Taurus is the second sign of the zodiac and is associated with the Bull. If you have the Sun, Moon or rising sign in Taurus you may be bullish in nature. Taurus qualities can also be seen in people who have a strong Venus in their natal chart, for example, rising in the first house or in conjunction with the Sun or Moon, or a heavily tenanted second house, as Taurus rules that house too. So, what are the qualities that define Taurus, and how are they expressed?
Table of Contents
Taurus: Energy Type
First, lets establish what zodiac signs are: the signs represent fundamental energy types and each sign determines how those energies are expressed; ‘how’ being the key word. When the Sun, Moon, planets, cardinal points and house cusps in your natal chart fall in Taurus, they express ‘Taurus-style’. The luminaries and planets represent ‘what’ is being expressed and the natal chart houses signify ‘where’, but the ‘how’ part of the equation is always governed by the zodiac sign.
In astrology, energy types are defined by the zodiac sign’s element (fire, earth air or water). Each element has a characteristic form of motivation and influence on behaviour. In addition, elemental energy is expressed in a particular mode: energy is one thing, but how it’s applied is something else. Modality (cardinal, fixed, mutable) determines how the raw energy functions. And then there’s polarity: is the sign positive or negative? Polarity determines how energy is processed, by being externalised (extroverted) or internalised (introverted). The Taurus energy type is earth-fixed-negative. What does that mean?
Taurus: Key Qualities
Earth
Earth energy is slow and steady – and that’s certainly how it expresses through Taurus. The earth represents stability. The ground beneath us supports our endeavours; it provides a base on which we can build. Its fertility enables us to be nourished and grow. Taurus’s earth energy ploughs the furrow, plants the seed and tends to whatever emerges from the ground: crops, buildings, relationships – whatever can be grown, as long as it has a tangible form, has value and can be put to good use. Earth energy is practical, sensual and material.
Fixed
Expressed in fixed mode, Taurus’s earth energy makes this sign appear the most grounded of the earth signs. Taurus energy in fixed mode is unwavering; its slow release ensures there is always something left in reserve. This enables Taurus energy to be maintained long term, a quality that’s useful for sustained application, physical activities that require endurance and imparting the patience required to see all actions through to their conclusion. In fixed mode, Taurus earth energy is unhurried, but it’s also stubborn and change avoidant.
Negative
Taurus energy is deeply internalised; once established, it’s solidity makes it impossible to move. Taurus energy is unyielding and resistant to external force. Taurus people process energy inwardly through sensual appreciation, personal comfort, conserving resources, staying calm and being loyal to their principles – as well as being loyal to those they love. This is a deeply protective sign, and it’s also a possessive one: ownership is a key theme in the lives of those influenced by this sign.
The Taurus Myth
In the ancient world, the bull was an important religious and cultural symbol. The Taurus myth draws on those ancient sources, but the worship of cows is also associated with the goddess Hera (Juno), the wife of Zeus (Jupiter), king of the gods. Hera represents the conservative matriarch and there are similarities between Hera and Hathor, the cow-headed Egyptian goddess associated with powerful women, beauty, music, dancing, sensuality and motherhood – many of the characteristics we associate with the sign of Taurus.
In the Greek myths, Zeus (Jupiter) disguised himself as a bull to pursue and seduce nymphs, goddesses and mortal women. Hera’s priestess, Io, was turned into a cow and seduced by him. The lusty qualities associated with this sign go back a long way. And so does the dark side; the myth of the Minotaur – part human, part bull – reminds us of the dangers of submitting to greed and lust; the dangerous labyrinth is a metaphor for the lower nature of Taurus. Be strong and keep hold of reality, as even the slightest thread may help you to escape from danger.
Taurus: Ruled By Venus
Venus rules two signs, Taurus and Libra, and where Taurus is concerned, it’s Venus’s earthy and material qualities that come to the fore. She is concerned with material desire, beauty and pleasure – and that can be sensual, bodily, physical pleasure or artistic and cultural pursuits. Venus rules everything that makes you feel good, including retail therapy .Venus ruled – and influenced – people are often materialistic in their nature, whether that manifests as a focus on money and possessions, or physical and social pleasures, such as eating and entertaining, or cultural pleasures , such as art and music.
