Taurus are known to be the stubborn, calm sign of the Zodiac. They're always patient and take things slow. The Taurus glyph (symbol) has its basis in the bull's horns and head. This signifies the strength, determined nature of the sign and it's associated ability to fix everything they can in their power. Glyph: 'The Bull'
Appearance: Taurus is characterized by a large head, short neck and strong shoulders atop a stocky body which tapers towards feet planted firmly on the ground. The eyes are large and striking, set below a broad forehead and the hair tends to be coarse and dark. Lips may be thick and fleshy. A Taurean dresses comfortably but sensually.
Personality: Determination is a key feature of the Taurean personality, as are inflexibility and risk-aversion. Routine and security are essential, meaning Taurus often gets stuck in a rut. Extremely reliable, devotion to duty and loyalty are the personal qualities that Taurus values the highest, making her or him and excellent team member. This is a tenacious personality that approaches even the most mundane of tasks with diligence and patience. Such a stoic, conformist character is unlikely to cause upset. Taurus can show incredible stamina under pressure, while adhering outwardly to convention. But there is a much lighter side to this personality. A love of music, the arts and the good things of life is typically Taurean. This self-indulgent personality is a pleasure seeker who enjoys his or her sensuality to the full.
Mind: Taurus has a slow, deliberate, but not unintelligent mind, and thinks problems through, paying close attention to detail, arriving at solutions that are always practical and often creative. With imagination kept on a tight rein, a Taurean relies heavily on data received through the senses ad rejects 'illogical' or 'irrational' intuitions. Once a decision has been reached, Taurus rarely reconsiders. For someone with such firmly held opinions, although often unexpressed, Taurus can be surprisingly fearful of being judged, especially in the intellectual arena. It is difficult for Taurus to see the world from a different perspective but his or her own, which often translates as intolerance.
Emotions: Stemming from an overwhelming need for security, the emotions that resonate most with a Taurean are possessiveness and jealously. This sign does not let go easily. Not just material goods, it wants to own people too. A furious temper lurks behind a typically calm exterior, ready to erupt if the bull's sense of ownership is threatened. Slow to start, it's a fury that takes a long time to subside. Resentment runs deep in the Taurus psyche.
Strengths: Dependable Taurus has tremendous personal resilience and integrity. With common sense in abundance, this industrious sign is excellent at planning and organization. Taurus can be relied upon to carry things through no matter what obstacles lay in the path. Complementing this practical aspect is an earthy creativity and artistic ability.
Weaknesses: Unable to appreciate different points of view, Taurus often builds up entrenched opinions. The bull refuses to take risks or to try anything new. Taurus can be excessively possessive with people and belongings. This personality can also exhibit self-indulgence and ostentatious behaviour in pursuit of the good life.
Shadow: The Taurean shadow incorporates the unpleasant side of Scorpio. Venomous ill-humour, envy, jealousy and resentment fuel an underlying, smouldering rage. The archetypal grudge-bearer, Taurus never forgets and finds it impossible to forgive.
Karma: Taurean karma arises from an overwhelming attachment to material possessions and a tendency to find security in external things. The karmic challenge is to learn to let go in pursuit of an inner security that is eternal and indestructible.
Likes: Comfort of any kind, including good food, good company, sex, luxury, and high-quality retail therapy.
Dislikes: Change, uncertainty; being hurried; feeling cold, hungry or uncomfortable.
Money: In the interest of security, Taurus amasses money in the bank, but also spends on good-quality, luxury items. This character puts money into bricks and mortar and has everything insured. Never fooled by get-rich-quick schemes, Taurus only invests after careful research.
Involving Parenthood: Taurus is a conscientious parent, favouring discipline and routine. Children of a Taurean enjoy a highly structured environment. There's little room for spontaneity but practical creativity is encouraged.
Involving Childhood: The typical Taurean child needs a predictable daily routine and a practical education that utilizes both the body and the senses. Most have a 'security blanket' or a treasured item that makes the feel safe. Often fearful of venturing into the world, this child benefits from gentle encouragement. Head-to-head confrontation is best avoided as it usually leads to a temper tantrum or obstinate refusal to move.
Careers: An abiding interest in good food makes Taurus an excellent restaurant critic or restaurateur. The sign's deep connection with the land often finds expression in work as a landscape gardener, horticulturist, organic farmer, surveyor, builder, architect or estate agent. Taurus is also suited to work a a singer or musician, art or antique dealer, body artist, jeweler or craft-worker. Reliable Taurus makes an excellent government employee, administrator, financier, banker, investment broker, pensions administrator or office manager.
Leisure Activities: Wining and dining are a favourite Taurean pastime. Given the strong earth connection, landscape gardening, building renovation, carpentry and sculpture are also popular outlets, as is painting. Love of the home manifests itself in cookery, collecting art and antiques, interior decoration, dressmaking and upholstery. If exercise is on the agenda at all, yoga, dance, wrestling, judo, football, and walking are all appropriately Taurean choices.
Suitable Gift Ideas: Ostentatious Taurus appreciates a gold watch, a gourmet meal or designer accessories. High-quality chocolates, expensive scented oils and lotions, silk lingerie and satin pyjamas also go down well with this sensual sign. External appearance means a great deal so gifts should be wrapped attractively.
TRADITIONAL CORRESPONDENCES
Season: Late spring
Day: Friday
Number: 6
Physiology: Throat, neck, thyroid gland, vocal cords and ears
Birthstones: Emerald
Crystals: Topaz, aquamarine, azurite, black spinel, boji stone, diamond, emerald, kyanite, kunzite, lapis lazuli, malachite, rose quartz, rhodonite, sapphire, selenite, tiger's eyes, tourmaline, variscite
Associations: Nature, singing, wealth and possessions
Metal: Copper
Colors: Green, pink, pale blue, white with lemon
Animals: Cows, elephants
Foods: Apples, spinach, beetroot, wheat and other cereals, grapes, pears, asparagus, artichokes, plantains
Places: Cyprus; Iran; the Greek Islands; Switzerland; Turkey; Ireland, especially Dublin; Germany, especially Leipzig; Italy, especially Mantua, Parma and Palermo; North America, especially St Louis; luxury hotels; anywhere warm, comfortable luxurious with excellent food; gently rolling countryside; stables; cellars and low rooms; furniture shops or markets