these types usually want to carry out the grunt work that transforms ideas and plans into reality.
Dedicated, Caring People With a Stubborn Streak
Taureans have been called stubborn and bullheaded–and for good reason, say astrologers. Their steadfast nature and persistence are expressed in both positive and negative qualities. As AstroStyle further elaborates, you can count on these individuals to have your back and support you when it comes to your personal growth, goals, and needs. They’ll also plan lavish getaways or out-of-the-ordinary events and won’t spare on finer luxuries. On the flip side, they may become overindulgent or miserly, and their fixed earthen energies could translate into laziness.
Astrology has its enthusiasts and skeptics, but one thing is certain: its symbolism borrows from cultural mythologies and symbols that still hold some meaning today. Not many of us come into regular contact with bulls, but we can recognize how our Taurean friends exhibit both the best and worst of the Great Bull’s qualities. At its best, this bullish zodiac sign demonstrates dependability, stability, a down-to-earth attitude, and aesthetic appreciation.