When Venus’s desires are thwarted, the goddess of love can display a pretty mean temper; rage, jealousy and pettiness are some of the qualities of Venus when slighted. Venus can be envious, hating to see others have what she wants. Venus uses charm to manipulate others into giving her what she desires – a sign of the darker side of Venus. Such traits may be evident in people born under the sign of Taurus, but they can also be seen in those who have an important planet or point (the Ascendant or Midheaven) in this sign, or who have a heavily tenanted second house in their natal chart .
Taurus Keywords
The keywords associated with this sign provide you with a useful checklist of all of the qualities we associate with Taurus. The keywords are categorised as ‘positive’ or ‘negative’ and if you have planets or natal chart angles in this sign, the parts of your life that they represent will manifest in ways that accord with the keywords set out below. You will probably recognise many of those qualities in yourself.
Positive
Affectionate, Aesthetic, Calm, Careful, Creative, Deliberate, Domesticated, Earthy, Enduring, Grounded, Generous, Hospitable, Loyal, Material, Measured, Musical, Natural, Patient, Persistent, Placid, Practical, Productive, Realistic, Reliable, Secure, Sensual, Solid, Stable, Steadfast, Steady, Thorough, Trustworthy, Warm-hearted.
Negative
Dull, Fixed outlook, Grasping, Greedy, Hedonistic, Inconsiderate, Inflexible, Jealous, Lazy, Materialistic, Narrow minded, Obstinate, Old fashioned, Passive, Plodding, Possessive, Self indulgent, Stubborn, Tight fisted.
Taurus Archetype: The Everyman
The Taurus archetype is ‘Everyman’, a character type who seeks to belong, is down to earth, supportive and who believes in the evidence of the senses. That, to the Everyman archetype, is where truth is found. This idealised image captures the essence of Taurus; to connect with what is real and tangible. We all know an ‘everyman’; they are the ‘guy or gal next door’ types; solid, dependable, always there. The ones who have the right tools in their tool-kit, wash the car on Sunday and do the right things in life. Their lives may seem unexciting and dull, but the absence of drama is a blessing if you value the quiet life.
This archetype can sense the real thing and has no time for falsehood or fakery. A solid value system makes this archetype accessible to us – we know what we’re dealing with. But what if you don’t know what you’re dealing with? This archetypal character may be solid and dependable, but it has its limitations. The Everyman may be ‘at home’ and comfortable with a routine situation, but accepting change – or the unfamiliar – is not something that the Everyman is comfortable with.
Taurus Character
The Taurus character draws on the Everyman archetype. You don’t waste energy or time. You’re reliable and you expect others to be the same. If there is something that makes you see red, it’s people or situations that are unreliable, impractical or unrealistic. You cannot comprehend why some folks insist on making life more difficult than necessary. Keep things simple and life will look after itself. You believe in a life free of drama, and you that hard work brings the greatest rewards. You keep yourself to yourself and you appreciate it if other people do the same.
You are naturally possessive of the people you love. Home and family mean a great deal to you and you work hard to ensure those dependent on you are well provided for. This accords with your orientation towards stability; being grounded is important to you. You rarely do anything that involves going beyond your means, and you may be reluctant to engage with life beyond previous experience. It’s one of the reasons that you may be regarded as a ‘stick in the mud’. You’re not adventurous, but you don’t lack ambition; material security is a long term objective, not a short term fix.
Many Taurus people are concerned with their legacy, so you’ll work hard to ensure you leave a good one. Whether it’s the home or the business you have built from scratch, or the garden you have cultivated, or an appreciation of the natural world that you have passed down to the next generation, the ultimate achievement for Taurus is to have left behind something that is of tangible value. To make your mark on this world in a physical manner is worth a great deal to you. ‘It’s not real unless you can touch it, see it or hold it’, may be your straightforward view of the world.
Taurus In Love
Taurus is in love with love. As the most sensual and physical sign, it seems natural for Taurus subjects to place romantic encounters high on their list of priorities. Taurus is patient when it comes to attracting the right lover, though Taurus ia also happy to ‘play the field’, as Taurus can’t resist beautiful people, or the opportunity for physical passion. As you are so sensual and seductive, it’s usually easy for you to find a partner. You are possessive of your lovers and may demand their attention, though you are always generous and supportive in return.
