Taurus

Taurus is the Second Sign of the Zodiac, represented by the Bull which is prized for strength and stamina. The Egyptian Horus was the Bull of Heaven and a white bull was sacrificed in Babylonia at the time of the New Year to placate Ramman, the God of Thunder and Lightning. Taurus peacefully tends and nurtures Spring's garden, bringing forth harmony from chaos. Like the Bull, Taurus does not move unless there is something worth moving for. Taurus likes to keep a firm hand on possessions and nothing makes this Sign happier than secure material prosperity. Taurus craves the good things in life. Dominated by the romantic Planet of Venus, Taurus is deeply loving with strong values, but can be slow to make decisions. Earthbound with worldly goals and in tune with nature, Taurus is the most reliable and faithful Sign of the Zodiac. In essence, Taurus governs practicality and security.

Also known as the Sign of the Producer or Builder, Taurus is Negative in polarity (as are Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn and Pisces). The general characteristics of Negative Signs lean toward introversion and prefer to draw upon personal resources rather than look for external stimuli. Such individuals are naturally more receptive, sensitive and nurturing than are the Zodiac Signs of Positive polarity (Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius and Aquarius). However, Negative Signs are also likely to be much more cautious, retiring and standoffish than their Positive counterparts with a tendency to keep personal feelings under tight control. Taurus is the most introverted of the Negative Signs (with Virgo a close second).

All Zodiac Signs governed by the Elements of Earth and Water are considered to be Feminine in nature. Thus, Taurus (ruled by earth) is considered Feminine (as are Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn and Pisces). Feminine Signs are traditionally conceived as being more receptive and less active than their Masculine counterparts which are ruled by the Elements of Fire and Air (the Zodiac Signs of Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius and Aquarius). Feminine Signs focus primarily on the emotional and material world with particular attention to sensitivity and depth of feeling. Feminine Signs are said to be noctural or night-oriented. Therefore, the term "feminine" should be viewed in the same light as the Yin (or dark) Polarity of the Tao.

Taurus is the natural ruler of the Second House of the Zodiac, commonly referred to as the "House of Material Possessions" and known in Vedic Astrology as the "Gate of Hades." This is the field which challenges an individual to define and refine his or her personal sense of values. The things and qualities that a person treasures, cherishes and enjoys are to be found here. This is the area of personal security and gain...money, employment, possessions and life's simple pleasures, as well as its luxuries. The Second House is concerned with ethics, morals, integrity and priorities...what an individual "stands for" and what influences that individual's choices in life. In addition to personal values, this house is traditionally associated with inner and outer talents and resources. The Second House is governed by the Planet Venus (which is also Planetary Ruler of the Seventh House).

The opposite sign to Taurus is Scorpio. From Scorpio, Taurus can learn to recognize the needs of others. Thus, can Taurus natives gain insight not only into the motives of others, but also into their own.