Taurus
May 1, 2008
Taurus (April 20 – May 19), the sign of the Bull, is the flowering of Springtime. Ruled by Venus, this is Earth’s most beautiful time. The Bull is slow and sensual, beautiful and indulgent. Taurus reminds us to stop and smell the flowers; we need to slow down to appreciate life.
Taurus is the second sign of the zodiac. It is the first earth sign. The earth receives and nurtures the spark of life of the first sign, Aries. We too must be grounded and connected into the earth in a way that supports our bodies and spirits in order to flower. Being the first earth sign, Taurus is where we establish our values and self-worth.
It is in Taurus that we learn to love and appreciate the earth. The world of our senses connects us to our Mother and in this sign of sensuality is found the love of good food, comfort, and fine things. Taurus is also the sign of beauty. Astrologer Stephanie Austin remarks that Venus is a fitting ruler for Taurus because of her association with both love and beauty, reminding us that beauty opens the heart.
Beltane or May Day is the Taurus holiday. This is mid-springtime when love-making festivals are celebrated all over the world, revealing the Bull’s link with fertility. Many Taureans are proud of their love-making skills.
Taurus rules the land and the growth of vegetation. The Bulls love all things green, from the beautiful countryside to the money that comes from its bounty. They make good farmers with their green thumbs and good bankers with their love of handling greenbacks. Shadow Taurus is the green-eyed monster of envy and the green faces of gluttony and greed. Laziness is another of the Bull’s temptations.
The glyph for Taurus is the head and horns of the Bull. And like their ruling animal, Taureans are stable, cautious, and powerful. They are also slow to anger, but once aroused, the Bull’s rage is mighty. He is also the most stubborn of all the zodiac creatures.
Astrologer Nancy Cohen says that baby Taurus is born in a family where money is an issue. The mother is worried, imprinting baby Taurus with a deep need for material security and stability. The Bull operates with a 30-second delay. Those with Mercury in Taurus can hardly get their words on paper, so cautious are they. But hating change, baby Taurus becomes a good and loyal marriage partner later in life.
Being the second sign, Taurus rules the neck and throat. Many too stubborn or unwilling to change will experience sore throats and stiff necks. Before you take out your child’s tonsils, find out what changes he is unhappy about. If you find yourself wearing a neck collar or brace, look inside to release some stubbornness. Here too is the dark realm of eating disorders, especially found in the afflicted Taurus Moon, where over-identification with form and deep insecurity meet. On the positive side, Taurus bestows the gift of beauty, especially the beautiful voice.
This month, four planets change direction (from our earthly viewpoint). On May 2nd, Saturn, planet of karma and manifestation, turns direct, signaling a light change from red to green. Projects that have stalled have full go-ahead now. May 9th Jupiter, now in Capricorn, turns backward. You may see your boss in a less favorable light. At month’s end on May 26th, Mercury, planet of communication, contracts, brothers and sisters, and cars, and Neptune, planet of fantasy, dreams, and fog, both turn backwards. Especially until June 19th, when Mercury turns direct, expect major misunderstandings, losses, and confusion. Be careful whose advice you take. Enlightening dreams and creative visions might also be part of the picture.
The best days for new beginnings and purchases are May 15th and 18th. May 22nd and 23rd are also favorable. The best day for getting rid of anything is May 4th. No surgeries on May 19th or 20th or after 10:00 am May 14th. After May 26th, be careful if you have to purchase a car or any electronic gear. Wait until after June 19th if you can. Read fine print with a magnifying glass during these three weeks.
At the extra powerful New Moon on May 5th at 16 degrees Taurus, astrologer Rose Marcus suggests that “we could expect high tides in all Taurean matters: finances, fertility, self-worth, and relationship needs. ” This is a time to review our values and our relationship to money and resources. This lunation could show us that slowing down and simplifying our needs are a new kind of wealth. A desire could awaken to run your own show, as Mars is strong in the independent and me me me sign of Leo, and Jupiter turns backward in Capricorn, stirring up trouble with authority. Our attention is definitely on earthly matters now with Venus ruler of Taurus, also in her won sign. She completes an earth triangle with Saturn and Pluto; a little effort goes a long way now.
The potent Full Moon May 19th, across the last degrees of Taurus / Scorpio highlights the impermanence of human existence. Look for a significant culmination. There may be deep soul connections or a striking overturn or downfall, suggests astrologer Rose Marcus.
Copyright 2008 Carolyn Moennig
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