When you decide to get serious, your standards are high. You prefer people who are familiar to you, maybe from the same area, social class or social group. In other words, you want people you know will be acceptable to your family and friends and who are unlikely to cause you any shocks or surprises. Traditional in outlook, you want someone who will meet your aim of creating a solid long term family unit. Your standards are high, as are your expectations. If the relationship becomes difficult, you are capable of keeping things together because of your realistic outlook, loyalty and commitment.
Taurus & Family
Taurus parents want the best for their families in the most tangible ways. Taurus is a material sign; you use your resources to ensure your family has the best of everything, as long as it’s within budget. Your home will be well-appointed, comfortable and as luxurious as you can afford, Your family will be well-dressed and well-fed, and your family present themselves well at all times. You want people to look up to you admire your efforts. Above all, you are the bulwark on which your family rests – and you expect to be appreciated in return.
If your upbringing was difficult, you may give your own family the encouragement you lacked as a child. You set the ground rules, but as long as everyone complies, you’re a fairly easygoing and genial head of house. Regardless of your status in the family unit, you’ll feel that your family is special in some way. You appreciate the any effort your parents made to provide you with a solid foundation. You want your family environment to be secure, creative and comfortable. You can rely on your family for their steadfast support at all times.
Taurus & Money
Taurus is naturally careful with money, but can also be extravagant, so there are clearly exceptions to this rule. Your attitude to money is strategic. You take a long term approach to your finances. Saving for the future is ingrained in almost every one of the Taurus herd. So, you tend to be careful with your everyday spending and financial commitments. You hate waste in most things – and you hate wasting money most of all. This can make you appear tight-fisted, but it’s all part of your overall financial strategy: you prefer to count the pennies and let the pounds, dollars, or euros accumulate.
It’s part of the long term financial plan. You like to have something in reserve, but that doesn’t stop you from spending on items you value. You can’t resist a bargain, especially if it looks like a good long term investment. You purchase big ticket items that other people would hesitate to but, because spending lasting, high quality goods is a desirable financial outcome. You relish ownership; your self-esteem is often connected to your material wealth or the things that you own. You aim to leave a worthwhile or valuable inheritance.
Taurus Careers
You need a steady and financially secure job. Some obvious professions for Taurus include accountancy, banking and securities, property and construction. They align with Taurus’s material bias, but there is more to Taurus than money or getting your hands dirty. Physical labour does attract you, as you have an appreciation of honest toil and good craftsmanship. This is also one of the nurturing signs; agriculture and its allied industries provide a natural outlet for Taurus’s sympathies. Working for environmental concerns may come naturally too.
The material side of Taurus may believe that greed is good, but consumption may provide Taurus with long term prospects. This is a business oriented sign, so you may aspire to be a restauranteur, chef or work in the food industry in a business capacity. You prefer traditional working environments or professions because you like certainty. You are risk averse in that sense, but you are likely to be financially astute; it’s one of the aspects of your character that makes you ‘a safe pair of hands’ and a valued member of staff wherever you work.
Taurus: What To Look For
Accountancy, Money, Fund Raising, Expenses, Shopping, Clothes, Jewellery, Emerald, Green, Gardens, Nature, Nurture, Cultivation, Food, Chefs, Taste, Culture, Design, Music, The Arts, Patronage, Mentor, Investor, Investments, Insurance, Banks.
Next: Gemini | Cancer | Leo | Virgo | Libra | Scorpio | Sagittarius | Capricorn | Aquarius | Pisces | Aries
Go To: Planets in Taurus
Further Reading
Taurus Rising: The Taurus – Scorpio Axis
Taurus Woman: Live Life Well And Keep Your Feet On The Ground
Venus in the Natal Chart Houses
Sara Shipman | Real Life Astrology: Planets Signs and Houses
Sara Shipman | Real Life Astrology: The Planets In Signs
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Sara Shipman
Sara Shipman is an astrologer and writer. She created Starcrazypie.com in 2020 and writes the content on this site. Sara Shipman is the author of the Predictive Astrology and Real Life Astrology series of astrology books.
© Sara Shipman